Rainwater Harvesting Methods

Category : Rainwater Harvesting

Do you know water is the most indispensable natural resource for life and it is depleting at a faster rate? the increase in global population and the usage of water for human needs are the major reasons for water crisis. Hence it’s extremely important to conserve water. But how? Well, there are plenty ways/methods of preserving water and rainwater harvesting (RWH) is the one among. We must all make changes in our lifestyles in order to conserve the rainwater for our future use. So, let’s harvest rainwater and would you like to know about rainwater harvesting methods? If yes, then here you can find it!

1. What is rainwater harvesting and how rainwater harvesting system is important?

In recent years, rainwater harvesting has become quite popular. Rainwater harvesting is a sustainable, economical and safe technology/method to collect, convey and store rain from relatively clean surfaces such as roof for later use. Generally, the water is stored in a rainwater tank. It serves as an alternative water resource during the water shortage period. You can also use the stored rainwater for domestic, commercial or agricultural purpose like: irrigation, outdoor cleaning, flushing toilets, washing clothes, and even for drinking purpose. Rainwater harvesting is capable to fight against water crisis. The efficient and high–quality rainwater harvesting systems with proper instructions and technologies assemble all the needs of water and can conserve the water for future use.

Importance of rainwater harvesting system:
Rainwater harvesting is important in many ways. The major one being, it will rescue from water shortage and also yields good quality water if collected and stored in right way. It can significantly lower mains water usage by installing a rainwater harvesting system. It also has the potential of preventing drought like situation. The system include: the collection surface, gutters, downspouts, pre-filtration systems or first-flush devices, storage tanks and distribution systems — which can include purification (depending on the reason you will be using the rainwater for).

2. Rainwater Harvesting Methods:

To better understand the rainwater harvesting, let’s have a look at it’s methods. Majorly, there are two rainwater harvesting methods and are as follows:

1. Surface Runoff Rainwater Harvesting
2. Roof Top Rainwater Harvesting

Now, let’s have a detailed description on these methods:
1. Surface Runoff Rainwater Harvesting Method:
Surface runoff rainwater harvesting is a method of collecting rainwater flowing along the ground during the rains will be collected to a tank below the surface of the ground for irrigation and other purposes. During storage of rainwater, it is important to incorporate efficient and effective water conservation methods i.e. by reducing evaporation. It is a very easy to adopt technology and very profitable if used accordingly. The main objective of surface runoff rainwater harvesting method is to meet the ever increasing demand of water, to reduce water pollution, soil erosion and flooding of roads.

2. Roof Top Rainwater Harvesting Method:
Rooftop rainwater harvesting is a method of collecting rain water where it falls and in which rain water is captured from the roof catchments of domestic houses or commercial buildings and stored in the tanks. Harvested rain water can either be stored in a tank or diverted to artificial recharge system to meet the household/commercial needs through storage in tanks. This method is simple, eco-friendly, less expensive and truly effective. Roof-top rainwater harvesting method (RRH) involves diverting and recharging (or) storing rainwater that falls on the roof of a house/building. The main objective of rooftop rain water harvesting is to make water available for future use, to improve quality of ground water and etc.

Let’s take a look at where rooftop rainwater harvesting system/method can be installed:

1. Residential Homes/Houses, Villas
2. Schools, Colleges and other Educational Institutions
3. Apartments/Flats, Multi storey buildings
4. Government Buildings
5. Industries, Factories, Mills
6. IT Parks, Hotels, Restaurants, Resorts
7. Swimming pools, Stadiums and many such

Domestic or commercial applications of rooftop rainwater harvesting method include: flushing toilets, washing machines, washing vehicles, gardening, showers, sinks, and baths.

3. Top 8 benefits or advantages of rainwater harvesting methods:

Rainwater harvesting is a way of collecting rainwater from rooftops and other above-ground impervious surfaces that is stored in catchment tanks for after use. Installation of rainwater harvesting methods has numerous benefits and top 8 are listed below:

1. It increases water security and allows us to achieve a sustainable future with better environment
2. Rainwater harvesting systems are easy to install, operate and maintain
3. It acts as an excellent source of water for landscape irrigation without filtration
4. It significantly promotes both energy and water conservation
5. Rain water harvesting reduces the flooding on roads and further prevents it from contamination
6. It meets water requirements in the areas with less sufficient water resources
7. Great reduce in the water bill with the use of rainwater harvesting system
8. Rainwater harvesting system can reduce water consumption by as much as 40%

“Rainwater harvesting is the way to conserve rainwater and hence follow rainwater harvesting methods/techniques to save earth from lack of water!”

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