Question

What is meant by conservation of water? Suggest three methods to conserve water.

Answer 1

Hint: Water conservation is the practice of using water efficiently to reduce unnecessary water usage.In simple language water conservation means using less water or recycling used water so that it can be used again.

Complete step by step answer:
Water conservation:- Water conservation refers to the preservation, control and development of water resources, both surface and groundwater and prevention of pollution.
Water conservation includes all the policies, strategies and activities to sustainably manage the natural resource of fresh water to protect the hydrosphere and to meet the current and future human demand.
Three methods to conserve water are
(i)Protection of water from pollution:- For preventing water pollution, important water sources should not be made places for disposal of wastes. Industrial units should dispose of water only after its treatment. Rivers and lakes should not be used as canals for transport of goods. Water should become reusable after physical, chemical, mechanical and organic processes. Thus the most important aspect of water conservation is control on water pollution.
(ii)Use of modern irrigation method:- A large portion of water can be conserved by adoption of modern methods of irrigation. Irrigation consumes double the quantity of water in comparison to all other uses. Sprinkler and drip irrigation methods save fifty percent water. In drip or drop irrigation methods, pipes with holes are spread over the surface of land so that the crop directly receives water, Thus maximum water is utilized by this method. Improved modern irrigation methods are thus useful for conservation of water.
(iii)Increasing forest cover:- According to hydrological movements, water is received through rainfall every year. This water flows on the surface and reaches the seas, whereas some quantity of water infiltrates into the land and takes the form of groundwater. The old tradition of tree plantation on the banks of rivers and tanks will have to be revived. Since trees bear drought conditions for a long duration as compared to crops, hence trees are helpful in reducing the demand for water along with recharging water sources.


Note:
There are many other ways to conserve water at home also, for example take a shorter shower, turn off the water while brushing your teeth, check faucets and pipes for leaks,don't let the faucet run while you clean vegetables and many others.