Rain Water Harvesting-Saving water for the 'rainy day'

Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting, filtering and storing water from roof tops, paved and unpaved areas for multiple uses. The harvested water can also be used for potable purposes after testing and treatment. The sur­plus water after usage can be used for recharging ground water aquifer through artificial recharge techniques. This can also result in improving the quality of the ground water e.g. lower fluoride content in ground water. Rainwater harvesting mechanisms are designed after assessing the site conditions such as incident rain­fall, subsurface strata and their storage characteristics, infiltra­tion test and by building suitable structures to collect and store rainwater.
Rainwater harvesting system provides a source of soft, high quality water, reduces dependence on wells and other sources, and, in many contexts, is cost effective. Rainwater harvesting system can range in size from a simple PVC tank to a contractor designed and built sump - costing thousand of rupees. Rainwater systems are inherently simple in form. Harvesting rainwater is not only water conserving, it is also energy saving since the energy input required to operate a centralized water system can be by­passed.
A range of filters for different filtration rates have also been designed using different filter media.

Benifit

· To harness good quality water resource now being wasted · To prevent groundwater depletion
. To augment the expensive piped water supply
To save expenditure on water
To prevent soil erosion and urban flooding
Inexpensive and simple technology
· Aids ecological conservation

Components Of Rainwater Harvesting System

. Catchment area
· Conveyance system
· First rain separator · Filter unit
· Storage
·Delivery system Usage
· Recharge