Rainwater harvesting is the simple process or technology used to conserve rainwater by collecting, storing, conveying and purifying of rainwater that runs off from rooftops, parks, roads, open grounds, etc. for later use. Here, let us have a look at the diagram of rainwater harvesting system.

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How to Harvest the Rainwater?

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Rainwater harvesting systems consists of the following components:

• Catchment- Used to collect and store the captured rainwater.

• Conveyance system – It is used to transport the harvested water from the catchment to the recharge zone.

• Flush- It is used to flush out the first spell of rain.

• Filter – Used for filtering the collected rainwater and removing pollutants.

• Tanks and the recharge structures: Used to store the filtered water which is ready to use.

The process of rainwater harvesting involves the collection and the storage of rainwater with the help of artificially designed systems that run off naturally or man-made catchment areas like- the rooftop, compounds, rock surface, hill slopes, artificially repaired impervious or semi-pervious land surface.

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Advantages of Rainwater Harvesting

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The benefits of the rainwater harvesting system are listed below.

• Less cost.

• Helps in reducing the water bill.

• Decreases the demand for water.

• Reduces the need for imported water.

• Promotes both water and energy conservation.

• Improves the quality and quantity of groundwater.

• Does not require a filtration system for landscape irrigation.

• This technology is relatively simple, easy to install and operate.

• It reduces soil erosion, stormwater runoff, flooding, and pollution of surface water with fertilizers, pesticides, metals and other sediments.

• It is an excellent source of water for landscape irrigation with no chemicals, dissolved salts and free from all minerals.