This Wetland primer has been made to be used as a community resource and is meant to evolve with the contributions and experiences of everyone working to protect lakes. Please write to us with your contributions.
Please feel free to use, share and disseminate this document. We would appreciate being informed about how it has been used.
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This document discusses ways for individuals to get involved in wetland restoration. It encourages learning about wetland threats, making environmentally-friendly choices, advocating for wetland protection on social media and in the community, and taking bold actions like volunteering for cleanup events or restoration projects. Working together, individuals, governments, organizations and others can help restore degraded wetlands and the benefits they provide.
The document discusses the Million Ponds Project, which aims to create new clean water ponds to help freshwater wildlife by providing habitats. It explains that new pond creation has advantages over pond management, as new ponds allow a clean slate and avoiding existing pollution issues. It provides guidelines for creating clean water ponds, including choosing unpolluted water sources, avoiding adding plants or animals, and preventing long-term disturbances from people and pets. The overall goal is to establish a network of wildlife-friendly ponds across the country through new pond creation.
This document discusses water resource management. It notes that while water covers most of the Earth's surface, less than 1% is freshwater available for human use. Proper management of water resources is important for conservation and sustainable development given increasing demand. Traditional, community-based systems of water management in India have declined as the state assumed control over water resources. Efficient management is needed to address issues like water scarcity, agricultural overuse, access, and climate change impacts.
This is my presentation for the World Wetlands Day celebration. Testified wetland's significance, awareness, and ways to conserve. Finally, conducted a quiz for more interactions.
Field report on pollution of a water body-Safilguda lakesushruth kamarushi
The document discusses the pollution issues affecting Safilguda Lake in Hyderabad, India. It outlines how sewage and garbage dumping has turned the once scenic lake into a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Local residents complain about the stench and health problems caused by the pollution. The authorities are blamed for neglecting to properly maintain the lake and control the pollution issues.
Water conservation encompasses policies and strategies to manage fresh water sustainably to meet current and future demand while protecting the environment. It is needed to ensure long-term availability, reduce energy usage for water distribution, and preserve freshwater habitats. Rainwater harvesting and watershed management are important techniques for water conservation. Rainwater collection stores roof runoff for irrigation and other uses, while watershed management aims to sustainably distribute resources within a drainage area. Recycling water through methods like rain barrel collection and reuse of drain water can also conserve fresh water supplies.
This document discusses water resources in India and water conservation efforts. It explains that while three-fourths of the earth is covered in water, only a small portion is freshwater that can be used. It then outlines various causes of water scarcity in India like population growth, overexploitation for irrigation and industries, urbanization, and pollution. It discusses various traditional and current water harvesting systems used in India as well as multi-purpose dam projects and their advantages and criticisms. Conservation efforts like rooftop rainwater harvesting and revival of traditional systems are seen as viable alternatives.
This document discusses water resources in India and water conservation efforts. It explains that while three-fourths of the earth is covered in water, only a small portion is freshwater that can be used. It then outlines various causes of water scarcity in India like population growth, overexploitation for irrigation and industries, urbanization, and pollution. It discusses various traditional and current water harvesting systems used in India like rooftop rainwater harvesting, diversion channels, and tanks. It also explains the benefits and criticisms of multi-purpose dam projects, and emphasizes the need for improved water management and conservation.
This document discusses ways for individuals to get involved in wetland restoration. It encourages learning about wetland threats, making environmentally-friendly choices, advocating for wetland protection on social media and in the community, and taking bold actions like volunteering for cleanup events or restoration projects. Working together, individuals, governments, organizations and others can help restore degraded wetlands and the benefits they provide.
The document discusses the Million Ponds Project, which aims to create new clean water ponds to help freshwater wildlife by providing habitats. It explains that new pond creation has advantages over pond management, as new ponds allow a clean slate and avoiding existing pollution issues. It provides guidelines for creating clean water ponds, including choosing unpolluted water sources, avoiding adding plants or animals, and preventing long-term disturbances from people and pets. The overall goal is to establish a network of wildlife-friendly ponds across the country through new pond creation.
This document discusses water resource management. It notes that while water covers most of the Earth's surface, less than 1% is freshwater available for human use. Proper management of water resources is important for conservation and sustainable development given increasing demand. Traditional, community-based systems of water management in India have declined as the state assumed control over water resources. Efficient management is needed to address issues like water scarcity, agricultural overuse, access, and climate change impacts.
This is my presentation for the World Wetlands Day celebration. Testified wetland's significance, awareness, and ways to conserve. Finally, conducted a quiz for more interactions.
Field report on pollution of a water body-Safilguda lakesushruth kamarushi
The document discusses the pollution issues affecting Safilguda Lake in Hyderabad, India. It outlines how sewage and garbage dumping has turned the once scenic lake into a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Local residents complain about the stench and health problems caused by the pollution. The authorities are blamed for neglecting to properly maintain the lake and control the pollution issues.
Water conservation encompasses policies and strategies to manage fresh water sustainably to meet current and future demand while protecting the environment. It is needed to ensure long-term availability, reduce energy usage for water distribution, and preserve freshwater habitats. Rainwater harvesting and watershed management are important techniques for water conservation. Rainwater collection stores roof runoff for irrigation and other uses, while watershed management aims to sustainably distribute resources within a drainage area. Recycling water through methods like rain barrel collection and reuse of drain water can also conserve fresh water supplies.
This document discusses water resources in India and water conservation efforts. It explains that while three-fourths of the earth is covered in water, only a small portion is freshwater that can be used. It then outlines various causes of water scarcity in India like population growth, overexploitation for irrigation and industries, urbanization, and pollution. It discusses various traditional and current water harvesting systems used in India as well as multi-purpose dam projects and their advantages and criticisms. Conservation efforts like rooftop rainwater harvesting and revival of traditional systems are seen as viable alternatives.
This document discusses water resources in India and water conservation efforts. It explains that while three-fourths of the earth is covered in water, only a small portion is freshwater that can be used. It then outlines various causes of water scarcity in India like population growth, overexploitation for irrigation and industries, urbanization, and pollution. It discusses various traditional and current water harvesting systems used in India like rooftop rainwater harvesting, diversion channels, and tanks. It also explains the benefits and criticisms of multi-purpose dam projects, and emphasizes the need for improved water management and conservation.
This document discusses the importance of saving water and various methods for doing so. It notes that only 0.3% of water is fresh water available to humans, yet we pollute it and fail to consider people suffering from water scarcity. Dams and water harvesting are presented as two key methods. Dams allow for water storage but can displace people and harm the environment. Water harvesting through watershed management and traditional systems helps recharge groundwater, benefits communities, and is more sustainable than large dams. The document promotes raising awareness of water issues in observation of World Water Day each March 22nd.
Water: water is renewable resource. Three- fourth of surface is covered with water but only a small proportion of it accounts for freshwater fit for use.
Some facts about water
Only 2.5% of the world’s water is fresh water and most of this are in the form of polar ice-caps.
Water use as increased by 70% since 1970.
A recent report by credit issues stated that by 2025 18 will
countries experience water demand beyond supply capabilities.
Canals provide advantages like irrigation, economic development, and drought prevention, but also have disadvantages. Water pollution in local canals is a problem, caused by fertilizer runoff and other sources. Remedial measures include awareness campaigns, reducing pesticide and fertilizer use, proper waste disposal, and planting trees near water bodies.
Canals provide advantages like irrigation, economic development, and drought prevention, but also have disadvantages. Water pollution in local canals is a problem, caused by fertilizer runoff and other sources. Remedial measures include awareness campaigns, reducing pesticide and fertilizer use, proper waste disposal, and planting trees near water bodies.
1. This document provides guidance for teachers on leading a student project to harvest rainwater on their school campus. It discusses the benefits of rainwater harvesting such as conserving water, preventing pollution, and recharging groundwater.
2. Examples are given of demonstration school projects in Lagunitas and Terra Linda, California that installed rainwater harvesting systems. Students are instructed to map the existing drainage on their campus and calculate existing rainwater runoff.
3. The document outlines steps for students to design a rainwater harvesting system for their school, which could include a rain garden and rain barrels to capture water from the classroom. Students are guided on planning, fundraising, building, and sharing the project with the community
This document discusses various aspects of water resources and water management. It begins by defining water and providing general facts about the global water supply, including that only 3% is freshwater. It then discusses different sources of fresh water such as surface water, groundwater, frozen water, and desalination. It also covers water management, the need for water resource management, water efficiency strategies like reducing leaks and consumption, and water conservation methods for households, commercial, and agricultural use like low-flow fixtures and drip irrigation. The overall document provides a broad overview of water resources, sources, uses, and strategies for effective management and conservation of this vital resource.
