Scientific Water Harvesting

What is Water Harvesting

It means capturing rain where it falls or capturing the run off in your own village or town. And taking measures to keep that water clean by not allowing polluting activities to take place in the catchment.
Therefore, water harvesting can be undertaken through a variety of ways

Capturing runoff from rooftops
Capturing runoff from local catchments
Capturing seasonal floodwaters from local streams
Conserving water through Watershed Management

These techniques can serve the following the following purposes:

Provide drinking water
Provide Irrigation water
Increase groundwater recharge
Reduce stormwater discharges, urban floods and overloading of sewage treatment Plants
Reduce seawater ingress in coastal areas.

In general, water harvesting is the activity of direct collection of rainwater. The rainwater collected can be stored for direct use or can be recharged into the groundwater.
Rain is the first form of water that we know in the Hydrological Cycle, hence is a primary source of water for us. Rivers, lakes and groundwater are all secondary sources of water. In present times, we depend entirely on such secondary sources of water.
In the process, it is forgotten that rain is the ultimate source that feeds all these secondary sources and remain ignorant of its value.
Water harvesting means to understand the value of rain, and to make optimum use of the rainwater at the place where it falls.

WATER CONSERVATION THROUGH RAIN HARVESTING

In spite of astonishing achievements in the field of science and technology, nature remains a mystery for human beings. Though water is being obtained through desalination and artificial rain by cloud seeding. The shortage of water even for drinking purpose is a perpetual phenomenon throughout the world, especially in the developing and underdeveloped countries.
In most of the cities, the water supply sector is facing a number of problems and constraints. The pace of urban development and the increase in Population in the urban areas have resulted in exploitation of water Resources to the extremes. Fresh water sources are being heavily exploited to meet the demands of the urban populace.
Failure of monsoon makes the situation worse. As surface water sources fail to meet the ever- increasing demands, ground water reserves are tapped, often to unsustainable levels.
Also, the fast rate of Urbanisation reduces the availability of open spaces for natural re-change of rain water. Unplanned and uncontrolled extraction of ground water would disturb the hydrological balance along the coastal areas which results in possible sea water intrusion.
Hence, it is necessary to take up measures to conserve and increase the renewable Water Resources in all possible ways. Ground water recharge by Rain Water Harvesting (RWH) is a simple and cost effective way.
Water crisis occurs in the absence of effective collection and storage of rain water. If only we save every drop of water and recharge the underground aquifer, we can rescue ourselves from this perpetual problem of water scarcity.
The potential of rain to meet water demand is tremendous. Unless people are involved in conserving rain water from individual households to industrialists, it would be very difficult to meet the looming water crisis.

Water-harvesting Techniques

Four main groups of water harvesting techniques can generally be distinguished: micro and macro-catchments, floodwater harvesting and storage reservoirs.
Typical micro catchment techniques involve the delineation of natural depressions, the construction of contour and stone bunds, systems for inter-row water harvesting, terracing, construction of semicircular (half moon) and triangular (V-shaped) bunds, eyebrow terraces, Vallerani-type micro-catchments, pits, meskats and negarim.
Macro-catchments include large semi-circular and trapezoidal bunds and hillside conduits.
Floodwater can be harvested within the stream bed or diverted to the Cropping fields.
Storage media include underground storage reservoirs such as Soil and sediment, and cisterns, and surface storage media like tanks, jars, ponds and reservoirs.
The catchment or water-collection area can be a roof top, a small land surface, a slope or a larger catchment area feeding seasonal water courses.

