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Case Study Questions Chapter 3 Water Resources

Please refer to the Case Study Questions Chapter 3 Water Resources with answers provided for Class 10 Social Science. These solved case study based questions are expected to come in the Class 10 Economics exam in the current academic year. We have provided Case study for Class 10 Social Science for all chapters here. You should practise these solved case studies to get more marks in examinations.

Chapter 3 Water Resources Case Study Questions Class 10 Social Science

1. Read the source given below and answer the following questions:

Today, dams are built not just for irrigation but for electricity generation, water supply for domestic and industrial uses, flood control, recreation, inland navigation and fish breeding. Hence, dams are now referred to as multi-purpose projects where the many uses of the impounded water are integrated with one another. For example, in the Sutluj-Beas river basin, the Bhakra – Nangal project water is being used both for hydel power production and irrigation. Similarly, the Hirakud project in the Mahanadi basin integrates conservation of water with flood control. Multi-purpose projects, launched after Independence with their integrated water resources management approach, were thought of as the vehicle that would lead the nation to development and progress, overcoming the handicap of its colonial past. Jawaharlal Nehru proudly proclaimed the dams as the ‘temples of modern India’; the reason being that it would integrate development of agriculture and the village economy with rapid industrialisation and growth of the urban economy.

Answer the following MCQs by choosing the most appropriate option.

(i) Which of the following multipurpose projects is found in the Satluj-Beas river basin? (a) Hirakud project (b) Damodar Valley Corporation (c) Bhakra Nangal Project (d) Rihand Project

(ii) Hirakund dam is built on which river? (a) Chenab (b) Mahanadi (c) Krishna (d) Satluj

(iii) For which of the following purposes were dams traditionally built? (a) For generating electricity (b) For supplying water to industries (c) For Flood control (d) To impound river and rain water for irrigation

(iv) Which one of the following is not an adverse effect of dams? (a) Interstate water disputes (b) Excessive sedimentation of Reservoir (c) Displacement of population (d) Flood control

2. Read the source given below and answer the following questions:

Many thought that given the disadvantages and rising resistance against the multipurpose projects, water harvesting system was a viable alternative, both socio-economically and environmentally. In ancient India, along with the sophisticated hydraulic structures, there existed an extraordinary tradition of water-harvesting system. People had in-depth knowledge of rainfall regimes and soil types and developed wide ranging techniques to harvest rainwater, groundwater, river water and flood water in keeping with the local ecological conditions and their water needs. In hill and mountainous regions, people built diversion channels like the ‘guls’ or ‘kuls’ of the Western Himalayas for agriculture. ‘Rooftop rainwater harvesting’ was commonly practised to store drinking water, particularly in Rajasthan. In the flood plains of Bengal, people developed inundation channels to irrigate their fields. In arid and semi-arid regions, agricultural fields were converted into rain fed storage structures that allowed the water to stand and moisten the soil like the ‘khadins’ in Jaisalmer and ‘Johads’ in other parts of Rajasthan. In the semi-arid and arid regions of Rajasthan, particularly in Bikaner, Phalodi and Barmer, almost all the houses traditionally had underground tanks or tankas for storing drinking water.

(i) Agricultural fields which are used as rainfed storage structures are called: (a) Kuls (b) Khadins/Johads (c) Recharge pits (d) None of the above

(ii) In which of the following regions, people built ‘Guls’ and ‘Kuls’ for irrigation? (a) Northern Plains (b) Western Himalayas (c) Coastal areas (d) None of these

(iii) The diversion channels seen in the Western Himalayas are called: (a) Guls or Kuls (b) Khadins (c) Johads (d) Recharge pits

(iv) Underground tanks seen in Rajasthan to store rainwater for drinking is called: (a) Tankas (b) Khadis (c) Ponds (d) Kuls

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Water Resources Planning and Management: An Overview

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• Daniel P. Loucks 3 &
• Eelco van Beek 4  

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Water resource systems have benefited both people and their economies for many centuries. The services provided by such systems are multiple. Yet in many regions of the world they are not able to meet even basic drinking water and sanitation needs. Nor can many of these water resource systems support and maintain resilient biodiverse ecosystems. Typical causes include inappropriate, inadequate and/or degraded infrastructure, excessive withdrawals of river flows, pollution from industrial and agricultural activities, eutrophication resulting from nutrient loadings, salinization from irrigation return flows, infestations of exotic plant and animals, excessive fish harvesting, flood plain and habitat alteration from development activities, and changes in water and sediment flow regimes.

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• Water Resource
• River Basin
• Water Resource Management
• Integrate Water Resource Management
• Water Resource System

These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.

1.1 Introduction

Water resource systems have benefited both people and their economies for many centuries. The services provided by such systems are multiple. Yet in many regions of the world they are not able to meet even basic drinking water and sanitation needs. Nor can many of these water resource systems support and maintain resilient biodiverse ecosystems . Typical causes include inappropriate, inadequate and/or degraded infrastructure, excessive withdrawals of river flows, pollution from industrial and agricultural activities, eutrophication resulting from nutrient loadings , salinization from irrigation return flows, infestations of exotic plant and animals, excessive fish harvesting, flood plain and habitat alteration from development activities, and changes in water and sediment flow regimes. The inability of water resource systems to meet the diverse needs for water often reflect failures in planning, management, and decision-making—and at levels broader than water. Planning, developing, and managing water resources to ensure adequate, inexpensive, and sustainable supplies and qualities of water for both humans and natural ecosystems can only succeed if we recognize and address the causal socioeconomic factors, such as inadequate education, corruption, population pressures, and poverty.

Over the centuries, surface and ground waters have been a source of water supply for agricultural, municipal, and industrial consumers. Rivers have provided hydroelectric energy and inexpensive ways of transporting bulk cargo. They have provided people water-based recreational opportunities and have been a source of water for wildlife and their habitats. They have also served as a means of transporting and transforming waste products that are discharged into them. The quantity and quality regimes of streams and rivers have been a major factor in governing the type, health, and biodiversity of riparian and aquatic ecosystems. Floodplains have provided fertile lands for agricultural crop production and relatively flat lands for the siting of roads and railways and commercial and industrial complexes. In addition to the economic benefits that can be derived from rivers and their floodplains, the aesthetic beauty of most natural rivers has made lands adjacent to them attractive sites for residential and recreational development. Rivers and their floodplains have generated, and, if managed properly, can continue to generate, substantial cultural, economic, environmental, and social benefits for their inhabitants.

Human activities undertaken to increase the benefits obtained from rivers and their floodplains may also increase the potential for costs and damages such as when the river is experiencing periods of droughts, floods, and heavy pollution. These costs and damages are physical, economic, environmental, and social. They result because of a mismatch between what humans expect or demand, and what nature offers or supplies. Human activities tend to be based on the “usual or normal” range of river flow conditions. Rare or “extreme” flow conditions outside these normal ranges will continue to occur, and possibly with increasing frequency as climate change experts suggest. River-dependent human activities that cannot adjust to these extreme flow conditions will incur losses.

The planning of human activities involving rivers and their floodplains must consider certain hydrologic facts. One of these facts is that surface water flows and aquifer storage volumes vary over space and time. They are also finite. There are limits to the amounts of water that can be withdrawn from them. There are also limits to the amounts of pollutants that can be discharged into them. Once these limits are exceeded, the concentrations of pollutants in these waters may reduce or even eliminate the benefits that could be obtained from other users of the resource.

Water resources professionals have learned how to plan, design , build, and operate structures that together with nonstructural measures increase the benefits people can obtain from the water resources contained in aquifers, lakes, rivers, and estuaries. However, there is a limit to the services one can expect from these resources. Rivers, estuaries, and coastal zones under stress from over development and overuse cannot reliably meet the expectations of those depending on them. How can these resources best be managed and used? How can this be accomplished in an environment of uncertain and varying supplies and uncertain and increasing demands, and consequently of increasing conflicts among individuals having different interests in their management and use? The central purpose of water resources planning, management, and analysis activities is to address, and if possible answer, these questions. These questions have scientific, technical, political (institutional), and social dimensions. Thus water resources planning processes and products are must.

River basin, estuarine, and coastal zone managers—those responsible for managing the resources in those areas—are expected to manage those resources effectively and efficiently, meeting the demands or expectations of all users, and reconciling divergent needs. This is no small task, especially as demands increase, as the variability of hydrologic and hydraulic processes become more pronounced, and as stakeholder expectations of system performance increase in complexity. The focus or goal is no longer simply to maximize economic net benefits while making sure the distribution of those benefits is equitable. There are also environmental and ecological goals to consider. Rarely are management questions one-dimensional, such as how can we provide, at acceptable costs , more high-quality water to municipalities, industry, or to irrigation areas in the basin. Now added to that question is how would those withdrawals affect the downstream hydrologic water quantity and quality regimes, and in turn the riparian and aquatic ecosystems .

Problems and opportunities change over time. Just as the goals of managing and using water change over time, so do the processes of planning to meet these changing goals. Planning processes evolve not only to meet new demands, expectations , and objectives , but also in response to new perceptions of how to plan and manage more effectively.

This chapter reviews some of the issues requiring water resources planning and management. It provides some context and motivation for the following chapters that outline in more detail our understanding of “how to plan” and “how to manage” and how computer-based programs and models can assist those involved in these activities. Additional information is available in many of the references listed at the end of this chapter.

1.2 Planning and Management Issues: Some Case Studies

Managing water resources certainly requires knowledge of the relevant physical sciences and technology. But at least as important, if not more so, are the multiple institutional, social, or political issues confronting water resources planners and managers. The following brief descriptions of some water resources planning and management studies at various geographic scales illustrate some of these issues.

1.2.1 Kurds Seek Land , Turks Want Water

The Tigris and Euphrates Rivers (Fig.  1.1 ) created the “Fertile Crescent” where some of the first civilizations emerged. Today their waters are critical resources, politically as well as geographically. In one of the world’s largest public works undertakings, Turkey’s Southeast Anatolia Project includes 13 irrigation and hydropower schemes, and the construction of 22 dams and 19 hydroelectric power plants on both the Tigris and the Euphrates. Upon completion, it is expected to provide up to 25% of the country’s electricity.

The Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in Turkey, northern Syria, and Iraq

Its centerpiece, the Ataturk Dam (Fig.  1.2 ) on the Euphrates River, is already completed. In the lake formed behind the dam, sailing and swimming competitions are being held on a spot where for centuries there was little more than desert (Fig.  1.3 ).

Ataturk Dam on the Euphrates River in Turkey (DSI)

Water sports on Ataturk Reservoir on the Euphrates River in Turkey (DSI)

When the multireservoir project is completed it is expected to increase the amount of irrigated land in Turkey by 40% and provide up to a quarter of the country’s electric power needs. Planners hope this can improve the standard of living of six million of Turkey’s poorest people, most of the Kurds, and thus undercut the appeal of revolutionary separatism. It will also reduce the amount of water Syria and Iraq believe they need—water that Turkey fears might ultimately be used in anti-Turkish causes.

The region of Turkey where Kurd’s predominate is more or less the same region covered by the Southeast Anatolia Project, encompassing an area about the size of Austria. Giving that region autonomy by placing it under Kurdish self-rule could weaken the central Government’s control over the water resource that it recognizes as a keystone of its future power.

In other ways also, Turkish leaders are using their water as a tool of foreign as well as domestic policy. Among their most ambitious projects considered is a 50-mile undersea pipeline to carry water from Turkey to the parched Turkish enclave on northern Cyprus. The pipeline, if actually built, will carry more water than northern Cyprus can use. Foreign mediators, frustrated by their inability to break the political deadlock on Cyprus, are hoping that the excess water can be sold to the ethnic Greek republic on the southern part of the island as a way of promoting peace.

As everyone knows, the Middle East is currently (2016) witnessing considerable turmoil so who knows the fate of any water resources project in this region, including the one just described in Turkey and the following example in Jordan. One can only hope that the management and use of this scarce resource will lead to more peaceful resolutions of conflicts not only involving water but of other political issues as well.

1.2.2 Sharing the Water of the Jordan River Basin: Is There a Way?

A growing population —approximately 12 million people—and intense economic development in the Jordan River Basin (Fig.  1.4 ) are placing heavy demands on its scarce freshwater resources. This largely arid region receives less than 250 mm of rainfall each year, yet total water use for agricultural and economic activities has been steadily increasing. This plus encroaching urban development have degraded many sources of high-quality water in the region.

The Jordan River between Israel and Jordan

The combined diversions by the riparian water users have changed the river in its lower course into little better than a sewage ditch. From the 1300 million cubic meters (mcm) of water that flowed into the Dead Sea in the 1950s only a small fraction remains at present. In normal years the flow downstream from Lake Tiberias (also called the Sea of Galilee or Lake Kinneret) is some 60 million cubic meters (mcm)—about 10% of the natural discharge in this section. It mostly consists of saline springs and sewage water. These flows are then joined by what remains of the Yarmouk, by some irrigation return flows, and by winter runoff , adding up to an annual total of from 200–300 mcm. Both in quantity and quality this water is unsuitable for irrigation and does not sufficiently supply natural systems either. The salinity of the Jordan River reaches up to 2000 parts per million (ppm) in the lowest section, which renders it unfit for crop irrigation. Only in flood years is fresh water released into the lower Jordan Valley.

One result of this increased pressure on freshwater resources is the deterioration of the region’s wetlands . These wetlands are important for water purification and flood and erosion control. As agricultural activities expand, wetlands are being drained, and rivers, aquifers , lakes, and streams are being polluted with runoff containing fertilizers and pesticides. Reversing these trends by preserving natural ecosystems is essential to the future availability of fresh water in the region.

To ensure that an adequate supply of fresh, high-quality water is available for future generations, Israel, Jordan, and the Palestinian Authority will have to work together to preserve aquatic ecosystems (White et al. 1999 ). Without these natural ecosystems, it will be difficult and expensive to sustain high-quality water supplies. The role of ecosystems in sustaining water supplies has largely been overlooked in the context of the region’s water supplies. Vegetation controls storm water runoff and filters polluted water , and it reduces erosion and the amount of sediment that makes its way into water supplies. Streams assimilate wastewater, lakes store clean water, and surface waters provide habitat for many plants and animals.

The Jordan River Basin just like most river basins should be evaluated and managed as a whole system, to permit the comprehensive assessment of the effects of water management options on wetlands , lakes, the lower river, and the Dead Sea coasts. Damage to ecosystems and loss of animal and plant species should be weighed against the potential benefits of developing land and creating new water resources. For example, large river-management projects that divert water to dry areas have promoted intensive year-round farming and urban development, but available river water is declining and becoming increasingly polluted. Attempting to meet current demands solely by withdrawing more ground and surface water could result in widespread environmental degradation and depletion of freshwater resources.

There are policies that if implemented could help preserve the capacity of the Jordan River to meet future demands. Most of the options relate to improving the efficiency of water use—that is, they involve conservation and better use of proven technologies. Also being considered are policies that emphasize economic efficiency and reduce overall water use. Charging higher rates for water use in peak periods, and surcharges for excessive use, would encourage conservation. In addition, new sources of fresh water can be obtained by capturing rainfall through rooftop cisterns, catchment systems, and storage ponds. However before such measures are required, one should assess the impact on local aquifer recharge, storage, and withdrawals .

Thus there are alternatives to a steady deterioration of the water resources of the Jordan Basin. They will require coordination and cooperation among all those living in the basin. Will this be possible?

1.2.3 Mending the “Mighty and Muddy” Missouri

Nearly two centuries after an epic expedition through the Western US in search of a northwest river passage to the Pacific Ocean, there is little enchantment left to the Missouri River. Shown in Figs.  1.5 and 1.6 , it has been dammed, diked, and dredged since the 1930s mainly to control floods and float cargo barges. The river nicknamed the “Mighty Missouri” and the “Big Muddy” by its explorers is today neither mighty nor muddy. The conservation group American Rivers perennially lists the Missouri among the USA’s 10 most endangered rivers .

Major river basins in the continental US

The Missouri Basin’s Reservoirs (not to scale) constructed for navigation and flood control

Its wilder upper reaches are losing their cottonwood trees to dam operations and cattle that trample seedlings along the river’s banks. Its vast middle contains multiple dams that hold back floods, generate power, and provide pools for boats and anglers.

Its lower one-third is a narrow canal sometimes called “The Ditch” that is deep enough for commercial towboats. Some of the river’s banks are armored with rock and concrete retaining walls that protect half a million acres of farm fields from flooding. Once those floods produced and maintained marshlands and side streams—habitats for a wide range of wildlife. Without these habitats, many wild species are unable to thrive, and in some cases even survive.

Changes to restore at least some of the Missouri to a more natural state are being implemented. These changes add protection of fish and wildlife habitat to the list of objectives to be achieved by the government agencies managing the Missouri. The needs of wildlife are now as important as other competing interests on the river including navigation and flood control. This is in reaction , in part, to the booming $115 million-a-year outdoor recreation industry. Just how much more emphasis will be given to these back-to-nature goals depends on whether the Missouri River Basin Association, an organization representing eight states and 28 Native American tribes, can reach a compromise with the traditional downstream uses of the river.

1.2.4 The Endangered Salmon

Greater Seattle in the northwestern US state of Washington may be best known around the world for Microsoft, but residents know it for something less flashy: its dwindling stock of wild salmon. The Federal Government has placed seven types of salmon and two types of trout on its list of threatened or endangered species. Saving the fish from extinction could slow land development in one of the fastest growing regions of the U.S.

The Snake and Columbia River reservoirs identified by the Columbia and Snake Rivers Campaign for modification or dismantling to permit salmon passage

Before the Columbia River and its tributaries in NW US were blocked with dozens of dams, about 10–16 million salmon made the annual run back up to their spawning grounds (Fig.  1.7 ). In 1996, a little less than 1 million did. But the economy of the NW depends on the dams and locks that have been built in the Columbia that provide cheap hydropower production and navigation .

For a long time, engineers tried to modify the system so that fish passage would be possible. As shown in Fig.  1.8 b, this included even the use of trucks to transport captured juvenile salmon around dams for release downstream. (It is not clear that the trucks will be there when the fish return to spawn upstream of the dams.) These measures have not worked all that well. Still too many young fish enter the hydropower turbines on their way down the river. Now, as the debate over whether or not to remove some dams takes place, fish are caught and trucked around the turbines. The costs of keeping these salmon alive, if not completely happy, are enormous.

A salmon swimming upstream ( a ) and measures taken to protect young juvenile salmon pass by hydropower dams on their way downstream ( b ) (US Fish and Wildlife Service and US Army Corps of Engineers, Pacific region)

Over a dozen national and regional environmental organizations have joined together to bring back salmon and steelhead by modifying or partially dismantling five federal dams on the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Partial removal of the four dams on the lower Snake River in Washington State and lowering the reservoir behind John Day dam on the Columbia bordering Oregon and Washington (see Fig.  1.8 ) should help restore over 200 miles of vital river habitat. Running the rivers more like rivers may return salmon and steelhead to harvestable levels of the 1960s before the dams were built.

Dismantling part of the four Lower Snake dams will leave most of each dam whole. Only the dirt bank connecting the dam to the riverbank will be removed. The concrete portion of the dam will remain in place, allowing the river to flow around it. The process is reversible and, the Campaign argues, it will actually save taxpayers money in planned dam maintenance, by eliminating subsidies to shipping industries and agribusinesses, and by ending current salmon recovery measures that are costly. Only partially removing the four Lower Snake River dams and modifying John Day dam will help restore rivers, save salmon, and return balance to the Northwest’s major rivers.

1.2.5 Wetland Preservation: A Groundswell of Support and Criticism

The balmy beach community of Tiger Point near Pensacola, Florida, bordering the Gulf of Mexico, is booming with development. New subdivisions, a Wal-Mart discount retail store and a recreation center dot the landscape.

Most—if not all—of this neighborhood was once a wetland that soaked up rain during downpours. Now, water runs off the parking lots and the roofs and into resident’s living rooms. Some houses get flooded nearly every year.

A federal agency oversees wetland development. Critics say the agency is permitting in this area one of the highest rates of wetland loss in the nation. Obviously local developers wish they did not have to deal with the agency at all. The tension in Tiger Point reflects the debate throughout the US about whether the government is doing enough—or too much—to protect the nation’s environment, and in this case, its wetlands.

Environmentalists and some homeowners value wetlands because they help reduce water pollution and floods, as well as nurture a diverse wildlife population. But many landowners and developers see the open wetlands as prime territory for building houses and businesses, rather than for breeding mosquitoes. They view existing federal wetland rules as onerous, illogical, and expensive.

While some areas such as Tiger Point have residents who want stricter laws to limit wetlands development, others—such as the suburbs around Seattle—have people who long for less strict rules.

Federal regulators had tried to quell the controversy with a solution known as wetlands mitigation. Anyone who destroys a wetland is required to build or expand another wetland somewhere else. Landowners and developers also see mitigation as a way out of the torturous arguments over wetlands. However, studies have shown many artificial marshes do not perform as well as those created by nature (NRC 2001 ). Many of the new, artificial wetlands are what scientists call the “ring around the pond” variety: open water surrounded by cattails. Furthermore, the federal agency issuing permits for wetland replacement do not have the resources to monitor them after they are approved. Developers know this.

1.2.6 Lake Source Cooling: Aid to Environment, or Threat to Lake?

It seems to be an environmentalist’s dream: a cost-effective system that can cool some 10 million square feet of high school and university buildings simply by pumping cold water from the depths of a nearby lake (Fig.  1.9 ). No more chlorofluorocarbons, the refrigerants that can destroy protective ozone in the atmosphere and at a cost substantially smaller than for conventional air conditioners. The lake water is returned to the lake, with a few added calories.