This document discusses different sources of water. It begins by stating the general and specific objectives of the session which are to introduce various water sources such as rainwater, groundwater, impounding reservoirs, rivers, and tanks. It then provides details about each source: Rainwater is the primary source that replenishes groundwater and surface water. Surface water includes impounding reservoirs, rivers, ponds and lakes. Impounding reservoirs are artificial lakes constructed to store surface water. Rivers and their characteristics are also described. The document concludes by defining groundwater and its advantages over surface water sources.
Greywater systems offer a way to reuse household wastewater and reduce potable water usage. They capture "greywater" from showers, sinks, and washing machines to water landscaping instead of sending it down the drain. Greywater recycling provides environmental benefits while easing pressure on water supplies.
Greywater systems capture wastewater from baths, showers, washing machines, and sinks, which account for over half of total household water usage. This greywater is diverted to either a holding tank or direct irrigation lines rather than the sewer system. The water is then used to irrigate lawns, gardens
Water scarcity can arise even when water resources are abundant due to over-exploitation and poor management of water. While dams were built to manage water resources, many large dams have negatively impacted the environment and people. Alternative approaches like rainwater harvesting are becoming more popular as they are socio-economically and environmentally beneficial. However, improving water resource management remains an ongoing challenge.
Paulo Mellet's Productive ecological sewage water treatment systems Magnus Wolfe Murray
In tribute to the most inspiring man who i have encountered on planet so far, a wonderful friend and constant source of brilliant ideas and resources. We are so much poorer without his presence now he has passed away, yet so much richer for knowing him, from learning from him. Your work will live on in everything I do. Go well my friend.
Water resources presentation part 1 sebastian ospina-5csebas3112
The document discusses water resources and their uses. It defines water resources as water sources that are useful to humans, including for agricultural, industrial, household, recreational, and environmental purposes. It provides examples of good uses of water resources like fixing leaks and taking shorter showers, and bad uses like long showers and washing cars with running water. The document proposes creating an awareness campaign for students about water conservation and improving water infrastructure to address wasting of water resources.
This document summarizes the key points from a report on rainwater harvesting in India. It begins by acknowledging those who helped complete the report. It then provides reasons for rainwater harvesting such as increasing water demands, variations in water availability, and water quality issues. Various methods of rainwater harvesting are described, including rooftop collection and surface runoff collection. The objectives, advantages, and potential disadvantages of rainwater harvesting systems are outlined. Finally, some success stories of rainwater harvesting projects in cities and villages across India are highlighted.
Nuclear energy has long been hailed as a promising solution to our energy needs, offering a relatively clean and efficient source of power. However, alongside its benefits come significant risks and hazards that cannot be ignored. From the potential for catastrophic accidents to the long-term environmental and health impacts of radioactive materials, nuclear hazards pose complex challenges that demand careful consideration. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the various aspects of nuclear hazards, from their origins and mechanisms to their effects and the strategies employed to mitigate them.
Understanding Nuclear Hazards:1.1. Nuclear Energy and Its Hazards:
- Nuclear energy harnesses the power of atomic reactions to generate electricity, primarily through nuclear fission.
- The hazards associated with nuclear energy arise from the radioactive materials produced during fission, which emit harmful ionizing radiation.
- Types of nuclear hazards include accidents, radiation exposure, radioactive contamination, and the long-term storage of radioactive waste.1.2. Sources of Nuclear Hazards:
- Nuclear power plants: Accidents such as Chernobyl and Fukushima have demonstrated the potential for catastrophic failures in nuclear reactors.
- Nuclear weapons testing: The detonation of nuclear weapons releases large amounts of radioactive fallout into the environment.
- Radioactive waste: The disposal and storage of spent nuclear fuel and other radioactive materials present ongoing hazards.
Impacts of Nuclear Hazards:2.1. Health Effects:
- Acute effects of radiation exposure include radiation sickness, burns, and organ damage.
- Chronic exposure to low levels of radiation increases the risk of cancer, genetic mutations, and other long-term health problems.
- Vulnerable populations, such as children and pregnant women, are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of radiation.2.2. Environmental Consequences:
- Radioactive contamination can persist in the environment for thousands of years, affecting ecosystems and wildlife.
- Contaminated water sources, soil, and air can lead to bioaccumulation of radioactive isotopes in plants and animals, potentially entering the food chain.
Urban water bodies like tanks, ponds, and canals are constructed to harvest rainwater for local use and provide environmental benefits. They serve functions like flood control, irrigation, drinking water supply, and groundwater recharge. Major examples of urban water body developments discussed include the Sabarmati Riverfront Development in Ahmedabad, which redeveloped over 500 acres along the riverfront, and the Kankaria Lake redevelopment in Ahmedabad, which enhanced a historic 4.8 km lake surrounded by public spaces and activities. Challenges to managing urban water bodies in India include a lack of clear definitions, data, strategies, and balanced management approaches.
20091127 Fr Everyday Life And Its Cycle Group 5 1+2SzSS
Water moves through a natural cycle, changing states between liquid, solid, and gas. It evaporates from bodies of water, condenses into clouds, and falls as precipitation. Most water is then absorbed by plants or flows into rivers and lakes before evaporating again. Water is also treated and distributed for everyday human uses. It is pumped from underground sources through pipe networks and reservoirs before reaching homes and businesses. Agriculture accounts for about 70% of water consumption globally, while industry uses around 22% and domestic use about 8%. However, consumption varies significantly between wealthy and poor countries. Access to clean drinking water remains a challenge in some parts of the world.
WATER BUDGETING IN LIMNETIC ENVIRONMENTSalmashaik26
This document discusses the management of waterbodies for economic activities. It outlines several key uses of water including agriculture, aquaculture, drinking, irrigation, domestic use, industrial use, hydroelectric power generation, recreation, environment, and their challenges. Agriculture is the largest user, accounting for 70% of global water withdrawal mainly for irrigation. Other major uses include industrial activities like power and manufacturing, aquaculture, and recreation. The document also discusses the aims and challenges of different water-using sectors and stresses the need for sustainable management of water resources given issues like population growth, climate change, and pollution.
Water supply, use, pollution and treatmentsRikiAcanto1
The document provides information on global water supply and issues related to water use, pollution, and treatment. It discusses the following key points:
1) A growing global water shortage is linked to food supply as the human population grows and water is needed to grow more food. Only 1% of the world's water is available for human use.
2) Water pollution from sources like agricultural and urban runoff degrades water quality and exposes billions of people to waterborne diseases. Pollution increases biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) in water.
3) Eutrophication from excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus entering water bodies from fertilizers and sewage kills aquatic plants and reduces dissolved oxygen, harming ecosystems
This document discusses water resources and rainwater harvesting. It covers topics like the sources and divisions of water resources, including surface water, groundwater, desalination, and frozen water. Uses of water resources include agricultural, industrial, and household uses. The document also discusses ways to conserve water, the benefits of rainwater harvesting, and techniques for rainwater harvesting like collection, storage, and recharge of groundwater. Rainwater harvesting provides many benefits like self-sufficiency of water supply and improved groundwater quality.
Urban Waters Forum 2023 - Water sustainability workshopbiometrust
The second edition of Urban Waters Forum workshop 2023 was conducted on the 15th and 16th of March 2023 and brought together water practitioners from across the country for knowledge sharing, including new developments in their respective domains of work. There were around 60+ members, who included academicians, lake group members, water professionals and government officials, and representatives from various states like Maharashtra, Kerala, Gujarat, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand and Karnataka.
This document discusses the importance of saving water and various methods for doing so. It notes that only 0.3% of water is fresh water available to humans, yet we pollute it and fail to consider people suffering from water scarcity. Dams and water harvesting are presented as two key methods. Dams allow for water storage but can displace people and harm the environment. Water harvesting through watershed management and traditional systems helps recharge groundwater, benefits communities, and is more sustainable than large dams. The document promotes raising awareness of water issues in observation of World Water Day each March 22nd.
Water: water is renewable resource. Three- fourth of surface is covered with water but only a small proportion of it accounts for freshwater fit for use.
Some facts about water
Only 2.5% of the world’s water is fresh water and most of this are in the form of polar ice-caps.
