The main sources of water Rain Surface source : Oceans, Rivers and streams , ponds & lakes, Storage

rage reservoirs

Subsurface sources Springs Infiltration galleries Infiltration wells Wells and tube wells

 Rain water is the purest water in nature.

Physically, it is clear, bright and sparkling.

Chemically, it is very soft water containing

only traces of dissolved solids (0.0005 percent). Being soft, it has a corrosive action on lead pipes. Bacteriologically, rain water from clean districts is free from pathogenic agents.

 Rain water tends to become impure as it

passes through the atmosphere. It picks up suspended impurities from the atmosphere such as Dust Soot and microorganisms Gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen and ammonia.

 Gaseous sulphur and nitrogen oxides

that use fossil fuels. React with atmospheric water, forming dilute solution of sulphuric and nitric acid. Precipitation of these acids (acid rain) has serious impacts on surface water quality.

 picks up the characteristics of the surface

over which it passes. If water flows across a parking lot, gasoline, oil, and other contaminants may be carried by or dissolved into the water.

 Dependable supply of water.

Grossly polluted
River water is turbid during rainy season Clarity of water is no guarantee that the river

water is safe for drinking

 Water may pick up

fertilizers, road salts, radioactivity, and biological contaminant from farms, as well as countless other biological, physical, and chemical pollutants

 Contains dissolved and suspended impurities

The bacterial count, including the human

intestinal organisms may be very high. The impurities of river water are derived from Surface washings, Sewage and sullage water, Industrial and trade wastes, and Drainage from agricultural areas.

 Natural forces of purification such as

Dilution
Sedimentation Aeration Oxidation Sunlight, plant and animal life

 Adequate to supply the water demand of the

town Reasonably surplus Compensate losses Evaluated for drought

 Basin constructed across a river or valley to

store water during excess river flow Created either across the river or off the river Water stored can be used for other purposes

 Quantity of water available

Quality of water
Possibility of constructing a water tight

reservoir Distance of the source from the city Elevation of the site with reference to the elevation of the city Source of contamination

 Topography of the valley to decide the

height of dam Length of dam Value of the land Need for displacement of people, wildlife etc

 Geology of the catchment area, dam site,

reservoir area Study the nature of the catchment area, reservoir area and dam site Presence of permeable strata may account for high percolation losses

 Based on flow expected once in 3 years

Determined from the contour map of the

area

 Evaporation losses

Absorption loss
Percolation loss

 Natural depression

Contribution by small natural streams and

G.W springs Quantity depends by Size Catchment area Annual rainfall Geological formation

 Ground water is the cheapest and most

practical means of providing water to small communities. Ground water is superior to surface water, because the ground itself provides an effective filtering medium.

 It is likely to be free from pathogenic agents;

It usually requires no treatment

The supply is likely to be certain even

during dry season It is less subject to contamination than surface water.

 It is high in mineral content, e.g., salts of

calcium and magnesium which increase the water hard It requires pumping or some arrangement to lift the water.

 When ground water comes to the surface

and flows freely under natural pressure, it is called a "spring". Springs may be of two types Shallow springs - Dry up quickly during summer months Deep springs - Do not show seasonal fluctuations in the flow of water

 In some geographic areas, springs constitute

an important source of water. Springs are simpler to exploit, as no pumping is needed to bring the water to the surface. Springs are exposed to contamination.

 Quantity of water

Quality Of water
Location of source Cost of water supply project