Methods of Rainwater Harvesting

The benefits of RWH is undeniable and countries around the world are implementing RWH system to ensure a better future. It is very crucial to understand the methods involved in harvesting the rainwater.

Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting (RRH) is a process that involves diversion and recharging (or) storing of the rainwater that falls on the roof of a house. RRH for recharging groundwater is a common practice implemented in individual houses as well as apartment complexes

Rain Barrel Installation

Thinking about the easiest way of harvesting rainwater at your home? Then, installation of rainwater barrel is your cheapest and easiest way of harvesting water at your home. A barrel can simply be a large trash can or an old drum. The barrel is simply installed underneath the downspout of the guttering so that rain falling on the roof or verandah is funnelled into the barrel. Take necessary precautions to prevent the barrel from becoming the breeding grounds for mosquito. As barrels can hold only a limited capacity water, it can often result in overflowing of water. Refrain using the barrels made of translucent materials, as the sunlight let in the barrels are likely to help grow algae inside.

Dry System

A Dry system of rainwater harvesting just implies improvement to the rainwater barrel in terms of size. A storage water container is placed next to the property which offers larger storage capacity than an average barrel. The gutter from the rooftop is directed to this container which does the potential work of filling up the container. As the collection pipe dries up into the container after every rain, it is called as the Dry System.

Wet System

Wet system contradicts the idea of a dry system. Unlike dry system, the wet system has a collection of pipes that are connected to the building and are channelled to the storage tank underground. The pipes remain full throughout and the level stays constant even without rains. As the container is underground and there is a constant presence of water in the pipes, it is necessary to make sure that pipes are watertight to prevent the leakage. A wet system is relatively expensive as compared to dry system and barrel because of the underground piping. The important feature of the wet system is that you can locate it anywhere as long as the inlet is at a lower elevation. One can place the wet system anywhere depending on the base on which you place the tank as depending on the capacity it can be heavy.

Green Roof

If you want to maximize your plot’s productive space by leveraging the rainwater from where it falls, then installing low maintenance garden beds with plants is the surefire way. This procedure is called as Green Roof. Before implementing the green roof you need to put down a liner to protect your roof and have a drainage system to run the excess water off. A green roof plays the role of an insulator and cushions the roof from damage. Not just that, a green roof helps in reducing the electricity bills as it regulates the heat that falls over the roof.

Recharge of wells and borewells

Mazhapolima (bounty of rain) is a recharge project of Thrissur, based on an idea of leading the rooftop rainwater through pipes with a filter at the end to an open dug well to refill underground aquifers. This project has led to reduced salinity, turbidity, color of well water along with leaving an abundance of water during the summers. Another good idea for replenishing the borewells is a recharge pit. A recharge pit pressures the surface water into the groundwater. Lined with concrete rings, the perforation of the recharge pit lets the filtered and de-silted water from the sides to seep in, helping to increase the groundwater table.

Building a Rain Saucer

A rain saucer is one of the easiest DIY ways of conserving the rainwater. It is a hassle-free process wherein the saucers represent the free-standing rain collection system. A saucer which looks like an inverted umbrella also does the work of a funnel which fills the container with rainwater. It is easy to deploy and helps in catching the rainwater straight when it falls.

Rain reservoir

A rain reservoir is basically a sump or a tank that is made for the storage of rainwater. Rainwater that falls on the rooftop is made to run through the pipes to these reservoirs. The rainwater is filtered before being let into these reservoirs. The water which is stored inside these reservoirs can be used for gardening of the plants, washing vehicles etc. These kinds of reservoirs help in minimizing the use of underground water. These reservoirs act as an intermediary as they help in saving energy and minimizing the energy bills.