Rainwater collection is simple, and reasonable and can be one of the essential steps in water conservation. Water scarcity is a global problem in most countries. This is a method of preserving, storing, and using rainwater. It can be an excellent way to local water conservation as well as water reuse. Rainwater harvesting involves the collection of rainwater in large tanks, such as a cistern. The water is usually used straight from the containers without purification or filtering.
Ancients initially developed water harvesting to store and collect water in water shortage areas. Due to its many benefits, it has become a popular choice for anyone looking for an easy, free and environmentally-friendly way to use water at home or in commercial buildings.
Need for Rainwater Harvesting
The world is facing a growing need to address climate change. Water conservation can have a significant impact on a sustainable environment. Unfortunately, there has been an increase in water scarcity over the last few years in many parts of the globe.
In terms of per capita natural freshwater resources, our country is facing a water scarcity problem. Three factors are responsible for this: low annual rainfall, a small catchment area, and high population density. Furthermore, according to prediction, temperature and rain are expected to change by 2021, as climate change will alter and worsen the island’s water precipitation patterns.
Over the years, our country has expanded its water resources through rainwater harvesting. The best time to discuss rainwater harvesting is December when the country experiences the highest rainfall. Rainwater harvesting can have significant economic and environmental benefits. However, the majority of our rainwater still ends up in the ocean. Therefore, we must install rainwater cisterns in all buildings and houses. This process is vital for new building development. A functioning rainwater harvesting system such as a reservoir or well can help reduce the running costs of buildings and improve the environmental quality.
What is the process?
Rainwater harvesting isn’t difficult, but it’s fascinating. Water harvesting is a multi-step process that begins with rainfall on your roof. Next, the water runs down the gutters to the downspout from the top. Next, the water flows to underground storage containers. Finally, before reaching the storage vessels, it passes through the first round filter, which removes large debris such as leaves.
The water goes through several filters before we use it. Then, the pure and soft water is collected in tanks. We can use this water whenever and wherever we need it.
Importance of Rainwater Collection
Harvesting rainwater is a simple and reasonable process and can be one of the essential steps in water conservation. Rainwater harvesting, even though it may sound too scientific, is just the collection of rainwater for future uses. Therefore, rainwater harvesting isn’t just an environmental effort.
Rainwater harvesting is vital for many reasons. Here are a few:
It is Economically Viable
Rainwater collection systems design and installation can create sustainable jobs in tomorrow’s economy. In addition, large numbers of rainwater harvesting can be implemented within a municipality’s service zone to reduce long-term water development costs. This harvesting system allows the city to use its existing infrastructure investments better.
Each year, the cost of treating water for community members is increasing. It is expensive to build treatment plants, pipelines, and dams. This cost, along with the maintenance and replacement costs, is staggering. The community’s rate-payers will bear the rising water bills. Rainwater harvesting is a way to reduce water consumption and allow municipalities to offer potable water services at a lower price.
Source of Drinkable Water
Rainwater harvesting also guarantees that clean water is available for human necessities, not only for agriculture. In an era where water-borne illnesses claim a staggering number of people and deaths, clean drinking water is an indulgence. Rainwater can be a viable alternative in this regard. The rainwater harvested can be effectively processed and then filtered until it is suitable for use by humans. In addition, we can use this water for many functions, such as cleaning, washing, and so on.
Useful for Agriculture
Rainwater harvesting also uses for agricultural purposes. For example, rainwater can water our gardens and crops on farms. They reduce the dependence of garden owners or farmers on water sources other than their own, which saves them money.
We are also in an era of climate change, where heavy rainfall is likely. It can also cause damage to agricultural land. Rainwater harvesting is a way to prevent heavy rains from reaching agrarian lands.
It prevents flash overflows.
Rainwater harvesting is an excellent benefit for urban areas, in particular. Flash floods are common in congested towns and cities due to poor drainage systems. Rainwater harvesting requires properly channelling rainwater into areas where we can easily collect rainwater without slippage or seepage. This process eliminates both water shortage and artificial flooding.
Free of Pollutants
Rainwater is usually clean in areas far from heavily industrialized areas. Therefore, this harvesting makes rainwater a better water source than any other. Rainwater is the purest form of water. However, surface runoff may contain some sediments and impurities. Rooftop rainwater harvesting reduces these risks to a large extent. Although it is unsuitable for direct consumption, we can use harvested rainwater in many other ways with minimal treatment.
Prevents soil destruction
We can collect rainwater in barrels to slow down water flow down roofs. In addition, this collection of rainwater can reduce soil erosion. s Soil erosion can cause soil to lose its nutrient-rich topsoil and may even damage the foundation. Therefore, you must install a barrel in your home to reduce runoff water and prevent soil erosion.
Protect from flooding and rain damage.
To prevent flooding from your yard, you can install gutters and downspouts. By collecting water, you can reduce the amount of water that reaches the ground around your foundation. Water harvesting systems that are strategically placed can direct rainwater away from your home’s foundation and to the areas where you wish to collect it. This process helps to prevent flooding in your area.
Reduce Water Bills
Rainwater harvesting also helps to reduce electricity bills which are the main problem of today. Water barrels are an excellent option for those who must pay monthly water bills. You can reduce your monthly water bill by installing barrels. You can save thousands of gallons of rainwater every rainfall and use it to water your lawn and garden for several weeks.