The cold deep waters of Lake Cayuga are being used to cool the buildings of a local school and university (Ithaca City Environmental Laboratory)

However, a group of local opponents insists that Cornell University’s $55 million lake-source-cooling plan that replaced its aging air conditioners is actually an environmental threat. They believe it could foster algal blooms. Pointing to 5 years of studies, thousands of pages of data, and more than a dozen permits from local and state agencies, Cornell’s consultants say the system could actually improve conditions in the lake. Yet another benefit, they say, is that the system would reduce Cornell’s contribution to global warming by reducing the need to burn coal to generate electricity.

For the most part, government officials agree. But a small determined coalition of critics from the local community argue over the expected environmental impacts, and over the process that took place in getting the required local, state, and federal permits approved. This is in spite of the fact that the planning process, that took over 5 years, requested and involved the participation of all interested stakeholders (that would participate) from the very beginning. Even the local Sierra Club chapter and biology professors at other universities have endorsed the project. However, in almost every project where the environmental impacts are uncertain, there will be debates among scientists as well as stakeholders. In addition, a significant segment of society distrusts scientists anyway. “This is a major societal problem,” wrote a professor and expert in the dynamics of lakes. “A scientist says X and someone else says Y and you’re got chaos. In reality, we are the problem. Every time we flush our toilets, fertilize our lawns, gardens and fields, or wash our cars we contribute to the nutrient loading of the lake.”

The project has now been operating for over a decade, and so far no adverse environmental effects have been noticed at any of the many monitoring sites.

1.2.7 Managing Water in the Florida Everglades

The Florida Everglades (Fig.  1.10 ) is the largest single wetland in the continental United States. In the mid-1800s it covered a little over nine million acres, but since that time the historical Everglades has been drained and half of the area devoted to agriculture and urban development. The remaining wetland areas have been altered by human disturbances both around and within them. Water has been diverted for human uses, flows have been lowered to protect against floods, nutrient supplies to the wetlands from runoff from agricultural fields and urban areas have increased, and invasions of nonnative or otherwise uncommon plants and animals have out-competed native species. Populations of wading birds (including some endangered species) have declined by 85–90% in the last half-century, and many species of South Florida’s mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and plants are either threatened or endangered.

Scenes of the Everglades in southern Florida (South Florida Water Management District)

The present management system of canals, pumps, and levees (Fig.  1.11 ) will not be able to provide adequate water supplies to agricultural and urban areas, or sufficient flood protection , let alone support the natural (but damaged) ecosystems in the remaining wetlands . The system is not sustainable. Problems in the greater Everglades ecosystem relate to both water quality and quantity , including the spatial and temporal distribution of water depths , flows, and flooding durations—called hydroperiods. Issues arise because of variations from the natural/historical hydrologic regime, degraded water quality, and the sprawl from fast-growing urban areas.

Pump station on a drainage canal in southern Florida (South Florida Water Management District)

To meet the needs of the burgeoning population and increasing agricultural demands for water, and to begin the restoration of Everglades’ aquatic ecosystem to a more natural regime, an ambitious plan has been developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and its local sponsor, the South Florida Water Management District. The proposed Corps plan is estimated to cost over $8 billion. The plan and its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) have received input from many government agencies and nongovernmental organizations, as well as from the public at large.

The plan to restore the Everglades is ambitious and comprehensive, involving change of the current hydrologic regime in the remnant Everglades to one that resembles a more natural one, reestablishment of marshes and wetlands , implementation of agricultural best management practices, enhancements for wildlife and recreation , and provisions for water supply and flood control.

Planning for and implementing the restoration effort requires application of state-of-the-art large systems analysis concepts, hydrological and hydroecological data and models incorporated within decision support systems, integration of social sciences, and monitoring for planning and evaluation of performance in an adaptive management context. These large, complex challenges of the greater Everglades restoration effort demand the most advanced, interdisciplinary, and scientifically sound analysis capabilities that are available. They also require the political will to make compromises and to put up with the lawsuits by anyone possibly disadvantaged by some restoration measure.

Who pays for all this? The taxpayers of Florida and the taxpayers of the U.S.

1.2.8 Restoration of Europe’s Rivers and Seas

1.2.8.1 north and baltic seas.

The North and Baltic Seas (shown in Fig.  1.12 ) are the most densely navigated seas in the world. Besides shipping, military, and recreational uses, an offshore oil industry and telephone cables cover the seabed. The seas are rich and productive with resources that include not only fish but also crucial minerals (in addition to oil) such as gas, sand, and gravel. These resources and activities play major roles in the economies of the surrounding countries.

Europe’s major rivers and seas

Being so intensively used and surrounded by advanced industrialized countries, pollution problems are serious. The main pollution sources include various wastewater outfalls, dumping by ships (of dredged materials, sewage sludge, and chemical wastes) and operational discharges from offshore installations. Deposition of atmospheric pollutants is an additional major source of pollution.

Those parts of the seas at greatest risk from pollution are where the sediments come to rest, where the water replacement is slowest and where nutrient concentrations and biological productivity are highest. A number of warning signals have occurred.

Algal populations have changed in number and species. There have been algal blooms, caused by excessive nutrient discharge from land and atmospheric sources. Species changes show a tendency toward more short-lived species of the opportunistic type and a reduction, sometimes to the point of disappearance, of some mammals and fish species and the sea grass community. Decreases of ray, mackerel, sand eel, and echinoderms due to eutrophication have resulted in reduced plaice, cod, haddock and dab, mollusk and scoter.

The impact of fishing activities is also considerable. Sea mammals, sea birds, and Baltic fish species have been particularly affected by the widespread release of toxins and pollutants accumulate in the sediments and in the food web. Some animals, such as the gray seal and the sea eagle, are threatened with extinction.

Particular concern has been expressed about the Wadden Sea that serves as a nursery for many North Sea species. Toxic PCB contamination, for example, almost caused the disappearance of seals in the 1970s. Also, the 1988 massive seal mortality in the North and Wadden Seas, although caused by a viral disease, is still thought by many to have a link with marine pollution.

Although the North Sea needs radical and lengthy treatment it is probably not a terminal case. Actions are being taken by bordering countries to reduce the discharge of wastes into the sea. A major factor leading to agreements to reduce discharges of wastewaters has been the verification of predictive pollutant circulation models of the sea that identify the impacts of discharges from various sites along the sea boundary.

1.2.8.2 The Rhine

The map of Fig.  1.13 shows the areas of the nine countries that are part of river Rhine basin. In the Dutch area of the Rhine basin, water is partly routed northward through the IJssel and westward through the highly interconnected river systems of the Rhine, Meuse, and Waal.

The Rhine River Basin of Western Europe and its extension in The Netherlands

About 55 million people live in the Rhine River basin and about 20 million of those people drink the river water.

In the mid 1970s, some called the Rhine the most romantic sewer in Europe. In November 1986, a chemical spill degraded much of the upper Rhine’s aquatic ecosystem. This damaging event was reported worldwide. The Rhine was again world news in the first 2 months of 1995, when its water level reached a height that occurs on average once in a century. In the Netherlands, some 200,000 people, 1,400,000 pigs and cows, and 1,000,000 chickens had to be evacuated. During the last 2 months of the same year there was hardly enough water in the Rhine for navigation . It is fair to say these events have focused increased attention on what needs to be done to “restore” and protect the Rhine.

To address just how to restore the Rhine, it is useful to look at what has been happening to the river during the past 150 years. The Rhine was originally a natural watercourse. It is the only river connecting the Alps with the North Sea. To achieve greater economic benefits from the river, it was engineered for navigation, hydropower, water supply, and flood protection . Flood plains now “protected” from floods, provided increased land areas suitable for development. The main stream of the Rhine is now considerably shorter and narrower and deeper than it was originally.

From an economic development point of view, the engineering works implemented in the river and its basin worked. The Rhine basin is now one of the most industrialized regions in the world. The basin is characterized by intensive industrial and agricultural activities. Some 20% of the world’s chemical industry is located in the Rhine River basin. The River is reportedly the busiest shipping waterway in the world, containing long canals with regulated water levels. These canals connect the Rhine and its tributaries with the rivers of almost all the surrounding river basins including the Danube River. This provides water transport to and from the North and Black Seas.

From an environmental and ecological viewpoint, and from the viewpoint of flood control as well, the economic development that has taken place over the past two centuries has not worked perfectly. The concerns growing from the recent toxic spill and floods as from a generally increasing interest by the inhabitants of the basin in environmental and ecosystem restoration and the preservation of natural beauty, has resulted in basin-wide efforts to rehabilitate the basin to a more “living” sustainable entity.

A Rhine Action Programme was created to revive the ecosystem. The goal of that program is the revival of the main stream as the backbone of the ecosystem, particularly for migratory fish, and the protection, maintenance, and the revival of ecologically important areas along the Rhine. The plan, implemented in the 1990s, was given the name “Salmon 2000”. The return of salmon to the Rhine is seen as a symbol of ecological revival. A healthy salmon population will need to swim throughout the river length. This will pose a challenge, as no one pretends that the engineering works that provide navigation and hydropower benefits, but which also inhibit fish passage, are no longer needed or desired.

1.2.8.3 The Danube

The Danube River (shown in Fig.  1.14 ) is in the heartland of Central Europe. Its basin includes to a larger extent the territories of 15 countries. It additionally receives runoff from small catchments located in four other countries. About 90 million people live in the basin. This river encompasses perhaps more political, economic, and social variations than arguably any other river basin in Europe.

The Danube River in Central Europe

The river discharges into the Black Sea. The Danube delta and the banks of the Black Sea have been designated a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Over half of the Delta has been declared a “wet zone of international significance.” Throughout its length the Danube River provides a vital resource for drainage, communications, transport , power generation, fishing, recreation , and tourism. It is considered to be an ecosystem with irreplaceable environmental values.

More than 40 dams and large barrages plus over 500 smaller reservoirs have been constructed on the main Danube River and its tributaries. Flood control dikes confine most of the length of the main stem of the Danube River and the major tributaries. Over the last 50 years natural alluvial flood plain areas have declined from about 26,000 km 2 to about 6000 km 2 .

There are also significant reaches with river training works and river diversion structures. These structures trap nutrients and sediment in the reservoirs. This causes changes in downstream flow and sediment transport regimes that reduce the ecosystems ’ habitats both longitudinally and transversely, and decrease the efficiency of natural purification processes. Thus while these engineered facilities provide important opportunities for the control and use of the river’s resources, they also illustrate the difficulties of balancing these important economic activities with environmentally sound and sustainable management.

The environmental quality of the Danube River is also under intense pressure from a diverse range of human activities, including point source and nonpoint source agricultural, industrial, and municipal wastes. Because of the poor water quality (sometimes affecting human health) the riparian countries of the Danube river basin have been participating in environmental management activities on regional , national, and local levels for several decades. All Danube countries signed a formal Convention on Cooperation for the Protection and Sustainable Use of the Danube River in June 1994. The countries have agreed to take “…all appropriate legal, administrative and technical measures to improve the current environmental and water quality conditions of the Danube River and of the waters in its catchment area and to prevent and reduce as far as possible adverse impacts and changes occurring or likely to be caused.”

1.2.9 Flood Management on the Senegal River

As on many rivers in the tropical developing world, dam constructions on the Senegal (and conventional dam management strategies) can change not only the riverine environment but also the social interactions and economic productivity of farmers, fishers, and herders whose livelihoods depend on the annual flooding of valley bottomlands. Although much of the Senegal River flows through a low rainfall area, the naturally occurring annual flooding supported a rich and biologically diverse ecosystem. Living in a sustainable relationship with their environment, small-land holders farmed sandy uplands during the brief rainy season, and then cultivated the clay plains as floodwaters receded to the main channel of the river. Livestock also benefited from the succession of rain-fed pastures on the uplands and flood-recession pastures on the plains. Fish were abundant. As many as 30,000 tons were caught yearly. Since the early 1970s, small irrigated rice schemes added a fifth element to the production array: rain-fed farming, recession farming, herding, fishing, and irrigation.

Completion of the Diama salt intrusion barrage near the mouth of the river between Senegal and Mauritania and Manantali High Dam more than 1000 km upstream in Mali (Fig.  1.15 ), and the termination of the annual flood have had adverse effects on the environment. Rather than insulating the people from the ravages of drought, the dam release policy can accelerate desertification and intensify food insecurity. Furthermore, anticipation of donor investments in huge irrigation schemes has, in this particular case, lead to the expulsion of non-Arabic-speaking black Mauritanians from their floodplain lands.

Senegal River and its Manantali Reservoir more than 1000 km upstream in Mali

This is a common impact of dam construction: increased hardships of generally politically powerless people in order that urban and industrial sectors may enjoy electricity at reduced costs.

Studies in the Senegal Valley by anthropologists, hydrologists, agronomists, and others suggest that it may be entirely economically feasible to create a controlled annual “artificial flood,” assuring satisfaction of both urban, industrial, and rural demands for the river’s water and supporting groundwater recharge, reforestation, and biodiversity.

Because of these studies, the government of Senegal ended its opposition to an artificial flood, and its development plans for the region are now predicated on its permanence. However, due to the common belief that releasing large quantities of water to create an artificial flood is incompatible with maximum hydropower production, the other members of the three-country consortium managing the dams—Mali and Mauritania—have resisted accepting this policy.

1.2.10 Nile Basin Countries Striving to Share Its Benefits

The Nile River (Fig.  1.16 ) is one of the major rivers of the world, serving millions and giving birth to entire civilizations. It is one of the world’s longest rivers , traversing about 6695 km from the farthest source of its headwaters in Rwanda and Burundi through Lake Victoria, to its delta in Egypt on the Mediterranean Sea. Its basin includes 11 African countries (Burundi, DR Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, The Sudan, and Tanzania) and extends for more than 3 million square kilometers which represents about 10% of Africa’s land mass area. The basin includes the Sudd wetland system in South Sudan.

The Nile River Basin

Nile Basin countries are today home to more than 437 million people and of these, 54% (238 million) live within the basin and expect benefits from the management and use of the shared Nile Basin water resources.

Notwithstanding the basin’s natural and environmental endowments and rich cultural history, its people face considerable challenges including persistent poverty with millions living on less than a dollar a day; extreme weather events associated with climate variability and change such as floods and droughts; low access to water and sanitation services; deteriorating water quality ; and very low access rate to modern energy with most countries below 20% access level . The region also has a history of tensions and instability both between states and internal to states.

Cooperative management and development could bring a vast range of benefits including increased hydropower and food production; better access to water for domestic use; improved management of watersheds and reduced environmental degradation; reduced pollution and more control over damage from floods and droughts. Recognizing this the Nile Basin Initiative was created as a regional intergovernmental partnership that seeks to develop the River Nile in a cooperative manner, share substantial socioeconomic benefits, and promote regional peace and security. The partnership includes 10 Member States namely Burundi, DR Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, The Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Eritrea participates as an observer. NBI was conceived as a transitional institution until a permanent institution can be created.

The partnership is guided by a Shared Vision: “To achieve sustainable socio-economic development through equitable utilization of, and benefit from, the common Nile Basin Water resources.” The shared belief is that countries can achieve better outcomes for all the peoples of the Basin through cooperation rather than competition. It is supported by a “Shared Vision Planning Model” built by experts from all the basin countries. The model is designed to run different scenarios and assess the basin-wide impacts of different management policies and assumptions that any country may wish to perform.

1.2.11 Shrinking Glaciers at Top of the World

As shown in Fig.  1.17 , Tibet lies north of India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar, west of China, and south of East Turkistan. The highest and largest plateau on Earth, it stretches some 1500 miles (2400 km) from east to west, and 900 miles (1448 km) north to south, an area equivalent in size to the United States region east of the Mississippi River. The Himalayas form much of its southern boundary, and Tibet’s average altitude is so high—11,000 feet (3350 km) above sea level—that visitors often need weeks to acclimate.

China, India, and Southeast Asia, highlighting the Tibetan Plateau

The Tibetan Plateau serves as the headwaters for many of Asia’s largest rivers, including the Yellow, Yangtze, Mekong, Brahmaputra, Salween, and Sutlej, among others. A substantial portion of the world’s population lives in the watersheds of the rivers whose sources lie on the Tibetan Plateau.

Recent studies—including several by the Chinese Academy of Sciences—have documented a host of serious environmental challenges involving the quantity and quality of Tibet’s freshwater reserves, most of them caused by industrial activities. Deforestation has led to large-scale erosion and siltation. Mining, manufacturing, and other human and industrial activities are producing record levels of air and water pollution in Tibet, as well as elsewhere in China (Wong 2013 ). Together, these factors portend future water scarcity that could add to the region’s political volatility.

Most important is that the region’s glaciers are receding at one of the fastest rates anywhere in the world, and in some regions of Tibet by three 3 m per year (IPPC 2007 ). The quickening melting and evaporation is raising serious concerns in scientific and diplomatic communities, in and outside China, about Tibet’s historic capacity to store more freshwater than anyplace on earth, except the North and South Poles. Tibet’s water resources, they say, have become an increasingly crucial strategic political and cultural element that the Chinese are intent on managing and controlling.

1.2.12 China, a Thirsty Nation

Why does China care about the freshwater in Tibet? With more than a quarter of its land classified as desert, China is one of the planet’s most arid regions. Beijing is besieged each spring by raging dust storms born in Inner Mongolia where hundreds of square miles of grasslands are turning to desert each year. In other parts of the nation, say diplomats and economic development specialists, Chinese rivers are either too polluted or too filled with silt to provide all of China’s people with adequate supplies of freshwater.

Chinese authorities have long had their eyes on Tibet’s water resources. They have proposed building dams for hydropower and spending billions of dollars to build a system of canals to tap water from the Himalayan snowmelt and glaciers and transport it hundreds of miles north and east to the country’s farm and industrial regions.

But how long that frozen reservoir will last is in doubt. In attempting to solve its own water crisis, China could potentially create widespread water shortages among its neighbors.

While the political issues involving Tibet are complex, there is no denying that water plays a role in China’s interest in the region. The water of Tibet may prove to be one of its most important resources in the long run—for China, and for much of southern Asia. Figuring out how to sustainably manage that water will be a key to reducing political conflicts and tensions in the region.

1.2.13 Managing Sediment in China’s Yellow River

The scarcity of water is not the only issue China has to address. So is sediment, especially in the Yellow River (Fig.  1.18 ). The Yellow River basin is the cradle of Chinese civilization, with agricultural societies appearing on the banks of the river more than 7000 years ago. The Yellow River originates in the Qinghai–Tibetan plateau and discharges into the Bohai Gulf in the Yellow sea. The basin is traditionally divided into the upper, middle, and lower reaches, which can be described as three down-sloping steps: the Tibetan Plateau, the Loess Plateau, and the alluvial plain. Key management issues are many, but the most visible one is sediment (Figs.  1.19 and 1.20 ).

The Yellow River Basin in China

The high sediment load of the Yellow River is a curse if the sediment deposits on the bed of the channel and reduces its capacity, thereby increasing the risk of flooding. Also, rapid deposition of sediment in reservoirs situated along the river is a problem as it reduces their effectiveness for flood control and water storage.

Another major management issue is the ecosystem health of the river. The relative scarcity of water creates a tension between allocating water for the benefit of river health, and for direct social and economic benefit. Irrigation uses 80% of the water consumed from the river, with the rest supplying industry, and drinking water for cities along the river and outside of the basin (Tianjin, Cangzhou and Qingdao). During the 1980s and 1990s the lower river dried up nearly every year, resulting in lost cereal production, suspension of some industries, and insufficient water supplies for more than 100,000 residents, who had to queue daily for drinking water. As well as costing around RmB40 billion in lost production, there was a serious decline in the ecological health of the river.

The diversity of habitat types and extensive areas of wetlands within the Ramsar-listed Yellow River Delta support at least 265 bird species. The birds, fish, and macroinvertebrates in the delta rely on healthy and diverse vegetation communities, which in turn depend upon on annual freshwater flooding and the associated high sediment loads. Degradation of the ecosystem of the Delta has been documented, especially from the late-1990s, due to increased human activities and a significant decrease in the flow of freshwater to the Delta wetlands. This has led to saltwater intrusion and increased soil salinity. Restoration activities involving the artificial delivery of freshwater to the wetlands began in 2002.

Sediment flows in China’s Yellow River. http://yellowriver-china.blogspot.com/2011/09/book-review-on-flood-discharge-and.html

Dams can be designed and operated to remove some of the sediment that is trapped in the upstream reservoir

1.2.14 Damming the Mekong (S.E. Asia), the Amazon, and the Congo

The world’s most biodiverse river basins—the Amazon, Congo, and Mekong—are attracting hydropower developers. While hydropower projects address energy needs and offer the potential of a higher standard of living, they also can impact the river’s biodiversity, especially fisheries. The Amazon, Congo, and Mekong basins hold roughly one-third of the world’s freshwater fish species, most of which are not found elsewhere. Currently more than 450 additional dams are planned for these three rivers (see Figs.  1.22 and 1.23 ) (Winemiller et al. 2016 ). Many of the sites most appropriate for hydropower production also are the habitats of many fish species. Given recent escalation of hydropower development in these basins, planning is needed to reduce biodiversity loss , as well as other adverse environmental, social, and economic impacts while meeting the energy needs of the basins.

The Mekong River (Fig.  1.21 ) flows some 4200 km through Southeast Asia to the South China Sea through Tibet, Myanmar (Burma), Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia. Its “development” has been restricted over the past several decades due to regional conflicts, indeed conflicts that have altered the history of the world. Now that these conflicts are not resulting in military battles (at this writing), investment capital is becoming available to develop the Mekong’s resources for improved fishing, irrigation, flood control, hydroelectric power , tourism, recreation , and navigation . The potential benefits are substantial, but so are the environmental, ecological, and social risks (Orr et al. 2012 ).