Water use as increased by 70% since 1970.
A recent report by credit issues stated that by 2025 18 will
countries experience water demand beyond supply capabilities.
Canals provide advantages like irrigation, economic development, and drought prevention, but also have disadvantages. Water pollution in local canals is a problem, caused by fertilizer runoff and other sources. Remedial measures include awareness campaigns, reducing pesticide and fertilizer use, proper waste disposal, and planting trees near water bodies.
Canals provide advantages like irrigation, economic development, and drought prevention, but also have disadvantages. Water pollution in local canals is a problem, caused by fertilizer runoff and other sources. Remedial measures include awareness campaigns, reducing pesticide and fertilizer use, proper waste disposal, and planting trees near water bodies.
1. This document provides guidance for teachers on leading a student project to harvest rainwater on their school campus. It discusses the benefits of rainwater harvesting such as conserving water, preventing pollution, and recharging groundwater.
2. Examples are given of demonstration school projects in Lagunitas and Terra Linda, California that installed rainwater harvesting systems. Students are instructed to map the existing drainage on their campus and calculate existing rainwater runoff.
3. The document outlines steps for students to design a rainwater harvesting system for their school, which could include a rain garden and rain barrels to capture water from the classroom. Students are guided on planning, fundraising, building, and sharing the project with the community
This document discusses various aspects of water resources and water management. It begins by defining water and providing general facts about the global water supply, including that only 3% is freshwater. It then discusses different sources of fresh water such as surface water, groundwater, frozen water, and desalination. It also covers water management, the need for water resource management, water efficiency strategies like reducing leaks and consumption, and water conservation methods for households, commercial, and agricultural use like low-flow fixtures and drip irrigation. The overall document provides a broad overview of water resources, sources, uses, and strategies for effective management and conservation of this vital resource.
This document discusses different sources of water. It begins by stating the general and specific objectives of the session which are to introduce various water sources such as rainwater, groundwater, impounding reservoirs, rivers, and tanks. It then provides details about each source: Rainwater is the primary source that replenishes groundwater and surface water. Surface water includes impounding reservoirs, rivers, ponds and lakes. Impounding reservoirs are artificial lakes constructed to store surface water. Rivers and their characteristics are also described. The document concludes by defining groundwater and its advantages over surface water sources.
Greywater systems offer a way to reuse household wastewater and reduce potable water usage. They capture "greywater" from showers, sinks, and washing machines to water landscaping instead of sending it down the drain. Greywater recycling provides environmental benefits while easing pressure on water supplies.
Greywater systems capture wastewater from baths, showers, washing machines, and sinks, which account for over half of total household water usage. This greywater is diverted to either a holding tank or direct irrigation lines rather than the sewer system. The water is then used to irrigate lawns, gardens
Water scarcity can arise even when water resources are abundant due to over-exploitation and poor management of water. While dams were built to manage water resources, many large dams have negatively impacted the environment and people. Alternative approaches like rainwater harvesting are becoming more popular as they are socio-economically and environmentally beneficial. However, improving water resource management remains an ongoing challenge.
Paulo Mellet's Productive ecological sewage water treatment systems Magnus Wolfe Murray
In tribute to the most inspiring man who i have encountered on planet so far, a wonderful friend and constant source of brilliant ideas and resources. We are so much poorer without his presence now he has passed away, yet so much richer for knowing him, from learning from him. Your work will live on in everything I do. Go well my friend.
Water resources presentation part 1 sebastian ospina-5csebas3112
The document discusses water resources and their uses. It defines water resources as water sources that are useful to humans, including for agricultural, industrial, household, recreational, and environmental purposes. It provides examples of good uses of water resources like fixing leaks and taking shorter showers, and bad uses like long showers and washing cars with running water. The document proposes creating an awareness campaign for students about water conservation and improving water infrastructure to address wasting of water resources.
This document summarizes the key points from a report on rainwater harvesting in India. It begins by acknowledging those who helped complete the report. It then provides reasons for rainwater harvesting such as increasing water demands, variations in water availability, and water quality issues. Various methods of rainwater harvesting are described, including rooftop collection and surface runoff collection. The objectives, advantages, and potential disadvantages of rainwater harvesting systems are outlined. Finally, some success stories of rainwater harvesting projects in cities and villages across India are highlighted.
Nuclear energy has long been hailed as a promising solution to our energy needs, offering a relatively clean and efficient source of power. However, alongside its benefits come significant risks and hazards that cannot be ignored. From the potential for catastrophic accidents to the long-term environmental and health impacts of radioactive materials, nuclear hazards pose complex challenges that demand careful consideration. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the various aspects of nuclear hazards, from their origins and mechanisms to their effects and the strategies employed to mitigate them.
Understanding Nuclear Hazards:1.1. Nuclear Energy and Its Hazards:
- Nuclear energy harnesses the power of atomic reactions to generate electricity, primarily through nuclear fission.
- The hazards associated with nuclear energy arise from the radioactive materials produced during fission, which emit harmful ionizing radiation.
- Types of nuclear hazards include accidents, radiation exposure, radioactive contamination, and the long-term storage of radioactive waste.1.2. Sources of Nuclear Hazards:
- Nuclear power plants: Accidents such as Chernobyl and Fukushima have demonstrated the potential for catastrophic failures in nuclear reactors.
- Nuclear weapons testing: The detonation of nuclear weapons releases large amounts of radioactive fallout into the environment.
- Radioactive waste: The disposal and storage of spent nuclear fuel and other radioactive materials present ongoing hazards.
Impacts of Nuclear Hazards:2.1. Health Effects:
- Acute effects of radiation exposure include radiation sickness, burns, and organ damage.
- Chronic exposure to low levels of radiation increases the risk of cancer, genetic mutations, and other long-term health problems.
- Vulnerable populations, such as children and pregnant women, are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of radiation.2.2. Environmental Consequences:
- Radioactive contamination can persist in the environment for thousands of years, affecting ecosystems and wildlife.
- Contaminated water sources, soil, and air can lead to bioaccumulation of radioactive isotopes in plants and animals, potentially entering the food chain.
Urban water bodies like tanks, ponds, and canals are constructed to harvest rainwater for local use and provide environmental benefits. They serve functions like flood control, irrigation, drinking water supply, and groundwater recharge. Major examples of urban water body developments discussed include the Sabarmati Riverfront Development in Ahmedabad, which redeveloped over 500 acres along the riverfront, and the Kankaria Lake redevelopment in Ahmedabad, which enhanced a historic 4.8 km lake surrounded by public spaces and activities. Challenges to managing urban water bodies in India include a lack of clear definitions, data, strategies, and balanced management approaches.
20091127 Fr Everyday Life And Its Cycle Group 5 1+2SzSS
Water moves through a natural cycle, changing states between liquid, solid, and gas. It evaporates from bodies of water, condenses into clouds, and falls as precipitation. Most water is then absorbed by plants or flows into rivers and lakes before evaporating again. Water is also treated and distributed for everyday human uses. It is pumped from underground sources through pipe networks and reservoirs before reaching homes and businesses. Agriculture accounts for about 70% of water consumption globally, while industry uses around 22% and domestic use about 8%. However, consumption varies significantly between wealthy and poor countries. Access to clean drinking water remains a challenge in some parts of the world.
WATER BUDGETING IN LIMNETIC ENVIRONMENTSalmashaik26
This document discusses the management of waterbodies for economic activities. It outlines several key uses of water including agriculture, aquaculture, drinking, irrigation, domestic use, industrial use, hydroelectric power generation, recreation, environment, and their challenges. Agriculture is the largest user, accounting for 70% of global water withdrawal mainly for irrigation. Other major uses include industrial activities like power and manufacturing, aquaculture, and recreation. The document also discusses the aims and challenges of different water-using sectors and stresses the need for sustainable management of water resources given issues like population growth, climate change, and pollution.
Water supply, use, pollution and treatmentsRikiAcanto1
The document provides information on global water supply and issues related to water use, pollution, and treatment. It discusses the following key points:
1) A growing global water shortage is linked to food supply as the human population grows and water is needed to grow more food. Only 1% of the world's water is available for human use.
2) Water pollution from sources like agricultural and urban runoff degrades water quality and exposes billions of people to waterborne diseases. Pollution increases biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) in water.