Various Techniques

Jessour – This is an old runoff water harvesting technique widely adopted in arid highlands, which occupies the runoff watercourses. The hydraulic unit of a jessour is the jessr consisting of three components: the impluvium, the terrace and the dyke. The impluvium or the catchment area is used for collecting (harvesting) the runoff water. The terrace or the cropping zone is the area where crops or trees are grown and where the runoff water is caught. The dyke is a barrier established to block the sediments and runoff water. Its body is made of earth equipped with a central and/or lateral spillway and one or two abutments. This should assure the evacuation of excess water.
Tabias – This is a replica of the jessour system constructed in the foothill and piedmont areas. It is a relative new technique constructed by mountain dwellers.
Meskat – It is a traditional system consisting of two compartments, a catchment area and a down slope cropping area, both delineated by low bunds. Catchment and cropping area are connected by a spillway.
Floodwater harvesting system – It is on old technique which diverts the total or a portion of the floodwater carried by wadis – dry riverbeds that only contain water during and immediately after heavy rains – to the neighboring cultivated fields, in the form of natural irrigation. It has three components including a diversion dam, a distribution Network and the cropping fields. The diversion dam is generally made of earth acting as a fuse by breaking down in case of very intense floods. Recently, gabions and reinforced concrete are becoming most popular. The distribution network is made of open trapezoidal canals (primary, secondary, tertiary, …) with gentle slopes except in partition points to avoid silting up. The cropping fields are generally flat with a rectangular shape and delineated by earthen embankments to retain up to 1 m of water.
Gabion units – These units are made of wire mesh cages filled with rock, and are constructed in wadi beds in order to divert water directly to the neighboring fields, often located within the wadi itself.
Recharge wells – These are casting tubes drilled into the underlying bedrock – when of very low permeability – enhancing the infiltration of runoff water to the ground water table. This technique was adopted only recently in Southeastern Tunisia.
Terraces – This very old technique is constructed on steep slopes and consists of small retaining walls made of rocks to slow down the flow rate of the water and to control erosion.
Cisterns – These were traditionally used to provide drinking water. A unit consists of three components, an impluvium, a sediment settling basin and a storage reservoir. The impluvium is a sloping piece of land delineated by a diversion channel or a paved runoff area. The settling basin ahead of the entrance of the cistern allows sedimentation of runoff loads. The storage compartment or cistern consists of a hole dug in the ground, coated with gypsum or concrete, and which is leading to a stone-faced underground small or large-size tank.

World’s largest rainwater harvesting project in Karnataka

Municipal water supply in most Indian cities is unreliable. Many villages in India do not have potable water supply. Hence Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) has been proposed as an ideal sustainable solution.
The Karnataka State Council for Science and Technology (KSCST) has undertaken steps to promote, implement and create awareness on sustainable water harvesting and groundwater recharge concepts.
Rainwater harvesting entails the collection of rain where it falls in a scientific and controlled manner for future use.
RWH consists of rooftop water harvesting, water from open areas such as paved ways, parks, roads, fields and in lakes and ponds.
Among the three projects initiated by the council, ‘Rainwater harvesting in rural Karnataka’ funded by Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department (RDPR), Government of Karnataka is probably the largest rainwater harvesting project in the world.
All the schools of Karnataka were carefully studied for the water availability, quality (fluoride contamination) and proximity to the secondary water source. Under this programme 23,683 schools were identified in the first phase to provide drinking water through rooftop rainwater harvesting using a very simple but rugged system.
The RWH system for schools consists of collection of rooftop rainwater and channelizing through PVC pipes or gutters (PVC pipes slit into two halves) and stored in a fully enclosed surface tank.
The rainwater is filtered through a sand bed filter built over the surface tank before storing. A first flush separator is part of the pipeline which allows the first rain to be flushed out with the contaminants on the roof and subsequent, relatively cleaner water is allowed to pass through sand bed filter to be stored in the tank.
In the design of the tank and the sand bed filter, care has been taken to maintain good quality of harvested water.
The surface tank is deliberately built without a direct manhole for entry inside and one or more taps have been provided at the bottom. This prevents the sunlight from entering the tank (presence of sunlight and air together supports Growth of bacteria, algae, etc. inside the water).
The absence of a regular manhole prevents withdrawal of water by dipping vessels and also avoids undesirable Elements (lizards, cockroaches, dust, etc.) entering the storage tank. The bottom of the sand bed filter itself is fabricated as a manhole with perforations and can be removed for cleaning the tank when the sand bed is removed for periodic cleaning.
The size of the tank and the pipes for collection from the roof are designed using parameters like local annual rainfall, seasonal variation, number of students in the school, and roof area available.
A systematic training and awareness programme was conducted for all the stake holders across the state at various levels (Officers at the planning level in the government to plumbers and masons in the field at a remote village).

Water harvesting is the process of collecting and storing rainwater or runoff water for later use. It is a traditional practice that has been used for centuries in many parts of the world. Water harvesting can be used to provide a reliable source of water for drinking, irrigation, and other purposes.