The Lower Mekong River Basin including Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia and the Mekong Delta in Vietnam

The economic value of hydroelectric power currently generated from the Mekong brings in welcome income however the environmental impacts are harder to quantify. Today some 60 million people (12 million households) live in the Lower Mekong Basin, and 80% rely directly on the river system for their food and livelihoods. Most of these households would be affected by alterations to fish availability since fish is their main source of dietary protein. The food security impacts on these people due to the existing and proposed dam building and operation in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam remain relatively unexplored. Dam builders have often failed to recognize, or wish to ignore, the crucial role of inland fisheries in meeting food security needs.

During some months of the year the lack of rainfall causes the Mekong to fall dramatically. Salt water may penetrate as much as 500 km inland. In other months the flow can be up to 30 times the low flows, causing the water in the river to back up into wetlands and flood some 12,000 km 2 of forests and paddy fields in the Vietnamese delta region alone. The ecology of a major lake, Tonle Sap, in Cambodia depends on these backed up waters.

While flooding imposes risks on the inhabitants of the Mekong flood plain, there are also distinct advantages. High waters deposit nutrient-rich silts on the low-lying farmlands, thus sparing the farmers from having to transport and spread fertilizers on their fields. Also, shallow lakes and submerged lands provide spawning habitats for about 90% of the fish in the Mekong basin. Fish yield totals over half a million tons annually.

What will happen to the social fabric and to the natural environment if the schemes to build big dams (see Fig.  1.22 a) across the mainstream of the Mekong are implemented? Depending on their design , location, and operation, they could disrupt the current fertility cycles and the habitats and habits of the fish in the river resulting from the natural flow and sediment regimes. Increased erosion downstream from major reservoirs is also a threat. Add to these possible adverse impacts the need to evacuate and resettle thousands of people displaced by the lake behind the dams. How will they be resettled? And how long will it take them to adjust to new farming conditions? And will there even be a Delta? Together with sea level rise and a blockage of Mekong’s sediment to the Delta, its survival as a geologic feature, and as a major source of food, is in doubt.

Lancang/Mekong River where reservoirs are being planned on the river itself ( a ) and on many of its tributaries ( b ). a http://khmerization.blogspot.com/2013/10/wwf-expresses-alarm-over-laos-decision.html , 6/10/13, and b reprinted from Wild and Loucks 2014, with permission. © 2014. American Geophysical Union

There have been suggestions that a proposed dam in Laos could cause deforestation in a wilderness area of some 3000 km 2 . Much of the wildlife, including elephants, big cats, and other rare animals, would have to be protected if they are not to become endangered. Malaria-carrying mosquitoes, liver fluke, and other disease bearers might find ideal breeding grounds in the mud flats of the shallow reservoir. These are among the types of issues that need to be considered now that increased development seems likely.

Similar issues face those who are planning similar hydropower dam developments in the other two most biodiverse river basins in the world—the Amazon and the Congo (Fig.  1.23 ). Clarifying the trade-offs between energy (economic), environmental, and social goals can inform governments and funding institutions as they make their dam siting, design , and operating decisions.

Fish diversity and dam locations in the Amazon and Congo basins. In addition to basin-wide biodiversity summaries ( upper left ), each basin can be divided into ecoregions ( white boundaries ). Approximate number of species ( black numbers ) and the total species richness ( shades of green ) found in ecoregions differ widely (Winemiller et al. 2016 )

Hydropower accounts for more than two-thirds of Brazil’s energy supply, and over 300 new Amazon dams have been proposed. Impacts of these dams would extend beyond direct effects on rivers to include relocation of human populations and expanding deforestation associated with new roads. Scheduled for completion in 2016, Brazil’s Belo Monte hydropower complex was designed with installed capacity of 11,233 MW, ranking it the world’s third largest. But it could also set a record for biodiversity loss owing to selection of a site that is the sole habitat for many species. The Congo has far fewer dams than the Amazon or Mekong, yet most power generated within the basin is from hydropower. Inga Falls, a 14.5-km stretch of the lower Congo that drops 96 m to near sea level, has greater hydropower potential than anywhere else. The Inga I and II dams, constructed in the 1970s and 1980s, currently yield 40% of the 2132-MW installed capacity. Planned additional dams (Inga III and Grand Inga) would harness as much as 83% of the Congo’s annual discharge, with most of the energy to be exported. Grand Inga would divert water and substantially reduce flow for at least 20 km downstream from the falls. Again, many trade-offs involved with dam building, and all calling for comprehensive systems planning and analyses to identify them.

1.3 So, Why Plan, Why Manage?

Water resources planning and management activities are usually motivated, as they were in each of the previous section’s case examples, by the realization that there are problems to solve and/or opportunities to obtain increased benefits by changing the management and use of water and related land resources. These benefits can be measured in many different ways. The best way to do it is often not obvious. Whatever way is proposed may provoke conflict. Hence there is the need for careful study and research, as well as full stakeholder involvement, in the search for the best compromise plan or management policy.

Reducing the frequency and/or severity of the adverse consequences of droughts, floods, and excessive pollution are common goals of many planning and management exercises. Other reasons include the identification and evaluation of alternative measures that may increase the available water supplies, hydropower, improve recreation and/or navigation, and enhance water quality and aquatic ecosystems . Quantitative system performance criteria can help one judge the relative net benefits , however measured, of alternative plans and management policies.

System performance criteria of interest have evolved over time. They have ranged from being primarily focused on safe drinking water just a century ago to multipurpose economic development a half-century ago to goals that now include environmental and ecosystem restoration and protection, aesthetic and recreational experiences, and more recently, sustainability (ASCE 1998 ; GTT 2014 ).

Some of the multiple purposes served by a river can be conflicting. A reservoir used solely for hydropower, or water supply, is better able to meet its objectives when it is full of water. On the other hand, a reservoir used solely for downstream flood control is best left empty so it can store more of the flood flows when they occur. A single reservoir serving all three purposes introduces conflicts over how much water to store in it and discharge from it, i.e., how it should be operated. In basins where diversion demands exceed the available supplies, conflicts will exist over water allocations . Finding the best way to manage, if not resolve, these conflicts are reasons for planning.

1.3.1 Too Little Water

Issues involving inadequate supplies to meet demands can result from too little rain or snow. They can also result from patterns of land and water use. They can result from growing urbanization, the growing needs to meet instream flow requirements, and conflicts over private property and public rights regarding water allocations . Other issues can involve transbasin water transfers and markets, objectives of economic efficiency versus the desire to keep nonefficient activities viable, and demand management measures, including incentives for water reuse and water reuse financing.

Measures to reduce the demand for water in times of supply scarcity should be identified and agreed upon before everyone must cope with an actual water scarcity. The institutional authority to implement drought measures when their designated “triggers”—such as storage volumes in reservoirs—have been met should be established before they are needed. Such management measures may include increased groundwater abstractions to supplement low-surface water flows and storage volumes. Conjunctive use of ground and surface waters can be sustainable as long as the groundwater aquifers are recharged during conditions of high flow and surface storage volumes. Many aquifers are subject to withdrawals exceeding recharge, and hence continued withdrawals from them cannot be sustained.

1.3.2 Too Much Water

Damage due to flooding is a direct result of floodplain development that is incompatible with floods. This is a risk many take, and indeed on average it may result in positive private net benefits, especially when public agencies subsidize these private risk takers who incur losses in times of flooding. In many river basins of developed regions, annual expected flood damages are increasing over time, in spite of increased expenditures in flood damage reduction measures. This is in part due to increased economic development taking place on river flood plains, not only of increased frequencies and magnitudes of floods.

The increased economic value of developments on floodplains often justifies increased development and increased expenditures on flood damage reduction measures. Flood protection works decrease the risks of flood damage, creating an even larger incentive for increased economic development. Then when a flood exceeding the capacity of existing flood protection works occurs, and it will, even more damage results. This cycle of increasing flood damages and costs of protection is a natural result of increasing values of flood plain development. Just what is the appropriate level of risk? It may depend, as Fig.  1.24 illustrates, on the level of flood insurance or subsidy provided when flooding occurs.

The lowest risk of flooding on a floodplain does not always mean the best risk, and what risk is acceptable may depend on the amount of insurance or subsidy provided when flood damage occurs

Flood damages will decrease only if there are restrictions placed on floodplain development. Analyses carried out during planning can help identify the appropriate level of development and flood damage protection works based on the beneficial as well as adverse economic, environmental, and ecological consequences of flood plain development. People are increasingly recognizing the economic as well as environmental and ecological benefits of allowing floodplains to do what they were formed to do—store flood waters when floods occur.

Industrial development and related port development may result in the demand for deeper and wider rivers to allow the operation of larger draft cargo vessels in the river. River channel improvement cannot be detached from functions such as water supply and flood control. Widening and deepening a river channel for shipping purposes may also decrease flood water levels.

1.3.3 Too Polluted

Wastewater discharges by industry and households can have considerable detrimental effects on water quality and hence on public and ecosystem health. Planning and management activities should pay attention to these possible negative consequences of industrial development and the intensive use and subsequent runoff of pesticides and fertilizers in urban as well as in agricultural areas.

Issues regarding the environment and water quality include:

Upstream versus downstream conflicts on meeting water quality standards,

Threats from aquatic nuisance species,

Threats from the chemical, physical, and biological water quality of the watershed’s aquatic resources,

Quality standards for recycled water,

Nonpoint source pollution discharges including sediment from erosion, and

Inadequate groundwater protection, compacts, and concerned institutions.

We still know too little about the environmental and health impacts of many of the wastewater constituents found in river waters. As more is learned about, for example, the harmful effects of heavy metals and dioxins, pharmaceutical products, and micropollutants and nanoparticles in our water supplies, water quality standards, plans and management policies should be adjusted accordingly. The occurrence of major fish kills and algae blooms also point to the need to manage water quality as well as quantity.

1.3.4 Too Expensive

Too many of the world’s population do not have adequate water to meet all of their drinking and sanitation needs. Much of this is not due to the lack of technical options available to provide water to meet those needs. Rather those options are deemed to be too expensive. Doing so is judged to be beyond the ability of those living in poverty to pay and recover the costs of implementing, maintaining, and operating the needed infrastructure. Large national and international aid grants devoted to reducing water stress—demands for clean water exceeding usable supplies—in stressed communities have not been sustainable in the long run where recipients have been unable to pay for the upkeep of whatever water resource systems are developed and provided. If financial aid is to be provided, to be effective it has to address all the root causes of such poverty, not only the need for clean water.

1.3.5 Ecosystem Too Degraded

Aquatic and riparian ecosystems may be subject to a number of threats. The most important ones include habitat loss due to river training and reclamation of floodplains and wetlands for urban and industrial development, poor water quality due to discharges of pesticides, fertilizers and wastewater effluents, and the infestation of aquatic nuisance species.

Exotic aquatic nuisance species can be major threats to the chemical, physical, and biological water quality of a river’s aquatic resources and a major interference with other uses. The destruction and/or loss of the biological integrity of aquatic habitats caused by introduced exotic species is considered by many ecologists to be among the most important problems facing natural aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Biological integrity of natural ecosystems is controlled by habitat quality, water flows or discharges, water quality , and biological interactions including those involving exotic species.

Once exotic species are established, they are usually difficult to manage and nearly impossible to eliminate. This creates a costly burden for current and future generations. The invasion in North America of nonindigenous aquatic nuisance species such as the sea lamprey, zebra mussel, purple loosestrife, European green crab, and various aquatic plant species, for example, has had pronounced economic and ecological consequences for all who use or otherwise benefit from aquatic ecosystems.

Environmental and ecological effectiveness as well as economic efficiency should be a guiding principle in evaluating alternative solutions to problems caused by aquatic nuisance organisms. Funds spent in prevention and early detection and eradication of aquatic nuisance species may reduce the need to spend considerably more funds on management and control once such aquatic nuisance species are well established.

1.3.6 Other Planning and Management Issues

1.3.6.1 navigation.

Dredging river beds is a common practice to keep river channels open for larger draft cargo ships. The use of jetties as a way to increase the flow in the main channel and hence increase bottom scour is a way to reduce the amount of dredging that may be needed, but any modification of the width and depth of a river channel can impact its flood carrying capacity. It can also alter the periodic flooding of the floodplain that in turn can have ecological impacts.

1.3.6.2 River Bank Erosion

Bank erosion can be a serious problem where towns are located close to morphologically active (eroding) rivers. Predictions of changes in river courses due to bank erosion and bank accretion are important inputs to land use planning in river valleys and the choice of locations for bridges, buildings, and hydraulic structures.

1.3.6.3 Reservoir Related Issues

Degradation of the riverbeds upstream of reservoirs may increase the risks of flooding in those areas. Reservoir construction inevitably results in loss of land and forces the evacuation of residents due to impoundment. Reservoirs can be ecological barriers for migrating fish species such as salmon. The water quality in the reservoir may deteriorate and the inflowing sediment may settle and accumulate, reducing the active (useful) water storage capacity of the reservoir and causing more erosion downstream. Other potential problems may include those stemming from stratification , water-related diseases, algae growth , and abrasion of hydropower turbines.

Environmental and morphological impacts downstream of the dam are often due to a changed river hydrograph and decreased sediment load in the water released from the reservoir. Lower sediment concentrations result in higher risks of scouring of downstream riverbeds and consequently a lowering of their elevations. Economic as well as social impacts include the risk of a dam break. Environmental impacts may result from sedimentation control measures (e.g., sediment flushing as shown in Fig.  1.19 ) and reduced oxygen content of the outflowing water.

1.4 System Planning Scales

1.4.1 spatial scales for planning and management.

Watersheds or river basins are usually considered logical regions for water resources planning and management. This makes sense if the impacts of decisions regarding water resources management are contained within the watershed or basin. How land and water are managed in one part of a river basin can impact the land and water in other parts of the basin. For example, the discharge of pollutants or the clearing of forests in the upstream portion of the basin may degrade the quality and increase the variability of the flows and sedimentation downstream. The construction of a dam or weir in the downstream part of a river may block vessels and fish from traveling up- or downstream through the dam site. To maximize the economic and social benefits obtained from the entire basin, and to insure that these benefits and accompanying costs are equitably distributed, planning and management on a basin scale is often undertaken.

While basin boundaries make sense from a hydrologic point of view, they may be inadequate for addressing particular water resources problems that are caused by events taking place outside the basin. What is desired is the highest level of performance, however defined, of the entire physical, social-economic, and administrative water resource system. To the extent that the applicable problems, stakeholders, and administrative boundaries extend outside the river basin, then the physically based “river basin” focus of planning and management should be expanded to include the entire applicable “problem-shed.” Hence consider the term “river basin” used in this book to mean problem-shed when appropriate.

1.4.2 Temporal Scales for Planning and Management

Planning is a continuing iterative process. Water resources plans need to be periodically updated and adapt to new information, new objectives , and updated forecasts of future demands, costs , and benefits. Current decisions should not preclude future generations from options they may want to consider, but otherwise current decisions should be responsive to current needs and opportunities, and have the ability to be adaptable in the future to possible changes in those needs and opportunities.

The number and duration of within-year time periods explicitly considered in the planning process will depend in part on the need to consider the variability of the supplies of and demands for water resources and on the purposes to be served by the water resources. Irrigation planning and summer season water recreation planning may require a greater number of within-year periods during the summer growing and recreation season than might be the case if one were considering only municipal water supply planning, for example. Assessing the impacts of alternatives for conjunctive surface and groundwater management , or for water quantity and quality management, require attention to processes that typically take place on different spatial and temporal scales.

1.5 Planning and Management Approaches

There are two general approaches to planning and management. One is from the top-down, often called command and control. The other is from the bottom-up, often called the grassroots approach. Both approaches, working together, can lead to an integrated plan and management policy.

1.5.1 Top-Down Planning and Management

Over much of the past half-century water resources professionals have been engaged in preparing integrated, multipurpose “master” development plans for many of the world’s river basins. These plans typically consist of a series of reports, complete with numerous appendices, describing all aspects of water resources management and use. In these documents alternative structural and nonstructural management options are identified and evaluated. Based on these evaluations, the preferred plan is recommended.

This master planning exercise has typically been a top-down approach. Professionals have dominated the top-down approach. Using this approach there is typically little if any active participation of interested stakeholders . The approach assumes that one or more institutions have the ability and authority to develop and implement the plan, i.e., to oversee and manage the coordinated development and operation of the basin’s activities impacting the surface and ground waters of the basin. In today’s environment where publics are calling for less government oversight, regulation and control, and increasing participation in planning and management activities, strictly top-down approaches are becoming less desirable or acceptable.

1.5.2 Bottom-Up Planning and Management

Within the past several decades water resources planning and management processes have increasingly involved the active participation of interested stakeholders—those potentially affected by the decision being considered. Plans are being created from the bottom-up rather than top-down through a process of consensus building. Concerned citizens, nongovernmental organizations, as well as professionals in governmental agencies are increasingly working together toward the creation of adaptive comprehensive water management programs, policies, and plans.

Experiences trying to implement plans developed primarily by professionals without significant citizen involvement have shown that even if such plans are technically sound they have little chance of success if they do not take into consideration the concerns and objectives of affected stakeholders . To gain their support, concerned stakeholders must be included in the decision-making process as early as possible. They must become part of the decision-making process, not merely spectators, or even advisors, to it. This will help gain their cooperation and commitment to the plans eventually adopted. Participating stakeholders will consider the resulting plans as their plans as much as someone else’s. They will have a sense of ownership, and as such will strive to make them work. Such adopted plans, if they are to be successfully implemented, must fit within existing legislative, permitting, enforcement, and monitoring programs. Stakeholder participation improves the chance that the system being managed will be sustainable.

Successful planning and management involves motivating all potential stakeholders and sponsors to join and participate in the water resources planning and management process. It will involve building a consensus on goals and objectives and on how to achieve them. Ideally this should occur before addressing conflicting issues so that all involved know each other and are able to work together more effectively. Agreements on goals and objectives and on the organization (or group formed from multiple organizations) that will lead and coordinate the water resources planning and management process should be reached before stakeholders bring their individual priorities or problems to the table. Once the inevitable conflicts become identified, the settling of administrative matters does not get any easier.

Bottom-up planning must strive to achieve a common or “shared” vision among all stakeholders. It must either comply with all applicable laws and regulations, or propose changes to them. It should strive to identify and evaluate multiple alternatives and performance criteria —including sustainability criteria, and yet keep the process from producing a wish list of everything each stakeholder wants. In other words, it must identify trade-offs among conflicting goals or measures of performance, and prioritizing appropriate strategies. It must value and compare, somehow, the intangible and nonmonetary impacts of environmental and ecosystem protection and restoration with other activities whose benefits and costs can be expressed in monetary units. In doing all this, planners should use modern information technology, as available, to improve both the process and product. This technology, however, will not eliminate the need to reach conclusions and make decisions on the basis of incomplete and uncertain data and scientific knowledge.

These process issues emphasize the need to make water resources planning and management as efficient and effective as possible and remain participatory. Many issues will arise in terms of evaluating alternatives and establishing performance criteria (prioritizing issues and possible actions), performing incremental cost analysis, and valuing monetary and nonmonetary benefits. Questions must be answered as to how much data must be collected and with what precision, and what types of modern information technology (e.g., geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, Internet and mobile Internet networks , decision support systems, etc.) can be beneficially used both for analyses as well as communication.

1.5.3 Integrated Water Resources Management

The concept of integrated water resources management (IWRM) has been developing over the past several decades. IWRM is the response to the growing pressure on our water resources systems caused by growing populations and socioeconomic developments. Water shortages and deteriorating water quality have forced many countries in the world to reconsider their development policies with respect to the management of their water resources. As a result water resources management (WRM) has been undergoing a change worldwide, moving from a mainly supply-oriented, engineering-biased approach toward a demand-oriented, multisectoral approach, often labeled integrated water resources management.

The concept of IWRM moves away from top-down “water master planning” that usually focuses on water availability and development, and toward “comprehensive water policy planning” that addresses the interaction between different subsectors (Fig.  1.25 ), seeks to establish priorities, considers institutional requirements, and deals with the building of management capacity.

Interactions among the natural, administrative, and socioeconomic water resource subsectors and between them and their environment

Box 1.1 Definition of IWRM

IWRM is a process which promotes the coordinated development and management of water, land, and related resources, in order to maximize the resultant economic and social welfare in an equitable manner without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems.

(GWP 2000 )

IWRM (Box 1.1) considers the use of the resources in relation to social and economic activities and functions. These determine the need for laws and regulations pertaining to the sustainable and beneficial use of the water resources. Infrastructure together with regulatory measures allows more effective use of the resource including meeting ecosystem needs.

1.5.4 Water Security and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

While IWRM focuses on the process to improve water management (the how), the term “water security” focuses on the output (the what). The World Economic Forum has identified Water Security as one of the biggest global economic development issues. Water Security is defined by UN-Water ( 2013 ) as

the capacity of a population to safeguard sustainable access to adequate quantities of acceptable quality water for sustaining livelihoods, human well-being, and socio-economic development, for ensuring protection against water-borne pollution and water-related disasters, and for preserving ecosystems in a climate of peace and political stability.

Attempts are being made to identify the many dimensions of water security and to quantify them (van Beek and Arriens 2014 ; ADB 2016 ). In 2015 the UN adopted the Sustainable Development Goals 2015–2030 that specify specific targets for various goals such as the provision of water for drinking and sanitation, water productivity in agriculture , industry and energy, environment, and reduction of floods and droughts. It is expected that many countries will expect their water managers to use the SDGs as objectives in water resources planning. This means that our planning and management proposals need to be able to quantify the impacts of possible plans and policies in terms of the SDG targets.

