rain water harvesting big essay

Essay On Rainwater Harvesting

Table of Contents

Short Essay On Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is the collection and storage of rainwater for later use. It is a sustainable method of conserving water, especially in regions where water is scarce. The process involves the collection of rainwater from roof tops, driveways, and other surfaces into storage tanks or cisterns.

Benefits of rainwater harvesting:

Reduces reliance on groundwater and municipal water supply. Conserves water resources and reduces water stress. Helps to recharge groundwater aquifers. Lowers water bills and saves money. Provides water for irrigation, household use and fire fighting. Methods of rainwater harvesting:

Roof top harvesting: Collection of rainwater from roof tops into storage tanks. Surface runoff harvesting: Collection of water from driveways, sidewalks and other surfaces. Infiltration harvesting: Collection of water from soil through infiltration pits. Rainwater harvesting systems can be designed and constructed at various scales, from small household systems to large scale systems for communities and industries. It is important to properly maintain the systems to ensure the quality of the stored water is safe for consumption and other uses.

In conclusion, rainwater harvesting is an effective and sustainable method of conserving water, especially in regions where water is scarce. By implementing rainwater harvesting systems, individuals, communities and industries can reduce their reliance on groundwater and municipal water supplies, conserve water resources, lower water bills and contribute to a sustainable future.

Long Essay On Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is an increasingly popular way of collecting and storing rainwater for later use. This method helps conserve water resources and can be used to fill ponds, irrigate gardens, recharge groundwater, and even supply homes with drinking water. In this essay, we’ll explore the concept of rainwater harvesting and its benefits. We’ll also explore how this process works and why it’s so important to implement in our daily lives.

Introduction

Water harvesting is the process of collecting and storing rainwater for reuse. It is a practice that has been used for centuries in many parts of the world, but is especially relevant today as a way to conserve water and reduce reliance on municipal water supplies.

There are many ways to collect and store rainwater, from simple rain barrels to more complex systems that can be used to irrigate gardens or wash cars. The most important thing is to have a plan in place so that the water can be collected efficiently and stored safely.

Rainwater harvesting is a great way to save water and money, and it’s an environmentally friendly practice as well. If you’re interested in learning more about rainwater harvesting, read on for an introduction to this important topic.

What is Rainwater Harvesting?

Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting and storing rainwater for future use. It can be used for irrigation, drinking water, or to recharge groundwater aquifers. Rainwater harvesting can be done with simple techniques, such as redirecting roof gutters to a storage tank, or it can be done with more complex systems that collect and store rainwater from a larger area.

There are many benefits to rainwater harvesting. It is a sustainable way to reduce demand on municipal water supplies, and it can help conserve water during periods of drought. Rainwater is also free of chemicals and pollutants that are found in surface water sources, making it a good option for irrigation or drinking water. In addition, using rainwater can help reduce stormwater runoff and the associated problems of flooding and erosion.

If you are interested in rainwater harvesting, there are many resources available to help you get started. The first step is to assess your needs and determine the best way to collect and store rainwater for your specific situation. There are a number of different storage options available, so it is important to choose one that will work well in your climate and meet your needs. Once you have designed your system, you will need to install it and maintain it properly to ensure that it continues to work effectively.

Benefits of Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is a process in which rainfall is collected and stored for future use. There are many benefits to rainwater harvesting, including the following:

1. Rainwater harvesting can help to reduce water bills.

2. Rainwater harvesting can help to conserve water.

3. Rainwater harvesting can help to reduce flooding.

4. Rainwater harvesting can help to recharge groundwater aquifers.

5. Rainwater harvesting can help to create habitat for wildlife.

Different Methods of Rainwater Harvesting

There are many different methods of rainwater harvesting. The most common and simplest method is to collect rainwater in a container, such as a barrel or tank. This can be done by placing the container under a gutter downspout or on top of a slope where it will collect runoff from rainfall.

Another method is to create a rain garden. This is done by digging a shallow depression in the ground and planting it with native plants that are tolerant of wet conditions. The rain garden will capture and slow down runoff from rainfall, allowing the water to seep into the ground instead of running off into storm drains.

Yet another method is to install a green roof. A green roof is essentially a layer of vegetation that is placed over the top of a building. Green roofs help to reduce storm water runoff by absorbing rainfall and providing insulation for the building below.

These are just a few of the many different methods of rainwater harvesting that can be used to help conserve water and reduce flooding.

The Need for Rainwater Harvesting in India

As the world’s population grows, the demand for water increases. In India, a country with over 1.3 billion people, the need for water is especially acute. With nearly 70% of the country’s surface area covered by desert, and much of the rest of the country facing water shortages, it is clear that something must be done to address the issue.

One potential solution is rainwater harvesting. Rainwater harvesting is a process by which rainwater is collected and stored for later use. This collected rainwater can be used for irrigation, drinking water, or even to recharge groundwater aquifers.

There are many benefits to rainwater harvesting. For one, it can help to mitigate droughts by providing a source of water during dry periods. Additionally, it can help to reduce flooding by managing stormwater runoff. Furthermore, rainwater harvesting can help to reduce the strain on municipal water supplies, and can even provide potable water in areas where there is no access to clean drinking water.

In India, there is an urgent need for rainwater harvesting. With a growing population and limited resources, rainwater harvesting presents a viable solution to address the country’s water needs.

Strategies to Improve Rainwater Harvesting Practices in India

In India, rainwater harvesting has been practiced for centuries, and is an important part of the country’s water management strategy. With the country’s population and economy growing rapidly, there is an increasing demand for water, and rainfall is becoming more variable due to climate change. As a result, it is essential to improve rainwater harvesting practices in India in order to ensure a reliable water supply.

There are a number of strategies that can be used to improve rainwater harvesting practices in India. One key strategy is to increase the amount of water that is collected and stored during the monsoon season. This can be done by constructing more storage tanks and reservoirs, and by increasing the capacity of existing ones. Another strategy is to use new technology to collect and store rainwater, such as rooftop rainwater harvesting systems. In addition, it is important to educate people about the importance of rainwater harvesting and how it can be used effectively.

By implementing these strategies, India can improve its water security and reduce its dependence on groundwater resources. This will help to protect the environment and ensure that there is enough water for all sector al uses. It will also help to reduce the risk of water scarcity in the future, ensuring that the country has a reliable source of water for its growing population.

Rainwater harvesting is a great way to conserve water and reduce the strain on our local resources. By investing in tanks, filters, and other rainwater harvesting equipment, we can ensure that our communities are better equipped to handle future droughts while also taking steps towards a more sustainable lifestyle. Rainwater harvesting helps us be mindful of the environment and think critically about how we use precious resources such as fresh water. Implementing it into everyday life is not only beneficial for the Earth but also for ourselves.

Manisha Dubey Jha is a skilled educational content writer with 5 years of experience. Specializing in essays and paragraphs, she’s dedicated to crafting engaging and informative content that enriches learning experiences.

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Essay on Rain Water Harvesting for Students and Children

500 words essay on rain water harvesting.

Rainwater Harvesting is one of the most commonly used methods to save water. It refers to storing of rainwater for various uses. The notion behind rainwater harvesting is to not waste the rainwater and prevent it from running off. In other words, it is done to collect rainwater using simple mechanisms. This method is very useful considering the water scarcity that is happening in India. Moreover, rainwater harvesting is so easy that almost anyone can do it. We must encourage this practice to help people get access to clean water easily without any cost.

Importance of Rainwater Harvesting

As we know by now, rainwater harvesting is very easy and economical. Following the water scarcity in so many parts of the world, rainwater harvesting has become the need of the hour. It must be practiced by people of all regions. This will also give them a sense of comfort in knowing that they won’t have to face water scarcity.

Furthermore, rainwater harvesting holds more importance than you actually think it does. As we know that surface water is not enough to meet the demands of the people, we can get additional help from rainwater. Also, most people now depend on groundwater for their uses. Many houses and even flats have submersible pumps in their place. The groundwater is decreasing day by day because of excessive usage, deforestation, urbanization and more.

Thus, when we practice rainwater harvesting, it can maintain the level of the groundwater. That way, we all can make use of groundwater as it will keep on replenishing through rainwater harvesting. Moreover, rainwater harvesting prevents water from logging on roads. It also reduces the chances of soil erosion. Most importantly, rainwater harvesting improves the quality of water which we consume, as it is the purest form of water.

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Rainwater Harvesting Methods

Rainwater harvesting is a very simple method that can be practiced by anyone. There are primarily two types of rainwater harvesting methods. The first one is surface runoff harvesting. In this method, the water that runs off the surface is focused on. We see how the surface runoff causes a lot of loss of water. However, if we make proper arrangements, we can even save that water to use for various purposes.

In this method, we can collect the surface runoff water by making a path that directs to a storage space like a tank or pond. This can help store water in a large amount which can be used later for a lot of work. Everyone can design an efficient system which will collect large amounts of water from roads, gardens, parks and more. It will definitely be enough to sustain a community and even a city is designed on a larger level.

However, the runoff water will have a lot of impurities. Therefore, it is important to first filter the water properly so it can be reused for all purposes, whether it is drinking or cooking.

Next up, we have rooftop rainwater harvesting. Here, the roof of a house or building works as a rainwater collection unit. It includes equipping the roof with pipes that direct to a pit or tank. These pipes will divert the water falling on the roof in the tank to save water from falling off. This is a very economical and efficient way to harvest rainwater.

FAQs on Rain Water Harvesting

Q.1 Why is Rainwater Harvesting important?

A.1 Rainwater harvesting is important because we are facing water scarcity. Rainwater is an economical way to save water and prevent rainwater wastage.

Q.2 How can one harvest rainwater?

A.2 Rainwater harvesting is done using two methods. One is surface runoff harvesting and the other is rooftop rainwater harvesting.

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Rainwater Harvesting Essay for Students and Children in English

February 14, 2024 by Prasanna

Rainwater Harvesting Essay: Water scarcity has been the greatest worry of the century for many countries in the world. It is predicted that the next World War will be fought for water. Given the importance of water to sustain the population and economic growth across different countries, governments around the world are coming up with innovative solutions to save water.

In this rainwater harvesting essay, we shall be talking about the innovative ways that rainwater harvesting will help us save water. We shall also be talking about examples of rainwater harvesting in different countries which has overcome the scarcity of water completely.

You can read more  Essay Writing  about articles, events, people, sports, technology many more.

Long and Short Essay on Rainwater Harvesting for students and Kids in English

If you are searching for a well-written, informative and comprehensive rainwater harvesting essay in English then this article will help you find it. Below we have provided a 600-word rainwater harvesting essay and also a 200-word short rainwater harvesting essay for school students to use in their essay writing competition, exams tests and holiday homework.

Long Essay on Rainwater Harvesting 600 Words in English

Rainwater harvesting is a technique in which we help the water seep into the groundwater table through open lands and porous soil. One of the main advantages of rainwater harvesting is that it increases the level of the water table below our ground.  Other than increasing the level of water in the water table, rainwater harvesting has various other advantages which are discussed below.

What are the advantages of rainwater harvesting?

The following are the main advantages of rainwater harvesting:

1. Rainwater harvesting helps in maintaining a healthy balance in the water cycle of our ecology. A water cycle in our ecosystem is a cycle in which the water from the surface of oceans, river and other water bodies evaporate and condense to form clouds in the atmosphere. These clouds after accumulating enough moisture burst out to have a rainbow pour on land and water bodies. Evaporation and condensation are the two main processes in our water cycle. Due to irresponsible usage of water by human beings this water cycle in the ecosystem is being affected and rainwater harvesting is found to be an innovative solution to restore balance to this water cycle.

2. When there is a heavy rain pour in a patch of land where there would be no space for the rain to percolate into the ground, it can cause floods in that region. Places like Cherrapunji and Agumbe are considered to be the places in Indi that receive the heaviest rainfall throughout the year. It becomes of utmost importance to practice the method of rainwater harvesting in such places. If not practiced properly, the rainwater will start accumulating on the ground and eventually lead to floods causing heavy damage to life and property.

3. Another importance of rainwater harvesting is that it reduces our dependency on river water. Rivers such as Kaveri, Krishna, Ganga, and the Yamuna have been over-exploited by human beings for industrial and domestic purposes. This overexploitation of our water bodies as cast negative effects on the aquatic life in the country. Also, there has been enormous pollution witnessed in oceans and seas of the world which is in turn affecting aquatic life in that region.

If rainwater harvesting is practiced properly then our dependence on river water will reduce and nature will start healing eventually. Now that we have spoken about the importance of rainwater in this rainwater harvesting essay we shall also be talking about the various challenges in practicing this method.

What are the challenges faced in rainwater harvesting?

Practicing rainwater harvesting is easier said than done. Because rainwater harvesting will only be successful if everyone in the country follows it. Robust policies and laws should be in place to make rainwater harvesting compulsory in residential and commercial places. Most of the water from rivers and lakes are used for industrial and agricultural purposes and hence it is only logical to hold industries and the agriculture sector in whole accountable for the irresponsible use of freshwater.

Factories and industrial owners should practice rainwater harvesting compulsory at their premises. But imposing the practice of rainwater harvesting on farmers is quite difficult given the additional financial burden in following this practice. Hence, the government should incentivize farmers to practice rainwater harvesting and educate them about the uses of rainwater harvesting in cultivating the land. In fact, rainwater harvesting will make farmers less dependent on rivers, lakes and canals as well as eliminate the risk of unpredictable climatic conditions.

I would like to conclude by saying that rainwater harvesting is the only viable solution we have in order to prevent complete draught in the world. Rainwater harvesting can be easily practised by rich industrial corporations but it would be difficult for regular citizens and farmers of the country to practice. The government and the international community should address the challenges in rainwater harvesting to make this world a better place.

Short Essay on Rainwater Harvesting 200 Words in English

Rainwater harvesting is a simple technique in which we allow the rainwater to percolate through the open ground into the water table. It requires very fewer efforts for people to practice rainwater harvesting at their houses but has great impacts on our ecosystem and environment. If rainwater harvesting is not practiced well, then our cities and villages will forever be dependent on the limited freshwater capacity of the earth. We should remember that only 3% of the water on Earth is made up of freshwater. If we don’t follow innovative practices for saving the water, then there would be no water for our future generation to survive and grow.

Rainwater harvesting cannot be implemented overnight by all the people in the country. It is a gradual process that requires efforts from governments and civil society members. Not everyone in the country will understand the importance of rainwater harvesting and hence there should be educational and awareness campaigns in rural parts of the country as well as education institutes to bring about the required awareness about the uses of rainwater harvesting.

I would like to conclude by saying that rainwater harvesting is the best-known practice for a man to save water. Creating concrete jungles might help in economic development but will result in environmental degradation and hence a patch of land should be kept open within the concrete jungle so that the rainwater will have space to percolate into the groundwater table.