3) Eutrophication from excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus entering water bodies from fertilizers and sewage kills aquatic plants and reduces dissolved oxygen, harming ecosystems
This document discusses water resources and rainwater harvesting. It covers topics like the sources and divisions of water resources, including surface water, groundwater, desalination, and frozen water. Uses of water resources include agricultural, industrial, and household uses. The document also discusses ways to conserve water, the benefits of rainwater harvesting, and techniques for rainwater harvesting like collection, storage, and recharge of groundwater. Rainwater harvesting provides many benefits like self-sufficiency of water supply and improved groundwater quality.
Urban Waters Forum 2023 - Water sustainability workshopbiometrust
The second edition of Urban Waters Forum workshop 2023 was conducted on the 15th and 16th of March 2023 and brought together water practitioners from across the country for knowledge sharing, including new developments in their respective domains of work. There were around 60+ members, who included academicians, lake group members, water professionals and government officials, and representatives from various states like Maharashtra, Kerala, Gujarat, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand and Karnataka.
Wastewater management at Pramuk Aqua Heights.pdfbiometrust
Detailed case study of excess STP treated water at Pramuk Aqua Heights being treated further to tertiary levels and sold to cooling towers and laundries.
Water sustainability at Nandideepa apartments.pdfbiometrust
Nandi Deepa Apartment complex faced acute water shortages for nearly a decade as it did not receive water from the municipal supply. A new residents' association implemented a water management plan that included reviving existing borewells and an open well, installing a water treatment plant, implementing rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharging. These measures reduced their reliance on water tankers, cutting annual water costs from Rs. 14-16 lakhs to potential savings of Rs. 11.82 lakhs annually. Residents are now recovering the capital costs of water sustainability measures within two years and working to further improve the water supply.
Rainwater harvesting best practices in Vidyaranyapura.pdfbiometrust
The document summarizes rainwater harvesting best practices in Vidyaranyapura, Bengaluru. It describes the rainwater harvesting systems implemented by two residents, Mr. Raghuram Giridhar and Mr. Sham Prasad. Both harvest rooftop rainwater through storage sumps and recharge their open wells and borewell to meet their household water needs in a sustainable and cost-effective manner. Their systems help reduce dependence on piped water and have environmental benefits.
Detailed case study of water management at SJR Verity Apartments. Listen to Shameer A talking about it in his TEDx talk at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oile1strrvU&t=8s
Water Management at Sai Poorna Paradise Apartments.pdfbiometrust
Sai Poorna Paradise Apartments in Bengaluru implemented various water management initiatives to reduce their reliance on water tankers as their main water source. These included rainwater harvesting which collects over 10,000 kilolitres of rainwater annually, recharging borewells and excavating recharge wells. As a result, tanker usage reduced from 11 to 2 tankers monthly, lowering expenses from Rs. 18-20 lakhs to below one lakh rupees. Individual household metering further reduced overall water demand by 50% and wastewater treatment costs.
Rainwater harvesting at Rail Wheel Factory.pdfbiometrust
Detailed case study of rainwater harvesting initiatives at Rail Wheel Factory, Yelahanka, Bengaluru. A short version can be found at https://urbanwaters.in/rail-wheel-factory-yelahanka/ and a video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-gtfN9EViY
Rainwater harvesting (RWH) can go a long way in solving water crises. Wipro Cares, in partnership with Biome, embarked on a project to implement rooftop RWH and improve the water infrastructure in seven government schools in this area. One such is Marsur school.
This document attempts to understand the Halanayakanahalli Kere and the cascading lake system that it is part of, its current state and its effects on the environment.
This document attempts to understand the cascading lake system around Saul Kere, its current state, its biodiversity, and its influence on the water system of Bengaluru.
1. The document summarizes various water management projects in Bengaluru that aim to restore and recharge groundwater levels through sustainable practices.
2. These projects include reviving lakes like Jakkur Lake through treatment facilities, community-based initiatives like Rainbow Drive that implement rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling, and self-sufficient buildings like The Abode and Classic Orchards that adopt rooftop harvesting and closed-loop water systems.
3. A key aspect across these projects is establishing closed-loop water systems where water intake is given back to ensure sustainability, as well as community participation for successful long-term management of resources.
A borewell is dug by installing a casing pipe from the surface down to the hard rock layer. A submersible pump is placed below the lowest water-bearing fracture to pump water up through the delivery pipe. Regular inspection and maintenance of borewells is important, including metering water usage. If a borewell runs dry, options include camera inspection, hydrofracturing to increase water flow, or longer term groundwater recharge solutions.
Borewells are man-made wells dug deep into the ground to extract water from confined aquifers located underground. They involve drilling deep holes that tap into fractured rock layers where water has accumulated over many years. Borewells have become the most common source of water in urban India, with over 30 million constructed. They initially replaced traditional open wells in the 1970s when new drilling technology arrived in India. Borewells draw water from much deeper underground compared to open wells, accessing pressurized water trapped within rock fractures rather than shallow, unconfined aquifers.
The Association for People with Disability (APD) instituted water conservation measures, the details of which are in this document. A video of the project can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvaYBzTPAPc
Case study - Deccan International School.pdfbiometrust
Deccan International School has successfully tackled its flooding issue by using recharge wells to send the excess water into the ground. This has also added the benefit of the revival of all its borewells, eliminating the use of tankers for the last 3 years.
This effort can be furthered by setting up rooftop rainwater harvesting for all its buildings. This will help reduce purification and pumping costs for the school and also help revive the open well for long-term water security. Revival of this large old well also has the added benefit of preserving our heritage artefacts. Since this is a school, this and the rest of the water management system could be great learning for the protection and optimal usage of our natural resources for its students.
Optimizing Post Remediation Groundwater Performance with Enhanced Microbiolog...Joshua Orris
Results of geophysics and pneumatic injection pilot tests during 2003 – 2007 yielded significant positive results for injection delivery design and contaminant mass treatment, resulting in permanent shut-down of an existing groundwater Pump & Treat system.
Accessible source areas were subsequently removed (2011) by soil excavation and treated with the placement of Emulsified Vegetable Oil EVO and zero-valent iron ZVI to accelerate treatment of impacted groundwater in overburden and weathered fractured bedrock. Post pilot test and post remediation groundwater monitoring has included analyses of CVOCs, organic fatty acids, dissolved gases and QuantArray® -Chlor to quantify key microorganisms (e.g., Dehalococcoides, Dehalobacter, etc.) and functional genes (e.g., vinyl chloride reductase, methane monooxygenase, etc.) to assess potential for reductive dechlorination and aerobic cometabolism of CVOCs.
In 2022, the first commercial application of MetaArray™ was performed at the site. MetaArray™ utilizes statistical analysis, such as principal component analysis and multivariate analysis to provide evidence that reductive dechlorination is active or even that it is slowing. This creates actionable data allowing users to save money by making important site management decisions earlier.
The results of the MetaArray™ analysis’ support vector machine (SVM) identified groundwater monitoring wells with a 80% confidence that were characterized as either Limited for Reductive Decholorination or had a High Reductive Reduction Dechlorination potential. The results of MetaArray™ will be used to further optimize the site’s post remediation monitoring program for monitored natural attenuation.
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Presented by The Global Peatlands Assessment: Mapping, Policy, and Action at GLF Peatlands 2024 - The Global Peatlands Assessment: Mapping, Policy, and Action
Evolving Lifecycles with High Resolution Site Characterization (HRSC) and 3-D...Joshua Orris
The incorporation of a 3DCSM and completion of HRSC provided a tool for enhanced, data-driven, decisions to support a change in remediation closure strategies. Currently, an approved pilot study has been obtained to shut-down the remediation systems (ISCO, P&T) and conduct a hydraulic study under non-pumping conditions. A separate micro-biological bench scale treatability study was competed that yielded positive results for an emerging innovative technology. As a result, a field pilot study has commenced with results expected in nine-twelve months. With the results of the hydraulic study, field pilot studies and an updated risk assessment leading site monitoring optimization cost lifecycle savings upwards of $15MM towards an alternatively evolved best available technology remediation closure strategy.
