I.
Choose the Best Answer
1. Which factor does not affect the infiltration rate?
Answer: e. none
2. It is important to determine the minimum storage volume that will provide
sufficient water to meet crop needs during periods of low rainfall. Which one is
NOT true when analyzing the need for storage capacity?
Answer: b. We need for greater storage capacity if there are no periods when there is
insufficient water.
3. Which phrase explains the role of Government in water harvesting initiatives?
Answer: d. All
4. What is the primary purpose of runoff inducement in water harvesting?
Answer: d) To reduce the infiltration capacity of the catchment area
5. Which material is most commonly used for surface sealing in runoff inducement?
Answer: b) Sodium-based salts
6. In long-slope water harvesting systems, which method is used to prevent soil erosion
in shallow channels?
Answer: c) Constructing small bunds perpendicular to the water flow
7. Which factor has the greatest impact on the runoff coefficient in macro-catchment
water harvesting?
Answer: b) Rainfall intensity
8. What is the threshold rainfall concept in hydrology?
Answer: a) The minimum rainfall needed to generate surface runoff
9. Which factor is NOT considered when identifying suitable areas for water
harvesting?
Answer: c) National water regulations
10. What is the effect of vegetation cover on runoff inducement?
Answer: b) It reduces runoff by slowing down water movement
II. Matching
1. Compacted soil surface → d) A method of pressing soil to improve runoff.
2. Surface sealing → a) Reduces water infiltration using sodium-based salts.
3. Runoff coefficient → b) The percentage of rainfall that becomes runoff.
4. Impermeable coverings → c) A catchment technique using plastic sheets to increase
runoff.
5. Threshold rain → e) The minimum rainfall required to generate surface runoff.
III. True or False
1. True
2. False
3. False
4. True
5. False
6. True
7. True
8. False
9. True
10. False
11. True
12. False
13. True
IV. Short Answer
1. What are the main parameters in the selection of suitable areas for water
harvesting?
Answer:
Rainfall patterns – There should be adequate seasonal rain.
Soil type – Preferably low permeability to enhance runoff.
Topography – Slopes influence runoff and storage potential.
Land use and vegetation cover – Less vegetation cover increases runoff
efficiency.
Accessibility and socio-economic factors – Proximity to users and affordability
matter.
2. Describe factors affecting the selection of the best-suited micro-catchment water
harvesting method (technique).
Answer:
Soil characteristics – Soil permeability determines whether infiltration or
surface storage is preferable.
Rainfall distribution – Determines whether systems need to store water for
long periods.
Land slope and topography – Affects the speed and movement of water.
Type of crops grown – Different crops have varying water demands.
Local community acceptance and labor availability – Influences
implementation success.
3. Explain the impact of soil texture on the runoff efficiency of a water harvesting
system.
Answer:
Sandy soils – High infiltration, low runoff efficiency.
Clayey soils – Low infiltration, high runoff potential.
Loamy soils – Balanced infiltration and runoff.
Compacted soils – Reduced infiltration, increased runoff.
4. Discuss the role of climate change in shaping modern water harvesting techniques.
Answer:
Unpredictable rainfall – Increases demand for reliable storage.
Longer droughts – Require better water conservation strategies.
Extreme weather events – Demand stronger and more adaptive infrastructure.
Increased evaporation – Encourages use of underground storage to reduce water loss.
Changing land use patterns – Affects water availability and harvesting potential.