10 Lines on Rainwater Harvesting Essay in English

• Rainwater harvesting will help us save water.
• It is predicted that the next World War will be fought for water.
• Rainwater harvesting will help in preventing floods.
• Rainwater harvesting will reduce the stress on our rivers and lakes.
• This method will help aquatic life from getting polluted and depleted.
• Strict laws should be in place to help implement rainwater harvesting on all levels.
• Rainwater harvesting will maintain a healthy water cycle in our ecosystem.
• Industries and agricultural sector use the most amounts of freshwater.
• Proper awareness campaigns should be conducted to educate the general public about rainwater harvesting.
• Rainwater harvesting will help in increasing the level of water in the water table below the ground.

FAQ’s on Rainwater Harvesting Essay

Question 1. What is rainwater harvesting?

Answer: It is a method in which we allow rainwater to percolate into the ground through porous soil into the water table.

Question 2. Which country has immense draught problems?

Answer: African countries such as Sudan and Kenya have extreme drought problems.

Question 3. Should rainwater harvesting be made compulsory?

Answer: Rainwater harvesting should be made compulsory for companies and factories.

Question 4. What are the two methods of rainwater harvesting?

Answer: Surface runoff and rooftop rainwater harvesting are the two methods of rainwater harvesting Water scarcity has been the greatest worry of the century for many countries in the world. It is predicted that the next World War will be fought for water. Given the importance of water to sustain the population and economic growth across different countries, governments around the world are coming up with innovative solutions to save water.

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Essay on Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater Harvesting is the process of collecting rainwater for different purposes.

Can you imagine a life without water? No, you don’t because it is not possible. Water is the basic requirement for being alive. Every single drop of water is precious and needed to be conserved. Due to increasing pollution as well as population, it is predicted that soon the world will lack water. The groundwater level of the Earth is also decreasing. In this serious situation, the only helpful thing is water conservation. Today we will discuss one of the most famous methods of water conservation that is rainwater harvesting.

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Short and Long Rainwater Harvesting Essay in English

Here I’m providing an essay on Rainwater Harvesting with different word limits. This topic is useful for students in all the classes. However, this topic is also helpful for people who don’t know about this process.

Rainwater Harvesting Essay 10 Lines (100 – 150 Words)

1) Collecting rainwater in tanks or natural reservoirs is called rainwater harvesting.

2) Rainwater harvesting plays an important role in water conservation.

3) The collected rainwater can be used for irrigation or other domestic purposes.

4) Rainwater harvesting will save us from the future threat of water scarcity.

5) It is a good way to increase the groundwater level.

6) Surface runoff and Rooftop are the two methods of rainwater harvesting.

7) It is also useful in sustaining ecological water balance.

8) It is a cost-saving and effective method of saving rainwater.

9) This process requires proper maintenance.

10) Sometimes, insufficient storage capacity is unable to store a high amount of rain.

Also Read : Essay on World Nature Conservation Day

Short Essay on Rainwater Harvesting (200 – 250 Words)

Rainwater harvesting is the method of storing and utilizing rainwater for further purposes. It is a good method of water management. This method is very essential in arid and desert areas where people usually face a shortage of water. Rainwater harvesting is a method with low capital and high benefits. It is also helpful in preserving the groundwater level.

Rainwater harvesting helps in fulfilling the water requirement of the society. Using this method, no water from the rain gets wasted. People can perform rainwater harvesting either by collecting water on the rooftop and then transferring it into underground tanks or by collecting surface runoff water in the ponds. Both methods are highly effective to collect rainwater. It also saves us from soil erosion, drought, and floods. Rainwater harvesting is an eco-friendly method of saving water that also controls the water cycle in the environment.

However, rainwater harvesting does have some limiting points. This method is only applicable to areas that receive a good amount of rain. Rainwater harvesting remains of no use in areas with low rain. Another thing is maintenance. Due to continuous water storage, there can be a chance of the production of algae and dangerous insects. Therefore, proper maintenance is necessary. Sometimes, rainwater harvesting can suffer a storage problem. Limiting storage can fail to store high rainfall.

Long Essay on Rainwater Harvesting (500 – 600 Words)

Introduction

There are number of countries that are facing water scarcity. Water scarcity is a global problem that the world is fighting. In some places, people don’t have any water resources they are mainly dependent on rain as the source of water. But rains are not permanent, and hence they made a technique to store them. Using this technique they can store water and later can use it for different purposes.

Rainwater Harvesting – a solution to water shortage

Rainwater harvesting is a technique through which water from rain is collected and stored. Through rainwater harvesting, water can be collected in man-made tanks or natural resources like ponds and reservoirs. The collected water can later be used for activities like irrigation, toilet purpose, gardening, etc. This method prevents rainwater from runoff. This method is very useful in places with a lack of water supply.

Rainwater is fresh and can be stored to perform small household activities. This process also helps in maintaining the ground level of water. This easy to perform method is not a new concept. People are practicing rainwater harvesting since ancient times.

Importance of Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting helps to collect water for a different purposes without any cost. There are many advantages of rainwater harvesting. Some of them are:

• Cost-free: We can get water without paying any cost just by practicing rainwater harvesting.
• Effortless method: This method does not involve any hectic procedure to save water. Just by building tanks, we can collect water.
• Good solution: This method helps us to save water and fight the problem of arising water shortage.
• Maintains the balance: Rainwater harvesting removes the dependency of people on the groundwater. It also helps in maintaining the ecological balance.
• Reduces floods: Performing rainwater harvesting in every house can reduce the chances of natural disasters like floods. 
• Reduces soil erosion: The threat of soil erosion can be removed by performing rainwater harvesting. This method improves the water quality and balances the water cycle.

Rainwater Harvesting Methods

Rainwater harvesting is a successful method of collecting water that is performed in many places. There are two basic methods of carrying out this process. They are:

• Rooftop harvesting: This is the easiest and most convenient method of performing rainwater harvesting. In this method, the roofs of the houses are made in such a way that the rainwater gets collected. This water is then transferred to the underground tanks through pipes. Roofs of some houses are made slope and the edge is then connected to the tank where water gets collected. This stored water can now be used for many household purposes. Many people prefer this method of rainwater harvesting.
• Surface runoff: Another method of rainwater harvesting is to collect surface runoff water which gets lost in the environment if not collected. In this method, certain arrangements are made that provide a path to collect rainwater from parks, roads, small cities, etc to the tanks or ponds. Gallons of rainwater can be collected through this method. However, water collected through this method contains impurities and needed to filter before use.

Every single drop of water is precious still every year fresh rainwater goes wasted due to a lack of proper knowledge. There are many places where people are not aware of methods like water harvesting. Government should raise awareness and educate people regarding rainwater harvesting in the locality with water problems. This would really help them to fight the problem of water shortage and live life happily.

I hope the above given essay on rainwater harvesting will be helpful for you to understand the importance and procedure of this method.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions on Rainwater Harvesting

Ans. Many countries like Kuwait, Qatar, Lebanon, Jordan, India, Pakistan, etc are some countries with water shortages.

Ans. Rainwater is the purest form of water that can be drunk directly but due to surface pollutants, it gets polluted and needed to be purified before use.

Ans. The only state of India where rooftop rainwater harvesting is declared compulsory is Tamil Nadu.

Ans. Taanka, Khadins, Eris, Kul, etc are some traditional methods of rainwater harvesting in India.

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Essay on Rainwater Harvesting: Water Saving Techniques

• Updated on  
• Oct 7, 2023

Writing an essay on rainwater harvesting requires you to describe sustainable water management practices, such as the collection and storage of rainwater for various purposes, like irrigation , landscaping, domestic use, etc. In recent years, this technique has gained popularity as a way to conserve this life-saving resource and reduce the demand for traditional water sources like rivers, lakes, and groundwater.

Did you know that Earth is not the only planet where the phenomenon of rain occurs? Other celestial bodies, such as Saturn’s moon Titan, have rain, but it consists of liquid methane and ethane rather than water due to the extremely cold temperatures. Let’s check out some essays on rainwater harvesting for a better understanding of this topic.

Table of Contents

• 1 Essay on Rainwater Harvesting in 100 Words
• 2 Essay on Rainwater Harvesting in 200 Words
• 3 Essay on Rainwater Harvesting in 300 Words

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Essay on Rainwater Harvesting in 100 Words

Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) is the process of collecting and storing rainwater for various uses. This is an eco-friendly method to conserve rainwater resources for purposes like agricultural use, domestic use, etc. Rainwater can be collected on rooftops and other surfaces, filtered and stored in tanks or cisterns. 

There are several benefits of rainwater harvesting, such as promoting water sustainability, lower water bills, environmental benefits by decreasing runoff and erosion, etc. Implementing rainwater harvesting systems is a step toward responsible water management, helping communities become more self-reliant in their water supply while protecting the planet’s clean water resources .

Essay on Rainwater Harvesting in 200 Words

Rainwater harvesting is one of the cost-effective ways to collect and store rainwater using different methods and techniques. In today’s world where fresh water is depleting at a tremendous rate, practising rainwater harvesting can be a vital strategy in the quest for responsible water management, conservation, and the promotion of sustainability.

Rainwater harvesting starts with the collection of rainwater on rooftops, pavements and other impermeable surfaces. To channel the rainwater into storage containers, gutters and downspouts are used. Rainwater can be stored in barrels or cisterns, depending on the resources available. Once collected, it can be used a various purposes such as irrigation, washing clothes, flushing toilets, and even for drinking, if treated properly.

Here are some of the compelling reasons stating the use of rainwater harvesting.

• This practice reduces the demand for natural water resources, such as surface water from rivers and groundwater.
• This can help to alleviate the stress on these limited or finite resources.
• It promotes water self-sufficiency and resilience, especially in drought-prone regions.
• Practising it at the domestic level can be an effective way to save money on water bills, especially for non-potable uses.

Due to climate change and water scarcity, practising rainwater harvesting can be an effective step for a sustainable and water-secure future.

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Essay on Rainwater Harvesting in 300 Words

One of the crucial and cost-effective ways to save water is to start practising rainwater harvesting. This age-old technique to conserve rainwater has gained significant popularity as the world is facing water scarcity, overuse of resources and environmental concerns. Rainwater can be collected on surfaces like impermeable rooftops, pavements or an open tank. 

The collected rainwater can be channelled using gutters, and downspouts, where it can be stored in larger tanks or cisterns. This collected rainwater can be used for a multitude of applications, such as irrigation, flushing toilets, washing clothes, and even drinking after proper treatment. 

There are several compelling reasons to embrace rainwater harvesting. 

• Rainwater harvesting helps reduce the pressure on traditional water sources like rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers.
• Furthermore, it mitigates the risk of over-extraction, a critical concern in many regions.
• By harnessing rainwater, we can also build resilience against droughts and water shortages, ensuring a more reliable water supply.
• Rainwater harvesting is environmentally friendly, as it minimizes stormwater runoff, which can cause erosion, flood urban areas, and transport pollutants to water bodies.
• Instead, collected rainwater can be used to recharge local aquifers, promoting groundwater sustainability. 
• Moreover, it curtails the energy and chemicals typically needed for water treatment and distribution in centralized water supply systems, reducing the carbon footprint.

From an economic perspective, rainwater harvesting can lead to significant savings on water bills, particularly for non-potable uses. It empowers individuals and communities to take control of their water supply, reducing their dependence on external sources.

However, successful rainwater harvesting requires thoughtful planning and investment. Proper filtration, treatment, and maintenance are essential to ensure the collected rainwater is safe and of good quality.

As the world faces mounting water challenges, its adoption is becoming increasingly critical. By integrating rainwater harvesting into our daily lives and infrastructure, we can take a significant step toward securing our water future while reducing our impact on the environment.

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Rainwater Harvesting is a sustainable water management practice, in which rainwater is collected and stored in tanks for various purposes. It’s one of the most eco-friendly ways to conserve water.

Some of the water conservation measures are: practising rainwater harvesting for non-profitable use, practising smart irrigation methods, installing low-flow faucets at home, reusing greywater for irrigation and toilet flushing, etc.

There are several ways in which rainwater can be collected. Installing rainwater collection surfaces like a roof or tarp, installing gutters and downspouts, and regularly checking and cleaning filters, screens, and storage containers to ensure the water remains clean and free from contaminants.

For more information on such interesting topics, visit our essay writing page and make sure to follow Leverage Edu .

Shiva Tyagi

With an experience of over a year, I've developed a passion for writing blogs on wide range of topics. I am mostly inspired from topics related to social and environmental fields, where you come up with a positive outcome.

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Essay on Rain Water Harvesting

Gathering and storing rainwater for future use is known as rainwater harvesting. It involves the capture of rainwater from surfaces like rooftops, roads, or open grounds, directing it to storage facilities, and utilizing it for various purposes such as irrigation, domestic use, and groundwater recharge. This sustainable practice reduces dependence on conventional water sources, mitigates flooding, and contributes to conservation efforts.

The Need for Rainwater Harvesting

The need for rainwater harvesting has become increasingly evident in the face of growing challenges related to water scarcity, depleting groundwater resources, and the expanding demand for water in various sectors. Here are some key points highlighting the pressing need for rainwater harvesting:

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1. Global Water Scarcity

• Many regions worldwide are grappling with water scarcity, exacerbated by climate change, population growth, and inefficient water management practices.
• Rainwater harvesting provides an additional sustainable water source, helping alleviate the pressure on traditional water supplies.

2. Depleting Groundwater Resources

• Over-extraction of groundwater for agriculture, industry, and domestic use has led to declining water tables in numerous areas.
• Rainwater harvesting helps recharge groundwater aquifers by capturing rainwater and allowing it to percolate into the ground, replenishing underground reservoirs.

3. Urbanization and Increased Water Demand

• Rapid urbanization has expanded impervious surfaces like roads and buildings, reducing natural infiltration and increasing surface runoff during rain events.
• Rainwater harvesting in urban areas helps manage stormwater, prevent flooding, and ensure a local, decentralized water supply to meet the rising demands of urban populations.

4. Mitigating the Impact of Drought

• Rainwater harvesting is crucial for building resilience against prolonged dry periods in drought-prone regions.
• Stored rainwater can be used during periods of low precipitation, providing a reliable water source for agriculture, domestic use, and other essential needs.

5. Conservation of Ecosystems

• Uncontrolled runoff during heavy rains can lead to soil erosion, loss of topsoil, and degradation of ecosystems.
• Rainwater harvesting reduces runoff, preventing soil erosion and maintaining the health of ecosystems by allowing water to be absorbed naturally into the ground.

6. Energy and Cost Savings

• Traditional water supply systems, such as pumping water from distant sources, can be energy-intensive and costly.
• Rainwater harvesting promotes a decentralized water supply, reducing the need for extensive distribution networks and the associated energy costs.

Components of Rainwater Harvesting Systems

Here’s an explanation of each component in detail:

1. Catchment Area: The catchment area is the surface from which rainwater is collected. It typically includes rooftops, pavements, and other impervious surfaces.