Kinetic studies on malachite green dye adsorption from aqueous solutions by A...Open Access Research Paper
Water polluted by dyestuffs compounds is a global threat to health and the environment; accordingly, we prepared a green novel sorbent chemical and Physical system from an algae, chitosan and chitosan nanoparticle and impregnated with algae with chitosan nanocomposite for the sorption of Malachite green dye from water. The algae with chitosan nanocomposite by a simple method and used as a recyclable and effective adsorbent for the removal of malachite green dye from aqueous solutions. Algae, chitosan, chitosan nanoparticle and algae with chitosan nanocomposite were characterized using different physicochemical methods. The functional groups and chemical compounds found in algae, chitosan, chitosan algae, chitosan nanoparticle, and chitosan nanoparticle with algae were identified using FTIR, SEM, and TGADTA/DTG techniques. The optimal adsorption conditions, different dosages, pH and Temperature the amount of algae with chitosan nanocomposite were determined. At optimized conditions and the batch equilibrium studies more than 99% of the dye was removed. The adsorption process data matched well kinetics showed that the reaction order for dye varied with pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order. Furthermore, the maximum adsorption capacity of the algae with chitosan nanocomposite toward malachite green dye reached as high as 15.5mg/g, respectively. Finally, multiple times reusing of algae with chitosan nanocomposite and removing dye from a real wastewater has made it a promising and attractive option for further practical applications.
Improving the viability of probiotics by encapsulation methods for developmen...Open Access Research Paper
The popularity of functional foods among scientists and common people has been increasing day by day. Awareness and modernization make the consumer think better regarding food and nutrition. Now a day’s individual knows very well about the relation between food consumption and disease prevalence. Humans have a diversity of microbes in the gut that together form the gut microflora. Probiotics are the health-promoting live microbial cells improve host health through gut and brain connection and fighting against harmful bacteria. Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus are the two bacterial genera which are considered to be probiotic. These good bacteria are facing challenges of viability. There are so many factors such as sensitivity to heat, pH, acidity, osmotic effect, mechanical shear, chemical components, freezing and storage time as well which affects the viability of probiotics in the dairy food matrix as well as in the gut. Multiple efforts have been done in the past and ongoing in present for these beneficial microbial population stability until their destination in the gut. One of a useful technique known as microencapsulation makes the probiotic effective in the diversified conditions and maintain these microbe’s community to the optimum level for achieving targeted benefits. Dairy products are found to be an ideal vehicle for probiotic incorporation. It has been seen that the encapsulated microbial cells show higher viability than the free cells in different processing and storage conditions as well as against bile salts in the gut. They make the food functional when incorporated, without affecting the product sensory characteristics.
Microbial characterisation and identification, and potability of River Kuywa ...Open Access Research Paper
Water contamination is one of the major causes of water borne diseases worldwide. In Kenya, approximately 43% of people lack access to potable water due to human contamination. River Kuywa water is currently experiencing contamination due to human activities. Its water is widely used for domestic, agricultural, industrial and recreational purposes. This study aimed at characterizing bacteria and fungi in river Kuywa water. Water samples were randomly collected from four sites of the river: site A (Matisi), site B (Ngwelo), site C (Nzoia water pump) and site D (Chalicha), during the dry season (January-March 2018) and wet season (April-July 2018) and were transported to Maseno University Microbiology and plant pathology laboratory for analysis. The characterization and identification of bacteria and fungi were carried out using standard microbiological techniques. Nine bacterial genera and three fungi were identified from Kuywa river water. Clostridium spp., Staphylococcus spp., Enterobacter spp., Streptococcus spp., E. coli, Klebsiella spp., Shigella spp., Proteus spp. and Salmonella spp. Fungi were Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus flavus complex and Penicillium species. Wet season recorded highest bacterial and fungal counts (6.61-7.66 and 3.83-6.75cfu/ml) respectively. The results indicated that the river Kuywa water is polluted and therefore unsafe for human consumption before treatment. It is therefore recommended that the communities to ensure that they boil water especially for drinking.
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This document is published under a CC BY-NC-SA 2.5 IN license.
2
3. Contents
Introduction……………………………………………………………………….……………………….................4
What is a wetland?
Why, more than ever, we need urban wetlands today?
Examples of urban wetlands
Getting to know our Wetlands………………………………………………………………………….…………...16
Water quality management
Biodiversity conservation
Bird habitat
Resilience and flood control
Livelihoods
Engaging with our
Wetlands……………………………………………………………………….……………………………...……..37
The legal and institutional framework
Who’s responsible?
Some activities for us to do
Wetland Design and
Health…………………………………………………………………….……………………………………..…...52
Design considerations
Wetland health
Some
Resources………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…58
3
Contents
5. A river is more than the waters
that flow in it , the sediments
transported and the energy
embedded.
Any rivers water flow however,
like say the river Cauvery, is the
sum total of all the rain that falls
in its catchment and is not held
back as soil moisture,
groundwater ,
evapotranspiration tanks or
dams.
Its tributaries are magnificent,
but less appreciated are the vast
network of 'tanks' , artificial
water bodies that dot its
landscape. In a strange way
these tanks hold back the waters
which would otherwise have
reached the river, yet they
create an ecology of their own
becoming natural wetlands. Vishwanath
Srikantaiah
Zenrainman
5
Introduction
6. • A wetland is an ecosystem saturated with water – either perennially or seasonally.
• Unlike other landforms or water bodies, wetlands tend to have characteristic vegetation, like aquatic
plants (see macrophytes)
• Wetlands are perhaps one of the most biodiverse ecosystems as they are home to birds, fish, reptiles,
amphibians, insects and many plant species as they provide spaces for roosting, nesting and feeding, as
well as refuge during extreme weather conditions.
• Wetlands also form corridor or stepping stone habitats that support the migration of species, including
water birds and marine mammals.
• Wetlands can be freshwater, brackish (partly salty), or saline (very salty).
6
Introduction: What is a wetland?
What is Wetland?
7. What do you think of when you imagine wetlands?
• Do you imagine mangroves? Or perhaps
the Sunderbans? Or even the
Everglades?
• Think of the Dal Lake in Kashmir. Its
boatmen weave local weeds into
floating mats, or floating weed gardens.
Over the years these gardens have
become robust and are ideal for
growing fruits and vegetables! Farmers
grow everything from cucumber to
turnip, radishes to carrots, melons to
tomatoes and pumpkins!
• In Manipur, phumdis are large iconic
wetlands.
• Can you imagine a wetland in the heart
of your city – in a lake amidst
apartments, offices, roads and parks?
7
Introduction: What do you think when you imagine wetlands?
8. • A wetland in an urban lake is a part of
the water body that breeds a high
density of aquatic life, and typically
uses up the nutrients in the lake and
enhances the water quality of the
lake. The sewage entry into many
tanks tends to naturally foster
wetlands if nutrient levels are high.
Some lakes have wetlands
incorporated into their design.
• Crucially, wetlands store water and
transform nutrients and like our
kidneys, they filter the water they
hold, because as water moves through
a wetland, they or their roots ‘pick up’
the nutrients, sediments and
pollutants, cleaning the water in the
process.
8
Introduction: Wetlands, the kidneys of our city
Wetlands, the kidneys of our city
9. Why, more than ever, we need urban wetlands today?
•Our city’s lake and water networks
traditionally helped regulate our
microclimates and local
environmental conditions.
•Over time, these networks have
become encroached, and
increasingly fragmented. In many
parts, entire catchments have been
transformed by the urban spread.
•As a result, we have increased
sewage and wastewater problems.
We have flooding. We are faced
with severe water pollution.
•Urban wetlands can help bring back
the natural flow of things, and help
restore our lakes’ quality and
health.
Introduction: Why do we need Urban wetlands today? 9
10. Engineered
wetlands can be
either static or
floating.
Static wetlands
tend to be built
at the inlet of
the lake or tank,
as is the case
with Jakkur Lake.
Introduction: Why do we need Urban wetlands today? 10
11. • Every day, 8 to 15 MLD of treated
wastewater from the STP passes
through the wetland and into the
lake.
• It has a 7 acre wetland towards
its inlet
• This wetland consists of a reed
bed followed by an algal pond
and a bund that separates it from
the main body of the lake.
• A mix of treated wastewater from
the adjoining STP and storm
water (usually with some sewage
mixed in it) enters the wetland.
The wetland is separated from
the main portion of the lake by a
stone bund.
Jakkur Lake
Introduction: Jakkur lake
STP inlet
Wetland map
Jakkur lake map
11
12. • It has a 100 KLD STP abutting the lake and treated
wastewater flows into the lake through the
naturally existing wetland.
• There is a plan to construct a polishing pond and
reed bed for the water to pass through before it
enters the lake
Introduction: Soulkere
Saulkere map
12
Soul Kere
Wetland of soul kere
Wetland
13. Hebbagodi Lake, Electronic City
• There are 400 floating wetlands in the lake placed near
the shore line and at the outlets.
