Rain Water Harvesting: Save The Planet

It is a well known fact that Rain water is the purest form of water available in nature, but people seldom make use of it. Hence there are more aqua corporates making good business out of people's negligance.

Even with cities recording highest average rainfall, people hardly make plans to save rain water even for domestic use.

Cape Town City faced severe water shortage during 2018, when the water level of the major dams supplying the City fell below 13.5 %.

In this article we will discuss in detail about the importance of Rain Water Harvesting.

Rainwater harvesting is the collection and storage of rainwater for later use.

This can be done by redirecting the flow of rainwater from roofs, pavements, and other surfaces into storage tanks or sumps.

The stored water can then be used for various purposes, such as irrigation, flushing toilets, and even for drinking if it is properly treated.

The importance of rainwater harvesting lies in its ability to conserve water resources and reduce the demand on municipal water supplies. In many areas, rainwater is the only source of water available during the dry season, and by collecting and storing it, communities can ensure a reliable supply of water for their needs. Additionally, rainwater harvesting can help to recharge groundwater aquifers, which can improve the overall health of an ecosystem.

Another benefit of rainwater harvesting is that it can help to reduce the risk of flooding by slowing down the flow of rainwater and allowing it to be absorbed into the ground. This is particularly important in urban areas where impervious surfaces such as pavement and buildings can cause rainwater to run off quickly and cause flash flooding.

Rainwater harvesting can also help to reduce the energy needed to pump water from distant sources. By using gravity to move the water from the storage tanks to the point of use, little or no energy is required. This can also help to reduce carbon emissions and contribute to a more sustainable society.

There are several different techniques used for rainwater harvesting, including:

Roof top harvesting: This is the most common form of rainwater harvesting and involves collecting rainwater from the roof of a building and directing it into a storage tank.

Surface runoff harvesting: This method involves collecting rainwater from paved surfaces such as roads and sidewalks and directing it into a storage tank.

Subsurface flow harvesting: This method involves collecting rainwater from the soil surface and directing it into a storage tank.

Spring harvesting: This method involves collecting water from natural springs and directing it into a storage tank.

Recharge pits and recharge trenches: This method involves digging pits or trenches in the ground and directing rainwater into them to recharge the groundwater aquifers.

The key to successful rainwater harvesting is proper design and maintenance of the system. The storage tanks or cisterns should be designed to be durable and able to withstand the local climate. They should also be properly sealed to prevent contamination of the stored water. Additionally, regular maintenance of the system is necessary to ensure that it continues to function properly and to prevent the growth of algae or other organisms in the stored water.

In conclusion, rainwater harvesting is an effective and sustainable way to conserve water resources. It can help to reduce the demand on municipal water supplies, improve the overall health of an ecosystem, reduce the risk of flooding and help to reduce the energy needed to pump water. It can be implemented in different ways and proper design and maintenance is key for its success. With the increasing population, urbanization and climate change, the importance of rainwater harvesting is more than ever before. It is an effective way to ensure water security and to promote sustainable development.

If we fail to save rain water, then we will fall prey to Corporates who commercialize drinking water , which is a basic source of our living.

Happy Rain Dancing !!!!