Rainwater harvesting can be defined as a technique of collecting and storing the rainwater for future use. With water shortage growing exceedingly it is high time we get into action and start with Rainwater Harvesting today!
In India, few things are more divisive than the rain. Some love the freshness and vitality it brings to them and their home plants. But, others are often put off by the extra work that they have to do to make their lives work during the rainy season.
As the monsoon season rolls around this year, we’d like to ask you one simple question.
Are you ready to reap all its benefits while avoiding all its pitfalls?
Are you ready to reap all its benefits while avoiding all its pitfalls?
In India, few things are more divisive than the rain. Some love the freshness and vitality it brings to them and their home plants. But, others are often put off by the extra work that they have to do to make their lives work during the rainy season.
But, the rains remain a vital part of our lives, no matter which part of the country we stay in. So, one of the ways we can benefit from them, while also contributing to the environment is rainwater harvesting.
Now, this term often strikes fear into the heart of the urban dweller! But it doesn’t have to because it is a simple process with a simple idea at its base. To find and establish ways to preserve rain water when there is an excess of this resource, for times when there will be a lack of the same. It’s something that has been carried out for generations, and it is part of the culture and tradition of our rural lands.
This year, let’s take a page out of their book and give rainwater harvesting a try:
1. Depaving is the way to go
The first principle of rainwater harvesting is to allow water to seep into the soil where it can collect and raise the water table. This ground water will also greatly benefit your plants in the dry season and ensure healthy growth.
In urban areas, there are often hard surfaces like concrete that cover the soil and don’t allow the water to percolate. So, the best thing to do during this time is to grab and hammer and loosen up the surface.
In fact, you can take the broken up gravel and use it to build borders or a path in your backyard. So, you’ll not only be adding to your home’s aesthetic but also helping the environment.
2. Channelling the roof
Another place where the water has a tendency to collect is on the roof. Over time, this water becomes impure because of its surroundings and so not fit for usage. Again, this is especially a problem in urban areas where there is an extensive collection of flat roof housing.
However, if there are gutters on top of your roof, then they can be easily retrofitted with pipes to help create canal-like channels. These can then lead the water to the ground floor, where it can be used to water plants, wash the backyard, etc. Just remember to keep the gutters clean.
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| Image Source: http://www.kscst.org.in |
3. The one we all know, rain barrel
This is probably the most well known and arguably the easiest way to carry out rainwater harvesting. These are rain water barrel that can be bought commercially and installed.
The good thing is that these aren’t just everyday plain buckets that collect water. No, they also have special outlets to connect pipes so that you can water your garden!
4. Work the earth
Finally, we have something called earthworks. These are similar to the first method that we discussed but slightly different. Earthworks are channels or canals that we create in the soil to help facilitate the percolation of rainwater.
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| Image Source: http://www.sswm.info |
This is a slightly labour intensive task so you can take it on as a weekend project.
Good luck and happy harvesting!
