Explain Water budget.

A water budget, also known as a hydrological budget or water balance, is a quantitative accounting of the inflows, outflows, and storage changes of water within a specified region or system over a defined period. It provides a systematic framework for assessing the availability, distribution, and utilization of water resources, helping to understand the dynamics of the hydrological cycle and inform water management decisions.

The components of a water budget typically include:

1. Precipitation: The input of water to the system in the form of rainfall, snowfall, or other forms of atmospheric moisture.

2. Evapotranspiration: The loss of water from the system through evaporation from soil and water surfaces and transpiration from plants.

3. Runoff: The portion of precipitation that flows over the land surface and into streams, rivers, lakes, or oceans, rather than infiltrating into the soil or being stored as groundwater.

4. Infiltration: The movement of water from the land surface into the soil profile, replenishing soil moisture and groundwater reserves.

5. Groundwater Recharge: The replenishment of groundwater aquifers through infiltration and percolation of water from the surface.

6. Storage Changes: Changes in the volume of water stored within the system, such as changes in soil moisture, groundwater levels, or reservoir storage.

By quantifying these components and their interactions, a water budget helps to assess the overall water balance of a region, identify sources of water surplus or deficit, evaluate the sustainability of water use practices, and prioritize water management strategies to meet competing demands for water resources. It serves as a valuable tool for water resource planning, drought preparedness, flood mitigation, and environmental conservation efforts.