Rainwater Harvesting.

 

Rainwater Harvesting

 

Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is the collection and storage of rain, rather than allowing it to run off. Rainwater is collected from a roof-like surface and redirected to a tank, cistern, deep pit (well, shaft, or borehole), aquifer, or a reservoir with percolation, so that it seeps down and restores the ground water. Dew and fog can also be collected with nets or other tools. Rainwater harvesting differs from stormwater harvesting as the runoff is typically collected from roofs and other surfaces for storage and subsequent reuse.

Its uses include watering gardens, livestock, irrigation, domestic use with proper treatment, and domestic heating. The harvested water can also be committed to longer-term storage or groundwater recharge.

Rainwater harvesting is one of the simplest and oldest methods of self-supply of water for households, having been used in South Asia and other countries for many thousands of years. Installations can be designed for different scales including households, neighborhoods and communities and can also be designed to serve institutions such as schools, hospitals and other public facilities.

 Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is a simple method by which rainfall is collected for future usage. 

The collected rainwater may be stored, utilized in different ways or directly used for recharge purposes. With depleting groundwater levels and fluctuating climate conditions, RWH can go a long way to help mitigate these effects. 

Capturing the rainwater can help recharge local aquifers, reduce urban flooding and most importantly ensure water availability in water-scarce zones. 

Though the term seems to have picked up greater visibility in the last few years, it was, and is even today, a traditional practice followed in rural India. Some ancient rainwater harvesting methods followed in India include madakas, ahar pynes, surangas, taankas and many more.

Applications

Domestic use:

Rooftop rainwater harvesting is used to provide drinking water, domestic water, water for livestock, water for small irrigation, and a way to replenish groundwater levels.

Agriculture:

In regard to urban agriculture, rainwater harvesting in urban areas reduces the impact of runoff and flooding. The combination of urban ‘green’ rooftops with rainwater catchments have been found to reduce building temperatures by more than 1.3 degrees Celsius. 

Rainwater harvesting in conjunction with urban agriculture would be a viable way to help meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for cleaner and sustainable cities, health and wellbeing, and food and water security.

The technology is available; however, it needs to be remodeled in order to use water more efficiently, especially in an urban setting.

Many countries, especially those with arid environments, use rainwater harvesting as a cheap and reliable source of clean water. To enhance irrigation in arid environments, ridges of soil are constructed to trap and prevent rainwater from running down hills and slopes. Even in periods of low rainfall, enough water is collected for crops to grow. Water can be collected from roofs, dams and ponds can be constructed to hold large quantities of rainwater so that even on days when little to no rainfall occurs, enough is available to irrigate crops.

Industry:

Rainwater harvesting was adopted at The Velodrome – The London Olympic Park – in order to increase the sustainability of the facility. A 73% decrease in potable water demand by the park was estimated. Despite this, it was deemed that rainwater harvesting was a less efficient use of financial resources to increase sustainability than the park's blackwater recycling program.

Why we need for Rainwater Harvesting - 

I. To overcome the inadequacy of surface water to meet our demands.

II. To arrest decline in ground water levels.

III. To enhance availability of ground water at specific place and time and utilize rainwater for sustainable development.

IV. To increase infiltration of rainwater in the subsoil this has decreased drastically in urban areas due to paving of open area.

V. To serve as domestic usage with appropriate filtration (drinking, watering garden).

VI. To act as unfiltered landscape irrigation, especially for dryland farming.

VII. To boost groundwater recharge, which will increase soil fertility even further.

VIII. To lessen sewage treatment plant overloads, urban flooding, and stormwater discharges; keeps the clean, fresh surface water free of metals, pesticides, fertilisers, and other sediments.

IX. To lessen the influx of saltwater into coastal communities.

X. Rainwater harvesting methods are affordable than other purifying or pumping methods, and ensure high-quality water.

XI. It reduces the demand for ground water. Having a rainwater harvesting system boosts the productivity of aquifer leading to increase in groundwater levels.

Advantages of Rainwater Harvesting - 

I. No land is wasted for storage purpose and no population displacement is involved.

II. Ground water is not directly exposed to evaporation and pollution.

III. Storing water under ground is environment friendly.

IV. It increases the productivity of aquifer.

V. It reduces flood hazards.

VI. Effects rise in ground water levels

VII. This an easily accessible renewable water resource.

VIII. Rain water harvesting reduces urban flooding.

IX. Rain water harvesting will prevent soil erosion.

X. Rain water harvesting is very cost effective way of saving water.

XI. This is not labor intensive.

Conclusion

Harvesting and collection of rainwater is an adequate strategy that can be used to address the problem of water crisis globally. The use of a rainwater harvesting system provides excellent merits for every community. This simple water conservation method can be a boost to an incredible solution in areas where there is enough rainfall but not enough supply of groundwater. It will not only provide the most sustainable and efficient means of water management but also unlock the vista of several other economic activities leading to the Empowerment of people at the grass-root level.

Conclusion:

For this, the Government and individuals should come out with an appropriate incentive structure and logistic assistance to make it a real success. 

Rainwater harvesting is something that thousands of families across the world should participate in rather than pinning hopes on the administration to fight water crisis. 

This water conservation method is a simple and effective process with numerous benefits that can be easily practiced in individual homes, apartments, parks and across the world. 

As we all know that charity begins at home, likewise, a contribution to society’s welfare has to be initiated from one’s home.

Thank you for your time and support, please comment if your view and comments in this blog for improvement and public awareness.