1.5.5 Planning and Management Aspects

1.5.5.1 technical.

Technical aspects of planning include hydrologic assessments. Hydrologic assessments identify and characterize the properties of, and interactions among, the resources in the basin or region. This includes the land, the rainfall, the runoff , the stream and river flows, and the groundwater .

Existing watershed land use and land cover, and future changes in this use and cover, result in part from existing and future changes in regional population and economy. Planning involves predicting changes in land use/covers and economic activities at watershed and river basin levels. These will influence the amount of runoff , and the concentrations of sediment and other quality constituents (organic wastes, nutrients, pesticides, etc.) in the runoff resulting from any given pattern of rainfall over the land area. These predictions will help planners estimate the quantities and qualities of flows throughout a watershed or basin, associated with any land use and water management policy. This in turn provides the basis for predicting the type and health of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in the basin. All of this may impact the economic development of the region, which is what, in part, determines the future demands for changes in land use and land cover.

Technical aspects also include the estimation of the costs and benefits of any measures taken to manage the basin’s water resources. These measures might include:

Engineering structures for making better use of scarce water.

Canals and water-lifting devices.

Dams and storage reservoirs that can retain excess water from periods of high flow for use during the periods of low flow. By storage of floodwater they may also reduce flood damage below the reservoir.

Open channels that may take the form of a canal, flume, tunnel, or partly filled pipe.

Pressure conduits.

Diversion structures, ditches, pipes, checks, flow dividers, and other engineering facilities necessary for the effective operation of irrigation and drainage systems.

Municipal and industrial water intakes, including water purification plants and transmission facilities.

Sewerage and industrial wastewater treatment plants, including waste collection and ultimate disposal facilities.

Hydroelectric power storage, run-of-river, or pumped storage plants.

River channel regulation works, bank stabilization, navigation dams and barrages, navigation locks, and other engineering facilities for improving a river for navigation.

Levees and floodwalls for confining flows within predetermined channels.

Not only must the planning process identify and evaluate alternative management strategies involving structural and nonstructural measures that will incur costs and bring benefits, but it must also identify and evaluate alternative time schedules for implementing those measures. The planning of development over time involving interdependent projects, uncertain future supplies and demands as well as costs, benefits, and interest (discount) rates is part of all water resources planning and management processes.

With increasing emphasis placed on ecosystem preservation and enhancement, planning must include ecologic impact assessments. The mix of soil types and depths and land covers together with the hydrological quantity and quality flow and storage regimes in rivers, lakes, wetlands , and aquifers all impact the riparian and aquatic ecology of the basin. Water managers are being asked to consider ways of improving or restoring ecosystems by, for example, reducing the

destruction and/or loss of the biological integrity of aquatic habitats caused by introduced exotic species or changes in flow and sediment patterns due to upstream reservoir operation .

decline in number and extent of wetlands and the adverse impacts to wetlands of proposed land and water development projects.

conflicts between the needs of people for water supply, recreational, energy, flood control, and navigation infrastructure and the needs of ecological communities, including endangered species.

And indeed there are and will continue to be conflicts among alternative objectives and purposes of water management. Planners and managers must identify the trade-offs among environmental, ecologic, economic, and social impacts, however measured, and the management alternatives that balance these often-conflicting interests .

1.5.5.2 Financial and Economic

The overriding financial component of any planning process is to make sure that the recommended plans and projects will be able to pay for themselves. Revenues are needed to recover construction costs, if any, and to maintain, repair, and operate any infrastructure designed to manage the basin’s water resources. This may require cost-recovery policies that involve pricing the outputs of projects. Recognizing water as an economic good does not always mean that full costs should be charged. Poor people have the right to safe water and how this is to be achieved should be taken into account. Yet beneficiaries should be expected to pay at least something for the added benefits they get. Planning must identify equitable cost and risk-sharing policies and improved approaches to risk/cost management.

Financial viability is often viewed as a constraint that must be satisfied. It is not viewed as an objective whose maximization could result in a reduction in economic efficiency, equity , or other nonmonetary objectives . In many developing countries a distinction is made between the recovery of investment costs and the recovery of O&M costs. Recovery of O&M costs is a minimum condition for a sustainable project. Without that, it is likely that the performance of the project will deteriorate over time.

Many past failures in water resources management are attributable to the fact that water—its quantity, reliability , quality, pressure, location—has been and still is viewed as a free good. Prices paid for irrigation and drinking water are in many countries well below the full cost of the infrastructure and personnel needed to provide that water, which comprises the capital charges involved, the operation and maintenance (O&M) costs, the opportunity cost , economic and environmental externalities (see GWP 2000 ). Charging for water at less than full cost means that the government, society, and/or environment “subsidizes” water use and leads to an inefficient use of the resource.

1.5.5.3 Institutional and Governance

The first condition for the successful implementation of plans and policies is to have an enabling environment. There must exist national, provincial, and local policies, legislation and institutions that make it possible for the desired decisions to be taken and implemented. The role of the government is crucial. The reasons for governmental involvement are manifold:

Water is a resource beyond property rights: it cannot be “owned” by private persons. Water rights can be given to persons or companies, but only the rights to use the water and not to own it. Conflicts between users automatically turn up at the table of the final owner of the resource—the government.

Water is a resource that often requires large investments to develop, treat, store, distribute, and use, and then to collect, treat, and dispose or reuse. Examples are multipurpose reservoirs and the construction of dykes along coasts and rivers. The required investments are large and typically can only be made by governments or state-owned companies.

Water is a medium that can easily transfer external effects. The use of water by one activity often has negative effects on other water using activities (externalities). The obvious example is the discharge of wastewater into a river may save the discharger money but it may have negative effects on downstream users requiring cleaner water.

Only the government can address many of these issues and hence “good governance” is necessary for good water management. An insufficient institutional setting and the lack of a sound economic base are the main causes of water resources development project failure , not technical inadequacy of design and construction. This is also the reason why at present much attention is given to institutional developments and governance in both developed and developing regions and countries.

In Europe, various types of water agencies are operational (e.g., the Agence de l’Eau in France and the water companies in England), each having advantages and disadvantages. The Water Framework Directive of the European Union requires that water management be carried out at the scale of a river basin, particularly when this involves transboundary management. It is very likely that this will result in a shift in responsibilities of the institutions involved and the establishment of new institutions. In other parts of the world experiments are being carried out with various types of river basin organizations, combining local, regional, and sometimes national governments.

1.5.5.4 Models for Impact Prediction and Evaluation

Planning processes have undergone a significant transformation over the past five decades, mainly due to the continuing development of improved computational technology. Planning today is heavily dependent on the use of computer-based impact prediction models. Such models are used to assist in the identification and evaluation of alternative ways of meeting various planning and management objectives. They provide an efficient way of using spatial and temporal data in an effort to predict the interaction and impacts, over space and time, of various river basin components under alternative designs and operating policies.

Many of the systems analysis approaches and models discussed in the following chapters of this book have been, and continue to be, central to the planning and management process. Their usefulness is directly dependent on the quality of the data and models being used. Models can assist planning and management at different levels of detail. Some models are used for preliminary screening of alternative plans and policies, and as such do not require major data collection efforts. Screening models can also be used to estimate how significant certain data and assumptions are to the decisions being considered, and hence can help guide additional data collection activities. At the other end of the planning and management spectrum, much more detailed models can be used for engineering design . These more complex models are more data demanding, and typically require higher levels of expertise for their proper use.

The integration of modeling technology into the social and political components of the planning and management processes in a way that enhances those processes continues to be the main challenge of those who develop planning and management models . Efforts to build and apply interactive generic modeling programs or “shells” into which interested stakeholders can “draw in” their system, enter their data and operating rules at the level of detail desired, simulate it, and discover the effect of alternative assumptions and operating rules, has in many cases helped to create a common or shared understanding among these stakeholders . Getting stakeholders involved in developing and experimenting with their own interactive data-driven models has been an effective way of building a consensus—a shared vision.

1.5.5.5 Models for Shared Vision or Consensus Building

Participatory planning involves conflict management. Each stakeholder or interest group has its objectives, interests, and agendas. Some of these may be in conflict. The planning and management process is one of negotiation and compromise. This takes time but from it can come decisions that have the best chance of being considered the right decisions by most participants. Models can assist in this process of reaching a common understanding and agreement among different stakeholders. This has a greater chance of happening if the stakeholders themselves are involved in the modeling process.

Involving stakeholders in collaborative model building accomplishes a number of things. It gives them a feeling of ownership. They will have a much better understanding of just what their model can do and what it cannot do. If they are involved in model building, they will know the assumptions built into their model.

Being involved in a modeling exercise is a way to understand better the impacts of various assumptions one must make when developing and running models. While there may be no agreement on the best of various assumptions to make, stakeholders can learn which of those assumptions matter and which do not. In addition, the involvement of stakeholders in the process of model development will create discussions that will lead toward a better understanding of everyone’s interests and concerns. Though such model building exercises, it is just possible those involved will reach not only a better understanding of everyone’s concerns, but also a common or “shared” vision of at least how their system (as represented by their model, of course) works.

1.5.5.6 Models for Adaptive Management

Recent emphasis has shifted from structural engineering solutions to more nonstructural alternatives , especially for environmental and ecosystem restoration. Part of this shift reflects the desire to keep more options open for future generations. It reflects the desire to be adaptive to new information and to respond to surprises—impacts not forecasted. As we learn more about how river basins, estuaries, and coastal zones work, and how humans can better manage those resources, we do not want to regret what we have done in the past that may preclude this adaptation.

In some situations, it may be desirable to create a “rolling” plan—one based on the results of an optimization or simulation model of a particular water resource system that can be updated at any time. This permits responses to resource management and regulatory questions when they are asked, not just at times when new planning and management exercises take place. While this appears to be desirable, will planning and management organizations have the financing and support to maintain and update the modeling software used to estimate various impacts, collect and analyze new data, and maintain the expertise, all of which are necessary for continuous planning (rolling plans)?

1.6 Planning and Management Characteristics

1.6.1 integrated policies and development plans.

Clearly, a portion of any water resources planning and management study report should contain a discussion of the particular site-specific water resource management issues and options. Another part of the report might include a prioritized list of strategies for addressing existing problems and available development or management opportunities in the basin.

Recent emphasis has shifted from structural engineering solutions to more nonstructural alternatives , especially for environmental and ecosystem restoration. Part of this shift reflects the desire to keep more options open for future generations. It reflects the desire to be adaptive to new information and to respond to surprises—impacts not forecasted. As we learn more about how river basins, estuaries, and coastal zones work, and how humans can better manage their water resources, we do not want to be regretting what we have done in the past that may preclude this adaptation.

Consideration also needs to be given to improving the quality of the water resources planning and management review process and focusing on outcomes themselves rather than output measures. One of the outcomes should be an increased understanding of some of the relationships between various human activities and the hydrology and ecology of the basin, estuary, or coastal zone. Models developed for predicting the economic as well as ecologic interactions and impacts due to changes in land and water management and use could be used to address questions such as:

What are the hydrologic, ecologic, and economic consequences of clustering or dispersing human land uses such as urban and commercial developments and large residential areas? Similarly, what are the consequences of concentrated versus dispersed patterns of reserve lands, stream buffers, and forestland?

What are the costs and ecological benefits of a conservation strategy based on near-stream measures (e.g., riparian buffers) versus near-source (e.g., upland/site edge) measures? What is the relative cost of forgone upland development versus forgone valley or riparian development? Do costs strongly limit the use of stream buffer zones as mitigating for agriculture , residential, and urban developments?

Should large intensive developments be best located in upland or valley areas? Does the answer differ depending on economic, environmental, or aquatic ecosystem perspectives? From the same perspectives, is the most efficient and desirable landscape highly fragmented or highly zoned with centers of economic activity?

To what extent can riparian conservation and enhancement mitigate upland human land use effects? How do the costs of upland controls compare with the costs of riparian mitigation measures?

What are the economic and environmental quality trade-offs associated with different areas of different classes of land use such as commercial/urban, residential, agriculture , and forest?

Can adverse effects on hydrology, aquatic ecology, and water quality of urban areas be better mitigated with upstream or downstream management approaches ? Can land controls like stream buffers be used at reasonable cost within urban areas, and if so, how effective are they?

Is there a threshold size for residential/commercial areas that yield marked ecological effects?

What are the ecological states at the landscape scale that once attained become irreversible with reasonable mitigation measures? For example, once stream segments in an urban setting become highly altered by direct and indirect effects (e.g., channel bank protection and straightening and urban runoff), can they be restored with feasible changes in urban land use or mitigation measures?

Mitigating flood risk by minimizing floodplain developments coincides with conservation of aquatic life in streams. What are the economic costs of this type of risk avoidance?

What are the economic limitations and ecologic benefits of having light residential zones between waterways and commercial, urban, or agriculture lands?

What are the economic development decisions that are irreversible on the landscape? For example, once land is used for commercial development, it is normally too costly to return it to agricultural land. This would identify limits on planning and management for conservation and development.

What are the associated ecological and economic impacts of the trend in residential, commercial and forests lands replacing agricultural lands?

The answers to these and similar questions may well differ in different regions. However, if we can address them on a regional scale, i.e., in multiple river basins, we just might begin to understand and predict better the interactions among economy, environment ecology, and people as a function of how we manage and use its land and water. This in turn may help us better manage and use our land and water resources for the betterment of all—now and on into the future.

1.6.2 Sustainability

Sustainable water resource systems are those designed and managed to best serve people living in the future as well as those of us living today. The actions that we as a society take now to satisfy our own needs and desires should not only depend on what those actions will do for us but also on how they will affect our descendants. This consideration of the long-term impacts on future generations of actions taken now is the essence of sustainable development. While the word “sustainability ” can mean different things to different people, it always includes a consideration of the welfare of those living in the future. While the debate over a more precise definition of sustainability will continue, and questions over just what it is that should be sustained may remain unanswered, this should not delay progress toward achieving water resource systems that we judge best serves those of us living today as well as our children and their children living in the future.

The concept of environmental and ecological sustainability has largely resulted from a growing concern about the long-run health of our planet. There is increasing evidence that our present resource use and management activities and actions, even at local levels , can significantly affect the welfare of those living within much larger regions in the future. Water resource management problems at a river basin level are rarely purely technical and of interest only to those living within the individual river basins where those problems exist. They are increasingly related to broader societal structures, demands, and goals.

What would future generations like us to do for them? We do not know, but we can guess. As uncertain as these guesses will be, we should take them into account as we act to satisfy our own immediate needs, demands, and desires. There may be trade-offs between what we wish to do for ourselves in our current generation versus what we think future generations might wish us to do for them. These trade-offs , if any, between what present and future generations would like should be considered. Once identified, or at least estimated, just what decisions to make should be debated and decided in the political arena. There is no scientific theory to help us identify which trade-offs, if any, are optimal .

The inclusion of sustainability criteria along with the more common economic, environmental, ecological, and social criteria used to evaluate alternative water resources development and management strategies may identify a need to change how we commonly develop and use our water resources. We need to consider the impacts of change itself. Change over time is certain; just what it will be is uncertain. These changes will impact the physical, biological, and social dimensions of water resource systems. An essential aspect in the planning, design and management of sustainable systems is the anticipation of change. This includes change due to geomorphologic processes, to aging of infrastructure, to shifts in demands or desires of a changing society, and even due to increased variability of water supplies, possibly because of a changing climate. Change is an essential feature of sustainable water resources development and management.

Sustainable water resource systems are those designed and operated in ways that make them more adaptive, robust , and resilient to an uncertain and changing future. Sustainable water resource systems must be capable of effectively functioning under conditions of changing supplies, management objectives, and demands. Sustainable systems, like any others, may fail, but when they fail they must be capable of recovering and operating properly without undue costs.

In the face of certain changes, but with uncertain impacts, an evolving and adaptive strategy for water resources development, management, and use is a necessary condition of sustainable development. Conversely, inflexibility in the face of new information and new objectives and new social and political environments is an indication of reduced system sustainability. Adaptive management is a process of adjusting management actions and directions, as appropriate, in light of new information on the current and likely future condition of our total environment and on our progress toward meeting our goals and objectives. Water resources development and management decisions can be viewed as experiments, subject to modification—but with goals clearly in mind. Adaptive management recognizes the limitations of current knowledge and experience and that we learn by experimenting. It helps us move toward meeting our changing goals over time in the face of this incomplete knowledge and uncertainty. It accepts the fact that there is a continual need to review and revise management approaches because of the changing as well as uncertain nature of our socioeconomic and natural environments.

Changing the social and institutional components of water resource systems are often the most challenging because they involve changing the way individuals think and act. Any process involving change will require that we change our institutions—the rules under which we as a society function. Individuals are primarily responsible for, and adaptive to, changing political and social situations. Sustainability requires that public and private institutions also change over time in ways that are responsive to the needs of individuals and society.

Given the uncertainty of what future generations will want, and the economic, environmental, and ecological problems they will face, a guiding principle for the achievement of sustainable water resource systems is to provide options that allow future generations to alter such systems. One of the best ways to do this is to interfere as little as possible with the proper functioning of natural life cycles within river basins, estuaries, and coastal zones . Throughout the water resource system planning and management process, it is important to identify all the beneficial and adverse ecological, economic, environmental, and social effects—especially the long-term effects—associated with any proposed planning and management project.

1.7 Meeting the Planning and Management Challenges—A Summary

Planning (the formulation of development and management plans and policies) is an important and often indispensable means to support and improve operational management. Planning provides an opportunity to:

assess the current state of the water resources and the conflicts and priorities over their use, formulate visions, set goals and targets , and thus orient operational management,

provide a framework for organizing policy relevant research and public participation,

increase the legitimacy, public acceptance of, or even support for how the resources are to be allocated or controlled, especially in times of stress, and

facilitate the interaction, discussion, and coordination among managers and stakeholders, and generate a common point of reference—a management plan or policy.

Many of the concerns and issues being addressed by water resources planners and managers today are similar to those faced by planners and managers in the past. But some are different. Most of the new ones are the result of two trends: (1) a growing concern for the sustainability of natural ecosystems and (2) an increased recognition for the need of the bottom-up “grassroots” participatory approach to planning, managing, and decision-making.

Today planners work for economic development and prosperity as they did in the past, keeping in mind environmental impacts and goals as they have done in the past, but now recognizing ecological impacts and values as well. Water resources management may still be focused on controlling and mitigating the adverse impacts of floods and droughts and water pollution, on producing hydropower, on developing irrigation, on controlling erosion and sediment, and on promoting navigation , but only as these and similar activities are compatible with healthy ecosystems. Natural ecosystems generally benefit from the variability of natural hydrologic regimes. Other users prefer less variability. Much of our engineering infrastructure is operated so as to reduce hydrologic variability . Today water resource systems are increasing, required to provide rather than reduce hydrologic (and accompanying sediment load) variability. Reservoir operators, for example, can modify their water release policies to increase this variability. Farmers and land use developers must minimize rather than encourage land-disturbing activities. Floodplains may need to get wet occasionally. Rivers and streams may need to meander and fish species requiring habitats along the full length of rivers to complete their life cycles must have access to those habitats. Clearly these ecological objectives, added to all the other economic and environmental ones, can only compound the conflicts and issues with respect to land and water management and use.

So, how can we manage all this conflict and uncertainty? We know that water resources planning and management should be founded on sound science, efficient public program administration, and broad participation of stakeholders . Yet obtaining each of these three conditions is a difficult challenge. While the natural and social sciences can help us predict the economic, environmental, and ecological impacts of alternative decisions, those predictions are never certain. In addition, these sciences offer no help in determining the best decision to make in the face of multiple conflicting goals held by multiple stakeholders—goals that have changed, and no doubt will continue to change. Water resources planning and management and decision-making are not as easy as “we professionals can tell you what to do. All you need is the will to do it.” Very often it is not clear what should be done. Professionals administering the science, often from public agencies, nongovernmental organizations, or even from universities, are merely among all the stakeholders having an interest in and contributing to the management of water.

Each governmental agency, consulting firm, environmental interest group, and citizen typically has its own limitations, authorities, expertise and conflicts with other people, agencies and organizations, all tending to detract from achieving a fully integrated approach to water resources planning and management. But just because of this, the participation and contributions of all these stakeholders are needed. They must come together in a partnership if indeed an integrated approach to water resources planning and management is to be achieved and sustained. All views must be heard, considered, and acted upon by all involved in the water resources planning and management process.

Water resources planning and management is not simply the application and implementation of science. It is creating a social environment that gets all of us who should be involved, from the beginning, in a continuing planning process. This process is one of

educating ourselves about how our systems work and function,

identifying existing or potential options and opportunities for enhancement and resource development and use,

resolving the inevitable problems and conflicts that will result over who gets what and when and who pays who for what and when,

making and implementing decisions, and finally of

monitoring the impacts of those decisions.

This process is repeated as surprises or new opportunities or new knowledge dictates.

Successful water resources planning and management requires the active participation of all community institutions involved in economic development and resource management. How can this begin at the local stakeholder level? How does anyone get others interested in preventing problems before those problems are apparent, or especially before “unacceptable” solutions are offered to deal with them? And how do you deal with the inevitable group or groups of stakeholders who see it in their best interest not to participate in the planning process, but to just criticize it from the outside? Who is in a position at the local level to provide that leadership and needed financial support? In some regions, nongovernmental institutions have been instrumental in initiating and coordinating this process at local grassroot levels .

