Which term refers to collecting and using water from precipitation or runoff?

• A. Water Harvesting
• B. Surface Water
• C. Potable Water
• D. Effluent Water

Answer: (A)

Collecting and using water from precipitation or runoff is known as water harvesting, often referred to as rainwater harvesting. This practice captures moisture from rainfall on catchment areas such as rooftops or soil surfaces and stores it in tanks, cisterns, or ponds for later use, commonly for irrigation or other non-potable needs. It helps reduce reliance on the primary water supply and makes productive use of rainfall that would otherwise run off.

Surface water describes water already present in natural bodies like rivers and lakes, not the act of collecting rainfall. Potable water simply means water that is safe to drink, not a term for collecting runoff. Effluent water refers to treated wastewater, usually discharged or reused, not precipitation-based collection.