Last updated on August 30th, 2023 at 12:57 am
Drawing too much water from under the ground can cause the water table to drop, making it harder to pump water out. It can also cause wells and handpumps to dry up. Therefore, it is important to use groundwater sustainably and conserve it for future generations.
Q: What is the impact of human activities on the water table?
The impact of human activities on the water table is significant. Increase in population, industrial and agricultural activities, and deforestation are some common factors that can deplete the water table.
Q: What are the factors that can deplete the water table?
Factors that can deplete the water table include increase in human activities, decrease in rainfall, and decrease in the effective area for seepage of water due to deforestation.
Q: How is the water table replenished?
The water table is replenished through the process of seepage of rainwater and water from other sources such as rivers and ponds, which seeps through the soil and fills the empty spaces and cracks deep below the ground. This process is called infiltration.
Q: How does increasing population affect the seepage of rainwater into the ground?
Increasing population leads to the construction of more houses, shops, offices, roads, and pavements. This results in a decrease in open areas like parks and playgrounds, which reduces the seepage of rainwater into the ground.
Q: Why is groundwater depletion happening in many cities?
Groundwater depletion is happening in many cities due to factors like increasing population, industrial and agricultural activities, deforestation, and scanty rainfall. These factors reduce the amount of water that seeps into the ground, and as a result, the water table goes down.
Q: Why is water required for construction work and how does it affect the water table?
Water is required for construction work for activities like mixing concrete, curing, and dust suppression. Often, groundwater is used for this purpose. When groundwater is extracted for construction work and not sufficiently replenished, it affects the water table and leads to its depletion.
Q: Why is groundwater used by industries?
Groundwater is used by industries because it is a cheap and easily available source of water. Industries use water for various purposes like cooling, cleaning, and manufacturing processes. However, the excessive and indiscriminate use of groundwater by industries can lead to depletion of the water table.
Q: What is the reason for depletion of water table in agriculture?
Population pressure on agriculture forces increasing use of groundwater day by day, leading to depletion of water table.
Q: Why does the distribution of water over the globe vary?
The distribution of water over the globe is quite uneven due to a number of factors, including differences in rainfall and the presence of deserts.
Q: What are the consequences of excessive rains and absence of rains in different regions of India?
Excessive rains cause floods, whereas the absence of rains results in droughts. Therefore, some regions in India may have floods while others may suffer from droughts at the same time.
Q: What is the responsibility of civic authorities in preventing water wastage through pipes?
Ans: The civic authorities are responsible for preventing the wastage of precious water through well-planned pipe systems. They should ensure that water supply pipes do not leak and cause huge water wastage.
Q: What is water harvesting or rainwater harvesting?
Ans: Water harvesting or rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting and storing rainwater to recharge the groundwater. It is a way of conserving water, especially in areas with low rainfall.
Q: What is drip irrigation?
Ans: Drip irrigation is a technique of watering plants by making use of narrow tubings which deliver water directly at the base of the plant. It is a water-saving method of irrigation that ensures efficient use of water in agriculture.
