RAIN WATER
HARVESTING
BY – DEBADATTA PANDA
REG NO. 210409120062

WHAT IS RAIN WATER HARVESTING?
Rainwater harvesting is the simple process or technology used to conserve rainwater by collecting,
storing, conveying and purifying of rainwater that runs off from rooftops, parks, roads, open grounds, etc.
for later use.

WHY WE SHOULD ADAPT RAIN WATER HARVESTING ?
Water is the reason why life exists on planet Earth, without it life is unimaginable.
However, freshwater sources are becoming scarce with the passage of time.
Rainwater Harvesting is a sustainable process that helps in preserving rainwater for different
purposes and for future needs as well. Rainwater Harvesting is a method of collecting and
storing rainwater to be used for various purposes while it can be used in future as well.

TECHNIQUES OF RAIN WATER HARVESTING
There are two major techniques of rainwater harvesting.
1. Surface runoff harvesting
In this method, rainwater flows away as surface runoff and can be stored for future use. Surface water can be stored by diverting the
flow of small creeks and streams into reservoirs on the surface or underground. It can provide water for farming, for cattle and also
for general domestic use. Surface runoff harvesting is most suitable in urban areas.
Rooftop rainwater/storm runoff can be harvested in urban areas through:
• Recharge Pit
• Recharge Trench
• Tubewell
• Recharge Well

2. Groundwater recharge
Groundwater recharge is a hydrologic process where water moves downward from surface water to groundwater. Recharge is
the primary method through which water enters an aquifer. The aquifer also serves as a distribution system. The surplus
rainwater can then be used to recharge groundwater aquifer through artificial recharge techniques.
Rainwater in rural areas can be harvested through:
• Gully Plug
• Contour Bund
• Dugwell Recharge
• Percolation Tank
• Check Dam/Cement Plug/Nala Bund
• Recharge Shaft
Although rainwater harvesting measure is deemed to be a desirable concept since the last few years, it is rarely being
implemented in rural India. Different regions of the country practiced a variety of rainwater harvesting and artificial recharge
methods. Some ancient rainwater harvesting methods followed in India which includes Madakas, Ahar Pynes, Surangas,
Taankas, etc.

ADVANTAGES OF RAIN WATER HARVESTING?
1.Reduces Flooding and Erosion
2.Reduces Water Bills
3.Reduces Demand on Ground Water
4.Can Be Used for Non-drinking Purposes
5.Can Improve Plant Growth

DISADVANTAGES OF RAIN WATER HARVESTING?
 Regular maintenance is required.
 Requires some technical skills for installation.
 Limited and no rainfall can limit the supply of rainwater.
 If not installed correctly, it may attract mosquitoes and other waterborne diseases.
 One of the significant drawbacks of the rainwater harvesting system is storage limits.