Railway Exam » Railway Exam Study Materials » Geography » Water Conservation and Management

Water Conservation and Management

Reduction of water wastage and limiting the usage of freshwater can be ensured by considering an effective water conservation process as the source is limited.

The water quality is primarily symbolized as the common standard used by monitors and the initial water quality, which primarily conveys the appropriate health of the water system. The actual safety of human contract extends the water pollution and the actual condition of drinking water is the various aspects of water quality. The significance of water quality is primarily impacted based on water supply. The water quality parameter is contaminated undertreated water, which includes the microorganism. The different types of microorganisms are protozoa, viruses and bacteria. The water also contains some inorganic substances, such as different types of minerals and salt. 

The process of measuring water quality

In India, the quality of water is found to deteriorate in recent times. Scientists are found to use some instruments to measure water quality and among these, Secchi disks, relevant meters, probes, and gauges are important. Chemical, biological, and physical characteristics of water are evaluated to measure the water quality

  • Analysis of Chlorophyll Fluorescence is used to measure the level of nitrogen and minerals in the water body.
  • Coloured or chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) is considered to measure the level of oxygen in the water.
  • TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) monitoring process is used to measure the water quality by valuing the concentration of oxygen in a water body.
  • Water quality can also be measured by evaluating the consistent temperature of the water that affects flora and fauna within the water body.
  • Identification of pH levels in any portion of water can be a helpful indicator of understanding water quality. The preferable pH level of water is between 6.0 to 8.0. 
  • NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit) and Turbidity are associated with the measurement process of water quality.     

Importance of maintaining water quality

The maintenance of water quality is regarded as important for ensuring a healthy ecosystem. A healthy environment consists of better quality water.

  • Water is considered one of the most basic needs of every living object. The health of all living depends on the quality of water. Both human and animal health is affected by water quality
  • Aquatic life is fully dependent on water and in this regard, maintaining healthy water quality is important.
  • Maintaining the quality of water is crucial for proper health maintenance. 

Factors affecting water quality

The greatest threat to water is harmful factors that affect the overall quality of water bodies. 

  • Erosion 
  • Pesticides
  • Dissolved oxygen
  • Surrounding temperature
  • pH level 
  • Sedimentation 

Besides that, water quality is also affected by climate changes, precipitation, and flow condition of water, different soil types, and geological differences.

Significant parameters of water quality

Biological, chemical, and physical parameters are three water quality parameters for measuring water quality. Some other parameters are also found to be used in measuring water quality. 

  • Turbidity
  • Temperature of environment
  •  Conductivity
  • Level of different nutrients
  • Dissolved oxygen (DO)
  • ORP (Oxidation-reduction potential)

Among the above-mentioned parameters, DO is emphasized by scientists to measure the water quality of lakes, rivers, and streams. 

The reasons for deteriorating water quality

  • In India, the water quality is deteriorating day by day and an important reason for this is excessive usage of organic chemicals and oil.
  • Some important pollutants, such as heavy metals, nutrients, and microbes are found to affect the quality of water.
  • The number of industries is increasing in India. The waste materials, both liquid and solid materials from most of the industry are found to be dumped into several water bodies. Consequently, the water bodies are being polluted at an
  •  extreme level.
  • The quality of water is deteriorating because of agricultural activities also. Usage of harmful insecticides, fertilizer, and pesticides are found to be mixed in water and finally affect the quality of water. 

Conclusion

Water deterioration is initially based on multiple segments such as organic and inorganic substances. 80% of water is severely polluted due to the damp raw sewage, garbage, and slit, throughout the river and lakes. Hence, it is primarily concluded that the water is being polluted and undrinkable due to human pollution. The water quality parameter initially determines the efficient resource use of sustainability and economic viability of the upland human consumption system. The water deterioration initially depends on the basis of industrial waste, global warming, oil leak from various ships, acid rain, and improper practice of agricultural methods. One of the most significant reasons for water deterioration is the uncontrolled birth rate and urbanization. 

faq

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the Railway Examination Preparation.

What is the benefit of using the rainwater harvesting procedures in conserving water?

Ans. Rainwater harvesting is the usage and water conservation ...Read full

What is the necessity of water conservation increasing day by day?

Ans. Water pollution is a concerning matter in recent times. An efficient ...Read full

Why are water conservation methods important for developing a healthy environment in the future?

Ans. Environmentalists are found to suggest three ways to conserve w...Read full

How is the water conservation process beneficial for industrial purposes?

Ans: Local water resources are used by industries to produce services and different products. In this process, a hug...Read full

Crack Railway Exam with Unacademy

Get subscription and access unlimited live and recorded courses from India’s best educators

Notifications

Get all the important information related to the Railway Exam including the process of application, important calendar dates, eligibility criteria, exam centers etc.

Access more than

6,505+ courses for Railway Exams 

Get the learning app

Download lessons and learn anytime, anywhere with the Unacademy app