• This lake even entered the record books for the largest
floating island post rejuvenation.
• Everyday, around 3MLD of raw sewage enters it, with
some upstream bioremediation
Introduction: Hebbagodi Lake 13
14. Puttenahalli Lake, JP Nagar
• Earlier, one-third of its area was been earmarked for a
constructed wetland. This was difficult to maintain
and then around 70 floating wetlands were introduced
at the inlet and in the lake.
• Colleges like BMS work with lake groups to measure its
lake quality, and for other environmental and social
initiatives.
• In Puttenahalli Lake or Hebbagodi Lake, we find
floating wetlands, placed across the lake, from the
inlets to the outlets.
Introduction: Puttenahalli Lake 14
15. Functions of our wetlands
15
Functions of wetlands such as water quality management, a space for biodiversity, bird habitat,
resilience and flood control and its livelihoods
16. Functions of Wetland: Introduction
Many of Bangalore’s rejuvenated
lakes have wetlands attached to
them.
Wetlands help
1. manage our lakes’ water
quality;
2. are a space for biodiversity
conservation;
3. and provide resilience
against disasters, such as the
breakdown of the upstream
sewage treatment plant or
floods.
4. are a source for livelihoods;
Let’s look at each function in
the following section.
Introduction
16
17. Water Quality Management
• Bangalore’s lakes are full of nitrates,
phosphates, heavy metals and the like.
• Wetlands use a process called phytoremediation
to maintain the lake’s water quality.
• Phytoremediation uses plants to remove, degrade
or contain the contamination present in soil,
sludge, sediments, surface water or groundwater.
Functions of Wetland: Water quality management 17
18. A Space for Biodiversity Conservation
Wetlands are considered the most biologically
diverse of all ecosystems. They are home to a
wide range of aquatic plants, as well as bird,
fish, insects, amphibians and reptiles!
There is immense environmental and social
value in biodiversity. Wetlands with a healthy
biodiversity provide essential services from
providing and purifying water, acting as
spawning and nursery grounds for fish,
providing a refuge for animals in times of
drought and providing recreational and cultural
benefits.
Following the principles of phytoremediation,
and using constructed wetlands we can treat
the water in our lakes.
Here are some common macrophytes, or
aquatic plants.
Here’s also a detailed list of aquatic plants.
Functions of Wetland: A space for biodiversity 18
19. Types of Macrophytes, or aquatic plants
b. Cyperus Grass
a. Chinese Umbrella c. Canna
Functions of Wetland: Types of macrophytes or aquatic plants 19
20. d. Water Hyacinth-
• When not controlled, Water
Hyacinth can quickly grow and
cover entire ponds and lakes. It
then affects water flow, blocks
sunlight and can provide a
breeding place for mosquitoes
and other disease-carrying
insects in stagnating water in
shallow areas.
• But, Water Hyacinth roots also
absorb important pollutants like
lead, mercury, and strontium,
and carcinogenic organic
compounds.
• Water hyacinth plants are also
used to make furniture,
handbags, mats and rope.
Functions of Wetland: Types of macrophytes or aquatic plants 20
21. e. Typha-
• Typha grows densely
and is known to purify
water by absorbing
nutrients in it.
• Typha’s root system is
very good for
stabilising the wet
banks of rivers and
lakes.
• Many use Typha leaves
to weave baskets, and
it is also sometimes
used as a natural
thermal insulation in
homes.
Functions of Wetland: Types of macrophytes or aquatic plants 21
22. f. Water Cabbage
● Water cabbage, also called
as lettuce is among the
world's most productive
freshwater aquatic plants
and considered an invasive
species.
● Water lettuce is often used
in tropical aquariums to
provide cover for fry and
small fish. It is also helpful
as it outcompetes algae for
nutrients in the water,
thereby preventing massive
algal blooms
Functions of Wetland: Types of macrophytes or aquatic plants 22
23. h. Alligator weed-
• It is an invasive species which grows both on land and
water.
• Many believe that alligator weed increases milk
production in their livestock.
• As grazing is prohibited in the lake areas, grass cutters
visit the lake everyday and cut the alligator weed which
is then used as fodder.
g. Vetiver
• Perhaps one of the
most commonly
known of wetland
plants grows
perennially.
• Vetiver roots are very
valuable; they are used
to make an essential
oil that has antifungal
properties, they are
used to make rugs and
mats, and even to
repel termites.
• They are also used to
bolster embankments
in areas (like along the
Konkan railway) that
are at risk of landslides
or mudslides.
Functions of Wetland: Types of macrophytes or aquatic plants 23
24. Bird Habitat
•Many people visit lakes and
their wetlands to birdwatch and
for photography, and by doing
so contribute to the local
biodiversity count, identify new
species or note missing species,
and help in understanding
ecological changes.
•See https://birdcount.in/ebird/
where many birdwatchers
maintain bird records.
•Bird Censuses are carried out in
some lakes, and record the
number of species roosting, The
number of migratory birds
visiting, And the number of
species of birds nesting in the
wetland and around the lake.
Functions of Wetland: Bird Habitat 24
25. A Spot Billed
Pelican spotted at
one of our lakes.
Functions of Wetland: Bird Habitat 25
26. A Purple Heron flies
home to nest on a
wetland.
Functions of Wetland: Bird Habitat 26
29. Resilience and Flood Control
• Wetlands can also provide immense water storage benefits. They act as natural sponges, by soaking up
and holding water until it can seep into the ground. Wetland vegetation also slows the water flow and
slowly releases it into nearby streams and lakes. Wetlands also slow down erosion rates.
• Wetland vegetation can help reduce pollutants in case of upstream STP breakdown by sediment trapping
and nutrient removal.
• As a result, they can also help prevent floods, especially during adverse weather events!
Functions of Wetland: Resilience and flood control 29
30. a. Grasscutters
Wetlands also support and
sustain many livelihoods.
Grass cutters come daily
from nearby villages to cut
grass, alligator weeds and
other reeds which are used
as fodder for livestock.
Grasscutters do not disturb
the local bird habitat.
The vibrant biodiversity of
the wetlands provide
livelihoods. As macrophytes
grow in waste water they
improve the water quality,
and their growth in turn
provides biomass and
roosting spaces for
birds/reptiles. That growth
in turn provides livelihoods -
grass cutting, basket making,
fishing…
Functions of Wetland: Livelihoods
Livelihoods
30
31. “We see each other ever so
often, at the lake. One day,
we spoke. Every day he
comes with his sickle in the
evening. A little hard of
hearing. The world and his
immediate family seems to
have done him wrong or so
he says. He works quietly
for 3 hours. There are
many people walking
around. No one talks to
him”.
Grasscutter
and I
Functions of Wetland: Livelihoods 31
32. This is the alligator
weed . It grows in
shallow water, and
one type of this plant
(Alternanthera
sessilis) is for human
consumption, the
other is used as
fodder.
The nutrients in the
wetland coming from
sewage leave a faint
disagreeable odour
but they help this
plant grow vigorously.
It takes four trips, but
at the end of the day,
our friend heads home
with a heavy load.
Functions of Wetland: Livelihoods 32
33. b. Fishermen-
Fishermen get
contracts to fish at
the lake from the
Fisheries Department
and fish collected
from the
wetland/lake are
sold. In some lakes
fishermen are
involved in cleaning
wetlands and
removing unwanted
or overgrown weeds
Functions of Wetland: Livelihoods 33
34. c. Gardeners-
Gardeners are normally
employed by the local lake group
or the government to maintain
the lake. They are responsible
for landscaping, garbage
removal and regular cleaning of
the lake, the wetland, the inlets,
outlets and drains. They
compost reeds and weeds not
taken by grasscutters.
Many of the wetlands reeds can
be used for fodder, for insulation
(reeds like Typha and Cyprus),
for compost and for local
craftwork. Janastu is an NGO
working to build local livelihoods
using reeds and regularly
conduct workshops.
Functions of Wetland: Livelihoods 34
35. d. Urban
Livelihoods-
Urban wetlands can
also support urban
livelihoods. People
can use the reeds
harvested from the
wetlands to
produce beautiful
not so common
products in Urban
area.
This is a photo of
basket weaving
from wetland
reeds, organised by
MAPSAS.