• Description: Rainwater is collected as it falls on these surfaces. Rooftops are particularly effective catchment areas as they provide a clean and easily accessible surface for water collection. The choice of catchment area material is essential to ensure water quality, as contaminants from the catchment surface can affect the harvested water.

2. Conveyance System: The conveyance system consists of gutters, downspouts, and pipes transporting rainwater from the catchment area to the storage or infiltration system.

• Description: Gutters and downspouts collect rainwater from the catchment area and direct it to the storage or treatment facility. Proper design and installation of the conveyance system are crucial to minimize water losses and ensure the efficient transfer of rainwater.

3. First Flush Diverters: First flush diverters divert the initial portion of rainwater, which may contain contaminants from the catchment surface, away from the storage system.

• Description: The first flush of rainwater often contains debris, dust, and pollutants washed off from the catchment area. First flush diverters help improve the quality of harvested rainwater by directing this initial runoff away, ensuring that cleaner water enters the storage or treatment system.

4. Filter and Treatment Units: Filter and treatment units remove impurities, debris, and contaminants from harvested rainwater.

• Description: Various filtration and treatment methods are employed to enhance the quality of harvested rainwater. Common treatments include mesh filters, sedimentation tanks, and disinfection processes such as UV treatment or chlorination. These units ensure the stored water is safe for various uses, including drinking and irrigation.

5. Storage Facilities: Storage facilities include tanks, cisterns, or underground reservoirs where harvested rainwater is stored for later use.

• Description: The size and type of storage facility depend on the demand for water and the frequency and intensity of rainfall. Adequate storage capacity is essential to meet water needs during dry periods or when rainwater is unavailable. Tanks may be made of plastic, concrete, or metal, with proper sealing to prevent contamination.

6. Distribution System: The system comprises pipes and pumps that convey stored rainwater to use points.

• Description: For rainwater to be effectively utilized, a distribution network must transport the water from storage to various locations within a building or community. Pumps may be necessary to provide the required pressure for distribution, especially in larger systems or where uphill transport is needed.

7. Overflow System: The overflow system directs excess rainwater away from the storage facility when it reaches capacity.

• Description: An overflow system is essential to prevent flooding or damage to the storage system. This directs excess rainwater to appropriate drainage, ensuring that the storage facility remains functional and that excess water is safely managed.

How to Harvest the Rainwater

Harvesting rainwater involves a systematic approach to capturing, conveying, and storing rainwater for various purposes. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to harvest rainwater:

• Assessment and Planning: Start by evaluating your land to see if rainwater collection is a viable option. Consider factors such as roof area, rainfall patterns, and local regulations. Plan the system based on your water needs and the available space.
• Calculate Catchment Area: Measure the roof area that will serve as the catchment surface. The size of the catchment area will influence the amount of rainwater you can harvest. Ensure that the roofing material is suitable for rainwater collection.
• Install Gutters and Downspouts: To collect rainwater, install gutters around the borders of the roof. Connect the downspouts to direct water from the gutters into the storage system. Ensure that the gutters are correctly sloped for efficient water flow.
• Leaf Screens and First Flush Diverters: Install leaf screens in the gutters to prevent debris from entering the system. Consider adding first flush diverters to redirect the initial runoff, which may contain contaminants, away from the storage tank.
• Conveyance System: Use PVC pipes or other suitable conduits to transport rainwater from the downspouts to the storage tank. Ensure proper sizing and slope to facilitate smooth water flow.
• Storage Tank Installation: Choose an appropriate storage tank based on your water requirements and available space. Install the tank on a stable and level base. Connect the conveyance system to the inlet of the tank.
• Filtration and Treatment: To clean the collected rainwater of contaminants and silt, install a filter system. Consider implementing treatment techniques like UV sterilization or chlorination depending on the need for water quality.
• Overflow System: Set up an overflow system to redirect excess water from the storage tank during heavy rainfall. This prevents flooding and potential damage to the harvesting system.
• Distribution System (Optional): Install a distribution system if the harvested rainwater will be used for domestic or irrigation purposes. Use pipes to convey water from the storage tank to the use points. Include a pump if necessary for pressurized distribution.
• Monitoring and Control Systems: Implement sensors and control devices to monitor water levels and system performance and, if applicable, automate control functions. This enhances the efficiency and reliability of the rainwater harvesting system.
• Maintenance Access: Incorporate access points, such as hatches or openings, to facilitate regular maintenance activities. Schedule routine checks for cleaning, inspection, and repairs to ensure the system’s optimal performance.
• Educate and Promote Awareness: Raise awareness among household members or the community about the benefits of rainwater harvesting. Encourage responsible water use and share information on the system’s operation and maintenance.

Types of Rainwater Harvesting

Here are three common types of rainwater harvesting:

1. Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting

• Description: In this method, people collect rainwater directly from rooftops and convey it to storage tanks for later use.
• Components: The catchment area is the roof surface, and the conveyance system includes gutters and downspouts that direct rainwater to storage tanks. You can use first-flush diverters and filters to improve water quality.
• Advantages: Easy to use and reasonably priced, particularly for single homes. It takes up very little room and is simple to incorporate into already-built structures.

2. Surface Runoff Harvesting

• Description: Surface runoff harvesting involves collecting rainwater from open ground surfaces, such as roads, pavements, and open fields.
• Components: The catchment area comprises the ground surface, and channels, drains, or trenches collect rainwater. We can direct the collected water to storage tanks or use it to recharge groundwater.
• Advantages: Suitable for areas with limited roof space or where rooftops are not viable catchment areas. It can help mitigate surface runoff, reduce soil erosion, and recharge groundwater.

3. Stormwater Harvesting

• Description: Stormwater harvesting is the sustainable management of rainwater runoff from urban surfaces during heavy rainfall. The objective is to reduce urban flooding and supplement water supply.
• Components: Stormwater harvesting in urban areas involves collecting rainwater from streets, parking lots, and pavements. Conveyance systems direct water to storage facilities, like tanks, designed for subsequent use. Filtration systems enhance water quality, creating a comprehensive solution for flood control and water resource augmentation.
• Advantages: Reduces urban flooding by capturing excess stormwater runoff, preventing inundation of streets and properties. Alleviates strain on municipal drainage systems, reducing the risk of infrastructure damage.

Case Studies

Here are summaries of two case studies showcasing successful implementations of rainwater harvesting:

1. Singapore’s Public Housing Board (HDB) Rainwater Harvesting System

• Background: Singapore, facing limited freshwater resources and rapid urbanization, implemented rainwater harvesting systems in public housing estates managed by the Housing and Development Board (HDB).
• Implementation: HDB integrated rainwater harvesting into the design of new public housing blocks. Rooftop catchment areas were optimized, and a network of gutters and downspouts directed rainwater to storage tanks located within the buildings.
• Storage and Filtration: Underground storage tanks with large capacities were installed to collect and store rainwater. Filtration systems ensured the harvested water met quality standards for non-potable uses.
• Reuse Applications: Rainwater collection is employed for non-potable uses, like toilet flushing, plant watering, and communal area cleaning. As a result, there is less demand for the municipal water supply for these operations.
• Results: The rainwater harvesting systems in HDB estates contribute to water conservation efforts, reduce dependency on imported water, and demonstrate the feasibility of large-scale urban rainwater harvesting initiatives.

 2. The ArRain Project in Rajasthan, India

• Background: Rajasthan, a semi-arid region in India, faced chronic water scarcity and drought conditions.The ArRain project aimed to alleviate water stress in rural communities by implementing rainwater harvesting systems.
• Implementation: The project focused on community engagement, educating residents about the benefits of rainwater harvesting. People identified the rooftops of homes and community buildings as catchment areas and constructed rainwater harvesting structures.
• Traditional Techniques: Besides modern rainwater harvesting techniques, the project incorporated check dams, contour trenches, and percolation pits to enhance groundwater recharge and soil moisture retention.
• Community Participation: The success of the ArRain project was attributed to active community involvement. Residents participated in constructing and maintaining rainwater harvesting structures, fostering a sense of ownership and sustainability.
• Impact: The project resulted in increased water availability for agriculture, improved groundwater levels, and enhanced resilience to drought. Communities experienced reduced dependence on distant water sources and improved overall water security.

Challenges and Solutions

Below are detailed insights into some common challenges associated with rainwater harvesting and potential solutions:

1. Inadequate Catchment Area

• Challenge: Small or unsuitable catchment areas limit the amount of rainwater that can be harvested.
• Solution: Optimize existing catchment areas or explore additional surfaces for rainwater collection. Ensure the compatibility of roofing materials for efficient water runoff.

2. Poor Water Quality

• Challenge: Contaminants such as leaves, debris, and pollutants may enter the harvesting system, affecting water quality.
• Solution: Install leaf screens, first flush diverters, and effective filtration systems to remove impurities. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure continued water quality.

3. Storage Capacity Limitations

• Challenge: Limited storage capacity may lead to overflow during heavy rainfall, wasting potential harvest.
• Solution: Assess water demand and install appropriately sized storage tanks. Implement an effective overflow system to manage excess water and prevent flooding.

4. Seasonal Variability

• Challenge: Rainfall patterns can vary seasonally, affecting the consistency of water supply.
• Solution: Implement complementary strategies such as groundwater recharge during the rainy season or explore alternative water sources to supplement seasonal variations.

5. Lack of Awareness

• Challenge: Communities may need more awareness of the benefits of rainwater harvesting or clarification about its effectiveness.
• Solution: Conduct awareness campaigns, workshops, and educational programs to inform communities about the advantages of rainwater harvesting and its positive impact on water availability.

6. Ownership and Maintenance Issues

• Challenge: Lack of community involvement may result in neglect and poor maintenance of rainwater harvesting systems.
• Solution: Participate in the development, execution, and upkeep of the project with the community to cultivate a sense of ownership. Create community groups or educational initiatives to maintain the system.

7. Financial Constraints

• Challenge: High initial costs for implementing rainwater harvesting systems may discourage adoption, especially in economically disadvantaged areas.
• Solution: Explore financial incentives, subsidies, or low-interest loans to make rainwater harvesting systems more accessible. Encourage partnerships with NGOs or private entities for funding support.

Rainwater harvesting stands as a vital solution for global water sustainability. With technological advancements, policy support, and increasing awareness, the future holds promising prospects. As communities worldwide face growing water challenges, embracing rainwater harvesting mitigates water scarcity and aligns with broader climate resilience and sustainable development goals. The journey towards a water-secure future relies on the continued adoption and optimization of rainwater harvesting practices.

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Essay on Rain Water Harvesting

Students are often asked to write an essay on Rain Water Harvesting in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Rain Water Harvesting

Introduction.

Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting and storing rainwater for later use. This method is a sustainable and economical way to use water, especially in areas where water is scarce.

Importance of Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting helps to conserve water, reduce water bills, and lessen the demand for ground water. It’s an excellent way to provide an independent water supply.

Methods of Rainwater Harvesting

There are two main methods: surface runoff harvesting and rooftop rainwater harvesting. Both methods collect rainwater, which can then be used for various purposes.

Rainwater harvesting is a practical solution to water scarcity. It encourages sustainability and promotes water conservation.

250 Words Essay on Rain Water Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting, a traditional method with a modern twist, is a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to water conservation. It involves the accumulation and storage of rainwater for reuse, rather than allowing it to run off.

The Mechanism

Rainwater harvesting systems are simple yet effective. They involve the collection of rainwater from surfaces on which rain falls, filtering it, and storing it for later use. Generally, rainwater is collected from roofs and stored in rainwater tanks. This water can then be used for gardening, livestock, irrigation, or even indoor heating.

Importance and Benefits

In an era where water scarcity is a pressing issue, rainwater harvesting serves as a vital solution. It reduces the demand on the municipal water supply, lowers water bills, and provides an alternative supply during water restrictions. Moreover, it’s a source of naturally soft and chemical-free water, beneficial for plants and soil irrigation.

Global Impact

Rainwater harvesting has the potential to significantly impact global water conservation efforts. In arid regions like parts of Africa and India, rainwater harvesting has been a lifeline, providing much-needed water during dry seasons. Developed nations like Australia and Germany have also adopted this system, demonstrating its universal applicability.

In conclusion, rainwater harvesting is an efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly method of conserving water. As we grapple with climate change and water scarcity, it’s crucial for us to adopt sustainable practices like rainwater harvesting. By doing so, we can ensure a reliable and resilient water supply for future generations.

500 Words Essay on Rain Water Harvesting

Introduction to rainwater harvesting.

Rainwater harvesting is an age-old practice and a crucial aspect of sustainable living. It is the process of collecting and storing rainwater for future use instead of letting it run off. The escalating environmental issues and water scarcity worldwide have brought rainwater harvesting back into focus.

The Importance of Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting plays a pivotal role in addressing the global water crisis. It aids in water conservation by reducing the reliance on groundwater or municipal water supply. Additionally, it helps in mitigating the effects of drought and flood, contributing to climate change resilience.

Rainwater is a clean, free, and readily available renewable resource, which, if harvested and stored correctly, can be used for various purposes like irrigation, washing, and even drinking with proper treatment. Moreover, it reduces soil erosion and waterlogging issues by limiting runoff.

There are two primary methods of rainwater harvesting: surface runoff harvesting and rooftop rainwater harvesting.

Rooftop rainwater harvesting, on the other hand, involves collecting rainwater from roof catchments. The collected water can be stored in tanks or diverted into wells or recharge pits. This method is highly efficient and cost-effective for individual households.

Technological Advancements in Rainwater Harvesting

Advancements in technology have made rainwater harvesting more efficient and accessible. Modern systems come with filtration units to ensure the water is clean. Some advanced systems even incorporate AI and IoT for monitoring water levels, quality, and automated functioning of the system.

Challenges and Solutions

To overcome these challenges, it is essential to spread awareness about the benefits of rainwater harvesting and provide subsidies or financial incentives to encourage its adoption. Further, technical training should be provided for the correct design and maintenance of these systems.

Rainwater harvesting is a sustainable and viable solution to the global water crisis. It not only conserves water but also plays a significant role in climate change mitigation. With technological advancements making it more efficient and the right policies in place to overcome challenges, rainwater harvesting can significantly contribute to a sustainable future.

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A Beginner’s Guide to Rainwater Harvesting

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When Did Rainwater Harvesting Begin?

How much water can you collect.

• How Rainwater Harvesting Works

The Ever-Flowing Benefits

Uses for harvested rainwater.

• Ways to Harvest Rainwater
• Frequently Asked Questions

Rainwater harvesting is the practice of collecting and storing rain for reuse, rather than letting the water run off and be absorbed into the ground or channeled into drains, streams, or rivers. It is one of the easiest ways to conserve water at home while also lowering your bills. Whether you opt for a custom-designed system or a simple rain barrel collection method, harvesting rainwater is a smart and sustainable choice.