Water resources planning and management processes should identify a vision that guides development and operational activities in the affected region. Planning and management processes should

recognize and address the goals and expectations of the region’s stakeholders,

identify and respond to the region’s water-related problems,

function effectively within the region’s legal/institutional frameworks,

accommodate both short- and long-term issues,

generate a diverse menu of alternatives ,

integrate the biotic and abiotic parts of the basin,

take into account the allocation of water for all needs, including those of natural systems,

be stakeholder-driven,

take a global perspective,

be flexible and adaptable,

drive regulatory processes, not be driven by them,

be the basis for policy making,

foster coordination among planning partners and consistency among related plans,

be accommodating of multiple objectives,

be a synthesizer, recognize and deal with conflicts, and

produce recommendations that can be implemented.

All too often integrated planning processes are hampered by the separation of planning, management and implementing authorities, turf-protection attitudes, shortsighted focusing of efforts, lack of objectivity on the part of planners, and inadequate funding. These deficiencies need addressing if integrated holistic planning and management is to be more than just something to write about.

Effective water resources planning and management is a challenge today, and will be an increasing challenge into the foreseeable future. This book introduces some of the tools that are being used to meet these challenges. We consider it only a first step toward becoming an accomplished planner or manager.

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Additional References (Further Reading)

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Identify and briefly describe the six greatest rivers in the world.

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• CBSE Class 10
• CBSE Class 10 Important Questions
• CBSE Class 10 Geography Important Questions
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CBSE Class 10 Geography Chapter 3 Water Resources Important Questions

Three-fourth of the earth’s surface is covered with water, but only a small proportion of it accounts for freshwater that can be put to use. If three-fourth of the world is covered with water and water is a renewable resource, then how is it that countries and regions around the globe suffer from water scarcity? Why is it predicted that by 2025, nearly two billion people will live in absolute water scarcity? Know more about water scarcity and water conservation from Chapter 3, “Water Resources,” of CBSE Class 10 Geography. We have also compiled CBSE Class 10 Geography Chapter 3 Water Resources Important Questions here. It will help students to revise the chapter well. By practising these questions, students will get well versed with the topics of this chapter which are more likely to be asked in the board exam.

These CBSE Class 10 Important Questions cover the crucial topics of this chapter and also help students to score high marks in the exam.

Download CBSE Class 10 Geography Chapter 3 Water Resources Important Questions Free PDF

Chapter 3 Water Resources

1. From your everyday experiences, write a short proposal on how you can conserve water.

2 . What are dams and how do they help us in conserving and managing water?

3 . Explain about Narmada Bachao Andolan or Save Narmada Movement.

4 . Basic safety precautions to be taken during floods.

5 . Based on the information given below classify each of the situations as ‘suffering from water scarcity’ or ‘not suffering from water scarcity’.

(a) Region with high annual rainfall.

(b) Region having high annual rainfall and large population.

(c) Region having high annual rainfall but water is highly polluted.

(d) Region having low rainfall and low population

6 . What are the main causes of water scarcity?

7 . Discuss how rainwater harvesting in semi-arid regions of Rajasthan is carried out.

8 . Compare the advantages and disadvantages of multi-purpose river projects.

9. Explain about multi-purpose river valley project. Give its objectives.

10 . ‘‘Urbanisation has added to water scarcity.’’ Support the statement with arguments.

11 . ‘‘Water harvesting system is an effective measure to reduce the problem of water scarcity.’’ Justify the statement.

12 . Give the sources of freshwater in India.

13. Explain the need for rainwater harvesting in India. How is it useful? Explain the mechanism with a diagram.

14 . Is it possible that an area or region may have ample water resources but is still facing water scarcity?

15 . What are the advantages of building dams? Mention 4 points.

16 . Mention the states, where the practice of ‘rooftop water harvesting’ are largely practised?

(a) Rajasthan (b) Assam (c) Madhya Pradesh (d) Kerala

17 . Mention the disadvantages of building large dams. Mention 4 points.

18 . Analyse the impact of water scarcity.

19 . Jawaharlal Nehru proudly proclaimed dams as the ‘temples of modern India’. Explain.

20. Name two techniques of rooftop water harvesting.

21. How have intensive industrialisation and urbanisation posted a great pressure on existing fresh water resource in India. Explain?

22 . On which river, the Hirakud dam been constructed?

23. Explain how water becomes a renewable resource?

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Case Studies

Our cutting-edge research builds a body of science with direct, actionable results. View the case studies below to learn more.

Practical Considerations for the Incorporation of Biomass Fermentation into Enhanced Biological Phosphorus Removal

Utility analysis and improvement methodology: case studies, food waste co-digestion at derry township municipal authority (pa): business case analysis case study, food waste co-digestion at los angeles county sanitation districts (ca): business case analysis case study, food waste co-digestion at east bay municipal utility district (ca): business case analysis snapshot, food waste co-digestion at oneida county water pollution control plant (ny): business case analysis snapshot, food waste co-digestion at central marin sanitation agency (ca): business case analysis case study, food waste co-digestion at hermitage municipal authority (pa): business case analysis snapshot, food waste co-digestion at city of stevens point public utilities department (wi): business case analysis case study, distributed water case studies.

Water Resources Class 10 Geography Chapter 3 Extra Questions and Answers

CBSE Class 10 Geography Chapter 3 Water Resources Extra Questions and Answers is available here. Students can learn and download PDF of these questions for free. These extra questions and answers are prepared by our expert teachers as per the latest NCERT textbook and guidelines. Learning these questions will help you to score excellent marks in the board exams.

Water Resources Class 10 Extra Questions Geography Chapter 3

Very short answer type questions.

1. How is freshwater obtained

Answer:  The freshwater is obtained from precipitation, surface run off and groundwater that is continually being renewed and recharged through the hydrological cycle.

2. What is hydrological cycle Answer:  The continuous movement of water on, above and below the surface of earth.

3. What is the importance of hydrological cycle

Answer:  The freshwater is mainly obtained from surface run off and groundwater that is continually being renewed and recharged through the hydrological cycle. All water moves within the hydrological cycle ensuring that water is renewable resource.

4. What is water scarcity [CBSE 2014] Answer:  Water scarcity is the lack of sufficient available water resources to meet the demand.

5. “The availability of water resources varies over space and time”. Give reasons. Answer:  Water resources varies over space and time due to the variation in seasonal and annual precipitation.

6. What percentage of the total volume of world’s water is estimated to exist as oceans

Answer:  96.5%

7. How much per cent of the total volume of world’s water is estimated to exist as fresh water

Answer:  2.5

8. What are the sources of fresh water? Answer:  Precipitation, surface run off and groundwater.

9. How is freshwater being renewed Answer:  The freshwater is being renewed through the hydrological cycle.

10. Mention any two regions which are expected to face water shortage. Answer:  (i) Regions having low rainfall (ii) Regions which are drought prone.

11. What is a dam Answer:  ‘A dam’ is a barrier across the flowing water that obstructs dissects or retards the flow, often creating a reservoir, lake or impoundment.

12. What is a multipurpose project Answer:  A multipurpose project is that which fulfils a . variety of purposes at the same time, for example – irrigation, generation of electricity, flood control, fish breeding, soil conservation etc.

13. Who proclaimed dams as the temples of modem India Answer:  Jawaharlal Nehru.

14. Why were the multipurpose river projects considered as temples of modem India by Jawaharlal Nehru Answer:  These would integrate development of agriculture and the village economy with rapid industrialisation and growth of the urban economy.

15. Name any two social movements which have been launched against the multipurpose projects. Answer:  Narmada Bachao Andolan and ‘Tehri Dam’ Andolan.

16. What was considered as a viable alternative to the multipurpose projects and why [CBSE 2013] Answer:  The. disadvantages and rising resistance against the multipurpose projects, has lead us to conclude that water harvesting system is a viable alternative, both socio-economically and environmentally.

17. Irrigation has changed the cropping pattern of many regions with farmers shifting to water intensive and commercial crops”. Mention its ecological consequence. Answer:  Salinisation of the soil

18. What was the primary reason for launching ‘Narmada Bachao Andolan’ Answer:  Narmada Bachao Andolan was launched due to the large scale displacement of local communities.

19. What is silt Answer:  A fine soil which is formed in flood plains.

20. How people used to conserve or harvest water in hills and mountainous regions Answer:  By building diversion channels like the ‘guts’ or ‘kuls’.

21. How people used to harvest water in the flood plains of Bengal Answer:  By building inundation channels to irrigate their fields.

22. How people harvest water in the semi- arid and arid regions of Rajasthan Answer:  By building underground tanks.

23. Many people of arid and semi-arid regions construct under-ground rooms adjoining the water tanks. Give reason. Answer:  By beating the summer heat it would keep the room cool.

24. Name two techniques of roof top rain water harvesting. [CBSE 2009(0)] Answer:  (i) Recharge through hand pump. (ii) Recharge through abandoned dug well.

25. Name any two states where roof top water harvesting is most common. Answer:  Meghalaya and Rajasthan.

26. Define the term Tankas. [CBSE 2008 (F)] Answer:  Tankas are the underground tanks for storing drinking water.

27. Which is the purest form of natural water Answer:  Rainwater

28. What is Kul Answer:  It is a circular village tank from which water is released and taken when required.

29. Name any two states which are involved in Krishna-Godavari-dispute. Answer:  Karanataka and Andhra Pradesh.

30. Name the river on which the Hirakud dam is located. [CBSE 2013] Answer:  Mahanadi

31. Name the river on which the Mettur dam is located. Answer:  Kaveri

32. Name the river on which the Nagarjuna Sagar dam is located.

Answer:  Tungabhadra

33. Name the river on which the Rihand dam is located. Answer:  Son

34. Name the river on which the Bhakra Nangal dam is located. [CBSE 2014] Answer:  Satluj

35. Name the river on which the Koyna dam is located Answer:  Krishana

36. Name the river on which the Sardar Sarovar dam is located. Answer:  Narmada

37. What is the contribution of hydroelectricity in the total generation of electricity. Answer:  22%

Short Answer Type Questions

1. What is hydrological cycle? What is its importance

Answer:  The continuous movement of water on, above and below the surface of earth is known as hydrological cycle. The freshwater is mainly obtained from surface run off and ground water that is continually being renewed and recharged through the hydrological cycle. All water moves within the hydrological cycle 5. ensuring that water is a renewable resource.

2. How has agriculture aggravated the problem of water scarcity in India Explain. [CBSE 2014]

Answer:  (i) Water is a basic input in agriculture. It is used for irrigation. (ii) HYV seeds needs more water as compared to traditional seeds. (iii) Commercialisation of agriculture has also lead to withdrawal of groundwater at a large scale. (iv) Overuse of groundwater is another problem associated with agriculture. The water table has lowered in many parts of India due to its overuse.

3. “Water scarcity may be an outcome of large and growing population”. Justify.

Answer:  (i) A large population means more water not only for domestic use but also to produce more food. (ii) Most of the Indian cities are facing the problem of water due to growing population. . (iii) A growing population has also a direct impact on the water level.

4. How does urbanisation and urban lifestyle lead to over-exploitation of water resources Explain. [CBSE 2013]

Answer:  (i) Most of our cities are over populated. Overpopulation leads to our utilisation of water resources. (ii) Urbanisation especially unplanned urbanisation adds to water pollution. (iii) Urbanisation also damages the existing water resources especially the river. For example, most of Indian river have been polluted by the waste of cities.

5. Is it possible that an area or region may have ample water resources but is still facing water scarcity Explain with the help of three relevant examples. [CBSE 2013] 

Answer:  Yes, it is possible that an area or region may have ample water resources but is still facing water scarcity. Most of our cities are facing this problem. (i) In most of our cities there is no shortage of water but the water is unfit for consumption. (ii) Most of our cities are in the banks of rivers, but rivers have been turned into toxic streams. (iii) The ever increasing population, industries and vehicles has made matter worse by exerting pressure on existing freshwater resources.

6. What is importance of water [CBSE 2012] Or “Water is a very important and critical resource in India.” Support the statement by explaining any three points. [CBSE 2013]

Answer:  (i) Water is vital for human survival. (ii) Water is used for transportation. (iii) In industries water is used as a coolant. (iv) Water is also used for power production. (v) Water is a basic input for agriculture.

7. How do increasing number of industries exert pressure on existing freshwater resources [CBSE 2012]

Answer:  (i) industries used water as coolant, raw material, solvent, etc. (ii) Industries release harmful chemicals which contaminates water. (iii) Most of the Indian rivers are polluted due to toxic chemicals which are released by industries.

8. What are dams? How do these help to conserve and manage water

Answer: A dam is a barrier across flowing water that obstructs, directs or retards the flow often creating a reservoir, lake or impoundment. (i) Dams were traditionally built to impound rivers and rainwater that could be used later to irrigate agricultural fields. (ii) Dams are also source of perennial canals.

9. Distinguish between a dam and a multipurpose project.

Answer:   Dam  1. A dam is barrier across the flowing water that obstructs, dissects or retards the flow, often creating a reservoir, lake or an impoundment  2. It is a traditional concept. 

Multipurpose project. 1. A multipurpose project is that which fulfils a variety of purposes at the same time, for example – irrigation, generation of electricity, flood control, fish breeding, soil conservation, etc. 2. It is a modern concept. 

10. Who proclaimed the dams as the temples of modern India Give reason.

Answer:  Jawaharlal Nehru proudly proclaimed the dams as the ‘temples of modem India’; the reason being that it would integrate development of agriculture and the village economy with rapid industrialisation and growth of the urban economy.

11.‘Multipurpose projects and large dams have also been the cause of many social movement’. Name any two such movements. Why these movements were launched

Answer:  Multipurpose projects and large dams have also been the cause of many new social movements like the ‘Narmada Bachao Andolan’ and ‘Tehri Dam Andolan’ etc. Resistance to these projects has primarily been due to the large – scale displacement of local communities. Local people often had to give up their land, livelihood and their meagre access and control over resources for the greater good of the nation.

12. How do the dams create conflicts between the people

Answer:  (i) The dams have created conflicts between people wanting different uses and benefits from the same water resources. (ii) Inter-state water disputes are becoming common with regard to sharing the costs and benefits of the Projects. (iii) The landowners, the rich farmers, industrialists and urban centres are benefitting at the cost of local communities.

In Gujarat, the Sabarmati – basin farmers were agitated and almost caused a riot over the higher priority given to water supply in urban areas, particularly during droughts. Inter – state water disputes are also becoming common with regard to sharing the costs and benefits of the multipurpose project.

13. How has irrigation changed the cropping pattern? What is its impact on the social landscape [CBSE Sep 2012]

Answer:  Due to irrigation facilities many farmers have shifted to water intensive and commercial crops. For example, Punjab has become major producer of rice inspite of low rainfall. Impact on social landscape: This transformation has widens the gap between rich and poor. The rich and mighty who can afford higher inputs has become more rich whereas the poor have failed to get benefit due to lack of capital.

14. Explain three ways in which irrigation schemes have changed the social landscape of the region. [CBSE 2012]

Answer:  (i) Displacement of the local people : Local people often had to give up their land, livelihood and their meagre access and control over resources for the greater good of the nation. (ii) Social movements : Multipurpose projects and large dams have also been the cause of many new social movements like the ‘Narmada Bachao Andolan’ and the ‘Tehri Dam Andolan’, etc. (iii) Widening the gap between rich and poor : Multipurpose projects have widened the gap between rich and poor. The landlords, large farmers and industrialist are getting benefit at the cost of poor.

15. “Multipurpose projects have failed to achieve the purpose for which they were built”. Justify by giving reasons. [CBSE 2014]

Answer:  (i) These dams were constructed to control floods but they have triggered floods due to sedimentation in the reservoir. (ii) Moreover, the big dams have mostly been unsuccessful in controlling floods at the time of excessive rainfall. (iii) Many a time authorities are forced to release water from dams during heavy rainfall.

16. What is rainwater harvesting What is its importance

Answer:  It is a technique of increasing the recharge of ground water by capturing and storing rainwater by constructing structures such as percolating pits, check dams, etc.

Importance:- (i) Rainwater harvesting is the need of hour as demand for water is increasing day by day. (ii) Rainwater harvesting reduces pressure on existing water resources. (iii) It is cheap source of water supply. (iv) It helps in recharging groundwater. (v) The rainwater store is extremely reliable source of drinking water when all other sources are dried up.

17. (i) What is a multipurpose project [CBSE 2009 (D) ; Sept. 2010, 11]  (ii) Why did Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru proclaim the river dams as the ‘Temples of Modem India?’ Explain the main reason. [CBSE 2014]

Answer:  (i) A multipurpose project is that which fulfils a variety of purposes at the same time, for example – irrigation, generation of electricity, flood control, fish breeding, soil conservation, etc. (ii) It would integrate development of agriculture and the village economy with rapid industrialisation and the growth of urban economy.

18. Explain the rooftop rainwater harvesting technique.

Answer:  (i) Rooftop rainwater is collected using a PVC pipe. (ii) Collected water is filtered using sand and bricks. (iii) Underground pipe is used to take the water to the sump for immediate usage. (iv) Excess water from the sump is taken to the well. (v) Water from the well recharges the underground water.

19. Why are different water harvesting systems considered a viable alternative both socio economically and environmentally in a country like India [CBSE Sept. 2010, 2011]

Answer:  (i) Water harvesting is a very cheap and affordable method of conservation of water. (ii) Indian people have in-depth knowledge of rainfall regime and soil type. They have developed techniques to harvest rainwater, groundwater, rain water and flood water in keeping with the local ecological conditions and their water needs. (iii) Rainwater harvesting techniques are more environmental friendly as compare to multipurpose river projects.

Long Answer Type Questions

1. How have the growing population, industrialisation and urbanisation led to water scarcity Explain.[CBSE 2008 (D)] Or Explain any four reasons responsible for water scarcity in India. [CBSE 2010(D), Sept. 2012] Or How have industrialisation and urbanisation aggravated water scarcity in India [CBSE Sept. 2010, 14] Or Give three reasons for water scarcity in post independent India. [CBSE Sept. 2010] Or ‘Three-fourths of the earth’s surface is covered with water but there is still scarcity of water across the globe.’ Explain giving three reasons. [CBSE 2011]

Answer:  (i) Growing population : Growing population is one of the basic factors which is responsible for the scarcity of water. Most of our cities are facing this problem due to overpopulation. A large population means more water not only for domestic use but also to produce more food.

(ii) Commercialisation of agriculture : After the success of Green Revolution, our farmers are producing commercial crops. The commercial crops need more water and other inputs. Assured means of irrigation like tube wells and wells are responsible for the falling groundwater levels.

(iii) Industrialisation : The post independent India witnessed intensive industrialisation and urbanisation. Today, large industrial houses are common in the form of industrial units of many MNCs (Multinational Corporations). The ever increasing number of industries has made matters worse by exerting pressure on the existing freshwater resources. Industries, apart from being heavy users of water, also require power to run them. Much of this energy comes from the hydroelectric power.

(iv) Urbanisation : Urbanisation has also aggravated the problem of water scarcity. Most of our cities are overpopulated. Overpopulation leads to over- utilisation of the water resources, and also pollutes the existing resources.

2. How do the multipurpose river projects affect the aquatic life Explain. Or Explain the ecological problems being faced due to the multi-purpose river projects. [CBSE 2013]

Answer:  In recent years, the multi-purpose projects and large dams have come under great scrutiny and opposition for a variety of reasons : (i) Regulating and damming of rivers affect their natural flow causing poor sediment flow and excessive sedimentation at the bottom of the reservoir, resulting in rockier streambeds and poorer habitats for the rivers, as well as the aquatic life. (ii) Dams also fragment rivers making it difficult for the aquatic fauna to migrate, especially for spawning. (iii) The reservoirs that are created on the flood. Plains also submerge the existing vegetation and soil leading to its decomposition over time. (iv) Irrigation has also changed the cropping pattern of many regions with farmers shifting to water intensive and commercial crops. This has great ecological consequences like salinisation of the soil.

3. Explain the quantitative and qualitative aspects of water scarcity. Or Water is available in abundance in India even then scarcity of water is experienced in major parts of the country. Explain with four examples. [CBSE 2008 (D)] 

Answer:  (i) Quantitative aspect : This aspect is related to the availability of water resources. The availability of water resources varies over space and time mainly due to variations in seasonal and annual precipitation. However, water scarcity in most cases is caused by over-exploitation, excessive use and unequal access to water among different social groups.

(ii) Qualitative aspect : Now, let us consider another situation where water is sufficiently available to meet the needs of the people, but, the area still suffers from water scarcity. This scarcity may be due to bad quality of water. Lately, there has been a growing concern that even if there is ample water to meet the needs of the people, much of it may be polluted by domestic and industrial wastes, chemicals, pesticides and fertilizers used in agriculture, thus, making it hazardous for human use.

4. Why is there an urgent need to conserve and manage our water resources Mention three reasons. [CBSE 2012] Or Why is it necessary to conserve water resources in India Explain. Or Why is it essential to conserve, and manage our water resources Explain any three reasons. [CBSE 2012] Or Why we should conserve our water resources Explain any three reasons. [CBSE 2012,2014]

Answer:  (i) Precondition for life : Water is necessary for life on earth. It is believed that life originated in water before it invaded land. Water is in fact a precondition of life. (ii) Water essential for crops: Cultivation of crops depends on the availability of water. Water dissolves minerals and other nutrients in the ground. The roots of the plants draw this nutritious water for the soil. India is an agricultural country so availability of water is a must. (iii) Water and industries : Industries need water as coolant, solvent, raw material, etc. (iv) Water for daily life : Water is also used for drinking and domestic consumption. The growing urbanisation with its modern lifestyle has been demanding greater share of water day by day. (v) Water an important component of ecosystem : Conservation of water is also important to prevent degradation of our natural ecosystems. (vi) Water scarcity : It is essential to conserve and manage water because its overuse and misuse has lead to water scarcity.

