| |
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
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