The practice of rainwater harvesting is gaining new relevance as the impacts of the climate crisis accelerate and parts of the world experience drier and longer droughts, depletion of groundwater, and freshwater pollution from saltwater flooding. Rainwater harvesting provides a source of clean fresh water in places where water is scarce, polluted, or only seasonally available. In addition, harvesting and storing rainwater can be a less expensive way (compared to desalination or piping water long distances) to guarantee safe, clean water for drinking and home use, as well as gardening, watering livestock, or agriculture. 

While there are all kinds of modern rainwater catchment systems, collecting rain is an ancient practice. Anthropologists believe that being able to capture and store water went hand-in-hand with the development of agriculture, especially in drier environments. Cisterns for storing rainwater have been found in communities as far back as Neolithic times, and by 2500 B.C.E. they could be found in what is now Israel and the Greek island of Crete, and later in the Roman Empire, Istanbul, and even Venice.  

The Federal Energy Management Program uses the following formula to calculate the total amount of water collected through rainwater harvesting systems:  

Catchment area (roof size in square feet) x Monthly rainfall (inches) x Conversion factor (0.62) x Collection factor (75%–90% to account for losses in the system)

For example, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Report, the average monthly rainfall for the contiguous United States was just under 2.5 inches in 2023. Using this number and a 75% collection factor, the total water catchment for a 1,000-square-foot roof would be:

1,000 x 2.5 x 0.62 x 75% =

1,162.5 gallons per month, or 13,950 gallons per year (minimum)

By using this calculation and factoring in how much you pay for water and how much you use every month, you can determine how worthwhile installing a rainwater collection system would be.

How Rainwater Harvesting Works: Capture, Store, Reuse

The most basic rainwater harvesting systems include a way to collect the rain (which could be as simple as the roof of a house), a way to direct the water (like a gutter and downspout), and a place to store the water (like a barrel ). Because it lacks filtration and proper storage, water collected from a system this simple would only be suitable for basic uses like watering a garden, fire suppression, or as grey water—like toilet bowl water.

A more complex system that would provide more potential end uses for the water would include a collection system and several layers of filters to keep dirt and debris out of the water supply. An appropriate storage tank should have a way to safely handle overflow water and be made from materials that won’t leach into the water and will inhibit bacteria growth. That container should then be hooked to a control system that can further filter the water for drinking-level purity if needed, or at least to a monitor that tracks the water level. Finally, the system would require a pump to direct water, a flow meter, and a backflow prevention system, all of which would need to be hooked up to a power source.

Rainwater Harvesting vs. Grey Water Recycling

Harvesting rainwater can be part of a larger system that includes grey water recycling , but they are not the same thing. Grey water is a term that is defined by what it’s not, which means that grey water is all kinds of household wastewater that is not from a toilet. That includes effluent from kitchen and bathroom sinks, showers and baths, washing machines, and dishwashers. It has fewer potential disease-causing organisms, or pathogens, than toilet water, so it’s simpler to treat for reuse. 

Grey water can be recycled on-site at a home, in an apartment building, office, or a hotel, and it can be used for toilet flushing (after which it's called black water), garden or lawn watering, or crops. Grey water reuse is often designed into a rainwater harvesting system as a way to make the harvested water go farther, as it can be used more than once. For example, harvested rainwater could be filtered and stored, and used first in a shower or washing machine, and then the grey water from those tasks could be collected and used to water landscaping. 

Using grey water also reduces the amount of wastewater that needs to be collected and treated, if sewage is limited. 

Rainwater harvesting has a host of benefits beyond reducing demand for local freshwater resources. By collecting rainwater during a storm, there’s less stormwater runoff, which can overwhelm local sewage systems and result in local pollutants like fertilizers, pesticides, metals, and other sediments making their way to rivers and streams, lakes and ponds, and out into the ocean. 

Collecting rainwater can also reduce erosion in especially very dry environments where it is common, and reduce flooding in low-lying areas. 

Of course, if you pay for water from a municipal source, harvesting your own will save you money on your water bill. You don't require any filtration if you're using it for landscape watering or irrigation; in fact, it can be an even better option for gardens, as it's free from dissolved salts, minerals, and other chemicals.

The benefits of this practice have been recognized in many cities around the world that now require or encourage rainwater harvesting systems. For example, Bermuda, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Santa Fe, New Mexico, now mandate a rain catchment system on all new homes, and Texas offers a tax exemption for the purchase of harvesting systems to encourage the practice. Cities in Australia, Kenya, China, Brazil, and Thailand all utilize large-scale rainwater harvesting, and the airport in Frankfurt, Germany, collects rainwater for use in its terminal’s toilets and landscaping. 

Harvested rainwater can be used in almost every way water from a well or other supply can be used. If the water is to be used for drinking (potable), food preparation, or other direct human consumption, it needs to be filtered to improve the flavor and remove pathogens, grit, and other particles. At the very least, it should be boiled at a rolling boil for at least one minute to kill disease-causing organisms. 

Outdoor Uses

• Gardens and landscaping
• Swimming pools
• Livestock water 
• Household chores like car or dog washing
• Water features like bird baths or fountains
• Fire suppression or emergency water

Indoor Uses

• Washing machine
• Hot tub, bath, or shower
• Utility sink

Ways to Harvest Rainwater 

There are many ways to harvest rainwater, from basic DIY projects to complex systems. The most important question is what you will use the water for. That will determine how much filtration and monitoring it needs, and how complex and expensive your system will be.

Basic Roof Systems

A basic system that collects rainwater from a roof via downspouts and a barrel or tank is ideal for outdoor use—for watering plants or other outdoor chores. This is generally known as "rooftop rainwater harvesting," and these systems don’t require much more maintenance than typical gutter-cleaning upkeep. If you have a rain barrel at the bottom of the spout with a removable lid, make sure the lid is fastened tightly to prevent animals from climbing inside and drowning; check it regularly.

Surface Runoff Harvesting

Another system is "surface runoff harvesting", where surplus rain on the ground is collected through a slightly more complex series of aquifers. You may want to use this approach if you're collecting rainwater for household use—for sinks, showers, washing machines, and toilets (or outdoors for a swimming pool).

Rainwater Harvesting Tips

Harvested water for those needs will require a good basic filter or two (and those filters should be monitored and changed regularly). The water should be kept in a bacteria-resistant cistern, which can be above-ground or buried, and you’ll need a pump to move the water where it needs to go. This water will need to be used regularly; if it sits too long unused, bacteria will proliferate unless it’s chemically or otherwise treated. You will also want to ensure that the water isn’t coming into contact with lead, heavy metals, or preservative-treated timber on your roof if it serves as your catchment area. 

The best materials for roofs that will be used to harvest rainwater are slate, aluminum, and galvanized iron. Finally, you will need to install piping into your house to bring your stored rainwater to the appliances or faucets where you want to use the water. The costs for all these items vary depending on the existing plumbing.

Potable Water System

The highest level of complexity for a rainwater harvesting system is to create potable, or drinkable, water. These systems would include all of the expenses previously mentioned, including determination of safe collection area, filtration, safe storage, pumping, and additional filtering or treatment, as well as additional piping and pumps.

The filtration for this type of system can cost up to $20,000 and require a fair amount of maintenance since any overlooked filter replacement could compromise water quality and lead to illness and even death. However, this investment might make your home or building self-sufficient and, if adequate rainwater is available in your area, could mean you don’t need to be hooked up to a city water supply or dig a well, which could be a money-saving situation, too. 

There is a growing number of companies and professionals who can work with you on any of the above systems, and ensure you are getting the combination of filters, storage, monitors, pumps, and pipes you need for your location and water needs. 

When it comes to the safety of water inside your home (especially drinking water)—even if you want to do the work of putting the system together yourself—it makes sense to consult a professional for guidance. You want to get it right.

The average household drum holds 55 gallons, and the average American, for reference, uses 82 gallons a day at home. You could get by with just a few rain barrels if you plan to use the water only to supplement your regular water supply. If it's your only source of water, though, you should source a large tank—they're available in 600- to 50,000-gallon capacities.

Installing a home rainwater harvesting system can set you back anywhere from $3,000 to $20,000, depending on whether you're wanting just a few barrels or a fully off-grid, filtered supply.

Tap water is treated with chlorine and other chemicals that help to remove parasites, bacteria, and viruses. But it can also contain a multitude of contaminants, including aluminum, lead, arsenic, and mercury. Rainwater doesn't contain these chemicals and is therefore softer and purer—great for watering the garden. On the flip side, it also doesn't contain fluoride, which helps prevent tooth decay.

Besides the upfront cost of setting up a harvesting system, homeowners who rely on rainwater are also sometimes faced with dry weather, storage limits, and regular maintenance.

Mays, Larry, et al. “ History of Water Cisterns: Legacies and Lessons. ”  MDPI , Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 21 Nov. 2013, doi:10.3390/w5041916

“ Water-Efficient Technology Opportunity: Rainwater Harvesting Systems. ”  Energy.gov.

Gleason. “ National Climate Report .”  National Climatic Data Center

" Statistics and Facts ." Environmental Protection Agency .

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Essay on Rain Water Harvesting for Students and Children | PDF Download

Rainwater harvesting is a method of conserving freshwater for human needs. Rainwater is the part of the water cycle, where the evaporated water moved into the clouds. Rainwater is one of the freshwater sources for living beings on land. Similarly, the below essay on rainwater harvesting was included with various unknown key points. The below essay was provided information about the methods for water conservation and rainwater harvesting. In further below of the article, some quotes on rainwater harvesting were included.

Short Essay on Rain Water harvesting

Saving water had become a worthy process of this century. It is one of the difficult tasks for many countries all over the world. The scarcity of water occurs due to the misusage of water and improper planning by the government for their people. People should save water in various ways for their daily routine needs and also parallelly for their future. Saving water by Rainwater harvesting is one of the easy and worthless processes. Rainwater is one of the fresh and pure water available for living beings on earth. Rainwater was wasted as the people don’t know the value of water and improper awareness about conservation techniques.

During the rains, the people will not conserve rainwater for their temporary needs also. The people should take some steps and make the way for the rainwater to conserve in an area or the lakes and dams, etc. Governments of the countries should plan the sideways on either side of roads for the free flow of rainwater. The government should invest some money for rainwater harvesting and serving water without any scarcity and drought. If people didn’t make a habitat of conserving water for their lives, which can lead to drought.

Only one can’t bring the results for saving water, every individual should save rainwater in their way as a responsibility. The only easy and simple way even for the common man to save water is Rainwater harvesting. People should assign some space for storage tanks in their houses for rainwater harvesting. The government should dig the ponds and increase the depth of existing ponds for people’s needs.

Long essay on Rain Water Harvesting 

Rainwater harvesting is one of the techniques to bring rainwater into our water cycle. Saving water in this process is very easy and can be done with lesser effort tends to result in a large amount for living beings. Rainwater harvesting is one of the processes to increase the level of groundwater through the soil. According to research, the water purified by soil and forms as underground water is the purest form of water in the world.

As 71% of the world is filled with water by oceans and big seas, the whole water is not useful for Human needs. Only 3% of the whole water is useful for living beings on earth. The scarcity of water is increasing day by day in the present centuries. This scarcity arises due to improper usage of water, polluting water, and lack of saving water. Rainwater harvesting is one of the solutions for water scarcity for the present centuries and today’s world. Rainwater is one of the sources of useful water on land, people will not save the rainwater. Saving Rainwater can fill some temporary needs and usages in our daily routine. The people should conserve Rainwater and they should get aware of all the techniques of rainwater harvesting. Rainwater harvesting is one of the simple and worthy fewer techniques in saving water by a common man.

People of the past said that future wars will arise for the need for water to the people. To get out of those situations in the future we should save water from today. Rainwater can save by all the people around the world with some simple techniques and arrange someplace for water storage in their homes. The government of all countries should look about saving rainwater by ponds, water pits, etc to increase the groundwater level. People should look at the areas where the soil can suck the water easily and develop those areas for the harvesting process.

The benefits of rainwater harvesting are it can fulfill daily needs for some days according to the number of storage tanks. Rainwater harvesting methods can increase the underground water which helps in our needs for a long time. As it was the simple and worth efficient techniques which should follow by every person to get the best results. Rainwater can increase the level of water sources like rivers, lakes, ponds, underground water, etc which helps in long time usage and remove water scarcity.

Rainwater harvesting can remove some water scarcity and drought in the future. Every person should feel responsible for saving water by the method of rainwater harvesting. Rainwater harvesting, a solution to the water crisis and needs of the present people. Harvesting Rainwater can bring out results to the present water problem and future scarcity of water. The government should bring a rule for digging the pits and storage tanks in every house as well in public areas also. Even now people should start conserving water through Rainwater harvesting, which can give fruitful results to long time problems.

• Save rainwater today to enjoy your tomorrow on the earth.
• Harvest the rainwater to reduce the use of clean water.
• Save the water from rain and don’t let it drain.
• Don’t be conserve but conserve the rainwater.
• Water is very precious for life on the earth; so, save rainwater too.
• Water is the soul of the earth, don’t separate both.
• Preserve the rainwater; it is a nice gift from God on the earth.
• Whether you save rainwater to the tank or pond, just save it by any means.
• Harvest the rainwater to remove the thirst of the earth.
• Harvest the rain, reap the gains.

We hope that the above essay on Rainwater harvesting will help with your exams, speech, competitions, Group discussions, etc. We believe that the above unique information and key points in the Essay on Water conservation and rainwater harvesting will useful.

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Essay on Water Harvesting 1000+ Words

Water is a precious resource essential for all life on Earth. However, as our population grows and climate change brings more unpredictable weather patterns, water scarcity becomes a pressing concern. Water harvesting is a vital solution that can help address this challenge. In this essay, we will explore the importance of water harvesting, its benefits, and how it contributes to a sustainable and water-secure future.

Water Scarcity: A Global Challenge

Water scarcity is a growing problem worldwide, affecting billions of people. Many regions face droughts, while others struggle with the unequal distribution of water resources. As a result, finding innovative ways to conserve and manage water is crucial.

What is water harvesting?

Water harvesting is a method of collecting and storing rainwater for various purposes. It involves capturing rainwater that falls on rooftops, surfaces, and land, then storing it for later use. This ancient practice has been used by civilizations throughout history and remains relevant today.

Rainwater Harvesting Systems

There are various rainwater harvesting systems, each tailored to different needs. The most common types include rooftop harvesting, where rainwater is collected from rooftops and stored in tanks, and surface runoff harvesting, which captures rainwater from paved surfaces and directs it into storage tanks or underground reservoirs.

Benefits of Water Harvesting

Water harvesting offers numerous benefits that extend beyond addressing water scarcity:

• Water Conservation : It helps conserve water by capturing rainwater that would otherwise flow away and be wasted.
• Sustainable Agriculture : Farmers can use harvested rainwater for irrigation, reducing their dependence on groundwater.
• Reduced Flooding : By controlling surface runoff, water harvesting reduces the risk of floods during heavy rains.
• Groundwater Recharge : It can help replenish underground aquifers, which are vital sources of freshwater.
• Cost Savings : Households and businesses can save on water bills by using harvested rainwater for non-potable purposes like gardening and flushing toilets.
• Environmental Benefits : Water harvesting promotes biodiversity by providing water for plants and wildlife, and it reduces the demand on rivers and lakes for water supply.