5. Examine the importance of the river valley projects in the development of hydel power and irrigational facilities in India. Or Give any four objectives of the multipurpose river valley projects. [CBSE Sept. 2011]

Answer:  (i) Generation of Power (electricity) : These multipurpose projects are the main source of power generation. According to the Economic Survey, 2013, these produce more than 39,788.40 MW power. They provide us neat, pollution free and cheapest energy which is the backbone of industry and agriculture. (ii) Flood Control : These projects control the floods because water can be stored in them. These projects have converted many ‘rivers of sorrows’ into ‘rivers of boon’. For example, the river Kosi. (iii) Soil Conservation : They help to conserve the soil because they slow down the speed of water. (iv) Irrigation : These projects are the main source of irrigation for our country. These irrigate the fields during the dry seasons. Many perennial canals have been dug and they irrigate dry areas.

6. “In recent years, the multipurpose projects and large dams have come under great scrutiny.” Give reasons. [CBSE Sept. 2012] Or Mention any four disadvantages of multi purpose projects. [CBSE Sept. 2010, 2013] Or . How may the multipurpose river valley projects become harmful for the country Explain with four examples. [CBSE 2008] Or Why are multipurpose projects facing resistance Explain with three reasons. [CBSE Sept.2010] 

Answer:  (i) Adverse effect on the fertility of the soil : Due to the construction of dams, there are no annual floods in the river. And because of this, the soil of the downstream region does not get nutrient rich “silt”. This decreases the fertility of the soil.

(ii) Adverse impact on aquatic life: Due to the construction of dams on the rivers, the fish in the downstream area do not get sufficient nutrient material. Regulating and damming of rivers affect the natural flow of water causing poor sediment flow downward, and excessive sedimentation at the bottom of reservoir, resulting in rockier stream beds and poorer habitats for the rivers aquatic life. Dams also fragment rivers making it difficult for aquatic fauna to migrate for spawning i.e., to produce eggs.

(iii) Displacement of local communities : The building of large dams results in displacement of local communities. The local people often have to give up their land and livelihood and their meagre access and control over resources for the greater food of the nation.

(iv) Change in the cropping pattern : The multipurpose projects are responsible for providing assured means of irrigation to farmers. Due to this, most of the farmers have changed the cropping pattern shifting to water intensive and commercial crops. This has led to salinisation of soil leading to ecological imbalance.

HOTS Questions and Answers

1. Write the features of the ‘tankas’ built in the houses of Bikaner, Phalodi and Banner. [CBSE 2013]

Answer:  (i) The tanks could be as large as a big room; one household in Phalodi had a tank that was 6.1 meters deep, 4.27 meters long and 2.44 meters wide. (ii) The tankas were part of the well-developed rooftop rainwater harvesting system and were built inside the main house or the courtyard. (iii) They were connected to the sloping roofs of the houses through a pipe. (itv) Rain falling on the rooftops would travel down the pipe and was stored in these underground tankas. (v) The first spell of rain was usually not collected as this would clean the roofs and the pipes. The rainwater from the subsequent showers was then collected.

2. Explain the term ‘tankas’. Where were tankas built in India [CBSE 2013]

Answer:  (i) The tankas were part of the well-developed rooftop rainwater harvesting system and were built inside the main house or the courtyard. They are built for storing drinking water. A tank could be 6.1 meters deep, 4.27 meters long and 2.44 meters wide. (ii) The tankas were built in the semi-arid and arid regions of Rajasthan, particularly in Bikaner, Phalodi and Barmer.

3. What is bamboo drip irrigation Mention any two features of it. [CBSE 2012]

Answer:  (1) (i) About 18-20 liters of water enters the bamboo pipe system, get transported over hundreds of meters and finally reduces to 20-80 drops per minute at the site of the plant. (ii) Bamboo drip irrigation system is practiced in Meghalaya. (2) Features of bamboo drip irrigation ; (i) Bamboo drip irrigation system is 200 year old system of tapping stream and stripwater by using bamboo pipe. (ii) Bamboo pipes are used to divert perennial springs on the hilltops to the lower reaches by gravity. (iii) The channel sections, made of bamboo, divert water to the plant site where it is distributed into branches.

4. What role do “Guls” or “Kuls” of the Western Himalayas and “Khadin” and “Johads” in parts of Rajasthan play Describe. [CBSE 2012]

Answer:  (i) In Western Himalayas people build diversion channels like ‘guls’ or ‘kuls’. (ii) In arid and semi-arid regions, agricultural fields were converted into rain-fed storage structures. (iii) These allowed the water to stand and moisten the soil like the ‘Khadins’ in Jaisalmer and ‘Johads’ in other parts of Rajasthan.

5. “Need of the hour is to conserve and manage our water resources.” Mention any four reasons. Suggest any two ways to conserve water. [CBSE Sept. 2012] 

Answer:  (i) To safeguard ourselves from health hazards. (ii) To ensure food security. (iii) To prevent degradation of our natural ecosystem. (iv) To save the future generations from water crisis. Suggestions : – (i) Turn off the tap while brushing. (ii) We should spread awareness regarding water conservation. (iii) Rainwater harvesting.

6. How is industrialisation responsible for water scarcity? Explain. Suggest any two ways to check water pollution.

Answer:  (i) The ever increasing number of industries has made matter worse by exerting pressure on the existing freshwater resources. (ii) Industries need power which is produced from water. The power is produced by the multipurpose projects. (iii) Chemicals and gases released by industries also pollutes the water. Suggestions : (i) Minimising use of soaps and detergents. (ii) Minimising use of fertilizers.

7. What is water scarcity? Mention any four factors responsible for water scarcity. [CBSE 2014] Or What is meant by water scarcity and give any two causes of water scarcity

Answer:  Shortage of water as compared to its demand is known as water scarcity. Factors responsible : (i) Overexploitation of water sources. (ii) Improper management. (iii) Unequal access of water among different social groups. (iv) Industrialisation and urbanisation.

8. “Overpopulation or large and growing population can lead to water scarcity.” Explain. Mention any two lessons which you have learnt from this.

Answer:  Overpopulation or large and growing population can lead to water scarcity as : (i) More population means more demand for water. (ii) A large population means more water not only for domestic use but also to produce more food. (iii) To facilitate higher foodgrain production, water resources are being over exploited to expand the irrigated areas and the dry season agriculture. (iv) Overutilisation of water results in lowering of the groundwater levels. Lessons : (i) There is need to check the growth of population. (ii) Human beings need to care for nature.

9. ‘Large multipurpose projects also lead to land degradation.’ Explain.

Answer:  Multipurpose projects lead to land degradation because : (i) Irrigation has changed the cropping pattern of many regions with farmers shifting to water intensive crops. This has led to the salinisation of the soil. (ii) Regulating and damming of rivers affect the natural flow of rivers causing poor sediment flow. (iii) The flood plains are deprived of silt. (iv) Multipurpose projects induce pollution which leads to land degradation.

10. Explain various problems associated with poor people due to construction of large dams. [CBSE 2013]

Answer:  (i) Construction of large dams leads to the large-scale displacement of the local communities. (ii) Local people have to give up their land and livelihood. (ii) Pbor people lose meagre access and control over resources for the greater good of the nation. (iv) The displaced people do not get full rehabilitation facilities from the government, (v) The landless people have to work as labourers in factories or construction sites. Their lives become miserable.

11. Name any two movements that have been started to oppose multipurpose projects. Who are benefitted from such projects [CBSE 2013]

Answer:  (1) Two movements that have been started to oppose multipurpose projects are:

(i) Narmada Bachao Andolan was started against the Sardar Sarovar Dam being built across the Narmada river in Gujarat. (ii) Tehri Dam Andolan – Resistance to these projects has primarily been due to the large-scale displacement of local communities. (2) The landowners and large farmers, industrialists and a few urban centers are benefitted from such projects.

12. Why is rooftop rainwater harvesting important in Rajasthan Explain. [CBSE 2013, 14]

Answer:  (i) The rainwater stored in tankas is an extremely reliable source of drinking water when all other sources are dried up. (ii) Rainwater is considered the purest form of natural water. (iii) Many houses constructed underground rooms adjoining the tanka to beat the summer heat as it would keep the room cool. (iv) There is lack of perennial rivers in Rajasthan. (v) The rainfall is not reliable in this region.

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Question 1 - Case Based Questions - Chapter 3 Class 10 Geography - Water Resources - Geography

Last updated at April 16, 2024 by Teachoo

Attempt any 4 sub-parts from each question. Each subpart carries 1 mark.

Given the abundance and renewability of water, it is difficult to imagine that we may suffer from water scarcity. The moment we speak of water shortages, we immediately associate it with regions having low rainfall of those that are drought prone. We instantaneously visualise the deserts of Rajasthan and women balancing many 'matkas' (earthen pots) used for collecting and storing water and travelling long distances to get water. True, the availability of water resources varies over space and time, mainly due to the variations in seasonal and annual precipitation, but water scarcity in most cases is caused by over-exploitation, excessive use and unequal access to water among different social groups. Where is then water scarcity likely to occur? As you have read in the hydrological cycle, freshwater can be obtained directly from precipitation, surface run off and groundwater. Is it possible that an area or region may have ample water resources but is still facing water scarcity? Many of our cities are such examples. Thus, water scarcity may be an outcome of large and growing population and consequent greater demands for water, and unequal access to it. A large population requires more water not only for domestic use but also to produce more food. Hence, to facilitate higher food-grain production, water resources are being over-exploited to expand irrigated areas for dry-season agriculture. Irrigated agriculture is the largest consumer of water. Now it is needed to revolutionise the resistant crops and dry farming techniques. You may have seen in many television advertisements that most farmers have their own wells and tube-wells in their farms for irrigation to increase their produce. But have you ever wondered what this could result in? That it may lead to falling groundwater levels, adversely affecting water availability and food security of the people.

Question (i)

The availability of water resources varies over:.

(C) Variation in precipitation

(D) All of the Above

From the paragraph

True, the  availability of water resources varies over space  and time, mainly due to the variations in seasonal  and annual precipitation , but water scarcity in most  cases is caused by over-exploitation, excessive use  and unequal access to water among different social  groups. 

Since availability of water resource varies over space, time and variation in precipitation.

So, the correct answer is (D) - All of the above

Question (ii)

Identify the cause of water scarcity..

(A) Overuse of aquifers

(B) Increased human consumption

(C) No change in climate

(D) Both A & B

True, the  availability of water resources varies over space  and time, mainly due to the variations in seasonal  and annual precipitation, but water scarcity in most  cases is caused by over-exploitation, excessive use  and unequal access to water among different social  groups.  

Explanation

Water scarcity may be an outcome of a large and growing population and consequent greater demands for water , and unequal access to it. The housing societies or colonies in the cities, you would find that most of these houses have their own groundwater pumping devices to meet their water needs. Fragile water resources are being over-exploited and have caused their depletion in several of these cities.  

So, the correct answer is (D) - Both A and B.

Question (iii)

____________ is the largest consumer of surface water..

(A) Animals

(B) Irrigated agriculture

(C) Aqua culture

(D) Industries

Hence, to facilitate  higher food-grain production, water resources are  being over-exploited to expand irrigated areas for  dry-season agriculture. Irrigated agriculture is the  largest consumer of water.

Around 70 percent of freshwater withdrawals go into agriculture . The uses within the sector are very diverse and include mainly irrigation , pesticide and fertilizer application , and sustaining livestock . Further along the value chain, water is used for food preservation (crop cooling, for example) and processing .

So, the correct answer is (B) - Irrigated agriculture

Question (iv)

A large amount of population requires more water not only for domestic use but also to produce more_______..

(B) forests

(D) factories

Thus, water  scarcity may be an outcome of a large and growing  population and consequent greater demands for  water, and unequal access to it. A large population  requires more water not only for domestic use but  also to produce more food.

So, the correct answer is (C) - Food

Question (v)

Identify the drought resistance crops from the following:.

(A) Mushrooms

(C) Sweet potatoes

Drought resistance or tolerance is a broader term applied to plant species with adaptive features that enable them to escape, avoid , or tolerate drought stress. 

So, the correct answer is (D) - All of the above.

Question (vi)

Choose the state which faced the maximum water scarcity in recent years..

(B) Maharashtra

(C) Himachal Pradesh

(D) Uttarakhand

Maharashtra is now one of the states that is experiencing an acute water shortage as a result of subsequent drought years . The state administration had to send out the most water tankers in 2019 to the driest parts of the state .

So, the correct answer is (B) - Maharashtra

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Case Study Questions for Class 10 Social Science Geography Chapter 3 Water Resources

• Last modified on: 8 months ago
• Reading Time: 9 Minutes

Here we are providing case study questions for Class 10 Social Science Geography Chapter 3 Water Resources

Case Study Question 1:

Read the source given below and answer the questions that follow:

RAINWATER HARVESTING

Many thought that given the disadvantages and rising resistance against the multi-purpose projects, water harvesting system was a viable alternative, both socio-economically and environmentally. In ancient India, along with the sophisticated hydraulic structures, there existed an extraordinary tradition of water harvesting system. People had in-depth knowledge of rainfall regimes and soil types and developed wide ranging techniques to harvest rainwater, groundwater, river water and flood water in keeping with the local ecological conditions and their water needs. In hill and mountainous regions, people built diversion channels like the ‘guls’ or ‘kuls’ of the Western Himalayas for agriculture. ‘Rooftop rainwater harvesting’ was commonly practised to store drinking water, particularly in Rajasthan. In the flood plains of Bengal, people developed inundation channels to irrigate their fields. In arid and semi-arid regions, agricultural fields were converted into rain fed storage structures that allowed the water to stand and moisten the soil like the ‘Khadins’ in Jaisalmer and ‘Johads’ in other parts of Rajasthan.

Q 1. Why is water harvesting system a viable alternative? Ans. Rainwater harvesting is comparatively more economical, environmentally viable, and socially acceptable alternative, as compared to the construction of dams.

Q 2. Describe the process of ‘rooftop rainwater harvesting’? Ans. Rooftop rainwater harvesting is the technique through which rainwater is captured from the roof catchments and stored in reservoirs. Harvested rainwater can be stored in subsurface groundwater reservoir by adopting artificial recharge techniques to meet the household needs through storage in tanks.

Q 3. Mention any two methods adopted by ancient India for water conservation. Ans. Methods adopted by ancient India for water conservation are: (i) Stepwells: Stepwells are examples of the many types of storages and irrigation tanks that were developed in India, mainly to cope with fluctuations in water availability. (ii) Tanks: Rainwater tanks collect stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces such as roofs, reducing the amount that enters our water ways.

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Tips to prepare for case study questions for class 10 social science.

Preparing for case study and passage-based questions in class 10 social science can be challenging, but it is important to remember that with the right approach, you can effectively tackle these types of questions. Here are some steps you can take to prepare for case study questions for class 10 social science:

• Understand the format of case study questions: Case study questions for class 10 social science usually require you to read a scenario or a passage and answer a set of questions based on it. These questions can be based on various topics like history, geography, economics, or civics.
• Read and analyze the case study or passage carefully: The first step in answering case study questions is to read the scenario or passage carefully. Try to identify the main idea or theme of the passage and note down any important details that you think are relevant. Pay attention to any maps, graphs, or charts that are included as they can be helpful in answering the questions.
• Identify the type of questions being asked: After reading the case study or passage, you should analyze the questions being asked. Try to identify the type of question, whether it is a factual question or an analytical question. Factual questions require you to provide specific details from the passage, while analytical questions require you to use your critical thinking skills to analyze the information presented in the passage.
• Use your textbook and notes: To prepare for case study questions for class 10 social science, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the topics covered in your textbook. Go through your notes and textbook to revise the relevant topics and concepts. This will help you to answer the questions more accurately.
• Practice sample questions: One of the best ways to prepare for case study questions is to practice answering sample questions. Try to find sample questions online or in your textbook and practice answering them. This will help you to get comfortable with the format of the questions and improve your speed and accuracy.

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Test: Water Resources- Source Based Type Questions - Humanities/Arts MCQ

15 questions mcq test - test: water resources- source based type questions, direction: read the case study given below and answer the questions that follow: available water resources are degrading rapidly. the major rivers of the country generally retain better water quality in less densely populated upper stretches in hilly areas. in plains, river water is used intensively for irrigation, drinking, domestic and industrial purposes. the drains carrying agricultural (fertilizers and insecticides), domestic (solid and liquid wastes), and industrial effluents join the rivers. the concentration of pollutants in rivers, especially remains very high during the summer season when flow of water is low. the central pollution control board (cpcb) in collaboration with state pollution control boards has been monitoring water quality of national aquatic resources at 507 stations. the data obtained from these stations show that organic and bacterial contamination continues to be the main source of pollution in rivers. the yamuna river is the most polluted river in the country between delhi and etawah. other severely polluted rivers are: the sabarmati at ahmedabad, the gomti at lucknow, the kali, the adyar, the cooum (entire stretches), the vaigai at madurai and the music of hyderabad and the ganga at kanpur and varanasi. ground water pollution has occurred due to high concentrations of heavy/toxic metals, fluoride and nitrates at different parts of the country. why the available water resources are degrading rapidly.

• A. Border conflicts
• B. Concentration of pollutants is very high
• C. Drying up of water bodies
• D. None of the Above

Direction: Read the case study given below and answer the questions that follow: Available water resources are degrading rapidly. The major rivers of the country generally retain better water quality in less densely populated upper stretches in hilly areas. In plains, river water is used intensively for irrigation, drinking, domestic and industrial purposes. The drains carrying agricultural (fertilizers and insecticides), domestic (solid and liquid wastes), and industrial effluents join the rivers. The concentration of pollutants in rivers, especially remains very high during the summer season when flow of water is low. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in collaboration with State Pollution Control Boards has been monitoring water quality of national aquatic resources at 507 stations. The data obtained from these stations show that organic and bacterial contamination continues to be the main source of pollution in rivers. The Yamuna river is the most polluted river in the country between Delhi and Etawah. Other severely polluted rivers are: the Sabarmati at Ahmedabad, the Gomti at Lucknow, the Kali, the Adyar, the Cooum (entire stretches), the Vaigai at Madurai and the Music of Hyderabad and the Ganga at Kanpur and Varanasi. Ground water pollution has occurred due to high concentrations of heavy/toxic metals, fluoride and nitrates at different parts of the country. When was the CPCB established?

Direction: read the case study given below and answer the questions that follow: ralegan siddhi is a small village in the district of ahmednagar, maharashtra. it has become an example for watershed development throughout the country. in 1975, this village was caught in a web of poverty and illicit liquor trade. the transformation took place when a retired army personnel, settled down in the village and took up the task of watered development. he convinced villagers about the importance of family planning and voluntary labour; preventing open grazing, felling trees, and liquor prohibition. voluntary labour was necessary to ensure minimum dependence on the government for financial aids. “it socialised the costs of the projects”, explained the activist. even those who were working outside the village contributed to the development by committing a month’s salary every year. work began with the percolation tank constructed in the village. in 1975, the tank could not hold water. the embankment wall leaked. people voluntarily repaired the embankment. the seven wells below it swelled with water in summer for the first time in the living memory of the people. the people reposed their faith in him and his visions. a youth group called tarun mandal was formed. the group worked to ban the dowry system, caste discrimination and untouchability. liquor distilling units were removed and prohibition imposed. open grazing was completely banned with a new emphasis on stall-feeding. the cultivation of water intensive crops like sugarcane was banned. crops such as pulses, oil seeds and certain cash crops with low water requirements were encouraged. all elections to local bodies began to be held on the basis of consensus. “it made the community leaders complete representatives of the people.” a system of nyay panchayats (informal courts) were also set up. since then, no case has been referred to the police. a rs. 22 lakh school building was constructed using only the resources of the village. no donations were taken. money, if needed, was borrowed and paid back. the villagers took pride in this self-reliance. a new system of sharing labour grew out of this infusion of pride and voluntary spirit. people volunteered to help each other in agricultural operation. landless labourers also gained employment. today the village plans to buy land for them in adjoining villages. at present, water is adequate; agriculture is flourishing, though the use of fertilizers and pesticides is very high. the prosperity also brings the question of ability of the present generation to carry on the work after the leader of the movement who declared that, “the process of ralegan’s evolution to an ideal village will not stop. with changing times, people tend to evolve new ways. in future, ralegan might present a different model to the country.” in which state is ralegan siddhi situated.

• A. Tamil Nadu
• B. Andhra Pradesh
• C. Maharashtra
• D. Arunachal Pradesh

Direction: Read the case study given below and answer the questions that follow:

Ralegan Siddhi is a small village in the district of Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. It has become an example for watershed development throughout the country.

In 1975, this village was caught in a web of poverty and illicit liquor trade. The transformation took place when a retired army personnel, settled down in the village and took up the task of watered development. He convinced villagers about the importance of family planning and voluntary labour; preventing open grazing, felling trees, and liquor prohibition.

Voluntary labour was necessary to ensure minimum dependence on the government for financial aids. “It socialised the costs of the projects”, explained the activist. Even those who were working outside the village contributed to the development by committing a month’s salary every year. Work began with the percolation tank constructed in the village. In 1975, the tank could not hold water. The embankment wall leaked. People voluntarily repaired the embankment. The seven wells below it swelled with water in summer for the first time in the living memory of the people. The people reposed their faith in him and his visions.

