Know about the sources types of water resources and uses of water resources. Learn about the Distribution of Water resources
Water is an essential component of all living things. Nearly 80% of the earth’s surface is covered in water – both in ocean and inland water. Nearly 97 % of the water is contained in the five oceans; only less than 3% of water is freshwater. Most of the freshwater is locked in ice caps and glaciers. Only less than 0.7% is available for human use.
Types of Freshwater resources
Freshwater resources broadly classified into two types
Surface water is further classified into (a) Standing water: Lake, Pond, Dam and (b) Flowing water: River, Stream (c) Underground water.
Surface water
The water which is coming out directly through the rainfall or precipitation is Surface-water. It does not percolate into the ground. It does not revert to the atmosphere by evaporation.
Standing water bodies
Ponds and Lakes: Ponds are shallow while the lakes are generally deep.
Reservoirs: These are generally larger than lakes.
Estuaries: These are deltas formed at the mouth of rivers joining the sea. So, there is a mixing of freshwater and saltwater.
Flowing water bodies
Here, the water originates from the point of precipitation, flows in streams and rivers. The flowing water carries sedimentary materials. The flowing water has more dissolved oxygen content.
Underground water
Usage of Groundwater constitutes about 10% of the total freshwater resource—the groundwater contained in Aquifers. An Aquifer is a highly permeable layer of sediment or rock containing water. Layers of sand gravels are suitable aquifers while the clay and rocks have reduced permeability of water. Hence they are not suitable aquifers.
There are two types of Aquifers:
Unconfined aquifer: It is formed when water collects over a less permeable rock or clay, close to the surface.
Confined aquifer: It is formed when water collects over an impermeable rock, deep below the surface.
Uses of Water
The uses of water are broadly classified into two categories
Consumptive use: Water wholly utilized and not reused. E.g. Domestic use, Industry, Irrigation.
Non-consumptive use: Water not utilized and reused. E.g. Hydroelectric power generation.
Other uses
Water is mainly used for domestic purposes like drinking, cooking, bathing, washing.
Water is used for commercial purposes in hotels, malls, schools, colleges, offices.
Almost 60% to 70% of the freshwater is used for irrigation.
Water plays an essential role in shaping the earth’s surface, moderating climate and reducing pollutants.
Please do check our course on Good Environmentally Sustainable Practices from Ampersand Academy. Read more about Overgrazing and Agriculture, now that you have learnt about Distribution of Water resources