Introduction

Water resources encompass all sources of water that are useful or potentially useful for human use and environmental sustainability. These resources include surface water such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs; groundwater found in aquifers; and marine and brackish water.

The assessment and management of water resources are crucial for ensuring adequate supply for drinking, agriculture, industry, and ecosystem health. In India, major rivers and lakes play a significant role in supporting the country's population and economy. However, challenges such as groundwater depletion, water logging, salinity, and pollution pose threats to water availability and quality.

Understanding the hydrological cycle, employing water conservation and management techniques like rainwater harvesting, and addressing issues like eutrophication and river cleaning are essential for sustainable water resource management.

This unit aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the various types of water resources, the challenges they face, and strategies for their effective and sustainable utilization.

Objectives

After going through this unit you will be able to:

1. explore the utilisation and assessment of surface, ground, marine and brackish water;

2. learn hydrological cycle;

3. learn various techniques to conserve and manage water;

4. explain different terms like Rain water harvesting, Eutrophication, Restoration of Lakes, River cleaning and Interlinking of rivers;

5. know about conflicts over water.