Which of the following factors contribute to the decreasing availability of usable water? 1. Rising population. 2. Industries consume a negligible amount of water compared to domestic use. 3. Food production requires no water resources. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Option The correct option is (a). Explanation The availability of usable fresh water is declining due to a combination of demand-side pressures (population growth, agricultural intensity, industrialization) and supply-side constraints (pollution, aquifer depletion). Water scarcity is exacerbated when consumption rates exceed the natural replenishment of water resources. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: A rising population increases the direct demand for water for domestic use (drinking, washing) and indirect demand for food and industrial goods. This places immense stress on freshwater sources, reducing the per capita availability of usable water. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: Industries are significant consumers of water. They require vast quantities for cooling, processing, and cleaning. Industrial water use is a major factor in the depletion of local water bodies, not a negligible one. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: Food production (agriculture) is the single largest consumer of freshwater globally. Irrigation accounts for approximately 70% of global freshwater withdrawals. Asserting that it requires no water is factually wrong. Key Takeaway Agriculture is the dominant consumer of freshwater resources, followed by the industrial and domestic sectors. Population growth acts as a multiplier for water demand across all these sectors.

Which of the following factors contribute to… - NCERT Class 6 Environment & Ecology MCQ

NCERT Class 6 Environment & Ecology — Chapter 1: Water

mcqeasy

Which of the following factors contribute to the decreasing availability of usable water?

Rising population.
Industries consume a negligible amount of water compared to domestic use.
Food production requires no water resources.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT Science - class 6 · Page 143

Options

A1 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (a).

Explanation

The availability of usable fresh water is declining due to a combination of demand-side pressures (population growth, agricultural intensity, industrialization) and supply-side constraints (pollution, aquifer depletion). Water scarcity is exacerbated when consumption rates exceed the natural replenishment of water resources.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: A rising population increases the direct demand for water for domestic use (drinking, washing) and indirect demand for food and industrial goods. This places immense stress on freshwater sources, reducing the per capita availability of usable water.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Industries are significant consumers of water. They require vast quantities for cooling, processing, and cleaning. Industrial water use is a major factor in the depletion of local water bodies, not a negligible one.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: Food production (agriculture) is the single largest consumer of freshwater globally. Irrigation accounts for approximately 70% of global freshwater withdrawals. Asserting that it requires no water is factually wrong.

Key Takeaway

Agriculture is the dominant consumer of freshwater resources, followed by the industrial and domestic sectors. Population growth acts as a multiplier for water demand across all these sectors.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Water

What happens to the water that falls on land as rain and snow? 1. Most of it ultimately flows back to the oceans. 2. None of the rainwater seeps into the ground. 3. It remains permanently on the land surface to form lakes. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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How does rapid industrialization primarily affect freshwater availability?

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With reference to heavy rains and floods, consider the following statements: 1. Heavy rains can lead to a rise in the water level of rivers and lakes. 2. Floods are generally beneficial for the survival of soil-dwelling animals. 3. Animals living in water can get carried away to land areas during floods and die when water recedes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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What causes the formation of water droplets on the outer surface of a container filled with ice-cold water?

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Consider the following statements about the availability of water: 1. About two-thirds of the Earth is covered with water. 2. Most of the Earth's water is readily available for human consumption. 3. The water in oceans plays a crucial role in supplying fresh water through the water cycle. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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