Case Studies: Success Stories

Water harvesting has proven successful in various regions around the world. In places like Rajasthan, India, where water scarcity is a constant challenge, rainwater harvesting has transformed communities. Villages that once struggled for water now have reliable sources, improving living conditions and agricultural productivity.

Environmental Impact

One of the most significant benefits of water harvesting is its positive impact on the environment. By capturing rainwater, we reduce the need for energy-intensive water treatment and transportation processes. This leads to lower carbon emissions and a reduced environmental footprint.

A Sustainable Future

Water harvesting aligns with the principles of sustainability. It helps ensure that future generations have access to clean, safe water while also preserving ecosystems. This approach promotes responsible water use and fosters a sense of responsibility towards the environment.

Challenges and Solutions

While water harvesting offers numerous benefits, it’s not without its challenges. Some regions may face limited rainfall, making it less effective. In such cases, supplementing with other water sources or improving water management practices can be essential.

Conclusion of Essay on Water Harvesting

In conclusion, water harvesting is a practical and sustainable solution to address the global water scarcity crisis. It not only conserves water but also offers economic, environmental, and social benefits. As our world faces increasing challenges related to water availability, implementing water harvesting practices on a broader scale is essential.

By adopting water harvesting techniques in our homes, communities, and agriculture, we can contribute to a more water-secure future. It’s a simple yet powerful way to make a positive impact on our environment and ensure that water remains a resource available to all, both now and in the generations to come. Water harvesting is not just a solution; it’s a commitment to a sustainable and water-rich future for our planet.

Also Check: List of 500+ Topics for Writing Essay

Rain Water Harvesting Essay

Rainwater harvesting involves the collection and storage of rainwater into the natural reservoirs or artificial reservoirs in order to prevent the surface water runoff.

Rainwater harvesting is a process of collecting and storing rain water for using it as a backup supply of fresh water to meet everyday domestic and agricultural requirements, especially when water becomes scarcely available. There are several methods by which we can collect rainwater flowing from our roof tops, ditches, gardens, fields, forests and other locations. These methods are discussed in detail in the following essays. Rainwater harvesting not only provides fresh water in difficult times but also prevent naturally occurring fresh water resources from drying up, by reducing the demand of water. Rainwater harvesting is the least we can do to maintain the supply of water and also to support life on earth.

Long and Short Essay on Rain Water Harvesting in English

We have provided variety of paragraph and essay on rain water harvesting under different words limit for the students. It is very important topic on which students may be assigned to write essay or paragraph on the rain water harvesting. You can select any rain water harvesting essay given below according to the need and requirement.

Rain Water Harvesting Essay 1 (100 words)

Rain water harvesting is a technique used for collecting and storing rainwater by using various means in different resources for the future use purpose (like cultivation, etc). Rain water can be collected into the natural reservoirs or artificial tanks. Another method of collection is infiltration of surface water into the subsurface aquifers before getting lost by surface overflow.

Rooftop harvesting is also a method to collect rainwater. It is of big importance to the people living in the less rainfall areas. They can continue seasonal crop harvesting using collected rain water even in the lack of regular water supply. Whenever it rains, rain water gets collected into the man made ponds or tanks.

Rain Water Harvesting Essay 2 (150 words)

Rain water harvesting is the collection of rainwater into the man made resources or any natural resource like pond, lake, etc at the same place where it falls from rooftops or ground. Two main techniques of rainwater harvesting are storage for future use and recharge into the ground. It can be used for crop harvesting, gardening, toilets, etc. Following are the benefits of rainwater harvesting at individual or city-wide level:

• It helps in reducing the water supply bills especially to the institutions.
• Rainwater recharged to the ground positively affects groundwater quality by diluting fluorides, nitrates and its salinity.
• It contains almost neutral pH and zero hardness which makes it more able to be used in homes, industries, institutions and other commercial establishments.
• It may reduce the stress of public water supply sources.
• Recharge of rainwater to the ground prevents sea-water immersion into the fresh water bodies in the coastal areas.
• It helps in controlling urban flooding if people do rainwater harvesting from rooftops.
• It reduces water demands of people from the municipality thus lessens energy consumption too in distributing water all through the city.

Rain Water Harvesting Essay 3 (200 words)

Rainwater harvesting means collecting the rain water into the natural reservoirs or man-made tanks. It is the technique to collect and store rainwater for various purposes in the future. The most common and easy method of rain water harvesting is the rooftop harvesting. Using this technique we can collect lots of clean rain water in the rainy season. It can be stored for long time for the household purposes like gardening, livestock, and irrigation, etc. Following are benefits of rain water harvesting:

• It helps in reducing water supply loads and electricity bills of municipality, improve free water supply, crop production in rural areas, and thus lead to food security.
• Rain water harvesting system helps in reducing the insecurity of households or individuals in the rural areas.
• It provides easy and low cost water supply in the lack of water areas thus helps in food security and income generation.

Tamil Nadu is one of the states of India and now has been first Indian state where rainwater harvesting has been mandatory. Tamil Nadu state government has declared on 30 th of May 2014 to establish around 50,000 rainwater harvesting structures at various places in the Chennai. Till now, approximately 4,000 of the temples in the Tamilnadu have rain water tanks serving at various rituals in temples and help in recharging the groundwater.

Rain Water Harvesting Essay 4 (250 words)

Every drop of rain water is like blessings of God to the people on the earth. Fresh rain water falls on the ground like pearls, so everyone should understand the importance of rain water especially in developing regions and rural areas lack of natural water resources.

We should try to collect rain water without wasting through rooftops and along streets run off. We should bring our old traditional harvesting practices using new and effective technologies to make easy water supply in all the regions. As only hand pumps, wells, and other resources of groundwater levels cannot fulfill the potable water need of hundreds of thousands of people.

Rainwater harvesting is the most sustainable and effective way for many years to make water available in the areas lacking water. Rainwater harvesting is very low cost method along with lots of benefits. It helps in various purposes like household works, field irrigation, livestock, agriculture and animal husbandry.

It helps in rejuvenating the groundwater levels in both directly and indirectly manner. Groundwater level can be replenished by rain water harvesting methods of trenches, anicut, dug wells, contour, etc whereas other rain water harvesting methods like underground water tanks, ponds, etc help in reducing the use of groundwater for at least four to six months. It is very effective in the hilly regions and desert regions of the India and other countries. More and clean rain water can be collected in the rainy season by making large and clean water body.

Rain Water Harvesting Essay 5 (300 words)

Now-a-days, people have been depended on the government system of water supply for getting water for their every need. The present scenario of water management and distribution in the cities has been centralized by the government which has brought a big gap of community responsibility in water management. It has slowly but regularly finished the old traditional water harvesting system.

Rainwater harvesting is again a new but old and effective technique of collecting rain water during rainy season for future usage purpose. It is being frequently used in various places of India to overcome the problems of lack of water. Rain water harvesting is the good source of ground water recharge in natural way.

However, the ground water level is getting less day by day because of the rapid urbanization and cities development at huge level as well as reduction in percolation of the rainwater to the ground. Rainwater harvesting is the way to reduce the use of ground water as well as maintain its level forever in the future. It is of more importance to the drought regions of India and other countries to supply the demands of water for various purposes. Following are mentioned points proving the fact why to harvest rainwater:

• It plays great role in protecting the ground water decline and improving the ground water table.
• It helps in improving the water quality in aquifers.
• It is to conserve more water and prevent surface water runoff during the monsoon.
• It helps in reducing the soil erosion.
• It is to bring the old tradition of water conservation among people.

Rain water can be harvested in better way using following methods like surface runoff harvesting and roof top rainwater harvesting. Both are very effective methods help in enhancing the level of ground water and fulfill the need of water supply in easy and cost effective way.

Rain Water Harvesting Essay 6 (400 words)

Rainwater harvesting is the collection and storage of rain water in the natural resources or artificially designed resources to prevent water runoff and fulfill the lack of water in future. The quantity of water harvesting is affected by the number of factors like frequency of rainfall, quantity of rainfall, way of collecting rain water, and size of resources to collect water. The ground water level is getting depleted day by day due to various reasons like deforestation and ecological imbalance.

Increasing level of urbanization and industrialization constantly increases the demand of water supply especially in the urban areas. It results in the overuse of ground water and thus going low level. The risk of water scarcity in the future has been increased to a great extent and can be life threatening if some effective solutions are not followed.

Water harvesting is very helpful and fulfill various need like recharging the ground water level, reduces electricity bill spend in supplying water and provide easy water supply anytime when required. It is estimated that 1 meter rise in the water level saves around 0.4 KWH of electricity.

Why Rain Water Harvesting is Necessary:

Rain water harvesting is very necessary to be practiced by the people in all regions. It is good to reduce the fear of water scarcity in the future. Following are the points proving the fact that why rain water harvesting is necessary:

• Surface water cannot fulfill the demand of water for various purposes.
• Everyone depend on the ground water for their every need.
• Deforestation, rapid urbanization, rain water infiltration to the sub-soil, etc reasons are continuously decreasing the level of ground water.
• Rain water conservation maintains the level of water in natural water resources.
• It reduces the chance of flooding of water on the roads, reduces the risk of soil erosion and improves the quality of water.

Following are main techniques of rain water harvesting:

• Collecting rainwater to the surface for future use.
• Recharging the ground water.

Collecting rain water to the surface is very effective and traditional technique. It can be done using small ponds, underground tanks, dams, weirs etc. However, ground water recharging technique is a new concept of harvesting. It can be done using dug wells, pits, trenches, hand pumps, recharge wells, recharge shafts, recharge lateral shafts with bore wells, spreading technique (means spread of water to the stream, nala, etc).

Rain Water Harvesting Essay 7 (800 words)

Introduction

Rainwater Harvesting is a method of storing rainwater, to be used in several domestic and agricultural activities. The basic idea is to not let the rainwater runoff and get wasted, rather to collect it by simple mechanism so that it can be used during scarcity of water. In the following essay we will explore the importance of rainwater harvesting, its methods and systems and how it is traditionally done in rural India. Below is a complete Essay on Rainwater Harvesting with Subheadings/Subtitles and Conclusion.

Rainwater Harvesting Methods/Rainwater Harvesting System

Primarily there are two types of rainwater harvesting methods as classified below-

1) Surface Runoff Harvesting

Surface runoff is a term used for precipitation that falls on the surface of earth and is subsequently lost to the environment. If elaborate arrangements are made to collect surface runoff water by providing it a path into a pond or tank; gallons of water could be stored to be used for several activities.

If designed efficiently, a system to collect surface runoff water can collect huge quantities of runoff from roads, parks, and gardens etc enough to sustain a small community or even a city. However, runoff water contains impurities; therefore, it must be passed through filtration process before it could be reused.

2) Roof Top Rainwater Harvesting

In roof top rainwater harvesting, the roof of a house or building functions as a catchment area for collecting rainwater. The water falling on the roof is diverted through a network or pipes to the desired pit or tank. It is by far the most economical and easy method of rainwater harvesting.

Houses or buildings with sloping roof can install gutters on the edges to collect the falling rain and to carry it to the destination using pipes or artificially created ditch. Though, care must be taken to flush out the water collected from first rain as it contains soluble impurities.

Rainwater Harvesting in India

In some places in India, still very traditional and ancient methods of rainwater harvesting are followed. These methods have proved successful in past and are still used in rural as well as urban India. Some of the significant traditional methods of rainwater harvesting in India are listed below-

This traditional method of rainwater harvesting is followed in tropical belt of southern states of Karnataka and Kerala. These regions are rich in laterite soil with naturally occurring depressions with three high sides. The three sides automatically function as the catchment area for collection of water in the depression. A small dam is constructed on the low lying fourth end of the depression to contain the runoff.

2) Surangaas

Surangas are traditional water harvesting system only used in Kasargod district of south Indian state of Kerala. The soil found in this region is hard laterite which is favorable for the construction of suranga (cave). Suranga is like a horizontal cave excavated in hilly terrain of the area, through which water oozes out and is thus collected in a pond. Though, this method is locally being used since centuries, it is sadly now gradually being replaced by bore wells.

Taankas are part of a traditional rainwater harvesting method practiced in the western state of Gujarat. Taankas are basically underground reservoirs with a capacity of storing thousands of liters of rainwater. Presently there are around ten thousand household in Gujarat’s capital city of Ahmadabad those are using taankas to meet their everyday water requirements. Water stored in a taanka is sealed against sunlight and therefore remains fresh for years.

Importance of Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting provides an independent source of water supply during the scarcity of water. It becomes more valuable in context to the places where rain is scarce and uncertain. Also, in areas where fresh water is a costly commodity, preserving rain water is more economical option. Rain water thus preserved can be used to meet several household requirements like – washing and cleaning, gardening etc.

In case of unforeseen natural calamities like famine and droughts, rainwater harvesting might prove to be a blessing for the sufferers. Another significance of rain water harvesting is that it reduces the demand of water from other natural resources like wells, ponds and lakes, thus, preventing their depletion.

Water is most essential and precious resource, necessary for life on the planet. It can’t be wasted and every drop of it must be preserved to be reused in need. Rains on the other hand are vital source of fresh water, only if we have elaborate arrangements to collect it. Here, begins the concept of “Rainwater Harvesting”. Every year we lose thousands of liters of rainwater due to the lack of awareness about rainwater harvesting. It’s high time that we realize its usefulness to the nature and to the society as well and start implementing it in our house, buildings, parks, for a safe and water abundant future.

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Rainwater Harvesting and its Importance | Essay | PDF

December 26, 2017 by Study Mentor Leave a Comment

Rainwater harvesting is a strategy of collection and storage space of rainwater into natural reservoirs or tanks, or the seepage of surface water into subsoil water channels.

It is one of the purest form of water found on earth, because it is collected after it has vaporized and is almost as good as distilled water. Usually people in the rainfall-prone areas like Tamil Nadu, and parts of northeastern and even north-western India where there is a scarcity of potable water.   

Technicalities of Rainwater Harvesting  

Rainwater harvesting is perhaps one of the easiest methods of obtaining water. It does not require extensive knowledge, technical skills or cumbersome machinery. Expense-wise too, it’s extremely affordable.

All it requires is a waterproofed structure within the ground or over the ground that can hold the water during rains and prevent its loss as seepage. Some people employ plastic tanks which are connected by means of pipes to collection pans.

Rainwater harvesting is also done in many homes where they channel the rainwater collected from the roof drain pipes into a waterproof tank. This water can be used for plants as well as for basic washing. With minor filtration, it can be an excellent source of drinking water.  

Table of Contents

Why is Rainwater Harvesting Practiced?

