Water is a prized yet exhaustible resource known to mankind. Its importance is such that no facet of human existence can function without its presence. However, this all-pervasive means of life and prosperity is depleting at an alarming rate, and the time has come when we take its conservation seriously. Even though environmentalists have employed numerous technological advancements to win this war, their endeavours will be rendered worthless, unless each individual consciously contributes towards this necessary cause.
India receives ample rainfall. Most of this rainwater, instead of being put to productive use finds itself turning into waste as it flows through contaminated drains. To curb this, denizens should adopt a simple, economical and beneficial method called – rainwater harvesting. It is a hassle-free strategy through which rainfall is accumulated and preserved for future usage. The process entails collection and storage with the help of artificially designed systems, which transcend through natural or man-made catchment areas like rooftops, compounds, hill slopes or specially repaired impervious or semi-pervious land.
Here are some benefits of the same that make the idea more fruitful than just being a passing fancy-
Controlled water bills
These systems are immensely pocket-friendly, provide high-quality water, lessen dependence on wells and incur minimum maintenance cost. The over-all expenditure in setting up the entire structure for rainwater harvesting is much lower as compared to other modes of purifying and pumping. Furthermore, the amount spent on recharge to the subsurface reservoirs is significantly less than the ones present on the surface.
Environmental advantages
The ecological gains experienced from practising rainwater harvesting, and consequently storing it underground are countless. To begin with, it eradicates the impacts of flooding by funnelling the off water into large tanks for recycling. Additionally, it minimises the load placed upon drainage systems, especially in cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai amongst others. The execution of this procedure even ensures that land is not wasted, the population not displaced, and groundwater remains protected from vices like evaporation and pollution.
Checks erosion and flooding
The voluminous flow of stormwater often leads to floods in urban areas. By indulging into the practice of rainwater harvesting, these hazards can be lowered, as well as soil erosion can be prevented. In the modern-day cities, multiple buildings have adopted this concept to avoid the unsettling flooding in the areas surrounding their society.
Apt for irrigation purpose
Rainwater harvesting not only facilitates the collection of the resource but also mitigates the adverse effects of droughts. Individuals need not invest in creating any special apparatus for the same, as most of the rooftops provide the space that purely befits the purpose. Further, the collected water is usually free of harmful chemicals, making it apt for irrigation.
Lowers the burden on groundwater
In most areas there exists a great demand for potable water, leading to a rapid fall in the groundwater levels. This has a worse effect in regions which already have alarming groundwater availability. However, rainwater harvesting plays a vital role in reducing this burden. It even enhances the productivity of the aquifer, simultaneously resulting in the restoration and rise of groundwater levels.