Finally, it’s time to accept the fact that climate change is real and we are all heading towards a worse tomorrow. A lot of major cities around the world are already facing a huge problem of water supply. Moreover, there is also a huge list of cities that have already exhausted their groundwater and are facing a dead end. That day is not far away when each one of us might face the same situation unless we start acting right now! Did you know that proper water harvesting can help us resolve this problem to a great extent? Let’s do our bit towards our environment as well as our next generation by initiating the good deed of rainwater harvesting. Here are a few techniques for water harvesting which each one of us can follow easily, right from our homes!

1. Installing a Rain Barrel:

One of the easiest ways to start collecting rainwater at home is by installing a rain barrel. All that you need is a huge barrel or any other collection barrel, even a bucket would do to start off with. At most of the households, the rainwater that gets collected on the rooftops gets discharged directly into the stormwater drainage. All you need to do is connect the same pipe coming from the roof to the collection barrel. Be aware to put a tight-fitting cover on the top to prevent mosquito breeding.

2. Create a Retention Pond:

If you have any soft area in your home from where the rainwater can seep down into the ground, nothing else can help well. All you need to do is create a sunken landscape where the water can accumulate during rains instead of overflowing into the drains. Direct the flow of all the rainwater towards this pond/pit with the help of a gentle slope. Fill this sunken area with plantation so that the water can get filtered of any kind of pollutants before seeping into the ground.

3. Use Rain Chains:

Rain chains do not only help in streamlining the roof water into a water collection chambers but also beautify the exteriors of your home. Moreover, it is much more attractive and an eco-friendly alternative to PVC pipes for water transport. You can even go-ahead to try on some DIY ideas to make your very own rain chains at home.

4. Recharge your Underground water Tanks/Wells with Rainwater:

A great resource of storing rainwater in huge quantities is by directing the rainwater towards your underground tanks. All you need to do is direct your roof water to a natural filter system from where the water can be streamlined towards your underground water tanks for later use. Another method is by creating a well which is at least 5 meters deep and one meter wide with concrete lining at the edges. The bottom can be left prone to the ground or some filter media. This can help the rainwater to get accumulated with the groundwater and replenish our water table.

5. Use Rainwater Reservoirs:

If we can all come together with our local communities to take an initiative, creating water reservoirs at huge scales can bring about a crucial change. Underground rainwater harvesting pits can be constructed where the water from all the rooftops can get accumulated at the specified reservoirs. The water from these reservoirs can further be treated. The treated water can be used by the community for their household work and thus save as well as replenish a lot of rainwater.

It is the responsibility of each and every individual to protect and declining environment. Rainwater harvesting is the least that we can start off with. Moreover, it becomes the duty of each and every architect, planner, and designer to keep into consideration these points and help us lead towards a better tomorrow.