Even though we live in an advanced world, there are still many people who rely on nature for their fundamental needs. Rainwater harvesting is the accumulation and storage of rainwater for reuse. Harvesters collect rainwater from the rooftops of commercial and residential buildings. It can also be collected from the ground. It has been used as water for livestock, water for irrigation, as well as other typical uses. The rainwater from the roof is good quality and requires no treatment. Just as good is the fact that rainwater collection systems are easy to install and operate.
The rainwater collected from the roofs of houses and local institutions can make an important contribution to the availability of drinking water, and also supplement the subsoil water level and increase urban greenery. Storm water harvesting is water collected from the ground, from areas that are prepared for this purpose.
Roof rainwater may not be potable and may require treatment before consumption. The rainwater that rushes from your roof may carry pollutants, such as mercury from coal burning buildings, or bird feces. Although some rooftop materials may produce rainwater that would be harmful to human health it can be useful in flushing toilets, washing clothes, watering the garden, and washing cars, etc. Overflow from rainwater harvesting tank systems can be used to refill aquifers in a process called groundwater recharge.
There are several types of systems to harvest rainwater, ranging from very simple home systems to complex industrial systems. The rate at which water can be collected from either system is dependent on the plan area of the system, its efficiency, and the intensity of rainfall. The rainwater harvesting system channels rainwater from a roof into storage via an arrangement of gutters and pipes. Roof gutters need to be large enough to carry peak flows. Storage tanks should be covered to prevent mosquito breeding, reduce evaporation losses, contamination and algal growth.
Many are considering rainwater harvesting for various reasons even though the average household obtains their water supply through their local water company. For instance, rainwater harvesting may be the only available water source in their remote areas. Some areas may be facing water restrictions due to a low supply of municipal water, while others just prefer the natural elements of water compared to the municipal water containing chlorine, fluoride, and ammonia. Also, some homeowners just want to control their home’s foundation from having excessive moisture levels around it, and others just use harvesting as a method to reduce their water bills.
As you can see, rainwater harvesting systems not only enhance daily life, but are also very beneficial and drastically help communities reduce demand on the water supply as well as run-off, erosion, and contamination of surface water.