There are many different types of water harvesting systems, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common types of water harvesting systems include:

Rainwater harvesting: Rainwater harvesting systems collect rainwater from roofs or other surfaces. The collected rainwater can be stored in tanks or cisterns for later use. Rainwater harvesting is a sustainable way to collect water, and it can be used in both urban and rural areas.
Runoff harvesting: Runoff harvesting systems collect runoff water from hills and slopes. The collected runoff water can be stored in ponds or reservoirs for later use. Runoff harvesting is a good way to collect water in areas with high rainfall.
Infiltration harvesting: Infiltration harvesting systems collect water that has infiltrated into the ground. The collected water can be stored in aquifers or wells for later use. Infiltration harvesting is a good way to collect water in areas with low rainfall.
Snow harvesting: Snow harvesting systems collect snow from Mountains or other high-elevation areas. The collected snow can be stored in icehouses or other cold storage facilities for later use. Snow harvesting is a good way to collect water in areas with high snowfall.
Dew harvesting: Dew harvesting systems collect dew from plants or other surfaces. The collected dew can be stored in containers or used directly. Dew harvesting is a good way to collect water in areas with low rainfall.
Fog harvesting: Fog harvesting systems collect fog from the air. The collected fog can be stored in containers or used directly. Fog harvesting is a good way to collect water in areas with high fog.
Air harvesting: Air harvesting systems collect water from the air. The collected water can be stored in containers or used directly. Air harvesting is a good way to collect water in areas with low rainfall and high humidity.

The benefits of water harvesting include:

Increased water supply: Water harvesting can provide a reliable source of water in areas where there is a shortage of water.
Reduced reliance on groundwater: Water harvesting can reduce the need to extract groundwater, which can help to protect aquifers.
Improved water quality: Water harvesting can improve the quality of water by removing impurities such as sediment and bacteria.
Economic benefits: Water harvesting can provide economic benefits by reducing the cost of water treatment and distribution.

The challenges of water harvesting include:

Initial Investment: Water harvesting systems can be expensive to install.
Operation and maintenance: Water harvesting systems require regular operation and maintenance to ensure that they are functioning properly.
Water quality: Water quality can be affected by the type of water harvesting system used and the location of the system.
Environmental impact: Water harvesting systems can have an environmental impact, such as the loss of vegetation or the disruption of wildlife habitats.

Despite the challenges, water harvesting is a valuable tool for water management. It can provide a reliable source of water in areas where there is a shortage of water, and it can help to protect the Environment.

Here are some tips for water harvesting:

Choose the right type of water harvesting system for your needs. There are many different types of water harvesting systems available, so it is important to choose the one that is right for your needs. Consider the amount of water you need, the Climate you live in, and the available land.
Install the system properly. Water harvesting systems must be installed properly to ensure that they are functioning properly. Follow the instructions that come with your system, and hire a qualified professional to install it if necessary.
Operate and maintain the system regularly. Water harvesting systems require regular operation and maintenance to ensure that they are functioning properly. Follow the instructions that come with your system, and have it inspected by a qualified professional on a regular basis.
Protect the water quality. Water quality can be affected by the type of water harvesting system used and the location of the system. Take steps to protect the water quality, such as filtering the water or treating it with chemicals.
Consider the environmental impact. Water harvesting systems can have an environmental impact, such as the loss of vegetation or the disruption of wildlife habitats. Consider the environmental impact before installing a water harvesting system, and take steps to minimize the impact.

What is Scientific Water Harvesting?

Scientific water harvesting is a method of collecting and storing rainwater for use in agriculture, domestic, and industrial purposes. It is a sustainable way to manage water resources and can help to reduce the impact of droughts and floods.

How does Scientific Water Harvesting work?

Scientific water harvesting systems collect rainwater from roofs, paved surfaces, and other areas. The water is then stored in tanks or cisterns for later use. The systems can be designed to meet the specific needs of each community or household.

What are the benefits of Scientific Water Harvesting?

There are many benefits to using scientific water harvesting. These include:

Increased water security: Scientific water harvesting can help to reduce the risk of water shortages.
Reduced reliance on groundwater: Scientific water harvesting can help to reduce the amount of groundwater that is used.
Improved water quality: Scientific water harvesting can help to improve the quality of water by removing pollutants.
Reduced erosion: Scientific water harvesting can help to reduce soil erosion by capturing rainwater.
Increased Biodiversity-2/”>Biodiversity: Scientific water harvesting can help to increase biodiversity by providing habitat for plants and animals.

What are the challenges of Scientific Water Harvesting?

There are some challenges associated with using scientific water harvesting. These include:

Initial investment: Scientific water harvesting systems can be expensive to install.
Maintenance: Scientific water harvesting systems require regular maintenance to ensure that they are working properly.
Water quality: The quality of water collected from scientific water harvesting systems can vary depending on the location.
Social acceptance: Scientific water harvesting systems may not be accepted by all communities.

What are the future trends in Scientific Water Harvesting?

