What is rainwater harvesting and why you need to consider it?
Rainfall, also called precipitation, is a natural phenomenon on Earth that is a part of the natural weather mechanism. The air from Earth’s surface is evaporated by air currents in the atmosphere, and this evaporated air goes into the sky. The evaporated water gets condensed in the cold air, forming moisture-filled rain clouds. When the water vapor can no longer be suspended in the air, rainfall occurs and the water vapor condenses into water droplets.
Although, most of the Earth's surface is covered with water, only 1% of it is fresh water. This is the reason why rainfall is crucial to life on Earth. The occurrence of rainfall depends upon several factors, such as wind directions, ground elevation, location with respect to mountain ranges, etc. Usually, most places on Earth get sufficient precipitation to support normal life.
During the monsoon season, rainwater capture and storage is a forward-thinking way to save water for drier times. Rainwater harvesting is easy and affordable. It may seem a big task at the first go, but you can even save rainwater by simply installing a rain barrel in your house.
What Is Rainwater Harvesting?
Rainwater harvesting is the practice of collecting and storing rain water. This water can be stored and used for different purposes. Harvested water can be used to water gardens, feed livestock, irrigation, domestic use with proper treatment, ground water recharge, etc.
Rainwater harvesting systems can be very simple, such as a rain barrel placed under the downpipe of a building to more complex harvesting systems, such as roof-top systems that plug into a building’s plumbing system. The practice of rainwater harvesting is popular worldwide, and is a smart way to save natural water.
Why harvest rainwater?
Mushrooming population, urbanization, and industrialization are putting pressure on the groundwater resources. Ground water is drying up too fast as it is facing high demand for consumption, agricultural, and industry needs. This is the reason why it is time to make the most of the non-conventional sources of water available to us. Rainwater is an important non-conventional source of water which holds potential to reduce the pressure on groundwater resources.
Taking advantage the monsoon season can meet the non-potable water uses during drier seasons. For a homeowner, harvesting rainwater can be a good way to reduce water bills and lend your hand in saving water. According to your water needs, you can incorporate a rainwater harvesting system in your house, such as rain barrels, rain garden, pond, etc.
Benefits of Rainwater Harvesting
The practice of rainwater harvesting offers a number of environmental and economic benefits. Not only does rainwater harvesting check the rainwater run-off, it protects infrastructure and also puts water to good use.
Here are some amazing benefits to rainwater harvesting -
• To start with, harvesting rainwater helps control water runoff, and checks erosion in gardens and around downpipes.
• It also minimizes the impact on infrastructure and sewer systems.
• Rainwater harvesting can even help reduce the threat of flooding.
• Using rainwater can help reduce water bills and the exhaustion of ground water resources.
• One of the most valuable benefits of rainwater harvesting is its use in irrigation. As stored rainwater is free from pollutants, excess salts, minerals, it is best suited for irrigational purposes.
Rainwater can be used for a number of outdoor and indoor uses, such as irrigation, watering gardens, toilet, laundry, washing cars, and even bathing or drinking (only after proper treatment prior to use).
Rain water harvesting is one of the most effective methods of water conservation and management. Considering the depleting water resources, every individual needs to make efforts to save water. You can start with installing rainwater harvesting systems at home and installing an RO water purifier that works on no water wastage RO technology. Stay aware, spread awareness, and make efforts to save the water that is available to you.