Rainwater harvesting is a very ancient technique. It is mainly helpful in:  

• Areas where ground water table is quite low and it’s not feasible to draw clean ground water.  
• Areas where salinity of waterbodies have gone beyond the salinity threshold for plants to survive.  
• Regions with scarce and erratic rainfall.  
• Where indiscriminate use of chemicals have rendered the groundwater inadequate for use in crops as well as drinking.  
• It helps to reduce soil erosion too.  
• One of the major advantages of rainwater harvesting is that it doesn’t require a huge amount of land to be functional  

In this situation extremely important to cultivate the practice of rain water harvesting. During the last fifty years, the number of industries in India has grown rapidly. But water pollution is concentrated within a few subsectors mainly in the form of toxic wastes and pollutants.

The effects of this water pollution are not only devastating to humans but also to animals, fishes, birds. Polluted water is unsuitable for drinking, recreation, agriculture, and industry.  

The high nitrate content in groundwater is mainly from irrigation runoff from agricultural fields. Waste water from manufacturing or chemical processes in industries contribute to water pollution. All these adversities can be effectively mitigated by the use of rainwater harvesting units.

Since rainwater is already evaporated, it negates the collected water to undergo any further treatment as the concentration of contaminants in it reduces significantly. So we can use the water as is.  

  In these scenarios, rainwater becomes an extremely crucial practice in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, etc. where rainfall is extremely erratic and the population pressure and growing industrialization has contaminated the sources of available freshwater.  

Various techniques of Rainwater harvesting include

• Recharge Pit  
• Recharge Trench  
• Tube well  
• Recharge well  

In rural areas, the following techniques are mostly employed

• Gully Plug  
• Contour Bund  
• Percolation Tank  
• Gabion Structure  

Active Initiatives  

• In 2001, Tamil Nadu was the first State that mandated rainwater harvesting for every building.  
• The ground water level significantly improved after implementation of rainwater harvesting systems in Chennai as much as 50%.  
• Also in various districts of Rajasthan, rainwater harvesting practice has brought relief to many crops as well as the people.  
• The government is working on a master plan envisaging construction of about 23 lakh artificial recharge and rainwater harvesting structure in rural areas and 88 lakh in urban areas.  
• Countries like Sri Lanka have even drafted laws for rainwater harvesting, the Urban Development Authority (Amendment) Act, No. 36 of 2007.  
• In UK, rainwater harvesting systems have the potential to reduce the net consumption of water by almost half.  

  In this day and age of industrialization and modernization and, subsequently, pollution, the water around us is becoming more and more polluted every day, thus making rainwater harvesting an unavoidable reality.  

Rain water is not Fool-Proof

Although with its advantages in tremendously vast applications, there are a few disadvantages to rain water harvesting. Due to excessive vehicular as well as industrial pollution, the concentration of oxides of carbon, Sulphur, nitrogen increases exponentially.

These oxides combine with precipitation (mostly in the form of rainwater) and convert to their respective corrosive acids, like carbonic acid, sulphuric acid, suplurous acid, nitric acid, nitrous acid, etc.

These combine with the rainwater and when this collected rainwater is used to agriculture or drinking, grave consequences like paralysis in humans and rotting in crops appear.

In that situation, rainwater is further treated to get potable water out of it which not only increases costs but also makes the process cumbersome and reduces efficiency of the system as a whole.  

But still, with all these problems, too, rainwater harvesting remains an extremely sustainable source of resource management and conversation. Sustainability is the need of the hour in this ever growing world of industrialization and subsequent pollution. It’s where we live, so we better take care of it! Would you rather live in a polluted dump?

Rainwater harvesting is an extremely easy yet effective way of cementing a bright sustainable future for us and our generations to follow thus promoting biodiversity.

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Essay on water harvesting | geography.

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Here is an essay on ‘Water Harvesting’ for class 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12. Find paragraphs, long and short essays on ‘Water Harvesting’ especially written for school and college students.

Essay on Water Harvesting

Essay Contents:

• Essay on Water Harvesting Methods

Essay # 1. Introduction to Water Harvesting:

The climate is continuously changing mainly because of change in ecosystem; as result the temperature change is at alarming rate. Also, the duration of various seasons has been changed.

The length of rainy season and winter season has been reduced (less than 4 months), while the span of summer season has been expanded more than 4 months. The quantum of rainfall and the ground water recharge thereof has also been significantly reduced. In response, at several places the ground water structures like tube well etc., have now been started to failure.

People are not getting water for their domestic needs; crop cultivation becomes impossible; reservoirs are drying etc. In brief, there becomes massive water scarcity. For fighting against these problems, the government is wasting huge amount of money.

In this situation, the harvesting of natural water (rain water) plays very important role to dilute the problem of water shortage.

Essay # 2. History of Water Harvesting :

There have been developed various methods of water harvesting, which are in use from very long back, worldwide. As per report, few of very earliest agriculture in Middle -East was based on diversion of “wadi” flow onto agricultural fields, was a kind of water harvesting and recycling of harvested water for irrigation.

In Negev desert (Israel) the water harvesting systems have been reported to get use about 4000 years back or more, where water harvesting was done by clearing the hillsides from vegetation to increase the runoff, and directing the runoff to the fields on the plains.

Similarly, the floodwater farming has been reported in practice in the desert areas of Arizona and north-west New Mexico from at least 1000 years back. In southern Tunisia, which was discovered in the nineteenth century by travelers Pacey and Cullis (1986) described the micro-catchments technique for tree growing.

In India the “Khadin” system, in which floodwater is impounded behind earthen bunds; and crops are planted in the field based on the residual moisture contents, which was due to infiltration from impounded water.

In sub-Saharan Africa the use of traditional and small-scale water harvesting systems has also been reported by the farmers. In some West African countries the method of water harvesting is reported by constructing the simple structure using stones. In Sudan and in Central Rangelands of Somalia the practice of water harvesting has been reported by constructing the bund system.

Essay # 3. Need for Water Harvesting :

Rainwater is the main source to feed the demand that is either for ground water recharge or filling the surface water bodies. As compared to the last several years, the amount of rainfall has been abruptly reduced might be due to change in eco-system. The reduction in level of rainfall magnitude has resulted declining water table, apart from due to heavy exploitation of ground water, either in agriculture sector, industries or for domestic usage.

And it has been reached at alarming stage, worldwide. As for as India is concerned, in spite of high average annual rainfall of 1170 mm in comparison to the global average rainfall (800 mm), still there is scarcity of water for fulfilling various demands of the country. It is general observation that during rainfall occurrence most of the rain water gets flew away to the fluvial system, which ultimately meets to the sea or big water body.

A little rainwater is left over the ground surface for ground water recharge, which also results into very little enrichment of water table. In most of the countries, the water table has been reached to such an extent that the ground water structures like tube wells etc., have failed to discharge the water. The water table fluctuation in different states of India is presented in Table 16.1.

In addition, due to erratic rainfall the surface water bodies such as natural pond/depressions, reservoirs etc., are not get filled with rainwater, which also result into not fulfilling the demands of various rural needs. All these facts basically force to search the alternatives to harvest the rainwater, anyhow; otherwise, no any means.

In spite, in continuous declining water table condition there is no reduction in water use rate; but at increased rate. As for as Indian condition is concerned, the estimated water requirement under different domestic activities is presented in Table 16.2.

Essay # 4. Concept and Definitions of Water Harvesting:

In broad sense, the water harvesting is defined as the “collection of runoff for its productive use” . The rainwater (overland flow/runoff) may be harvested from the roofs and ground surfaces or from the intermittent or ephemeral streams (water courses).

A variety of water harvesting techniques for different applications are available. Productive use of harvested water includes to develop provision for domestic and livestock feed, supply for crops, fodder and tree production and also for creating water body for fish and duck cultivation.

The water harvesting assembles various techniques or practices based on the utilization of runoff from un-cropped areas, and to supplement the harvested water to the cropped areas.

In addition, also to store water for irrigation, domestic or livestock use but priority is always given to use the harvested water for crop production. In general, the job of water harvesting is found very suitable in arid and semiarid areas where occurrence of droughts is very frequent and irrigation is not possible.

Various approaches of water harvesting are outlined as under:

i. Runoff Harvesting:

It refers to the harvesting of runoff resulted from bare or sparsely vegetated areas; and it’s recycling for irrigating the cropped areas. The runoff harvesting includes, (a) sheet-flow harvesting, in which rainwater (sheet flow) in the form of sheet-flow is collected from gently sloping land surfaces to such a point from where that can be suitably used for agriculture purposes; and (b) concentrated runoff harvesting, in which runoff is collected from narrow channels such as footpaths, cattle tracks or transient streams in which runoff has been concentrated.

ii. Floodwater Harvesting:

It is the practice of diversion of floodwater from water-courses to a safe place for storage. The storage place may be the farm ponds or micro reservoirs.

iii. Water Spreading:

In this approach the flood water is diverted to a very vast area. Where spread water gets infiltrated in the soil. The retained moisture content in the soil is utilized for growing the crop.

iv. Rooftop Water Harvesting:

It is the method of direct harvesting of rainfall from the roofs. The harvested water can be used for domestic or livestock usage.

In sheet-flow water harvesting the rainwater is collected from a larger catchment area, and is concentrated to a small size cropping area. In this approach the catchment size is decided based on the cropped area to be irrigated by the harvested water.

As a thumb rule, the catchment area should always be greater than the cropped area. The ratio of catchment area to the cropped area generally varies from 1:1 to 3:1. The sheet-flow water harvesting is very effective when slope of catchment area does not exceed 5%.

In the catchments without crop (bare) the runoff yield becomes more, as compared to the cropped condition. In many situations for increasing the runoff rate, the catchment area is treated by using most suitable means. If runoff yield is very high then there is possibility of getting damage of water harvesting structures. In this situation, the use of diversion ditches becomes essential at upslope of the area to check excessive runoff.

Although, the water harvesting in water scare area is very conducive for crop cultivation, but adoption rate is still very less, which may be due to following reasons:

i. Reluctance to maintain clean and weedless runoff areas.

ii. Involvement of high costs.

iii. High labour requirements for constructing and maintaining the water harvesting structures.

iv. Limited availability of land for constructing water-harvesting structures.

Apart from above reasons, the following are also few important points, which are likely to create adverse effects on water harvesting:

i. High risk of crop damage due to long term water stagnation in the area.

ii. Development of high risk of soil erosion and soil degradation in the catchment area.

iii. There is possibility of intense soil erosion in the area.

Essay # 5. Soil Requirements for Water Harvesting :

The physical, chemical and biological properties of soil affect the yield response of crop to extra harvested moisture. In general, the soil characteristics favoring the water harvesting are the same as for irrigation.

For better water harvesting response, the soil of catchment area should have following properties:

i. High runoff coefficient.

ii. In cultivated area the soil depth should be deep.

iii. Soil should be in the nature of fertile loam.

Apart from above the followings are also very important parameters, which affect the crop performance under water harvesting combinations.

a. Soil Texture:

The soil texture influences several important soil characteristics including infiltration rate and water holding capacity. Soil texture represents the soil composition in terms of mineral particles.

The followings are the classification of soil texture:

i. Coarse textured soils-sand predominance, i.e. sandy soils.

ii. Medium textured soils-silt predominance, i.e. loamy soils.

iii. Fine textured soils-clay predominance, i.e. clay soils.

The medium textured soils are normally the best for water harvesting purpose, because of the reason that these soils are ideally suited for plant growth in terms of nutrient supply, biological activity and water holding capacity.

b. Soil Structure:

This soil property refers to the group of soil particles in the aggregates; and arrangement of the aggregates. A loamy soil includes good structure and relatively high content of organic matter. Due to this reason, the loamy soil is considered to be a good soil for water harvesting.

Under hot climatic condition, the level of organic matter is often low because of rapid rate of decomposition. In general, the application of organic materials such as crop residues and animal manure in loamy soil is very conducive to improve the soil structure.

c. Soil Depth:

The soil depth is very important for better water harvesting. In the condition of greater soil depth, the quantum of runoff harvesting gets increase because of greater available storage space in the soil. The soils with less than 1 m depths are poorly suitable for water harvesting. The ideal soil depth for water harvesting point of view is 2 m or more.

d. Soil Fertility:

The level of soil fertility also affects the water harvesting. In many areas where water-harvesting system has been introduced, the lack of moisture content and low soil fertility are the major constraints to cultivate the crops. For better response of recycled harvested water the attention should always be given to maintain a good fertility level in the soil.

Soil Salinity/Sodicity :

A soil is said to be sodic when it has high exchangeable sodium percentage; on the other hand when soil contains excess soluble salts then it is called saline soil. These soils should be avoided for water harvesting purposes, because there is significant reduction in moisture availability as well as creating harmful effects on plant growth.

Infiltration Rate :

The soil types mainly affect the infiltration rate. Depending on the soil types the variation in infiltration rate is presented in Table 16.3.

A soil with very low infiltration rate is not good for profile water harvesting point of view, because of the possibility of development of surface water logging problem in the area.

On the other hand, a low infiltration rate causes a high runoff rate, which is desirable for the catchment area to supply sufficient water for harvesting in reservoirs like structure which water can be utilized for electricity generation or for directing to the canal system for irrigation purposes. In general, the soils of cropped area should be sufficiently permeable to allow adequate moisture availability in the crop root zone without causing water logging problem.

Available Water Content :

The water holding capacity and ability of soil to release the water are considered very important parameters for water harvesting point of view. Regarding water harvesting structure, in which runoff water is stored, the soil should be such that which could hold the water for long duration, so that the harvested water could be available for the crop use for longer duration.

The AWC has implications for design; for example in a soil of 2 m depth with 200 mm/m available water, there is no ponding of water to the depth more than 40 cm. This quantity of water when infiltrated, is adequate to replenish the soil profile from permanent wilting point to field capacity and any surplus water if there, gets lost by deep percolation; and thus being for a potential water logging hazard.

Essay # 6. Water Harvesting Design Model for Catchment Cultivated Area Ratio :

The water harvesting system consists of two components, i.e. one is the catchment, which is the collection unit for rainwater, and other is the cultivated area also called concentration area. There is definite relationship between the collection unit and the cultivated area.

For an appropriate design of water harvesting system the ratio between catchment area and cultivated area must be known, which are determined mainly on the basis of rainfall, runoff and crop water requirement data of the area, where water harvesting structures are to be constructed. The accuracy in estimation depends very much on the accuracy in above motioned data.

But in real practice, there is very wide variation in rainfall, runoff or other required data. The rainfall and runoff are characteristically erratic. It is therefore, sometimes becomes necessary to modify the design procedure based on the experience, and by incorporating few safety measures, such as provision of cut-off drains to avoid damage when rainfall exceeds the design limit.

