In urban areas, the construction of houses, footpaths and roads
has left little exposed earth for water to soak in. In parts of the rural areas
of India, floodwater quickly flows to the rivers, which then dry up soon after
the rains stop. If this water can be held back, it can seep into the ground and
recharge the groundwater supply.
This has become a very popular method of conserving water especially in the
urban areas. Rainwater harvesting essentially means collecting rainwater on the
roofs of building and storing it underground for later use. Not only does this
recharging arrest groundwater depletion, it also raises the declining water
table and can help augment water supply. Rainwater harvesting and artificial
recharging are becoming very important issues. It is essential to stop the
decline in groundwater levels, arrest sea-water ingress, i.e. prevent sea-water
from moving landward, and conserve surface water run-off during the rainy
season.
Town planners and civic authority in many cities in India are introducing
bylaws making rainwater harvesting compulsory in all new structures. No water
or sewage connection would be given if a new building did not have provisions
for rainwater harvesting. Such rules should also be implemented in all the
other cities to ensure a rise in the groundwater level.
Realizing the importance of recharging groundwater, the CGWB (Central Ground
Water Board) is taking steps to encourage it through rainwater harvesting in
the capital and elsewhere. A number of government buildings have been asked to
go in for water harvesting in Delhi and other cities of India.
All you need for a water harvesting system is rain, and a place to collect it!
Typically, rain is collected on rooftops and other surfaces, and the water is
carried down to where it can be used immediately or stored. You can direct
water run-off from this surface to plants, trees or lawns or even to the
aquifer.
Some of the benefits of rainwater harvesting are as follows
- Increases water availability
- Checks the declining water table
- Is environmentally friendly
- Improves the quality of groundwater through the dilution of fluoride, nitrate, and salinity
- Prevents soil erosion and flooding especially in urban areas