The future of scientific water harvesting is promising. The technology is becoming more affordable and efficient, and there is a growing awareness of the need to conserve water. As a result, scientific water harvesting is likely to become more widely used in the future.

What are the different types of Scientific Water Harvesting?

There are many different types of scientific water harvesting systems. Some of the most common types include:

Rooftop rainwater harvesting: This type of system collects rainwater from roofs and stores it in tanks or cisterns.
Surface runoff harvesting: This type of system collects rainwater that flows over the surface of the ground and stores it in tanks or cisterns.
Infiltration systems: This type of system allows rainwater to infiltrate the soil and recharge groundwater aquifers.
Drought-proofing systems: This type of system is designed to collect and store water during periods of drought.

What are the different components of a Scientific Water Harvesting system?

The components of a scientific water harvesting system vary depending on the type of system. However, some of the most common components include:

A catchment area: This is the area from which the rainwater is collected.
A collection system: This is the system that collects the rainwater.
A storage system: This is the system that stores the rainwater.
A distribution system: This is the system that distributes the rainwater to where it is needed.
A treatment system: This is the system that treats the rainwater to make it safe to use.

How do I choose the right Scientific Water Harvesting system for my needs?

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a scientific water harvesting system. These include:

The amount of water you need to collect
The type of water you need to collect
The climate you live in
The budget you have
The availability of land
The availability of labor
The availability of materials

How do I install a Scientific Water Harvesting system?

The installation of a scientific water harvesting system will vary depending on the type of system. However, some general steps include:

Choosing the right location for the system
Preparing the site
Installing the components of the system
Testing the system
Maintaining the system

How do I maintain a Scientific Water Harvesting system?

The maintenance of a scientific water harvesting system will vary depending on the type of system. However, some general steps include:

Cleaning the system
Repairing any damage
Replacing any worn parts
Testing the system
Flushing the system

What are the safety precautions I should take when using a Scientific Water Harvesting system?

There are a number of safety precautions you should take when using a scientific water harvesting system. These include:

Never drink water that has not been treated
Be careful when working with chemicals
Dispose of waste properly
Keep children and pets away from the system
Be aware of the risks of flooding

Which of the following is not a type of water harvesting?
(A) Rooftop rainwater harvesting
(B) Infiltration galleries
(C) Surface runoff harvesting
(D) Scientific water harvesting
Which of the following is the most common type of water harvesting?
(A) Rooftop rainwater harvesting
(B) Infiltration galleries
(C) Surface runoff harvesting
(D) Scientific water harvesting
Rooftop rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting rainwater from rooftops and storing it in tanks or cisterns. What are some of the benefits of rooftop rainwater harvesting?
(A) It can provide a source of water for drinking, bathing, and irrigation.
(B) It can reduce the amount of water that is runoff into storm drains and sewers.
(C) It can help to improve air quality by reducing the amount of dust and pollutants that are washed into the air.
(D) All of the above.
Infiltration galleries are underground pipes that are used to collect rainwater that has fallen on the ground. What are some of the benefits of infiltration galleries?
(A) They can provide a source of water for drinking, bathing, and irrigation.
(B) They can help to reduce the amount of water that is runoff into storm drains and sewers.
(C) They can help to improve water quality by filtering out pollutants.
(D) All of the above.
Surface runoff harvesting is the process of collecting rainwater that has fallen on the ground and storing it in ponds or reservoirs. What are some of the benefits of surface runoff harvesting?
(A) It can provide a source of water for drinking, bathing, and irrigation.
(B) It can help to reduce the amount of water that is runoff into storm drains and sewers.
(C) It can help to improve water quality by filtering out pollutants.
(D) All of the above.
Which of the following is the most common type of water harvesting in the United States?
(A) Rooftop rainwater harvesting
(B) Infiltration galleries
(C) Surface runoff harvesting
(D) Scientific water harvesting
Which of the following is the most common type of water harvesting in India?
(A) Rooftop rainwater harvesting
(B) Infiltration galleries
(C) Surface runoff harvesting
(D) Scientific water harvesting
Which of the following is the most common type of water harvesting in China?
(A) Rooftop rainwater harvesting
(B) Infiltration galleries
(C) Surface runoff harvesting
(D) Scientific water harvesting
Which of the following is the most common type of water harvesting in Africa?
(A) Rooftop rainwater harvesting
(B) Infiltration galleries
(C) Surface runoff harvesting
(D) Scientific water harvesting
Which of the following is the most common type of water harvesting in South America?
(A) Rooftop rainwater harvesting
(B) Infiltration galleries
(C) Surface runoff harvesting
(D) Scientific water harvesting