A youth group called Tarun Mandal was formed. The group worked to ban the dowry system, caste discrimination and untouchability. Liquor distilling units were removed and prohibition imposed. Open grazing was completely banned with a new emphasis on stall-feeding. The cultivation of water intensive crops like sugarcane was banned. Crops such as pulses, oil seeds and certain cash crops with low water requirements were encouraged. All elections to local bodies began to be held on the basis of consensus. “It made the community leaders complete representatives of the people.” A system of Nyay Panchayats (informal courts) were also set up. Since then, no case has been referred to the police. A Rs. 22 lakh school building was constructed using only the resources of the village. No donations were taken. Money, if needed, was borrowed and paid back. The villagers took pride in this self-reliance. A new system of sharing labour grew out of this infusion of pride and voluntary spirit. People volunteered to help each other in agricultural operation. Landless labourers also gained employment. Today the village plans to buy land for them in adjoining villages. At present, water is adequate; agriculture is flourishing, though the use of fertilizers and pesticides is very high. The prosperity also brings the question of ability of the present generation to carry on the work after the leader of the movement who declared that, “The process of Ralegan’s evolution to an ideal village will not stop. With changing times, people tend to evolve new ways. In future, Ralegan might present a different model to the country.”

What name was given to the youth group formed?

Yuva Mandal

Tarun Mandal

Students to Soldiers

The name “Tarun Mandal” was given to the youth group formed.

Watershed management basically refers to efficient management and conservation of surface and groundwater resources. It involves prevention of runoff and storage and recharge of groundwater through various methods like percolation tanks, recharge wells, etc. However, in broad sense watershed management includes conservation, regeneration and judicious use of all resources – natural (like land, water, plants and animals) and human with in a watershed. Watershed management aims at bringing about balance between natural resources on the one hand and society on the other. The success of watershed development largely depends upon community participation.

The Central and State Governments have initiated many watershed development and management programmes in the country. Some of these are being implemented by non-governmental organisations also. Hariyali watershed development project sponsored by the Central Government which aims at enabling the rural population to conserve water for drinking, irrigation, fisheries and afforestation. The Project is being executed by Gram Panchayats with people’s participation.

Neeru-Meeru (Water and You) programme (in Andhra Pradesh) and Arvary Pani Sansad (in Alwar, Rajasthan) have taken up constructions of various water-harvesting structures such as percolation tanks, dug out ponds (Johad), check dams, etc., through people’s participation.

______ basically refers to efficient management and conservation of surface and groundwater resources.

• A. Rainwater harvesting
• B. Watershed management
• C. Watershed conservation
• D. Watershed initiation

Who has sponsored the Project Hariyali?

• A. State Government
• B. Zila Parishad
• C. Central Government
• D. District Magistrate

The success of watershed development largely depends upon :

• A. community participation
• B. Government policies
• C. State Government involvement
• D. community isolation

Available water resources are degrading rapidly. The major rivers of the country generally retain better water quality in less densely populated upper stretches in hilly areas. In plains, river water is used intensively for irrigation, drinking, domestic and industrial purposes. The drains carrying agricultural (fertilizers and insecticides), domestic (solid and liquid wastes), and industrial effluents join the rivers. The concentration of pollutants in rivers, especially remains very high during the summer season when flow of water is low. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in collaboration with State Pollution Control Boards has been monitoring water quality of national aquatic resources at 507 stations. The data obtained from these stations show that organic and bacterial contamination continues to be the main source of pollution in rivers. The Yamuna river is the most polluted river in the country between Delhi and Etawah. Other severely polluted rivers are: the Sabarmati at Ahmedabad, the Gomti at Lucknow, the Kali, the Adyar, the Cooum (entire stretches), the Vaigai at Madurai and the Music of Hyderabad and the Ganga at Kanpur and Varanasi.

Ground water pollution has occurred due to high concentrations of heavy/toxic metals, fluoride and nitrates at different parts of the country.

What is the main role of CPCB?

• A. Environmental assessments and research
• B. Maintaining national standards under a variety of environmental laws
• C. conduct monitoring of water quality
• D. All of the Above

Voluntary labour was necessary to ensure minimum dependence on the government for financial aids. “It socialised the costs of the projects”, explained the activist. Even those who were working outside the village contributed to the development by committing a month’s salary every year. Work began with the percolation tank constructed in the village. In 1975, the tank could not hold water. The embankment wall leaked. People voluntarily repaired the embankment. The seven wells below it swelled with water in summer for the first time in the living memory of the people. The people reposed their faith in him and his visions.

A youth group called Tarun Mandal was formed. The group worked to ban the dowry system, caste discrimination and untouchability. Liquor distilling units were removed and prohibition imposed. Open grazing was completely banned with a new emphasis on stall-feeding. The cultivation of water intensive crops like sugarcane was banned. Crops such as pulses, oil seeds and certain cash crops with low water requirements were encouraged. All elections to local bodies began to be held on the basis of consensus. “It made the community leaders complete representatives of the people.” A system of Nyay Panchayats (informal courts) were also set up. Since then, no case has been referred to the police. A Rs. 22 lakh school building was constructed using only the resources of the village. No donations were taken. Money, if needed, was borrowed and paid back. The villagers took pride in this self-reliance. A new system of sharing labour grew out of this infusion of pride and voluntary spirit. People volunteered to help each other in agricultural operation. Landless labourers also gained employment. Today the village plans to buy land for them in adjoining villages. At present, water is adequate; agriculture is flourishing, though the use of fertilizers and pesticides is very high. The prosperity also brings the question of ability of the present generation to carry on the work after the leader of the movement who declared that, “The process of Ralegan’s evolution to an ideal village will not stop. With changing times, people tend to evolve new ways. In future, Ralegan might present a different model to the country.”

What happened to the embankment wall in 1975?

• A. Fell down
• C. Held steady
• D. Destroyed by terrorists

Why does the concentration of pollutants in rivers, especially remains very high during the summer season?

• A. Due to high flow of water
• B. Due to high precipitation level
• C. Due to low flow of water
• D. Due to increased industrial use

How much donation was arranged to construct school building?

• B. Rs. 10 lakhs
• C. Rs. 20 lakhs
• D. Rs. 22 lakhs

The concept of _________envisages creation of awareness amongst the people to ensure their participation and to facilitate conservation efforts of various government departments.

• A. Neeru-Meeru
• C. Arvary Pani Sansad
• D. Watershed

Which trade proliferated in the village in mid 1970s?

• A. Smuggling
• B. Illicit liquor
• C. Trafficking
• D. Black marketing

The term Nyaya Panchayats refers to:

• A. Formal courts
• B. Informal courts
• C. Formal police
• D. Informal police

What was necessary to ensure minimum dependence on government?

• A. Voluntary aid
• B. Voluntary capital
• C. Voluntary land
• D. Voluntary labour

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Case Study Questions Class 8 Geography Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources

Case study questions class 8 geography chapter 2 land, soil, water, natural vegetation and wildlife resources.

CBSE Class 8 Case Study Questions Geography Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources. Important Case Study Questions for Class 8 Board Exam Students. Here we have arranged some Important Case Base Questions for students who are searching for Paragraph Based Questions Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources.

At Case Study Questions there will given a Paragraph. In where some Important Questions will made on that respective Case Based Study. There will various types of marks will given 1 marks, 2 marks, 3 marks, 4 marks.

CBSE Case Study Questions Class 8 Geography Land, Soil, Water, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources

Case study – 1.

In a small village in Tanzania, Africa, Mamba gets up very early in the morning to fetch water. She has to walk a long way and returns after a few hours. She then helps her mother in the house and joins her brothers in taking care of their goats. All her family owns is a piece of rocky land around their small hut. Mamba’s father can barely grow some maize and beans on it after toiling hard. This is not enough to feed their family for the whole year. Peter lives in the heart of the sheep rearing region in New Zealand where his family runs a wool processing factory. Everyday when he returns from school, Peter watches his uncle taking care of their sheep. Their sheep yard is situated on a wide grassy plain with hills in the far distance. It is managed in a scientific way using the latest technology. Peter’s family also grows vegetables through organic farming. Mamba and Peter stay in two different parts of the world and lead very different lives. This difference is because of the differences in the quality of land, soil, water, natural vegetation, animals and the usage of technology. The availability of such resources is the main reason places differ from each other.

QUESTION MARKS:1

1.Why does Mamba get up very early in the morning?

Ans: Mamba gets up very early in the morning to fetch water.

2.Where does Peterlive in?

Ans: Peter lives in the heart of the sheep rearing region in New Zealand.

QUESTION MARKS:2

1.Why Mamba and Peter lead very different kind of lives?

Ans: Mamba and Peter stay in two different parts of the world and lead very different lives. This difference is because of the differences in the quality of land, soil, water, natural vegetation, animals and the usage of technology.

2.Where Peter’s sheep yard is situated and how is it managed?

Ans:Peter’s sheep yard is situated on a wide grassy plain with hills in the far distance. It is managed in a scientific way using the latest technology.

Case Study – 2

Land is among the most important natural resources. It covers only about thirty per cent of the total area of the earth’s surface and all parts of this small percentage are not habitable. The uneven distribution of population in different parts of the world is mainly due to varied characteristics of land and climate. The rugged topography, steep slopes of the mountains, lowlying areas susceptible to water logging, desert areas, thick forested areas are normally sparsely populated or uninhabited. Plains and river valleys offer suitable land for agriculture. Hence, these are the densely populated areas of the world. Land is used for different purposes such as agriculture, forestry, mining, building houses, roads and setting up of industries. This is commonly termed as Land use. Can you list out the different ways in which Mamba’s and Peter’s family use their land? The use of land is determined by physical factors such as topography, soil, climate, minerals and availability of water. Human factors such as population and technology are also important determinants of land use pattern. Land can also be classified on the basis of ownership as – private land and community land. Private land is owned by individuals whereas, community land is owned by the community for common uses like collection of fodder, fruits, nuts or medicinal herbs. These community lands are also called common property resources.

QUESTIONS &ANSWERS: Marks: 1

1.What is the most important natural resource?

Ans: The most important natural resource is Land.

2. What is the main reason of uneven distribution of population in different parts of the world?

Ans: The uneven distribution of different population in different parts of the world is mainly due to varied characteristics of land and climate.

1. what is the meaning of ‘Land Use’?

Ans: Land is used for different purposes such as agriculture,forestry, mining, building houses, roads and setting up of industries. This is commonly Termed as Land use’.

2. What is the difference between private land and community land?

Ans:Private land is owned by individuals whereas, community land is owned by the community for common uses like collection of fodder, fruits, nuts or medical herbs.

Case Study – 3

The thin layer of grainy substance covering the surface of the earth is called soil. It is closely linked to land. Landforms determine the type of soil. Soil is made up of organic matter, minerals and weathered rocks found on the earth. This happens through the process of weathering. The right mix of minerals and organic matter make the soil fertile. Landslides are simply defined as the mass movement of rock, debris or earth down a slope. They often take place in conjunction with earthquakes, floods and volcanoes. A prolonged spell of rainfall can cause heavy landslide that can block the flow of river for quite some time. The formation of river blocks can cause havoc to the settlements downstream on its bursting. In the hilly terrain landslides have been a major and widely spread natural disaster that often strike life and property and occupy a position of major concern.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MARKS:1

1.What is closely linked to land?

Ans:Soil is closely linked to land.

2.What make the soil fertile?

Ans:The right mix of minerals and organic matter make the soil fertile.

1.What is called soil?

Ans: The thin layer of grainy substance covering the surface of the earth is called soil.

2.What can cause heavy landslides?

Ans: A prolonged spell of rainfall can cause heavy landslide that can block the flow of river for quite some time.

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GCSE Geography | Case Study: China’s South–North Water Transfer Project (Resource Management - Water 6)

Last updated 15 May 2024

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The South-North Water Transfer Project (SNWTP) is a large-scale scheme in China that moves huge quantities of water from the humid south of the country to the arid north. This region has experienced rapid population growth, and is home to 200 million people, including the megacities of Beijing and Tianjin. The region has also seen significant economic development, meaning there is a demand for irrigation for farming and water for thirsty manufacturing industries. This area was previously reliant on groundwater supplies, however the water table below Beijing has dropped significantly because of over-abstraction (by 5 metres each year!), and any new wells have to be dug at least a kilometre deep to access water. So the SNWTP was introduced to address the issue of water demand and availability.

The project was first considered in the 1950s - and construction began in 2003 with the aim of moving 12 trillion gallons of water each year over 1000 km from the Yangtze River basin in the south, to the Yellow River basin in the north, using three different routes...

Route 1 - Eastern route (completed in 2013)

This first phase provides water to the cities of Tianjin (15.6 million people) and Weihai (2.8 million people), for domestic and industrial uses. This route makes use of existing rivers, lakes and canals, however, these were all heavily polluted by agricultural run-off and industrial waste, so needed significant cleaning up. It is vital now that farmers and local industries keep these waterways clean, otherwise the project will just be transferring contaminated water from one place to another, which will harm human health, and affect fishing industries in the region.

Route 2 - Central route (completed in 2014)

This second phase provides water to 20 cities in the north of China, including the capital city of Beijing, which has a population of 21.5 million people. This route has a huge reservoir at Danjiangkou (see image below), which provides a good supply of water, however, it need mean that 300,000 people were displaced as the valley was flooded.

There are some issues though - farmers in the region are not benefitting from either of these transfer routes, local ecosystems have been disturbed by the changing patterns of drainage and flows of water, and the use of open channels means that a lot of water is lost through evaporation

Route 3 - Western route (currently on hold)

This final phase involves building several dams in the Upper Yangtze basin, along with hundreds of kilometres of tunnels through the Bayankala Mountains, that will divert about 200 cubic kms of water each year from some major rivers that flow through southern China, including the Mekong and the Bramaputra. Both of these rivers are transboundary, meaning that diverting water from them could affect the countries downstream - Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar and Laos for the Mekong (which are already impacted by existing dams upstream in China), and India and Bangladesh for the Bramaputra.

At the moment this phase is on hold as the construction and environmental costs are deemed too high, and there is also the issue that the route crosses an area that experiencing earthquakes frequently.

The future?

Since the 1960s the south of China has seen more and more drought events, meaning that the water surplus is not as significant as it once was, therefore there are concerned that the SNWTP won't actually be able to supply all the water needed to the arid north.

The project has also be plagued by controversies:

• Some of the people displaced claim to have been forced to sign relocation agreements
• Fish farmers on the Dongping Lake have complained that water transferred from the polluted Yanstze River has killed their fish
• Scientists are concerned that the project will increase water evaporation losses

And of course there is the cost to consider - the SNWTP is the world's most expensive water transfer scheme, costing US$79 billion so far (mainly funded by Chinese tax payers) and many question whether the benefits are actually worth it. Both the rate of population growth and economic growth are slowing down so perhaps such a huge scheme is no longer needed, and smaller projects with less of an impact on the environment, may be more appropriate.

• Resource sustainability
• Resource balance
• Resource exploitation
• Resource security

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Mastering Water Resources: Essential Questions and Answers for Class 10

Preparing for your Class 10 exams and need important questions and answers on Class 10 Geography Chapter 3 Water Resources? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to ace your exams and gain a thorough understanding of water resources.

"Every student can learn. Just not on the same day or the same way."

Water Resources Class 10 Geography Important Questions with Answers

Q. no. 1) rooftop rainwater harvesting was commonly practiced to store drinking water, particularly in __________..

Ans. Rajasthan.

Q. No. 2) Which place in India has an artificial lake to conserve water that dates to the 11th century?

d. Kolhapur

Ans. Option (b)

Q. No. 3) Explain how water becomes a renewable resource.

Ans. Freshwater is mainly obtained from surface runoff and groundwater that is continually being renewed and rechanged through the hydrological cycle. All water moves within the hydrological cycle ensuring that water is a renewable resource.

Q. No. 4) Why does the availability of water resources vary over space and time?

Ans. The availability of water resources varies over space and time, mainly due to the variations in seasonal and annual precipitation.

Q. No. 5) Which state has a 200-year-old system of tapping stream and spring water by using bamboo pipes?

Ans. Meghalaya.

Q. No. 6) Multipurpose projects and large dams have come under great scrutiny and opposition. Explain with reason.

Ans.  Multipurpose projects and large dams have come under great scrutiny and opposition because:

• Regulating and damming rivers affect their natural flow causing poor sediment flow and excessive sedimentation at the bottom of the reservoir, resulting in rockier stream beds and poorer habitats for the rivers’ aquatic life.
• Dams also fragment rivers making it difficult for aquatic fauna to migrate, especially for spawning.
• The dams have triggered floods due to sedimentation in the reservoir and the release of excess water during heavy rains.
• Multipurpose projects induced earthquakes, caused water-borne diseases, and pests, and lead to pollution resulting from excessive use of water.

Q. No. 7) How is agriculture responsible for creating stress on water resources? Suggest any one solution for it.

Ans. Agriculture is responsible for creating stress on water resources in the following ways:

• To facilitate higher food-grain production, water resources are being over-exploited to expand irrigated areas for dry-season agriculture.
• Irrigated agriculture is the largest consumer of water.
• Most farmers have their own wells and tube wells on their farms for irrigation to increase their productivity. This lead to falling groundwater levels, adversely affecting water availability and food security of the people.

Q. No. 8) What are the diversion channels of the Western Himalayas called?

Ans. Guls or Kuls.

Q. No. 9) Case-Based Question:

Maharashtra is a state located in western India, with a population of over 110 million people. The state is home to several large cities, including Mumbai, and has a significant agricultural sector. However, the state is facing a severe water crisis, with its water resources coming under increasing pressure due to climate change, industrialization, and urbanization. The main challenges faced by water resource management in Maharashtra are: I. Overexploitation of groundwater: Maharashtra is one of the most groundwater-stressed states in India, with the demand for water exceeding the supply. Overexploitation of groundwater for agriculture and urban use has led to a decline in water levels, which has severe implications for the sustainability of water resources. II. Pollution of surface water: Industrialization and urbanization have led to the pollution of surface water bodies such as rivers and lakes. The pollution has led to water quality degradation, which poses risks to human health and the environment. III. Inefficient irrigation practices: The agricultural sector is the largest user of water in Maharashtra, accounting for around 80% of total water use. However, traditional irrigation practices such as flood irrigation are inefficient and lead to the wastage of water.

i. Mention any two reasons for the water crisis faced by the state of Maharashtra.

Ans. Two reasons for Maharashtra facing a water crisis are over-exploitation of groundwater and pollution of surface water bodies due to industrialization and urbanization.

ii. Despite being the second-highest rainfall-receiving state of the country, Maharashtra still faces a water crisis. Substantiate this statement in 40 words.

Ans. Despite receiving the second-highest rainfall in the country, traditional irrigation practices like flood irrigation leading to water shortages in Maharashtra. This is because flood irrigation involves excessive water use, and the water gets lost due to runoff, leading to less water available for other uses.

iii. Propose any one solution to mitigate the water crisis faced by Maharashtra state.

• To mitigate the water crisis in Maharashtra, one solution could be to promote the adoption of more efficient irrigation practices, such as drip irrigation and sprinkler systems, that use less water and are more targeted in their delivery.
• The state can also use a rainwater harvesting system to improve groundwater levels along the western side of the Western Ghats which receive maximum rainfall. This will increase the efficiency of water use in the state of Maharashtra.

Q. No. 10) Intensive industrialization and urbanization exerted pressure on existing freshwater resources. Justify the statement with suitable examples.

Ans.  Intensive industrialization and urbanization have exerted pressure on existing freshwater resources:

• Post-independent India witnessed intensive industrialization and urbanization.
• The ever-increasing number of industries has made matters worse by exerting pressure on existing freshwater resources.
• Industries, apart from being heavy users of water, also require power to run them.
• Much of this energy comes from hydroelectric power.
• Today, in India hydroelectric power contributes approximately 22% of the total electricity produced.
• Multiplying urban centers with large and dense populations and urban lifestyles has not only added to water and energy requirements but has further aggravated the problem.
• Most of the housing societies or colonies in the cities have their own groundwater pumping devices, which result in the over-exploitation of fragile water resources.

Q. No. 11) On which river Bhakra-Nangal Dam has been constructed?

Ans. Sutluj.

Q. No. 12) The Hirakud project in the ________ basin integrated the conservation of water with flood control.

Ans. Mahanadi.

Q. No. 13) How are multipurpose projects and large dams the cause of social movements?

Ans.  Multipurpose projects and large dams are the cause of social movements:

• Multi-purpose projects and large dams have been the cause of many new environmental movements like the ‘Narmada Bachao Andolan’ and the ‘Tehri Dam Andolan’.
• Resistance to these projects has primarily been due to the large-scale displacement of local communities.
• Local people often had to give up their land, livelihood, and their meager access and control over resources for the greater good of the nation.
• But these local people are not benefited much from these projects. The benefited ones are the landowners and large farmers, industrialists, and a few urban centers.

Q. No. 14) Who proclaimed dams as the temples of modern India? Why?

Ans. Jawaharlal Nehru proclaimed the dams as the ‘Temples of modern India’ because

• They integrate the development of agriculture and the village economy with rapid industrialization and growth of the urban economy.
• They provide water for irrigation.
• They provide water for electricity generation
• Provide water supply for domestic and industrial uses.
• Helps in flood control.
• Provide recreation
• Helps in inland navigation.
• Useful for fish breeding.

Q. No. 15) What is the need for rainwater harvesting?

Ans. The need for rainwater harvesting are:

• Rainwater harvesting is needed to provide it for agriculture, collect drinking water, irrigate the fields, and to moisten the soil.
• Rainwater harvesting is a viable alternative, both socio-economically and environmentally to multipurpose projects.

Q. No. 16) What is a multipurpose river valley project? Mention any four objectives of it.

Ans. A project where many uses of the impounded water are integrated with one another is known as a multipurpose project. It is built for –

• Electricity generation
• Water supply for domestic and industrial uses
• Flood control
• Inland navigation
• Fish breeding.

Q. No. 17) What is water scarcity and what are its main causes?

Ans. Water scarcity is the lack of freshwater resources to meet the demands of water usage within a region.

