Water is an essential resource. No one can live and survive without water. Hence, we should not let the source of the life waste, instead we must store it. We can do so by the methods of Rainwater Harvesting. Rainwater Harvesting refers to the process of collecting and storing of rainwater. Rainwater harvesting helps in providing drinking water, water for irrigation, agricultural purposes or for groundwater recharge. It is one of the best solutions to water problem in the areas having inadequate water resources. Rainwater systems are simple to construct. Usually, rainwater is either harvested from the ground or from a roof. During the rainy seasons, the rain water can be collected and stored in the tanks. There are many methods to harvest the rainwater. Usually, the methods used are: Catchments Areas i.e. the areas which receive rainfall directly. In this, paved areas like roof of a building or unpaved area such as open ground or lawns can be used for the catchment areas. Ground catchment techniques has more chances of collecting water from the larger surface areas. Storage system: It is designed according to the amount of water that is needed to be stored. Storage system must be sealed and does not leak. Chlorine must be put from time to time to keep the water clean. Conveyance systems which transfer the rainwater collected on the rooftops to the storage tanks and that is done by making connections to one or more down-pipes connected to the rooftop gutters or pipes. The gutters must be made as such that if it rain starts,the dirt will be washed into the down-pipe and clean water comes out.
Advantages/Benefits of Rain water Harvesting:
It is one of the best solutions to water problem in the areas having inadequate water resources
Reduction of soil Erosion.
Improved quality of ground water.
Raising of water level in wells and borewells.
Reduction in the choking of storm