What is the source of all water?


Rain, of course

River water; water in lakes, ponds and wells; water that seeps into the ground, collecting in the belly of the earth; tapwater; even bottled water! The source of all water is rain.

Let us
understand this: Supply comes from the sky.

Let us apply this understanding: in order to meet demand, then, what we actually need to do is harvest the rain. Not dam a river, and block its flow. Not boost water out the ground, and suck the earth dry. Not build canals, lay kilometers of pipes. But merely harvest the rain

In essence, harvesting water means harvesting the rain.

In India, the monsoon is a deluge. Flash floods churn up dry river beds. Dry wells come to life; lakes and ponds brim with water.

In India the monsoon is brief. We get about 100 hours of rain in a year. It is this 100-hour bounty that must be caught, stored, and used over the other 8,660 hours that make up a year.

The water harvesting rationale: extend the fruits of the monsoon.

The water harvesting basis: catch water where it falls.

The water harvesting method: build systems that enable such an extension, and create a structure to manage the extension.These structures are eco-region specific.

The water harvesting experience: millennial and born of local wisdom; scientific and still in use; participatory and the basis of people's movements; the focus of innovation in the present and the best way to a non-scarce future.

But, what is the potential of rainwater harvesting? Understand the water arithmetic.


Find out more about water harvesting techniques:
Rural water harvesting techniques
Urban water harvesting techniques


Find more about water harvesting systems
 
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