Water: A Precious Resource
Water covers about two-thirds of the Earth’s surface. However, not all of it is usable for humans.
Saline vs. Freshwater
- Saline Water: Found in oceans and seas. It is salty and not fit for drinking, agriculture, or industrial use.
- Freshwater: Found in ice sheets, rivers, lakes, and underground. This is the water we use daily.
- Scarcity: Only a very small fraction of freshwater is easily accessible.
Water Conservation
Since freshwater is limited, we must use it judiciously. Wastage occurs during:
- Leaking taps.
- Leaving the tap running while brushing teeth.
- Washing cars with hoses instead of buckets.
Ways to save water:
- Turn off taps when not in use.
- Fix leaks immediately.
- Recycle water (e.g., using kitchen rinse water for plants).
- Rainwater Harvesting.
Rainwater Harvesting
This is a method of collecting rainwater and storing it for future use.
Traditional Methods
In India, traditional structures were built to harvest water.
- Bawadi / Vav (Stepwells): Found in Rajasthan and Gujarat. These are deep wells with steps reaching down to the water level. They store rainwater and seepage from nearby water bodies.
Modern Methods
Rooftop rainwater harvesting involves collecting rain from the roof and directing it into a storage tank or an underground pit to recharge groundwater.