Main causes of water scarcity:

• Water scarcity in most cases is caused by over-exploitation, excessive use, and unequal access to water among different social groups.
• Water scarcity may be an outcome of a large and growing population and consequent greater demands for water and unequal access to it.
• Intensive industrialization and urbanization exerted pressure on existing freshwater resources.
• Even if water is sufficiently available to meet the needs of the people, much of it is maybe polluted by domestic and industrial wastes, chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers used in agriculture, thus causing water scarcity.

Q. No. 18) Explain the working of underground tanks as a part of the rooftop rainwater harvesting system practiced in Rajasthan.

What do you understand by palar pani how palar pani is collected.

Ans. Rainwater is commonly referred to as Palar Pani in the arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan.

• In the semi-arid and arid regions of Rajasthan, particularly in Bikaner, Phalodi, and Barmer, almost all the houses traditionally had underground tanks for storing drinking water.
• The tanks could be as large as a big room.
• The tanks were part of the well-developed rooftop rainwater harvesting system.
• They were connected to the sloping roofs of the houses through a pipe.
• Rain falling on the rooftops would travel down the pipe and be stored in these underground tanks.
• The first spell of rain was usually not collected as this would clean the roofs and the pipes.
• The rainwater from the subsequent showers was then collected.

Q. No. 19) Analyze the importance of rooftop rainwater harvesting in Rajasthan.

Ans.  Importance of rooftop rainwater harvesting in Rajasthan:

• It was commonly practiced to store drinking water.
• The rainwater can be stored in the tanks till the next rainfall, making it an extremely reliable source of drinking water when all other sources are dried up, particularly in the summers.
• Rainwater (Palar Pani) is considered the purest form of natural water.
• Many houses construct underground rooms adjoining the ‘tanks’ to beat the summer heat as it would keep the room cool.
• Some houses still maintain the tanks since they do not like the taste of tap water.

Q. No. 20) Describe any three traditional methods of rainwater harvesting adopted in different parts of India.

Ans.  Traditional methods of rainwater harvesting:

• In hill and mountainous regions, people built diversion channels like the ‘guls’ or ‘kuls’ of the Western Himalayas for agriculture.
• ‘Rooftop rainwater harvesting’ was commonly practiced to store drinking water, particularly in Rajasthan.
• In the flood plains of Bengal, people developed inundation channels to irrigate their fields.
• In semi-arid and arid regions, agricultural fields were converted into rain-fed storage structures that allowed the water to stand and moisten the soil like the ‘khadins’ in Jaisalmer and ‘Johads’ in other parts of Rajasthan.

Q. No. 21) Compare the advantages and disadvantages of multi-purpose river valley projects.

Ans. Advantages:

Disadvantages:

• Regulating and damming of rivers affect their natural flow causing poor sediment flow and excessive sedimentation at the bottom of the reservoir, resulting in rockier stream beds and poorer habitats for the rivers’ aquatic life.
• Irrigation has changed the cropping pattern of many regions with farmers shifting to water-intensive and commercial crops. This has great ecological consequences like salinization of the soil.
• The dams increase the social gap between the richer landowners and the landless poor.
• The dams create inter-state water disputes with regard to sharing the costs and benefits of the multi-purpose project.

Q. No. 22) What is Bamboo Drip Irrigation? Mention any two features of it.

Ans. The Bamboo Drip Irrigation system is a 200-year-old system of tapping stream and spring water by using bamboo pipes and transporting water from higher to lower regions with the help of gravity.

• 18-20 liters of water enter the bamboo pipe system, gets transported over hundreds of meters, and finally reduces to 20-80 drops per minute at the site of the plant.
• The flow of water into the pipes is controlled by manipulating the pipe positions.
• If the pipes pass a road, they are taken high above the land.

Class 10 Social Science Map Work for 2023-24

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Hope you liked these Important Questions Answers on Class 10 Social Science (Geography) Chapter 3 Water Resources. Please share this with your friends and do comment if you have any doubts/suggestions to share.

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Sir I need a objective type questions also please upload all the objective type questions of class 10 . We have not too much time please upload sir .I really helpful all the video . Thanks sir for giving us very important question . But objective is also needed

🙏🙏 . Sir will you please provide all these imp question in PDF form for this I will be thankfull to you. Have a nice day sir

Sir baat kar Instagram par

Sir imp notes for this capter

Dude can you provide me your schl questions paper?

Thank you so much 😊😊👍👍😊

Sir you are one of the best teacher. You teaching are far better than any school teacher . And the best thing about you is you explain the whole chapter line by line.. Thank you sir for being so kind 🙏 Your sincere online student..

Sir please upload one word type question/ answer…..pl.

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Free CHT Practice Test 2024 – 200 Certified Hemodialysis Qs

Table of Contents

On this page, you’ll discover a button that grants full access to the Certified Hemodialysis Technologist (CHT) practice test. Just beneath it, there is a chance to delve into a comprehensive practice test designed for extensive revision. These tests are invaluable for showcasing your capabilities, identifying areas that need improvement, and optimizing your study approach.

To further boost your preparation, especially in topics that demand more focus, we have created targeted quizzes. Each quiz is meticulously designed to concentrate on specific elements of the CHT exam, providing a focused and efficient study experience.

Certified Hemodialysis Technologist (CHT) Domain Exams

The Certified Hemodialysis Technologist/Technician (CHT) exam, administered by the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT), is structured into five key domains, each with a specific percentage weight and focus area. 

Here’s a breakdown of the exam content:

Domain 1: Patient Care

• Exam Percentage: 45%
• Focus: This domain evaluates competencies related to fluid management, patient data collection and assessment, documentation, and treatment management. Skills in evaluating and managing patient treatments are critical here.

Welcome to your CHT Domain 1: Patient Care

Time is Up!

Domain 2: Machine Technology

• Exam Percentage: 12%
• Focus: Questions in this section test your ability to set up, maintain, and troubleshoot dialysis machines. This includes understanding blood and dialysate flow rates and overall machine operation.

Welcome to your CHT Domain 2: Machine Technology

Domain 3: Water Treatment

• Exam Percentage: 15%
• Focus: This part of the exam covers system design, maintenance, and monitoring of water treatment systems, including checks for total chlorine/chloramines levels.

Welcome to your CHT Domain 3: Water Treatment

Domain 4: Infection Control

• Exam Percentage: 18%
• Focus: This section focuses on maintaining a clean and safe environment, using precautions specific to dialysis, and implementing isolation procedures.

Welcome to your CHT Domain 4: Infection Control

Domain 5: Education and Professional Development

• Exam Percentage: 10%
• Focus: Questions assess the ability to educate patients, engage in professional development, and understand quality-related issues. Communication skills with staff and patients are also tested.

Welcome to your CHT Domain 5: Education and Professional Development

Additional Information

• The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions to be completed within a three-hour limit. To pass, candidates must score a minimum scaled score of 70 on a scale of 1 to 100.
• The registration process involves submitting an application to BONENT along with the necessary documentation and fees (USD 225 for the paper-and-pencil test and USD 250 for the computer-based test). Preparing for this exam requires a thorough understanding of the above domains and practical experience in a dialysis setting.
• For those looking to enhance their preparation, various resources such as study guides, flashcards, and practice tests are available, which can provide additional support in mastering the content areas covered in the exam​​.

Certified Hemodialysis Technologist (CHT) Exam Breakdown

The Certified Hemodialysis Technologist/Technician (CHT) exam is administered by the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT). It aims to validate the proficiency and knowledge necessary for technical roles in dialysis settings. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the exam and resources to help prepare for it:

Exam Overview

The CHT exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, divided into five main domains:

• Patient Care (45% of the exam): Focuses on direct patient care and monitoring.
• Machine Technology (12%): Involves understanding and handling dialysis machines.
• Water Treatment (15%): Assess knowledge on the maintenance and monitoring of water treatment systems.
• Infection Control (18%): Tests ability to maintain a clean and safe environment.
• Education and Professional Development (10%): Relates to educating patients and engaging in professional development.

The exam has a three-hour time limit and can be taken either as a paper-and-pencil exam (PPE) or via computer-based testing (CBT). The paper version costs USD 225, and the computer version is USD 250​​.

Eligibility

To qualify for the CHT exam, candidates must have:

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• At least six months of experience in nephrology patient care or completion of a BONENT approved program within the last two years​​.

Preparation and Resources

Candidates are encouraged to thoroughly prepare for the exam. Study guides and practice questions are available to help with this. These resources offer detailed study materials and insights into the exam format and content areas​.

Registration and Test Day Info

Candidates must submit an application that includes all necessary documentation to prove eligibility. Once approved, you will receive details on how to schedule your exam. On the day of the test, candidates must arrive early and bring proper identification; no personal items or electronic devices are allowed in the testing center​.

How to Become CHT Certified

To become a Certified Hemodialysis Technologist/Technician (CHT), you’ll need to follow a series of steps that involve education, experience, and examination. 

Here’s a general outline of the process:

• Education and Training: Begin by completing an educational program that’s specifically designed for dialysis technicians. Programs typically require a high school diploma or GED to enroll and can vary in length. Some states may have additional specific requirements or programs may include a clinical practicum. Training usually covers important topics such as hemodialysis procedures, machine technology, and patient care.
• Gaining Experience: Some certifications, like the CHT offered by the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT), require you to have a certain amount of work experience. This can be around 12 months of clinical experience, depending on the certifying body​.
• Application and Eligibility: After completing your training, you’ll need to verify your eligibility for certification, which includes submitting proof of education, work experience, and possibly a signed reference letter from a supervisor or instructor in the field of nephrology​.
• Registering for the Exam: Choose a certification body such as BONENT, the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC), or the National Nephrology Certification Organization (NNCO), and register for the exam. Be prepared to pay the exam fee, which varies depending on the format (paper and pencil or computer-based)​.
• Studying for the Exam: Utilize study guides and practice exams to prepare. The CHT exam generally covers five domains: patient care, machine technology, water treatment, infection control, and education and professional development. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with these topics​.
• Taking the Exam: On the exam day, arrive early with proper identification to allow time for the check-in process. The exam usually consists of multiple-choice questions and lasts about three hours​.
• Certification and Recertification: Once you pass the exam, you’ll receive your certification. Remember that this certification needs to be renewed periodically through continuing education or reexamination, depending on the specific requirements of the certifying body​​.

It’s also wise to check with your state’s health authority or the specific certifying bodies for any state-specific requirements or changes in the certification process.

Our Experience Teaching CHT Candidates To Pass The Exam

At Career Employer, developing our Certified Hemodialysis Technologist (CHT) practice tests has been an extraordinary journey marked by both significant achievements and challenges. This initiative was propelled by the exam’s broad spectrum of topics and our commitment to addressing the unique needs of our learners.

We have painstakingly designed every aspect of our methodology to ensure that each student is fully equipped to excel in the exam. Our commitment to providing a comprehensive educational experience is reflected in the thorough coverage and meticulous detail of our practice materials, emphasizing our dedication to our students’ success.

Teaching the Certified Hemodialysis Technologist (CHT) certification involves a comprehensive approach to cover both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for dialysis technicians. From a lecturer’s perspective, the key to successfully managing this course is to ensure that students understand the critical nature of their future role in patient care. 

Here’s how a lecturer might approach this:

• Curriculum Design: A lecturer must design a curriculum that balances theory with practical application. This includes detailed modules on kidney physiology, the principles of hemodialysis, equipment operation, and patient care. It’s also crucial to integrate current guidelines and standards from organizations such as the National Kidney Foundation.
• Interactive Teaching Methods: To engage students effectively, the use of interactive teaching methods such as group discussions, case studies, and hands-on demonstrations is essential. These methods help students understand complex concepts and develop problem-solving skills.
• Assessment and Feedback: Regular assessments are necessary to gauge understanding and progress. These might include quizzes, practical exams, and simulation-based assessments. Constructive feedback helps students identify areas for improvement.
• Continual Learning: Keeping up-to-date with the latest developments in dialysis technology and treatment protocols is crucial. Lecturers often attend seminars, workshops, and conferences to stay informed.
• Resource Utilization: Effective teaching involves utilizing a variety of resources. Textbooks, online courses, professional journals, and guidelines from health organizations are essential tools. In addition, partnerships with local hospitals or clinics can provide practical exposure for students.

At Career Employer, our Certified Hemodialysis Technologist (CHT) certification practice tests are the product of relentless work by a team of experts, each possessing extensive knowledge and experience in preparing candidates for the CHT exam. Utilizing their profound expertise, they have successfully guided over a thousand aspiring emergency dialysis technicians towards achieving their CHT certifications, with a particular focus on the specialized needs of medical assistants.

Our team comprises professionals each with over a decade of specialized experience in dialysis technology. This ensures that our practice materials are not only crafted by authorities in the field but are also exceptionally effective in equipping candidates for success on their certification journey. Our unwavering commitment to excellence guarantees that users of our materials are thoroughly prepared and confident in achieving their certification goals.

Effective Study Strategies and Methods

To effectively prepare for the Certified Hemodialysis Technologist (CHT) exam, consider the following strategies based on resources and recommendations from reputable sources:

• Structured Review and Study Guides: Begin with the BONENT website, which offers a compilation of textbooks and study materials specifically designed to aid candidates in their exam preparation. This includes a variety of books and publications that cover the exam’s scope extensively​.
• Practice Exams: Engage with practice tests to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Websites like CHTStudy.com provide highly accurate practice exams that simulate the conditions of the actual CHT exam, helping to build confidence and time management skills under exam conditions.
• In-depth Learning: Utilize the Mometrix guide for the CCHT exam, which offers comprehensive study materials, including practice questions and detailed explanations that cover clinical, technical, environment, and role responsibilities of a dialysis technician. This resource is crucial as it offers insights into the structure and content areas of the exam, helping you to focus on essential topics.
• Join Study Groups and Forums: Participate in study groups either online or locally. Engaging with peers can provide support and facilitate knowledge exchange, which is beneficial for clarifying doubts and gaining different perspectives on difficult topics.
• Regular Revision and Testing: Schedule regular study sessions and use online tools for continuous testing to keep the learned material fresh. The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission recommends regular practice with their online practice exams, which are designed to mimic the actual test environment​.
• Emotional and Physical Preparation: Manage exam stress by adopting anxiety-reducing strategies such as relaxation techniques, guided imagery, or exercise. Ensure you are well-rested and nourished on the day of the exam to maintain optimal focus and performance​.
• Utilize Online Resources and Books: Resources like the “Core Curriculum for the Dialysis Technician” and “Review of Hemodialysis for Nurses and Dialysis Personnel” are invaluable for in-depth study and can be found through various educational platforms and bookstores​.

By following these strategies and utilizing the recommended resources, you will be well-prepared to tackle the CHT exam with confidence.

The costs associated with obtaining the Certified Hemodialysis Technologist (CHT) certification vary based on several factors, including the type of exam taken, study materials, and any additional fees.

Certification Exam Costs

• Paper-and-Pencil Exam (PPE): USD 225
• Computer-Based Testing (CBT): USD 250
• For candidates outside the USA, both PPE and CBT cost USD 250, but this will increase slightly after February 1, 2024.
• Additional Fees
• Application Processing: If expedited, there’s an additional USD 100 on top of the base exam fee.
• Incomplete Application Fee: USD 70
• Exam Withdrawal and Transfer Fee: USD 120
• Returned Check Fee: USD 85
• Annual Certification Fee: USD 60, increasing to USD 65 after May 1, 2024. This can also be paid in a lump sum for four years, which will be USD 240 starting May 1, 2024.
• Late Fees: If annual fees are not paid on time, a late fee applies, escalating over time if the delay continues.

Study and Preparation Costs

• Study Materials: Online practice tests and study guides can range anywhere from USD 50 for an online practice test to various prices for comprehensive study guides and flashcards.
• Training Programs: The cost of training programs can vary significantly depending on the institution, typically requiring at least a high school diploma or equivalent to enroll. Some programs may be completed in as little as one semester, but costs will vary based on duration and depth of the program.

Post-Exam Costs

• Retake Fees: If you need to retake the exam, you will pay the full examination fee again. If failing more than three times, additional nephrology-related education may be required.

These fees are primarily based on information from the Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT) and additional sources on study materials and exam preparation​.

Reliable Study Materials and Resources

To prepare for the Certified Hemodialysis Technologist (CHT) certification exam, you have a variety of resources available online that can help you study effectively:

• Mometrix Test Preparation: offers a comprehensive study guide and flashcards tailored for the CHT exam. These resources include practice questions, video tutorials, and detailed study lessons that cover all the domains of the exam such as patient care, machine technology, water treatment, infection control, and professional development. 
• Test Prep Review: provides an overview of the exam and free online practice tests. It’s a great resource for familiarizing yourself with the format and types of questions you can expect. 
• Study Guide Zone: offers additional practice questions and a breakdown of the exam sections. This site also emphasizes the importance of a structured study plan to cover all necessary topics.
• Dialysis Techs: website offers insights into hybrid and in-person training programs, and additional tips on how to prepare for the certification exam, including the importance of using a variety of study materials and resources. 
• DumpsCloud: Offers BONENT Certified Hemodialysis Technologist/Technician exam dumps, which include a variety of study materials and online testing engines. These resources are designed to help you understand exam content deeply and provide practice with a format similar to the actual exam. You can also access free updates and a demo version to get an overview before purchasing. More details can be found on their website.
• Quizlet: Provides a range of flashcards that can help you memorize important terms and concepts for the CHT exam. These are particularly useful for on-the-go studying and repetitive learning, which can help reinforce your knowledge. 
• Amazon: Offers various study guides and flashcard sets, such as the “Certified Hemodialysis Technologist/Technician Exam Secrets Study Guide.” These resources are crafted by experts and aim to provide comprehensive reviews of the exam’s key concepts, along with practice questions and detailed explanations. 

Using these resources, you can develop a comprehensive study plan, utilizing online courses, study guides, and practice exams to ensure you cover all necessary materials and feel prepared for your certification exam.

Tips for Exam Day

To excel on the Certified Hemodialysis Technologist (CHT) exam, here are several key tips based on various resources:

• Understand the Exam Structure: The CHT exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, covering areas like patient care, machine technology, water treatment, infection control, and education/professional development. You’ll be given three hours to complete it.
• Preparation and Study: Start preparing several months in advance. Utilize study guides and practice tests to familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions you will encounter. Consider using flashcards for reviewing key concepts to enhance retention​.
• Focus on High-Weight Areas: Pay special attention to the Clinical and Technical sections, as they make up the largest portion of the exam. Understanding dialysis equipment, patient care protocols, and troubleshooting will be crucial​.
• Day of the Exam Tips: Arrive early to the testing center to allow ample time for the check-in process. Remember to bring necessary documentation such as your exam permit and a valid ID. Personal items are generally not allowed in the testing area, so prepare to store them securely​​.
• During the Exam: Read each question and all answer choices carefully. Pay attention to keywords and make sure you understand what each question is asking before selecting your answer. Managing your time effectively to ensure you can complete all questions within the allotted time is also key​​.
• Post-Exam: If you pass, you’ll receive your results and certificate details shortly after the exam. If you don’t pass, review the areas you struggled with by examining the breakdown of scores provided, and prepare to retake the exam focusing on those weaker areas​​.

By following these guidelines and thoroughly preparing, you’ll increase your chances of success on the CHT exam.

Post-Exam: Next Steps

After completing the Certified Hemodialysis Technologist (CHT) exam, there are several steps you can take to continue your professional development and leverage your new certification effectively:

• Verify and Share Your Certification: Once you pass the CHT exam, make sure to obtain your certificate and add this qualification to your professional profiles, such as LinkedIn, and inform your current or potential employers of your new certification to enhance your career prospects.
• Engage with Professional Communities: Participate in online forums and communities related to hemodialysis. Forums like the Student Doctor Network provide a space to discuss industry trends, share experiences, and gain insights from peers who are also certified professionals​​.
• Continuing Education: Stay updated with the latest in hemodialysis by engaging in continuing education. This is crucial not only to maintain your certification with the latest practices but also to enhance your professional skills. Many professionals share their strategies and study materials in online forums, which can be a rich resource for ongoing learning​.
• Prepare for Recertification: Keep in mind the requirements for recertification if applicable, as staying compliant is essential to maintain your status as a certified professional. This often involves accumulating professional development hours or earning credits through continuing education programs.
• Networking and Professional Growth: Use platforms like OpenTuition and similar online education resources to connect with other professionals, find mentors, or even offer mentorship to others entering the field. Sharing experiences and resources can provide mutual benefits and professional growth opportunities​.

Each of these steps will not only help you maintain your certification but also advance in your career by staying informed and connected within your professional community.

• “CCHT Exam Secrets Study Guide.” Amazon , https://www.amazon.com/CCHT-Exam-Secrets-Study-Guide/dp/1609710037 .
• “Certified Hemodialysis Technologist Exam.” Mometrix Academy , https://www.mometrix.com/academy/certified-hemodialysis-technologist-exam/ .
• “Certified Hemodialysis Technologist Exam.” Study Guide Zone , https://www.studyguidezone.com/certified-hemodialysis-technologist-exam.htm .
• “Home.” BONENT , http://www.bonent.org/ .
• “Dialysis Technician Certification.” Medical Technology Schools , https://www.medicaltechnologyschools.com/dialysis-technician/dialysis-technician-certification .
• “Dialysis Technician Certification – CHT BONENT.” Dialysis Techs , https://dialysistechs.org/dialysis-technician-certification/cht-bonent/ .
• “National Kidney Foundation.” National Kidney Foundation , https://www.kidney.org/ .
• “Reading & Study Guides.” BONENT , https://bonent.org/reading-study-guides/ .
• “CHT Study.” https://www.chtstudy.com/ .
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