The calculation procedure of ratio of catchment area to cultivated area (C: CA) is described as under:

Computation of Ratio of Catchment Area to Cultivated Area :

The calculation of ratio between catchment area and cultivated area is based on the concept that the quantity of harvested water must be equal to the extra water required for needful, i.e,

Harvested water = Extra water needed … (16.1)

In which, the amount of water harvested from the contributing catchment depends on host of the factors, such as topographical characteristics, land use, rainfall etc., are the main. Effects of these factors are on the runoff producing behaviour of the catchment. There are several methods for computing the runoff, based on the topographical characteristics, land uses and climatic characteristics, but for water harvesting is concerned, the runoff for a defined time scale is predicted by multiplying the design rainfall with the runoff coefficient.

Also for better accuracy, it is additionally multiplied with an efficiency factor for compensating the deep percolation losses. The following formula can be used for computing the amount of water to be harvested based on the catchment area, rainfall, runoff coefficient and efficiency factor –

Amount of water harvested = Catchment area x Design rainfall x Runoff coefficient x Efficiency factor … (16.2)

The amount of extra-required water is computed by multiplying the size of cultivated area and the net crop water requirement. The net crop water requirement is the total water requirement minus rainfall depth taken place. It is presented as under –

Extra water required = Cultivated area X Crop water requirement – Rainfall depth … (16.3)

Equating equations (16.2) and (16.3)

Catchment area x Rainfall depth x Runoff coefficient x Efficiency factor = Cultivated area x Crop water requirement – Rainfall depth … (16.4)

Rearranging the equation 16.4 –

(Crop water requirement – Rainfall depth)/(Rainfall x Runoff coeffi. x Eff. Factor) = Catchment area/Cultivated area … (16.5)

The equation 16.5 can be used for computing the ratio of catchment area and cultivated area to determine the amount of required water harvesting for the given area. This formula is not valid for tree plantations. For trees the following formula can be used –

MC = RA (WR – DR)/ DR – K – Eff. … (16.6)

MC = area of micro-catchment (m 2 )

RA = area exploited by root system (m 2 )

WR = water requirement (annual) (mm)

DR = design rainfall (annual) (mm)

K = runoff coefficient (annual)

Eff. = efficiency factor

In above formula, the area exploited by root system is taken as the area of the tree canopy. For few tree species, the size of catchment and cultivated area followed in different countries is presented in Table 16.4. The table values can be taken into consideration for design purposes of water harvesting structures.

However, there is thumb rule about the size of micro catchment, that for multipurpose trees in arid/semi-arid regions the size of micro-catchment per tree (catchment and cultivated area together) should be between 10 and 100 sqm, depending on the aridity of the area and species grown.

For rangeland and fodder cases, it is generally not necessary to calculate the ratio of catchment area and cultivated area (C: CA) for design of water harvesting system for fodder production or rangeland rehabilitation. However, as a general guideline that the ratio of 2:1 to 3:1 for micro catchments, which are normally used, are found appropriate.

Various parameters involved in above relationship are described as under:

1. Crop Water Requirement:

It depends on the type of crop to be grown and climate of the area. A detail view about crop water requirement can be have from the reference Suresh R (2008).

2. Design Rainfall:

It is the seasonal rain depth, based on which the water harvesting system is designed. The rainfall depth data is essential for determining the amount of runoff likely to be generated from the catchment area, which is expected to get store in the water harvesting structure. The design rainfall depth refers to the rainfall of a specified probability.

The consideration of design rainfall makes the system design, more reliable. If the rainfall is lesser than the design rainfall, then there is possibility of risk of crop failure due to moisture stress, along with not availability of excess water for harvesting purpose. And if the rainfall is more than the design rainfall, then runoff will be in surplus, which can be used for water harvesting.

3. Runoff Coefficient:

It is the fraction of rainfall, which gets change into surface runoff. It depends on several factors such as slope steepness, soil type, vegetative cover, antecedent soil moisture content, rainfall intensity and duration. The runoff coefficient varies between 0 and 1.0.

4. Efficiency Factor:

This factor takes into account the losses of rainwater due to deep percolation and evaporation, and non-uniform distribution of water within the field. In level cultivated lands, its value is at higher side. The micro-catchment systems have higher efficiency because depth of water ponding is less.

Essay # 7. Site and Technique Selection for Water Harvesting:

There are several factors which decide to a most suitable site and technique for design and construction of water harvesting structures; few of them are outlined as under:

People’s Priorities :

It is very important that before selecting any specific technique for water harvesting, the consideration must be given to the social and cultural aspects prevailing in the area because they are paramount, and affect the success of the implemented technique.

In the arid and semi-arid regions of Africa, it is in report of failure of many projects because of not considering the people’s priorities. There, most of the population have experienced basic subsistence regimes, which resulted over the centuries in setting priorities for survival.

Regarding selection of technique, the consideration of cost and risks is very important. The cost and risks must be compared within various techniques, and based on that the selection should made to that which involve less cost and risk, as well. In addition, the water quality, operational and maintenance costs should also be taken into consideration. The area, where water of better quality, cheaper technology, easier to obtain or there is less risk, should always be given priority.

Technical Criterion :

The water harvesting projects are only being sustainable, when they are socially acceptable and econo­mically viable and also when fulfill the basic technical criteria.

Few important criterion are outlined as under:

1. Ground Slope:

It is one of the very important limiting factors for water harvesting. In general, the water harvesting is not recommended for the areas having slope greater than 5%, because of non-uniform distri­bution of runoff and also involvement of large quantities of earthwork, which makes the work, un-economical.

The soil should have all those attributes, which are suitable for irrigation. In other words, the soil should be deep; not be saline or sodic and also possess inherent fertility. A serious limitation for water harvesting is with the soils in sandy texture. The sandy soil contains very high infiltration rate; because of this reason there is more possibility of no yield of runoff if rainfall depth is mild. In general, for yield of sufficient runoff from watershed, the infiltration rate should always be lesser than the rainfall intensity.

Always, there should be the consideration of cost effectiveness technique for water harvesting. To fulfill it, the site should be that, where minimum earthwork is required; construction materials are easily available in the nearby area; people of the area are very progressive in attitude; laborers are easily available in the area etc. These parameters minimize the total input cost.

Essay # 8. Water Harvesting Methods :

There are several traditional/improved water harvesting technologies, developed world-wide.

The very common, amongst them are described as under:

This is a traditional water harvesting structure (pit like structure) used in arid and semiarid zones of Sahel (FAO, 1991).

The dimension of pits is as below:

Depth = about 15 cm

Diameter = 40 cm

Spacing = 80 cm

These pits are constructed during dry season by digging the soil, down slope. For making safe storage of runoff, the stones are placed at upslope side around the pits. After constructing such pits in the field, about 1 or 2 handful of dry dung (1-2.5 t/ha) are applied to the pits and covered with the soil, about 2 weeks before occurrence of rainfall. The application of dung enables to increase the infiltration rate of the soil, which results into significant storage of water in the soil profile.

The stored water content in the soil profile is utilized for crop production, later on. The crops are sown in the pits when rain gets start. The Tassa pits also enable the farmers to apply small quantity of manure and compost, which are very helpful for improving the productive potential of soil, in addition to water harvesting. Also, this practice has been found very effective for rehabili­tating the degraded lands; and an excellent means of establishing the tree seedlings for agro-forestry, in Sahel.

The main demerit of this construction is the requirement of large number of labours for construction. In this way, in labour scare areas this method is not feasible for water harvesting.

However, the followings are few merits of it:

i. It economizes the amount of use of manures, because of its application in the pits, i.e. at the place of crop planting.

ii. This practice encourages re-introduction of soil fauna, i.e. termites etc., which improves the soil properties.

iii. It results into planting of crops in time, because of preparation of land in advance.

iv. Also, very effective for rehabilitation of badly degraded land.

v. Very conducive to result a good yield from the land.

vi. It also replenishes the groundwater table.

2. Half Moons :

This is also a sheet-flow water harvesting structure. The shape of half-moon of bund guides the runoff to enter into their storage space; and also allows to escape excess runoff from around the ends of half-moon bank. Its storage area varies from 10 to 20 m 2 . It is constructed by digging the soil and placing the cut soil, around, in the shape of half-moon along contour of the area in offset arrangement. Its width varies from 2 to 6 m. The spacing between contour lines is decided on the basis of required ratio between catchment area to the cropping area.

In Niger, this structure has been constructed in the dimension of 20 cm as depth; 2 m as width at 4 m interval along the contour, with 4 m contour spacing (FAO, 1991). This water harvesting structure can be used for establishment of trees around the pits. For which the size of pit may be 60 cm deep and 60 cm square.

These can also be used for taking the grain crops, forage grasses etc. Since, half-moons are constructed by hand as result their construction requires considerable amount of labours. This method has disadvantage for millet and some trees crops is that, the sediments deposited within the half-moons form fairly impermeable crusts, which can impede the emergence.

3. Contour Stone Bund :

This type of water harvesting structure is constructed with the help of stone pieces. First, the position of contour lines is fixed in the field; and then a foundation trench is dug along the marked contour line. The depth of foundation trench varies from 5-10 cm and width 35-40cm. After trenching the foundation, the stone pieces are placed in that and tightly packed. The bund height is kept in the range of 25 cm. During rainfall the sheet flow is obstructed by the stone contour bund.

As result a part of rainwater gets infiltrated into the soil, and is stored in the soil profile. The moisture stored in the soil profile is utilized for crop production. In addition, during this process the suspended materials coming with sheet water also get deposited at u/s of stone bund, which is beneficial to enhance the infiltration rate and water storage thereof. Slowly and slowly the deposition of soil particles on upslope side of stone bund attains the form of terrace. It also becomes very effective to enhance water infiltration in the soil.

This practice of water harvesting is commonly used in Ethiopia for crop cultivation and rangeland rehabilitation. On the lands with the slope 1-3%, the stone bunds are constructed at 25 m spacing; and based on the level of water stored in the soil, the cultivation of sorghum is successfully done. Also, by sorghum crop the runoff gets reduce by 23%. Somewhere, the stone bunds are also constructed as the permeable rock dam across the gullies, to divert the rainwater from the gully area, and spread over the other area for water harvesting.

Apart from above methods, there are several other methods for water harvesting. Table 16.5 summarises few more water harvesting methods.

Related Articles:

• How to Measure the Infiltration of Water by Soil? | Ground Water
• Infiltration: Essay on Infiltration | Land Surface | Geography
• Roof Water Harvesting: Concept, Conditions and Layout | Geography
• Water Harvesting Measures for Agro-Climatic Regions | India

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Essay on Rain Water Harvesting for Children and Students

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Rain Water Harvesting Essay: Rainwater harvesting involves the collection and storage of rainwater into the natural reservoirs or artificial reservoirs in order to prevent the surface water runoff.

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Rainwater harvesting is a process of collecting and storing rain water for using it as a backup supply of fresh water to meet everyday domestic and agricultural requirements, especially when water becomes scarcely available. There are several methods by which we can collect rainwater flowing from our roof tops, ditches, gardens, fields, forests and other locations. These methods are discussed in detail in the following essays. Rainwater harvesting not only provides fresh water in difficult times but also prevent naturally occurring fresh water resources from drying up, by reducing the demand of water. Rainwater harvesting is the least we can do to maintain the supply of water and also to support life on earth.

Long and Short Essay on Rain Water Harvesting in English

We have provided variety of paragraph and essay on rain water harvesting under different words limit for the students. It is very important topic on which students may be assigned to write essay or paragraph on the rain water harvesting. You can select any rain water harvesting essay given below according to the need and requirement.

Rain Water Harvesting Essay 1 (100 words)

Rain water harvesting is a technique used for collecting and storing rainwater by using various means in different resources for the future use purpose (like cultivation, etc). Rain water can be collected into the natural reservoirs or artificial tanks. Another method of collection is infiltration of surface water into the subsurface aquifers before getting lost by surface overflow.

Rooftop harvesting is also a method to collect rainwater. It is of big importance to the people living in the less rainfall areas. They can continue seasonal crop harvesting using collected rain water even in the lack of regular water supply. Whenever it rains, rain water gets collected into the man made ponds or tanks.

Rain Water Harvesting Essay 2 (150 words)

Rain water harvesting is the collection of rainwater into the man made resources or any natural resource like pond, lake, etc at the same place where it falls from rooftops or ground. Two main techniques of rainwater harvesting are storage for future use and recharge into the ground. It can be used for crop harvesting, gardening, toilets, etc. Following are the benefits of rainwater harvesting at individual or city-wide level:

• It helps in reducing the water supply bills especially to the institutions.
• Rainwater recharged to the ground positively affects groundwater quality by diluting fluorides, nitrates and its salinity.
• It contains almost neutral pH and zero hardness which makes it more able to be used in homes, industries, institutions and other commercial establishments.
• It may reduce the stress of public water supply sources.
• Recharge of rainwater to the ground prevents sea-water immersion into the fresh water bodies in the coastal areas.
• It helps in controlling urban flooding if people do rainwater harvesting from rooftops.
• It reduces water demands of people from the municipality thus lessens energy consumption too in distributing water all through the city.

Rain Water Harvesting Essay 3 (200 words)

Rainwater harvesting means collecting the rain water into the natural reservoirs or man-made tanks. It is the technique to collect and store rainwater for various purposes in the future. The most common and easy method of rain water harvesting is the rooftop harvesting. Using this technique we can collect lots of clean rain water in the rainy season. It can be stored for long time for the household purposes like gardening, livestock, and irrigation, etc. Following are benefits of rain water harvesting:

• It helps in reducing water supply loads and electricity bills of municipality, improve free water supply, crop production in rural areas, and thus lead to food security.
• Rain water harvesting system helps in reducing the insecurity of households or individuals in the rural areas.
• It provides easy and low cost water supply in the lack of water areas thus helps in food security and income generation.

Tamil Nadu is one of the states of India and now has been first Indian state where rainwater harvesting has been mandatory. Tamil Nadu state government has declared on 30 th of May 2014 to establish around 50,000 rainwater harvesting structures at various places in the Chennai. Till now, approximately 4,000 of the temples in the Tamilnadu have rain water tanks serving at various rituals in temples and help in recharging the groundwater.

Rain Water Harvesting Essay 4 (250 words)

Every drop of rain water is like blessings of God to the people on the earth. Fresh rain water falls on the ground like pearls, so everyone should understand the importance of rain water especially in developing regions and rural areas lack of natural water resources.

We should try to collect rain water without wasting through rooftops and along streets run off. We should bring our old traditional harvesting practices using new and effective technologies to make easy water supply in all the regions. As only hand pumps, wells, and other resources of groundwater levels cannot fulfill the potable water need of hundreds of thousands of people.

Rainwater harvesting is the most sustainable and effective way for many years to make water available in the areas lacking water. Rainwater harvesting is very low cost method along with lots of benefits. It helps in various purposes like household works, field irrigation, livestock, agriculture and animal husbandry.

It helps in rejuvenating the groundwater levels in both directly and indirectly manner. Groundwater level can be replenished by rain water harvesting methods of trenches, anicut, dug wells, contour, etc whereas other rain water harvesting methods like underground water tanks, ponds, etc help in reducing the use of groundwater for at least four to six months. It is very effective in the hilly regions and desert regions of the India and other countries. More and clean rain water can be collected in the rainy season by making large and clean water body.

