WATER CONSERVATION
OCTOBER 25, 2024
What is Rain Water Harvesting??
Rain water harvesting is a technique used to gather and store rainwater that runs off natural or man-made catchment areas such as rooftops, compounds, hill slopes, rocky surfaces, or artificially repaired impervious or semi-pervious surfaces. The process is carried out using artificially designed systems. The water collected through rain water harvesting can be filtered, stored and used for various purposes.
The Sir M. Visvesvaraya Rainwater Harvesting Theme Park in Bengaluru, India is a place to learn about rainwater harvesting (RWH) and water conservation:
Location: 40th cross, 8th main, 5th block Jayanagar, Bengaluru-41
Hours: Mon–Fri 10:30 AM–5 PM, Sat 10 AM–5 PM, Sun closed
Features: 26 RWH models, plants for water conservation, groundwater recharge structures, and landscaping options
Purpose: Educate citizens about RWH and water conservation
Developer: Scientist AR Shivakumar
Established: March 2011 by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB)
Topics covered: The four elements of RWH, catchment areas, transportation, filtration, storage, body water content, and water infiltration methods
Examples of RWH models: Models for flat and sloping roofs, different kinds of pipes, bamboo, fiber, PVC, cement tanks, and earthen pots
Examples of water infiltration methods: Pervious (porous) paver blocks laid along the grass joints and walking paths
Awareness-raising tools: Infographics on rainfall patterns and Q&A segments
The BWSSB also offers training programs for plumbers and contractors, and Abhiyana programs for early morning walkers at parks.
BANGALORE WATER SUPPLY
RAIN WATER HARVESTING AT HOME BOREWELL RECHARGE
Rain water harvesting: Advantages
This an easily accessible renewable water resource.
Rain water harvesting reduces urban flooding.
Rain water harvesting will prevent soil erosion.
Rain water harvesting is very cost effective way of saving water.
This is not labour intensive.
Rain water harvesting: Disadvantages
The water that is received by rain water harvesting may not be suitable for drinking unless treated properly.
It cannot be done in areas that have long dry spells.
One has to maintain the storage facility properly or else it can result in contamination of water. These can also become breeding grounds for insects.
While its not expensive, the initial set up may be high.
The rainwater harvesting system yield depends on the rainfall received and varies from season to season.
Did you know Bengaluru’s original sewerage system was built in 1922 and served only the heart of the city? Or that as much as 53% of untreated sewage is let into lakes? The sewerage gallery explains all this and more. “This gallery has exhibits that demonstrate the water usage of different appliances in a home and how liquid waste is of two types — grey and black water.”
“The former is generated from showers, washing machines etc and can be reused for toilet flushing, car washing etc. The latter is waste water that comes out of kitchen sinks and the toilet which can be reused for purposes such as gardening after tertiary treatment,” explains Sunil.
Models galore
There are as many as 26 types of rain harvesting models installed in the gardens of the theme park which is lush green with different kinds of plants, including several medicinal species.
esting Theme Park in Bangalore | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
“From models for flat and sloping roofs as well as different kinds of pipes for these roofs, there are various models on display, including ones made from bamboo, fibre, PVC etc. We also have different kinds of filters such as wall mounted ones which are suitable for smaller roofs,” he says.
Reservoir models such as cement tanks and earthen pots are also on display so potential users can easily gauge the suitability of the models for their homes. The pervious (porous) paver blocks laid all along the grass joints and walking paths provide the perfect example of how the underground water table can be replenished.
