Water Balance Management in Urban Sector

Abstract

Abstract In India, there is a rapid population growth which is accompanied by migration of people from rural to urban areas. By 2025, one half of India’s population is expected to get shifted to urban centers. In future the population will increase and hence the demand of water will increase. Present water demand of the urban sector is being fulfilled through water intake from nearest River and supplemented by exploration of ground water. The 275 rivers (out of 445) have been declared as Polluted River (Central Pollution Control Board). The ground water table is decreasing day by day due to high and unscientific exploitation of ground water storages. From city survey it is clear that in pre-monsoon season maximum wells become dry or almost dry. Further due to development of capital city the water table is expected to get lower and lower with the pace of rapid expansion and growth of the cities. The available Ponds (natural resource of ground water recharging) have been destroyed till the date by the urbanization. Urban development adds impervious surfaces, and therefore increases surface runoff and decrease infiltration. 80% of Drinking water flows in drain as sewer. Rainwater falling on the land surface contributes to the formation of runoff. The storm water generated by human activity alerts the natural water balance and cause flooding, loss of property, water pollution and water shortage during dry periods. Demand of water is increased 20 times within last 20 years. Water can be utilized only to the extent of its recharge hence balanced exploitation of water resources is essential. Present paper focus on the need of balanced water resources management of water in urban sector. Keywords: pollution, urban, water