Introduction
In an era where conservation is becoming crucial, rainwater harvesting seems to be a practical and eco-friendly solution. This technique involves colleting and storing rainwater for various uses it also offers various benefits to both individual or a group. Here is the few basic procedure for rainwater harvesting.
Step 1 - Planning and estimation: check for the available space and resource for rainwater harvesting such as rooftops, driveways or open area. Determine the intended use of harvested rainwater e.g., irrigation, toilet flushing, car washing, drinking. While doing rainwater harvesting consider the climate of your location, rainfall pattern, so that it will be helpful in understanding how much water we will be going to save.
Step 2 - Water storage tank: the harvested rainwater needs to be stored in order to reuse, it is required to choose an appropriate storage tank based on the climate condition and rainfall intensity of that region. Ensure that tank is properly sealed to prevent leakage and contamination. Cover the tank to prevent algae growth and evaporation.
Step 3 β Installation: Install gutters at the edge of the roof, ensure that these gutters are properly sloped towards the down take pipes to direct water flow, connect all down take pipes from the roof into one, where the rooftops rainwater will be diverted to the rainwater harvesting system through that single pipe. Design the system to include components such as gutters, down take pipes, filtration process, storage tanks and distribution systems.
Step 4 β Keep rooftop clean: Rainwater is the purest form of water; it is required to keep the rooftop clean for it to remain pure when it is collected. Terrace gardening, allowing pets in terrace is not allowed. The terrace needs to be swept and cleaned before rainfall starts by this the water collected will remain clean.
Step 5 β Rainwater harvesting system: the first rainfalls water needs to be flushed out, it might contain dust, debris and pollutants from the rooftop and as well as down take pipe. Install an appropriate filter which has the capacity to remove finer particles, sediments and pollutants from the collected water. Ensure that water is distributed properly connected to the
Step 6 β Overflow and drainage system: Take care of the drainage around the storage tank to prevent water clogging, also install an overflow pipe to divert the excess water away from the tank during heavy rainfall. The overflow water can be connected to borewell this can help in recharging the borewell.
Step 7 β Maintenance and Monitoring: Β Always keep checking for leaks, blockages and any sign of damage. Clean the filters, down take pipes regularly to prevent clogging and contamination. Monitor the water levels in the storage tank and adjust the usage accordingly to ensure a consistent water supply.
Step 8 β Education and awareness: Educate family, friends and others about the benefits of rainwater harvesting and proper usage of these practices. Raising awareness about the importance of rainwater will eventually reduce the water scarcity and demand for ground water, municipal water and over all water quality.
Step 9 β Water treatment (optional): You may need to treat the harvested rainwater before using for drinking. Rainwater can be mixed with tiny particles in the atmosphere so it is suggested to boil the water or using the RO water purifier before consuming the harvested rainwater directly
Conclusion
By following these procedures, you can set up a rainwater harvesting system by which you can collect lakhs of liters of water depending on the intensity of the rainfall. Effective rainwater harvesting system to conserve rainwater can reduce the dependency on municipal water. Rainwater harvesting is a traditional way of conserving the water.