What is the Sources of water?

Sources of water

India accounts for about 2.45 per cent of the world’s surface area, 4 percent of the world’s water resources and about 16 percent of the world’s population. The total water available from precipitation in the country in a year is about 4,000 cubic km. The availability of surface water and replenishable groundwater is 1,869 cubic km. Of this, only 60 per cent can be put to beneficial uses. Approximately 97% of the earth’s surface is covered with water. Approximately 3% of water is freshwater which can be used for drinking and other household purposes, and the remaining is the sea and ocean water which is salty. However, with desalination, ocean water can be converted into drinkable freshwater.

1. Rainwater: Water we get through rain can be preserved in water bodies for consumption. Humans build several water bodies to conserve this precious natural resource. We get rainwater through the water cycle, which we will discuss later in this chapter.
2. Ice Glacier: Snow falls, when accumulated over time, form glaciers. Over time, glaciers advance and retreat. Retreating contributes to the blue colour characteristics of glacial lakes by ground-up surface material called rock flour.
3. Surface Water: Water bodies such as lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams get water through rainfall and ice melt. Surface water is the most convenient way to draw water for regular day-to-day uses. With adequate filtration, it is made fit for consumption.
4. Underground Water: Sometimes, through the porous soil and fractures in rock surface seeps the groundwater into the earth. It is then accumulated in underground aquifers and reservoirs. Usually, underground water is contaminated and must be purified through various chemical processes.