Learn about the comparison between surface and underground source of water.
Comparison # Surface Sources:
1. Forms in which Available:
Lakes, streams, ponds, rivers and storage reservoirs
2. Quality of Water:
They are sometimes highly polluted and unsafe to consumer. They contain inorganic impurities, organic impurities and industrial wastes.
3. Quantity of Water:
Huge quantity of water is available during monsoon, but is considerably reduced during summer.
4. Treatment:
They are to be suitably tested and a line of treatment is to be decided before they are adopted for public use.
5. Use:
They are useful for big towns and cities. They can be adopted for irrigation facilities also.
Comparison # Underground Sources:
1. Forms in which Available:
Infiltration galleries, infiltration wells, springs and wells
2. Quality of Water:
They are generally free from impurities because of natural filtration but may contain large amounts of dissolved salts, minerals and gases.
3. Quantity of Water:
The quantity of water available is generally limited.
4. Treatment:
They can be supplied to the public with no or minor treatment only.
5. Use:
They are useful for small towns and villages only.