Which of the following practices is not used in conserving water?

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which practice is not used to conserve water. Watch the word "not", since it reverses what you look for.

Step 2: Explain the concepts Water conservation means protecting and managing water resources so they are not wasted or lost. Trees and dams help in these ways:

• Tree roots hold soil and help rainwater soak into the ground. This recharges groundwater and reduces runoff and erosion.
• Tree canopies reduce the speed at which rain hits the ground and shade the soil, which lowers evaporation.
• Dams store water for later use, such as drinking, irrigation, and hydroelectric power.

Step 3: Check each option

• A. Afforestation means planting trees where there were none before. It conserves water, so it is used.
• B. Damming means building dams to store water. It conserves water, so it is used.
• C. Deforestation means clearing or cutting down forests. This increases runoff, soil erosion, and evaporation, and it reduces water infiltration and rainfall. It destroys water resources rather than conserving them, so it is not used.
• D. Reforestation means replanting trees in areas that have been cleared. It conserves water, so it is used.

Step 4: Answer The practice that is not used in conserving water is deforestation, which is option C.

Exam tip: In "which is NOT..." questions, three options will be positive practices and one will be the harmful one. Remember that a- and re- forestation add trees, while de- forestation removes them. The prefix de- means "remove."