Abstract
Rain water harvesting system, in its
broadest sense, is a technology used for collecting and storing rain water for
human use from roof tops, land surfaces or rock catchments using simple techniques
such as pots and barrels. Though building permitting agencies require this
system in place, it is still not effectively implemented. Rainwater harvesting
has been practiced for thousands of years. It is an important water source.
Introduction
I had supervised a small township of 256
dwelling units there green technology is used, the centralized rwhs to collect
water through storm water drainage system , the surface water and water from
roof top can be collecting to a large reservoir, after treatment this is used
for house hold requirement. This shall be adopted for big townships.
Body
Rain water is relatively clean and the
quality is usually acceptable for many purposes with little or no treatment.
The properties of rain water are usually better than ground water (which may be
contaminated).
Rain water collecting system consists of
different phases, the collecting phase, conveying phase, storage phases and
Distributing phase.
Water safety, like food safety is a major
priority in today world. Rain water
collecting from roof tops, parking lots, play ground etc. has very few negative
impacts compared to other technologies for water resource development.
Advantages of rain water harvesting include
but not limited to supplement to other water resources used as a buffer during
emergency or breakdown of other sources, reduces storm drainage load and flood
in cities, reduces water bill, reduces soil erosion, reduces demand/consumption
of ground water.
Disadvantages include but not limited to
unpredictability of rain, initial cost, regular maintenance, storage limits
RwHS is a system fast developing and is
most beneficial to areas that receives very high rainfall.
Concrete and asphalt are covering our
cities and this causes large reduction in rainwater permeating which in turn
increase and speeds up the surface flow causing drains and sewage blocks,
overflowing of rivers and streams that repeatedly causes flood.
Towns and cities instead of continually
discussing this, should try to educate the public about the need and urgency to
use these technique process, which is in short collect rain water when it rains
stored and utilized later.
Rain water utilization, water conservation
and waste water reclamation should be done in the government level by municipal
ordinances and regulations. Standardization of materials, design of rainwater
utilization system etc will ease the implementation process.
Various implementation policies should be
established. Leadership is very important and local self governments must take
the initiative to promote the concept of water resources independence and
restoration of the natural hydrological cycle. Consideration should be given to
subsidizing facilities for rainwater
utilization.
Training to support rainwater utilization
is very important. It is also important to promote the development of efficient
and affordable devices to conserve water. Some of which can be given free.
Conclusion
Through existing network of covered storm
water damage, rainwater can be collecting to a large reservoir about 5 hectare
and 10 m depth below ground level suitable for a township of medium population.
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