Question 1.
Mark ‘T’ if the statement is True and ‘F’ if it is False:
(a) The freshwater stored in the ground is much more than that present in the rivers and lakes of the world. (T/F)
(b) Water shortage is a problem faced only by people living in rural areas. (T/F)
(c) Water from rivers is the only source for irrigation in the fields. (T/F)
(d) Rain is the ultimate source of water. (T/F)
Solution:
(a) T
(b) F
(c) F
(d) T.

Question 2.
Explain how groundwater is recharged?
Solution:
The rainwater and water from other sources such as rivers and ponds etc., seep through the soil and fill the empty spaces and cracks deep below the ground. The process of seeping of water into the ground is called infiltration. The groundwater is recharged through this process.

Question 3.
There are ten tube wells in a lane of fifty houses. What could be the long-term impact on the water table?
Solution:
The water table will deplete. Time will come when the water table falls below the pipe of tube-wells. No water will be fetched by these anymore.

Question 4.
You have been asked to maintain a garden. How will you minimise the use of water?
Solution:

1.  By collecting rainwater.
2.  By using water after washing clothes or utensils for watering in the garden.

Question 5.
Explain the factors responsible for the depletion of the water table.
Solution:
Following factors are responsible for the depletion of the water table:
(i) Increasing population: Increasing population creates more demand for water for the construction of houses, shops, offices, roads, and pavements. It decreases the open area like parks and playgrounds. This in turn decreases the seepage of rainwater into the ground. Moreover, a huge amount of water is required for the construction work. Often groundwater is used for this.

(ii) Increasing industries: Water is used by all the industries. Water used by most industries is drawn from the ground.

(iii) Agricultural activities: Farmers have to use groundwater for irrigation. Population pressure on agriculture forces increasing use of groundwater day by day. This results in depletion of the water table.

Question 6.
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate answers :

1. People obtain groundwater through ………. and ………..
2. Three forms of water are ………., ………., and ………..
3. The water-bearing layer of the earth is ………..
4. The process of water seepage into the ground is called ………..

Solution:

1. wells; hand pumps
2. solid (ice), liquid (water); gas (water vapour)
3. aquifer
4. infiltration.

Question 7.
Which one of the following is not responsible for water t shortage?

1. The rapid growth of industries
2. Increasing population
3. Heavy rainfall
4. Mismanagement of water resources.

Solution:
3. Heavy rainfall.

Question 8.
Choose the correct option. The total water

1. in the lakes and rivers of the world remains constant.
2. under the ground remains constant
3. in the seas and oceans of the world remains constant.
4. of the world remains constant.

Solution:
4. of the world remains constant.

Question 9.
Make a sketch showing the groundwater and water table. Label it
Solution: