An introduction to rain water harvesting:

Rainwater harvesting is a method of utilization of rainwater for domestic as well as agricultural uses and it has been practiced widely in many parts of the world. This method has been used since ancient times and is increasingly being accepted as a practical solution of providing potable water in development projects throughout the world. Besides rainwater harvesting has wide application also in urban and semi urban areas where the reliability and quality of piped water is increasingly being questioned. In spite of these facts and countless benefits the percentage of households using rainwater harvesting in the whole of the United States both in urban and rural areas is remarkably low.

Importance of rainwater harvesting:

With the water prices set to increase and more and more water companies imposing hose-pipe bans and other restrictions, there is an ever-growing need to consider water conservation measures in homes and businesses. Researches have shown that rainwater harvesting could provide up to half of the total water consumption particularly for domestic purposes. More over rainwater harvesting systems can be installed in any type of buildings right from garden sheds and houses to office buildings, industrial units, schools, garden centers and even environmental friendly toilet blocks. Rainwater is considered as a precious source and yet most of it is flushed down the drain. A simple rain harvesting system can provide water for the toilets, washing machine and garden, which can save up to half of the mains water a person currently uses.

Methods of rainwater harvesting:

Rainwater can be collected from rooftops, the land surface or rock catchments using simple techniques such as jars and pots as well as more complex techniques such as underground check dams. The techniques of harvesting rainwater usually found in Asia and Africa arises from practices employed by ancient civilizations within these regions and still serves as a major source of drinking water supply in rural areas. However in America modernized versions of rainwater harvesting are making a comeback. Most of these rainwater storage systems modify the rain gutters that are already on many homes and the gutters are led to a large storage tank where water is held for future use.

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