Save Earth by Rainwater Harvesting

 Why Rainwater Harvesting is Crucial to Solving India’s Water Woes

Over the last few years, we have seen a significant decline in the supply of water available to us. Water shortages have increased all over the world, which is why measures need to be put in place to help reduce the high rate of water loss. Rainwater harvesting is a way of conserving water that can help combat the problem. If we do not take the right steps now, there is an imminent danger of severe water shortage in the future. In this blog post, we discuss the various rain water harvesting methods that you can implement based on the kind of home you live in.

What is Rain Water Harvesting?

So what exactly is rain water harvesting? It is a technique or strategy for the collection of rain water and a way to store it in the right way for future use. There are many different rain water harvesting methods that use different kinds of surfaces and platforms. In rain water harvesting, the water can be collected from various surfaces and platforms and stored for future use. Usually the water is collected from rooftops and other hard surfaces. This method of rain water harvesting is considered a very reliable way of conserving water. 

This is a very ancient technique that has been around for a great many years. Over the past years, this method has once again become quite popular. It is a great way to reduce the use of potable water and increase the use of rain water. By using rain water harvesting methods, we can utilise every single drop of water to recharge the groundwater by simply directing it to the well or under the ground. Many projects in India have some type of rain water harvesting system in place or have provisions to have it installed. Thus rain water harvesting is easier than ever to put into practice. 

Why is India facing a severe water shortage?

In addition to inadequate monsoons, there are several reasons why India’s water supply is diminishing rapidly.

Depletion of groundwater

According to the UNESCO World Water Development Report, India is the biggest extractor of groundwater in the world, drawing 260 cubic km per year, which is more than China and the US combined. That comes up to 25% of the groundwater extracted globally. With 21 Indian cities expected to run out of groundwater, India is faced with an alarmingly dry future with the need to not just replenish its water sources but also change the way it sources water.

Infrastructure and wastage

India’s shoddy infrastructure has led to improper distribution and large amounts of water being wasted. Statistics from the Central Water Commission reveal that India receives as much as 4,000 billion cubic metres of rainfall, but only a mere 8% of that is captured efficiently. Leaky pipes, limited or ageing storage infrastructure like dams, and lack of recycling systems like rainwater harvesting have worsened India’s water crisis.

Uneven distribution

India’s pipelines are notorious for not just being old but also for not being present in hilly terrains or rural areas. Even if there are connections, the supply is highly restricted and is time-bound, making it challenging to access. This, in turn, has given rise to the water mafia, which ensures that water reaches only those who can afford it.

Contamination and pollution

India is fast losing its water bodies to rapid real estate development, environmental degradation, and industrial pollution. The lack of proper wastewater treatment systems has also compounded the issue.

How rainwater harvesting can help

Recycling and reusing water is important, but it needs to be amply supported by rainwater harvesting. No doubt, contaminated lakes and ponds are a big source of precious water, but it is much easier to simply store rainfall. It is more affordable, less time-consuming, and easier to implement than the complicated systems that are required for wastewater treatment.

Rainwater harvesting also helps in reducing India’s dependence on groundwater and private sources like tankers

There are different ways in which rainwater can be captured and stored like installing rain barrels with pipes, hanging rain funnelling chains, rooftop containers that channel rainwater into bore wells and if you have space then setting up a mini reservoir in your garden.

Following any of these simple DIY processes can drastically reduce or even eliminate your water bills, and cushion the impact as well as slow down climate change. Most importantly, it can help an entire country quench its thirst with unlimited water.