For more details
about the reed
making workshops
https://www.decca
nherald.com/city/k
eeping-lake-alive-w
eaving-678511.html
Functions of Wetland: Livelihoods 35
36. Janastu is another NGO
that also works with
communities to improve
their livelihoods using
wetland reeds. For more
details about Janastu
http://biometrust.blogspot
.com/2018/05/products-m
ade-with-typha-and-other.
html
Functions of Wetland: Livelihoods 36
37. Engaging with our Wetlands
37
One set of people want the plants removed, so that there can be water and fish and perhaps boats. The
other set wants plants and fodder and biodiversity. The third set is indifferent, apathetic and curses the
government. How do we work together?
What we can do, and how.
38. The legal and institutional framework
• The 1971 Ramsar Convention formalised wetlands as protected areas. Since then wetland protection has
gained significance both nationally and locally.
• In India the 1986 Lakshman Rao Committee emphasised and recommended wetlands protection, for
Bangalore’s lake/tank ecosystem.
• In 2010, The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), which has the primary responsibility of
managing lake ecosystem, notified The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010.
• These rules ensure better conservation, management and prevent degradation of existing wetlands in
India. The rules prohibit the conversion of wetland, waste dumping and discharging untreated effluents
into wetlands and regulate the withdrawal of water, recreational activity, dredging and construction of
permanent structure within 50m of the wetland.
Engaging with our Wetlands 38
39. Karnataka specific laws
• The Karnataka Lake Conservation and Development Authority Act, 2014 is there to
• to protect, conserve, reclaim, regenerate and restore lakes to facilitate recharge of depleting ground
water by promoting integrated approach with the assistance of concerned Government departments,
local and other authorities;
• to exercise regulatory control over all the lakes within the jurisdiction of all the Municipal Corporations
and Bangalore Development Authority including prevention and removal of encroachment of lake area
and its natural drainage system.
• to prepare a plan for integrated development of lakes and to improve and also to create habitat of
wetland for aquatic biodiversity, water birds and aquatic plants controlling pollution of lakes from
sewage and other industrial effluents.
• to encourage participation of communities and voluntary agencies and to launch public awareness
programmes for conservation, preservation and protection of lakes.
• The KLCDA has now been replaced by the KTCDA.
• Other laws on wetlands can be found here.
Engaging with our Wetlands 39
40. Integrating wetlands into planning
• Wetlands, in combination with waste-water treatment plants, are a good way of reviving the tanks in the
city. The example of Jakkur lake is a possible starting points for an integrated approach to manage water
in the city with wetlands playing an important role.
• Here waste-water treated to secondary standards are then allowed in to the wetlands which remove
nitrates and reduce Total Suspended Solids, thus allowing for it to fill the water body. In turn , the lakes
allow for fishing and recharge the surrounding aquifers.
• Remedied waste-water from the city can be further treated in the wetlands and used for agricultural
purpose.
• Integrating wetlands into the master plan and the urban fabric of cities is the need of the hour and that
would be water wisdom.
Engaging with our Wetlands 40
41. Who’s responsible?
•Wetlands are maintained by multiple stakeholders from the local residents. living around the lake, to the
grass cutters, fishermen and gardeners who derive their livelihood from the lake, to researchers and
academics to study this local ecosystem, to the government and local authorities!
•Grouping to be done with respect to the way one identifies the expectations of every stakeholder in
order to group them
•Working together helps effectively maintain our wetlands.
41
Engaging with our Wetlands
42. Laws, institutions and stakeholders
• The lake and wetland community consists of the residents who live around the lake, people who work in
the lake and who derive livelihoods from it to its patrons, who use it for various purposes.
• Management frameworks need to address the diverse expectations of each group (and its stakeholders)
and to harness individual interests so that the larger purpose of the wetland is preserved, while
addressing individual needs.
• Maintaining the wetland is critical to ensuring the harmonious use and purpose of the wetland,
particularly to avoid tradeoffs between them.
• MoUs help define objectives, roles, responsibilities and obligations of each stakeholder and other terms
like schedules, activities etc.
• Dialogue between stakeholders is key!
Engaging with our Wetlands 42
43. Who can engage with a wetland?
•Anyone can engage with their lake’s wetland, and roles and responsibilities for protecting the ecosystem
are spread across stakeholders.
•A good management framework allows different groups to work in consonance.
Citizens
Labs,
colleges,
schools, labs
and NGOs
People with
lake
dependent
livelihoods
Lake
Administrativ
e authorities
Lake groups
and local
residents
43
Engaging with our Wetlands
44. Some roles: Citizens and local communities
•Organising and mobilizing resources, whether human, financial or institutional and bringing everyone
together
•Implementing or executing activities associated with wetland maintenance and other developmental
activities
•Getting permissions/approvals from government institutions for various activities
•Engaging community members/volunteers/artists/craftsmen in various activities
•Creating awareness on the importance of wetlands
44
Engaging with our Wetlands
45. Roles: Local Communities, Institutions and
Organisations
•Grasscutters cut grass, alligator weeds and other reeds which are used as fodder for their livestock
•Fishermen, apart from fishing, also cut weeds, and may also remove plants or macrophytes along the
periphery of the lake water body.
•Gardeners are responsible for the cleanliness of the lake and its environs. They remove garbage such
plastic, paper, bottles, glass etc. and regularly clean the lake and its surroundings. They also cut and
compost weeds and grass.
•Research and Educational institutions have played significant roles in the design of wetlands. They have
brought technical inputs where required and also play a role as labs for water testing.
•Government and administrative authorities provide approvals/permissions, and regulate activities.
•Civil society organisations also help mobilize financial, technical, community support and introduce
ecological perspectives.
•The private sector can support these initiatives financially
45
Engaging with our Wetlands
47. All our lakes are alive and the
health of the lake and its
ecosystem is closely linked it’s
water quality
As citizens we need to be alert to
changes in the lake - a simple
activity like walking around the lake
can give us visual cues to the lake’s
health. For example, are the plants
thriving? Is there a smell? Can I see
fish in the lake? And what about
birds? Is the lake water changing?
Is there an unexpected source of
water coming in? Could it be
sewage?
We use a range of water quality
parameters to measure lake water
quality , such as BOD, COD, PH, TDS
etc. Regular tests can be done
using the FFEM kit.
Wetland monitoring Activities 47
48. We monitor the health of the wetland and
the lake so we can take appropriate
measures when the water quality drops, and
so we can communicate any issues with
stakeholders upstream or downstream.
Anyone can monitor – from lake groups, to
lake administrative bodies like BBMP/BDA, or
local colleges, schools, labs.
Sample, test and monitor (from the inlet,
outlet and the centre for the lake) the water
quality once or twice a month. Testing
parameters.
You could do this in-situ using a test kit, or at
a lab, or even conduct a visual check (check
for a smell, or frothing, or discolouration of
the water)
Record your results in a log book or on an
online platform. To share, you could write up
a report for the public lake dashboard.
Wetland monitoring Activities 48
49. Activities
•We need to regularly monitor, clean and maintain our wetlands
•Trim, remove dead plants and remove floating macrophytes – this improves the nutrient intake of
wetlands and reduces nitrate and phosphate levels in the lake.
•Use aerators, which increase the levels of dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in the lake
•We afforest in and around the catchment area, this helps the lake retain water and provides flood control
measures.
49
Wetland monitoring Activities
50. Cleaning the wetland and lake
• Daily:
• We need to remove garbage such as paper or plastic floating in the wetland.
• Aerators can be used daily to increase levels of dissolved oxygen (DO) in the water.
• Monthly:
• Inspect and remove unnecessary plants and other debris and clear the pipes or water pathways of
soil, garbage or other detritus.
• Trim overgrown reeds, inspect for algal blooms.
• Remove floating macrophytes, and keep 5-6 ft of alligator weed/water hyacinth around the
shoreline
• Quarterly
• Clean the silt traps.
• Regularly
• Ensure the catchment has enough trees to avoid soil erosion.
• Here’s a list of activities that need to be undertaken.
Wetland monitoring Activities 50
51. Wetland Design and Health
51
Slides below has been drafted based on the visual and physical observations. It does not contain technical
details of wetland health and design. These are by no means definite, but only a reference document.
52. Design considerations
● What is the area required to treat wastewater?
a. The area of a wetland depends on the influent water quality and expected treatment.
b. For example to treat 1 MLD raw sewage with BOD: 60-80mg/L to anticipated outflow quality of 10
mg/L of BOD. The area required is 4.2 acres.
