Mnemonics: Water Resources | Social Studies (SST) Class 10 PDF Download

1. Earth's Water Resources

Mnemonic: "SWEET 3"
Interpretations:
S: Saltwater makes up 97%
W: Water cycle renews freshwater
E: Evaporation from oceans and lakes
E: Essential sources – runoff and groundwater
T3: Three percent is freshwater

Explanation: Earth’s surface is covered by 71% water. Of this, 97% is saltwater and only 3% is freshwater. Water is renewed through the hydrological cycle involving Evaporation, Precipitation, and Collection. Freshwater sources include runoff and groundwater.

2. Water Scarcity and Conservation

Mnemonic: "PAID SCARCE"
Interpretations:
P: Population growth increases water demand
A: Agriculture overuses water for irrigation
I: Industrial growth strains supply
D: Dry regions face natural scarcity
S: Scarcity results more from misuse
C: Contamination from chemicals and waste
A: Access inequality across social groups
R: Rural development via Jal Jeevan Mission
C: Crop change to drought-resistant varieties
E: Electricity (hydropower) contributes to demand

Explanation: Despite water’s abundance, overuse, contamination, and unequal access cause scarcity. Growing population, industrialization, and irrigation needs intensify the issue. Government initiatives like JJM target rural water access.

4. Multi-Purpose Dams

Mnemonic: "I FEW RICE"
Interpretations:
I: Irrigation for agriculture
F: Flood control measures
E: Electricity generation (hydel power)
W: Water supply for domestic and industrial use
R: Recreation through water bodies
I: Inland navigation
C: Commercial fish breeding
E: Ecological regulation attempts

Explanation: Dams serve multiple purposes such as irrigation, power generation, and water supply. Projects like Bhakra–Nangal and Hirakud integrate these uses for broader benefits.

5. Multi-Purpose Dams – Uses

Mnemonic: “I FEW FIR”
I: Irrigation
F: Flood control
E: Electricity (hydel power)
W: Water supply (domestic/industrial)
F: Fish breeding
I: Inland navigation
R: Recreation

Explanation: Dams serve multiple purposes, making them vital for development.

6. Disadvantages of Dams

​Mnemonic: “FLOODS DISPLACE”
F: Fragments river ecosystems
L: Loss of aquatic biodiversity
O: Over-sedimentation
O: Over-irrigation leads to salinization
D: Displacement of locals
S: Social disputes over water
D: Dam failure risks floods
I: Inequality in water access
S: Soil erosion
P: Pressure to grow commercial crops
LACE: ecological Losses, Arable land decline, Conflict, Environmental imbalance

Explanation: While useful, dams also create serious ecological and social problems.

7. Rainwater Harvesting (RWH)

Mnemonic: “TANKS”
T: Traditional tankas (Rajasthan)
A: Arrest rainwater from roofs
N: Natural filtration (sand, brick)
K: Keep water for dry seasons
S: Safe drinking water source

Explanation: Rooftop rainwater harvesting is reliable, especially in dry regions like Rajasthan or Shillong.

8. Bamboo Drip Irrigation (Meghalaya)

​Mnemonic: “BAMBOO”
B: Bamboo pipes carry water
A: Ancient (200-year-old) system
M: Minimal wastage
B: Based on gravity
O: Optimal for hilly terrain
O: Outflow is drop-wise for plant roots

Explanation: Traditional, eco-friendly system used in Meghalaya, effective for water conservation.