Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater Harvesting(RWH) is the collection and storage of rain, rather than allowing it to run off. 

Rainwater is collected from a roof-top like surface and stored in a tank, cisterns (water used for toilets), deep pit (well, shaft, or borehole), aquifer (or percolation).

Percolation Pond

Technology:

Before a rainwater harvesting system is built, the use of digital tools is useful. For instance, to detect if a region has a high rainwater harvesting capacity or to estimate how much water is needed to fulfill a community's water needs. These tools can save time and money before a commitment to build a system is undertaken.

Commonly used systems are constructed of three principal components namely; 

• The Catchment Area
• The Collection Device 
• The Conveyance System (transfer of rainwater collected on the rooftops to the storage tanks)

                                

System Setup 

The things needed for installation of Rain Water Harvesting are as follows:

• pre-filters (e.g. Vortex filter)                          
• drains/gutters                                              
• storage containers
• pumps
• Treatment devices such as UV lights, chlorination devices, etc.
• Post-filtration equipment.

Advantages

• Rainwater harvesting provides the independent water supply during regional water restrictions,  and in developed countries, it is often used for supplement to the main supply. 
• It provides water when a drought occurs, can help serious flooding of low-lying areas, which reduces demand on wells which may enable groundwater levels to be sustained
• It also helps in the availability of potable water, as rainwater is substantially free of salinity and other salts. 
• In areas where clean water is costly, or difficult to come by, rainwater harvesting is a best source of clean water. 
• In developed countries, Rainwater is often collected to be used as a supplemental source of water rather than the main source.
• Harvesting of rainwater can also decrease a household's water costs or overall usage levels.
• Rainwater is safe to drink if the consumers do additional treatments before drinking.

 Gallery

         

Vortex Filter

 

Underground storage of Rainwater