(http://wgbis.ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/water/paper/ETR124/ETR124.pdf, page 9)
c. In Jakkur the wetland is 7 acres and was designed to treat 10MLD of secondary treated water
● How do you calculate the amount of inflow into a wetland?
a. In most lakes in bangalore, the rainwater inflow and wastewater inflow needs to be considered
when designing the wetland.
b. The quantity of rainwater inflow depends on the catchment area, the catchment area is the area
where the rain water falls and flows into the lake.
c. The quantity of sewage inflow can be estimated based on the population in the catchment area.
Wetland Design and Health: Design consideration 52
53. Design considerations
● How do you calculate the
amount of inflow into a
wetland?
a. An easier way to calculate
the inflow is to calculate
the flow in the streams
coming into the wetland.
One method that can be
used is the float method, a
floating object is used to
measure its velocity as it
floats down the channel.
b. A detailed video of the
process can be found
online using this link
Wetland Design and Health: Design consideration 53
54. Design considerations
● How do you account for the fluctuations in sewage inflow?
a. Using the above method will give us the flow rate, but it is important to calculate the total water discharge
per day based on the peak flow and non peak flow. We assume peak flow for 8 hours during the day and
non peak flow (approximately 1/10th peak flow) for 16 hours during the day.
● What should the depth of the wetland be?
a. Constructed wetlands are usually less than 1m deep, it can be upto 1-1.2m and even goes up to 1.5m in
Bellandur. See here page 5 and 21
● What should the slope of the wetland be?
a. Ideally a gentle slope!
● What are the different types of constructed wetlands?
a. Free- Water Surface Constructed Wetland imitates the naturally occurring processes of a natural wetland.
Water flows above ground and is exposed to direct sunlight. When water slowly flows through the
wetland heavy sediments settle down, and nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus are taken up by
wetland plant species and other microorganisms. See here.
b. Algal ponds are algae based lagoons that treat wastewater leaving the wetland by natural oxidative
processes. See here.
Wetland Design and Health: Design consideration 54
55. • What plant species are recommended for wetlands?
a. We recommend using native non invasive plant species, for more information on different plant species
please refer the following document: See here for a more comprehensive list.
• Do you need to seal the bottom of a wetland?
a. Ideally constructed wetlands should be sealed using a layer of clay.
• What does the term “minimum retention time” mean?
a. Retention time is the average time water remains in wetland HRT (d) = volume (m3) / inflow (m3/d). A
retention time of 3 to 5 days is recommended for untreated water. See here, page 22 and here
• What else should we consider when designing a wetland?
a. The flow in the wetland- Inlets and outlets should be designed to create the longest path for water to
flow through the wetland.
b. The flow into the wetland-The inlet into the wetland can also be designed such that water travels
through the longest path, so it passes through reeds before it enters the wetland
c. Silt traps before the inlet
d. Sampling point at outlet to test water quality
e. Flow meters
f. Design such that water flows by gravity
g. Ensure the wetland is accessible for maintenance, such that desilting and trimming of plant species is
not hindered. eg build floating bridges and wooden decks
Design considerations
Wetland Design and Health: Design consideration 55
56. Wetland Health
Wetland’s health plays a major role in the ecological system. It is difficult to assess the health of a wetland due
to the various different functions it plays especially in an urban context. However,
● Wetland health or condition can be noticed by-
○ the wetland’s physical/chemical attributes (its parts)- the amalgamation of soil, water, its
flora/fauna and its surrounding activities
○ Its function (what it’s doing).
Wetland Design and Health: Health 56
57. a. Soil condition-Wetland soil is considered healthy when its colour is dark brown to black due to its
presence of mineral or organic matter. Wetland soil generally have lower densities, higher porosity, greater
water holding capacity, lower nutrient availability than mineral soils
b. Water quality- Water quality is at best when there is no pungent smell, no formation of froth, no dark
green/black coloured water.
c. Flora/Fauna- A healthy wetland has an abundance of biodiversity.
d. Livelihood- The livelihoods supported by the wetland reflects the economic dependency of the people
living in the surrounding areas on these lakes. The economic dependency is always higher in case of a
healthy wetland.
e. Nutrient content- When the nutrient content is high in a wetland only certain species survive and multiply
and there is an observed lack of biodiversity. In order to have less nutrients, one should ensure there is no
direct sewage flow into the wetland and no agricultural run off into the wetland.
Physical and chemical indicators of Wetland HEALTH
Wetland Design and Health: Health 57
58. A. Hydrology- Wetlands primarily receive water from three sources: precipitation, surface flow, and
groundwater. The relative proportion of these, influence the plant communities in wetland and the
types of soil formed.
B. Topography- topography of a healthy wetland enhances water holding capacity and groundwater
recharge, reduces soil erosion and purifies water.
C. Its function-
Wetlands play different functions like flood control, soil erosion, absorption of pollutants and excess
nutrients, hence purifying the water. It also provides critical habitat for many plants and animals,
including some threatened and endangered species.
Other factors that influences Wetland HEALTH
Wetland Design and Health: Health 58
59. ● Soils in healthy wetlands
contain bacteria that remove
excess nitrogen by process
called denitrification which
helps in restoring the water
quality.
● The nutrients from the water
gets absorbed by plants and
fish.
● These plants are consumed by
animals (like cows, horses etc)
and the fishes are consumed
by bird retaining the balance
of nutrients in water.
Nutrient
distribution
Wetland Design and Health: Health 59
61. • Biodiversity of constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0925857411001807 -
• (PDF) Waste Water Treatment using Water Hyacinth. Available from:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323278568_Waste_Water_Treatment_using_Water_Hyacinth
• Native, Invasive and Other Plant- Related Definitions
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/ct/technical/ecoscience/invasive/?cid=nrcs142p2_011124
• Wetlands Operation and Maintenance Guide
https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/environment/stormwater/docsmaintenanceguides/wetlands-operation
-maintenance-guide.pdf
• Integrated Wetlands Ecosystem: Sustainable Model to Mitigate Water Crisis in Bangalore
http://wgbis.ces.iisc.ernet.in/biodiversity/pubs/ETR/ETR76/sec9.html
• Using Mangrove trees in Eutrophic Inland Waters by M.B.Krishna
http://wgbis.ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/water/proceed/proceedings_text/section3/paper3/section3paper3.htm
• Wetlands: Treasure of Bangalore[Abused, Polluted, Encroached & Vanishing]
http://wgbis.ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/water/paper/ETR101/content.html#8
• Contact information of Water Quality testing labs and other vendors:
http://groundwaters.in/contacts
61
References 61
62. • https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-10/documents/constructed-wetlands-handbook.pdf
• http://wgbis.ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/water/paper/ETR124/ETR124.pdf
• https://m.jagranjosh.com/current-affairs/wetlands-in-india-significance-threats-conservation-1466144262-1
• https://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/indian-wetlands-under-threat
• http://wgbis.ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/water/paper/wetlandmanagement_gis/wetlandmanagement_gis.pdf
• http://wgbis.ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/water/paper/Jakkur/594-601%20P.%20Sudarshan%20D52.pdf
• http://web.utk.edu/~ctmelear/ossabaw/PattersonStanfordSutton/wetlandL1.html
• http://fwf.ag.utk.edu/mgray/wfs560/Harden.pdf
• https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2018-10/documents/nutrient-criteria-manual-wetlands.pdf
• http://cas.umt.edu/watershedclinic/links/clarkfork/wetlands/wetlandhealth.htm
References: Wetland design and health
References for Wetland design and health
62
63. Some Useful Contacts
•Friends of Lakes Bangalore
•One Bengaluru for Lakes
•MAPSAS
•Jalaposhan
•Puttenahalli Neighbourhood Lake Improvement Trust
•Kaikrondahalli Kere
•Kaikrondahalli Kere Lower Ambalipura Kere
•Kasavanahalli Lake
•Soul Kere
Get in touch with Biome
Environmental Trust at
water@biome-solutions.com
With thanks to
M B Krishna, Sasibhushan, Dr S
Subramanya, Dinesh and Gopi from
Janastu;
BV Satish, Chief Engineer, Lakes
department, BBMP, Seema Garg, CEO,
KLCDA
MAPSAS, Dr Annapurna Kamath and
Jalaposhan, Green Army, the Forest
Department (Punati Sridhar PCCF, Vasant
Reddy DCF, Ravindra FCO, PNLIT and the
CSR wing of Biocon
This document is published under a CC BY-NC-SA
2.5 IN license.