Rain Water Harvesting Essay 5 (300 words)

Now-a-days, people have been depended on the government system of water supply for getting water for their every need. The present scenario of water management and distribution in the cities has been centralized by the government which has brought a big gap of community responsibility in water management. It has slowly but regularly finished the old traditional water harvesting system.

Rainwater harvesting is again a new but old and effective technique of collecting rain water during rainy season for future usage purpose. It is being frequently used in various places of India to overcome the problems of lack of water. Rain water harvesting is the good source of ground water recharge in natural way.

However, the ground water level is getting less day by day because of the rapid urbanization and cities development at huge level as well as reduction in percolation of the rainwater to the ground. Rainwater harvesting is the way to reduce the use of ground water as well as maintain its level forever in the future. It is of more importance to the drought regions of India and other countries to supply the demands of water for various purposes. Following are mentioned points proving the fact why to harvest rainwater:

• It plays great role in protecting the ground water decline and improving the ground water table.
• It helps in improving the water quality in aquifers.
• It is to conserve more water and prevent surface water runoff during the monsoon.
• It helps in reducing the soil erosion.
• It is to bring the old tradition of water conservation among people.

Rain water can be harvested in better way using following methods like surface runoff harvesting and roof top rainwater harvesting. Both are very effective methods help in enhancing the level of ground water and fulfill the need of water supply in easy and cost effective way.

Rain Water Harvesting Essay 6 (400 words)

Rainwater harvesting is the collection and storage of rain water in the natural resources or artificially designed resources to prevent water runoff and fulfill the lack of water in future. The quantity of water harvesting is affected by the number of factors like frequency of rainfall, quantity of rainfall, way of collecting rain water, and size of resources to collect water. The ground water level is getting depleted day by day due to various reasons like deforestation and ecological imbalance.

Increasing level of urbanization and industrialization constantly increases the demand of water supply especially in the urban areas. It results in the overuse of ground water and thus going low level. The risk of water scarcity in the future has been increased to a great extent and can be life threatening if some effective solutions are not followed.

Water harvesting is very helpful and fulfill various need like recharging the ground water level, reduces electricity bill spend in supplying water and provide easy water supply anytime when required. It is estimated that 1 meter rise in the water level saves around 0.4 KWH of electricity.

Why Rain Water Harvesting is Necessary:

Rain water harvesting is very necessary to be practiced by the people in all regions. It is good to reduce the fear of water scarcity in the future. Following are the points proving the fact that why rain water harvesting is necessary:

• Surface water cannot fulfill the demand of water for various purposes.
• Everyone depend on the ground water for their every need.
• Deforestation, rapid urbanization, rain water infiltration to the sub-soil, etc reasons are continuously decreasing the level of ground water.
• Rain water conservation maintains the level of water in natural water resources.
• It reduces the chance of flooding of water on the roads, reduces the risk of soil erosion and improves the quality of water.

Following are main techniques of rain water harvesting:

• Collecting rainwater to the surface for future use.
• Recharging the ground water.

Collecting rain water to the surface is very effective and traditional technique. It can be done using small ponds, underground tanks, dams, weirs etc. However, ground water recharging technique is a new concept of harvesting. It can be done using dug wells, pits, trenches, hand pumps, recharge wells, recharge shafts, recharge lateral shafts with bore wells, spreading technique (means spread of water to the stream, nala, etc).

Rain Water Harvesting Essay 7 (800 words)

Introduction

Rainwater Harvesting is a method of storing rainwater, to be used in several domestic and agricultural activities. The basic idea is to not let the rainwater runoff and get wasted, rather to collect it by simple mechanism so that it can be used during scarcity of water. In the following essay we will explore the importance of rainwater harvesting, its methods and systems and how it is traditionally done in rural India. Below is a complete Essay on Rainwater Harvesting with Subheadings/Subtitles and Conclusion.

Rainwater Harvesting Methods/Rainwater Harvesting System

Primarily there are two types of rainwater harvesting methods as classified below-

1) Surface Runoff Harvesting

Surface runoff is a term used for precipitation that falls on the surface of earth and is subsequently lost to the environment. If elaborate arrangements are made to collect surface runoff water by providing it a path into a pond or tank; gallons of water could be stored to be used for several activities.

If designed efficiently, a system to collect surface runoff water can collect huge quantities of runoff from roads, parks, and gardens etc enough to sustain a small community or even a city. However, runoff water contains impurities; therefore, it must be passed through filtration process before it could be reused.

2) Roof Top Rainwater Harvesting

In roof top rainwater harvesting, the roof of a house or building functions as a catchment area for collecting rainwater. The water falling on the roof is diverted through a network or pipes to the desired pit or tank. It is by far the most economical and easy method of rainwater harvesting.

Houses or buildings with sloping roof can install gutters on the edges to collect the falling rain and to carry it to the destination using pipes or artificially created ditch. Though, care must be taken to flush out the water collected from first rain as it contains soluble impurities.

Rainwater Harvesting in India

In some places in India, still very traditional and ancient methods of rainwater harvesting are followed. These methods have proved successful in past and are still used in rural as well as urban India. Some of the significant traditional methods of rainwater harvesting in India are listed below-

This traditional method of rainwater harvesting is followed in tropical belt of southern states of Karnataka and Kerala. These regions are rich in laterite soil with naturally occurring depressions with three high sides. The three sides automatically function as the catchment area for collection of water in the depression. A small dam is constructed on the low lying fourth end of the depression to contain the runoff.

2) Surangaas

Surangas are traditional water harvesting system only used in Kasargod district of south Indian state of Kerala. The soil found in this region is hard laterite which is favorable for the construction of suranga (cave). Suranga is like a horizontal cave excavated in hilly terrain of the area, through which water oozes out and is thus collected in a pond. Though, this method is locally being used since centuries, it is sadly now gradually being replaced by bore wells.

Taankas are part of a traditional rainwater harvesting method practiced in the western state of Gujarat. Taankas are basically underground reservoirs with a capacity of storing thousands of liters of rainwater. Presently there are around ten thousand household in Gujarat’s capital city of Ahmadabad those are using taankas to meet their everyday water requirements. Water stored in a taanka is sealed against sunlight and therefore remains fresh for years.

Importance of Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting provides an independent source of water supply during the scarcity of water. It becomes more valuable in context to the places where rain is scarce and uncertain. Also, in areas where fresh water is a costly commodity, preserving rain water is more economical option. Rain water thus preserved can be used to meet several household requirements like – washing and cleaning, gardening etc.

In case of unforeseen natural calamities like famine and droughts, rainwater harvesting might prove to be a blessing for the sufferers. Another significance of rain water harvesting is that it reduces the demand of water from other natural resources like wells, ponds and lakes, thus, preventing their depletion.

Water is most essential and precious resource, necessary for life on the planet. It can’t be wasted and every drop of it must be preserved to be reused in need. Rains on the other hand are vital source of fresh water, only if we have elaborate arrangements to collect it. Here, begins the concept of “Rainwater Harvesting”. Every year we lose thousands of liters of rainwater due to the lack of awareness about rainwater harvesting. It’s high time that we realize its usefulness to the nature and to the society as well and start implementing it in our house, buildings, parks, for a safe and water abundant future.

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Introduction

We often tell our children that water is precious and that we must not waste it. But have you wondered how many gallons of water are wasted during the rains? We get torrential downpours in the rainy season, and this water is washed away without finding any actual purpose. Through the essay rainwater harvesting, we can teach children the importance and benefits of preserving rainwater.

Though it is true that rains nourish plants and trees and help in their growth, it is disturbing to note how much rainwater is run through the drains. Rainwater harvesting is a method of collecting and storing rainwater to use for later purposes. This method of conserving water is highly beneficial considering the situation of water scarcity that we are facing today. The following essay on rainwater harvesting PDF will briefly discuss it, and children will be able to easily write a short essay on rainwater harvesting.

Importance of Rainwater Harvesting

Water scarcity is the greatest concern now, and it is even assumed that the next war will be fought for water. Hence, it is vital to preserve the water we get through the rain as it is essential for our sustenance. With the help of this essay on rainwater harvesting PDF, we will be able to understand the significance of rainwater harvesting.

Rainwater harvesting is a simple and the most economical way of water conservation . We find it difficult to meet our daily water needs if we rely only on surface water. Besides, most of the water we get is polluted, which adds to the problem of water scarcity. By harvesting rainwater, we can ensure that water will be at our hand’s reach to meet our demands.

The short essay on rainwater harvesting points out that the excessive use of groundwater by people leads to its shortage. Deforestation and urbanisation are also contributing factors to this problem. Hence, there must be an alternative solution to maintain the level of groundwater. Rainwater is the purest form of water, and it can be utilised for several purposes. Rainwater harvesting also prevents the logging of water on roads and soil erosion. Thus, the essay rainwater harvesting emphasises that rainwater harvesting is the best alternative to conserve water.

Methods of Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is a feasible and simple method that anyone can practise. In this part of the essay rainwater harvesting, we will see different methods of harvesting rainwater. We will also discuss surface runoff harvesting and rooftop rainwater harvesting methods in this short essay on rainwater harvesting.

In surface runoff harvesting, we collect the water that is runoff from the surface by making a pathway to a big storage tank. The water collected from roads, parks and gardens can be stored for a long period in large amounts, which can be later used for cooking or drinking after filtering properly. For rooftop harvesting, the roof of a house or building acts as a rainwater collecting and storage unit. The roof is fitted with pipes that collect rainwater and direct it to a tank. Instead of letting the rainwater fall on the ground, this method is convenient for conserving water.

Children will be able to realise the importance of rainwater harvesting through this short essay on rainwater harvesting. You can easily download the essay on rainwater harvesting PDF from our website. Apart from the essay rainwater harvesting, we have a lot more interesting content for kids learning .

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of rainwater harvesting.

As the country is facing water scarcity, we must prevent the wastage of water and preserve it. Rainwater harvesting is a simple technique to conserve water that does not cost us anything.

How can we harvest rainwater?

We can harvest rainwater either through surface runoff or rooftop harvesting, in which rainwater is collected in a tank, which is then filtered to remove impurities and further use for various purposes.

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Rain water harvesting essay 2 Models

Rain water harvesting essay, in this vital topic, we will learn about new information that we did not know before about water harvesting. This project is a process undertaken by the state or by individuals. The purpose of collecting rainwater is to be used for drinking.

There are several ways and means to harvest or store fresh water that falls through rain. And if you hear about this for the first time, you must follow what we will present below.

Rain water harvesting essay

Due to the lack of fresh water, humans tried to devise new ways to find and provide fresh water for drinking and irrigating plants. And in the rain water harvesting essay, we will talk in detail about this interesting work. Which a large number of people do. Where they can secure enough water to drink and water the pets that live with them in the house. This water is used to easily irrigate the land and cultivate all agricultural crops.

What is meant by water harvesting?

It is a process in which quantities of fresh water collect in a clean place, where it does not mix with dirt or any dust.

It can congregate at the top of the house or in a hole lined with rocks, which maintains its purity.

This process is called harvesting because it is similar to harvesting plants, where water is collected during the rainy season. This simulates the harvesting of different fruits in their ripening seasons. But harvesting water is by means of pipes and equipment that differs from harvesting plants and fruits.

What is this water used for?

Fortunately, the water that is collected after the rains is clean and fresh, which makes it easy to use it for all life requirements. It can be drunk and used in cooking and household chores.

It is possible to water the animals that people raise in the barn, such as cows and chickens. It is possible for the farmer to water all kinds of plants that he grows on his farm. This water is pure and suitable for any purpose.

When does water harvesting begin?

Ancient man knew this good way to collect water that accidentally fell from the sky. When people moved over plateaus and highlands, they suffered from a lack of water. Therefore, when it was raining, they would collect water and drink from it.

Then other civilizations knew and used this method, the most important of which were Greece and India, where they collected water in a designated tank. In other civilizations, water was collected in caves and between rocks.

Advantages of harvesting water?

Since the water collected by harvesting is clean, it is used for anything related to humans and animals. In our rain water harvesting essay, we will know that the collected water is used to increase groundwater.

And there are places that people want to turn into green areas. But it does not have enough water for agriculture.

Therefore, they collect rainwater in huge tanks, where they deliver water to the ground and reclaim it easily.

Preserving water from pollution

People must keep the water clean, as they store it in clean and unpolluted places. It must be kept clean during the storage period, as they cover it and prevent insects from infiltrating it. And preserve it from volatile dust until it is suitable for drinking.

But if the water is not preserved, it will be contaminated with many pollutants. These pollutants will spoil the water and make it unfit for human use. Because of water pollution, those who drink it will be infected with many diseases, some of which may be serious.

How is groundwater fed?

Sometimes the farmer wants to increase the amount of groundwater he uses for agriculture and drinking. Where the farmer connects connections prepared to deliver water to the groundwater. After the rainwater reaches and mixes with the groundwater continuously, the groundwater stock begins to increase significantly.

However, certain filters must be made in order to purify the water from impurities before it goes underground. Certain substances must be added in order to rid the water of harmful substances that have been mixed with it by mistake.

Purification of water from impurities

When rainwater is collected it is sometimes contaminated with impurities such as mud and wood. But it must be purified in order for humans to be able to use it for drinking and cooking. That is why filters are made to purify the water and add certain materials that purify and kill germs in the water.

Rain water harvesting defects

When the rainwater is harvested by non-specialized people, the water is contaminated with many pollutants that they do not know anything about. Among these pollutants are pesticides that are suspended in water and are difficult to get rid of. There are other pollutants such as bird droppings that fall into the water,

In  our rain water harvesting essay, we will know that water must be purified from its bad effect on human health.

Whoever collects this water must know how to purify it from toxic gasses and elements such as mercury and ionic compounds.

Methods for treating collected water

Chlorine and ozone gas are added, as these additives purify the water and kill germs. If the impurities are simple, the water is left for a while without any treatment until the impurities settle to the bottom and the water is filtered.

As for groundwater, it must be ventilated to get rid of the gasses trapped with it. A method such as interaction with oxygen may be used to purify the water from any plankton that would make it unfit for human use.

Keeping humans from dehydration

The rainwater harvesting and storage is of great benefit as the planet is subject to drought over multiple periods of time. But if people can store fresh rainwater properly, drought will not affect them later.

Drought is the lack of rain or lack of it for many years, which leads to the lack of any fresh water to irrigate the land.

Droughts have occurred several times over the past years. And if humans stored water, drought would not kill huge numbers of them.

We have finished presenting a rain water harvesting essay. In this article, we provided a lot of information about collecting rainwater and how to purify it from impurities. We learned about the uses of stored water and its importance to living organisms. Therefore, states must encourage all citizens to store drinking water and purify it if they are able to do so. Where we reduce the risk of dehydration and lack of drinking water.

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