So what is rainwater harvesting? It is a technique or strategy for the collection of rainwater and storing it in the right way for future use. The water can be collected from various surfaces and platforms and stored for later use. In most cases, the water is usually collected from rooftops and other hard surfaces. Rainwater harvesting is considered as a very reliable way to conserve water.

This technique has been around for a very long time, practiced in the ancient times. Over the past years, this ancient method of water storage has grown quite popular. It plays a vital role in reducing the use of potable water and increase reliability on rainwater.

Advantages of Rainwater Harvesting In both urban and rural setting, harvesting can be done by the use of infrastructure. One of the simplest ways of storing water from the collection is storage tanks. In most cases, the harvested water is usually redirected to storage tanks, cistern or reservoirs. The water is usually stored for later use. The roof of buildings is the best way to harvest rainwater. There are numerous advantages in doing so.

1. Easy to Maintain

The use of rainwater harvesting system provides ideal merits to any community. First and foremost, the collection offers a better and efficient utilisation of energy resource. It is important because potable water is usually not renewable, thus reducing wastage. The systems used for water collection is based on simple techniques that are very easy to maintain. The overall expenses used in setting up harvesting methods are much cheaper compared to other purifying or pumping means. Also, its maintenance is feasible on the economic front as it does not require deep pockets.

2. Reducing Water Bills

Water that has been stored from harvesting water can be used for several non-drinking purposes. It will immediately reduce one’s utility bills. It is ideal for both residential and commercial properties.

3. Suitable for Irrigation

Harvesting allows the collection of large amounts of water. Most rooftops provide the necessary platform for collecting water. Rainwater is usually free from harmful chemicals, which makes it ideal for irrigation purposes.

4. Reduce demand on Ground Water

Another important advantage is that it reduces demand for potable water. It is important especially in areas with low water levels.

These are some of the significant advantages of harvesting rainwater.

Techniques of Rainwater Harvesting

The collection of rainwater can be done in various methods depending on a few factors. A few common methods include the following:

1. Rain barrels

It is the easiest and affordable method of rainwater harvesting, especially at home. It is where barrels or water tanks installed below the downspouts of the rooftops guttering system. The water is then funnelled/directed into the tanks. The tank can be connected to provide backup water to your current plumbing system, or it can be attached to a pipe for drip irrigation. The use of barrels or tanks is ideal since it can store significant amounts of water.

2. Dry System

It is similar to the barrel’s system, but with the dry system, a larger storage container is used. The container is usually a few meters away from the property. The gutter is redesigned so that water is diverted to the large storage tank. It is a quick and cheap method to implement but has significant rewards.

3. Wet System

It is a technique that is entirely different from the dry system. Here, the collection pipes will always have water in them. It is because they will be situated underground. In the wet system, many collection pipes are connected to the downspouts of a building and diverted into a storage tank, which is also underground. The pipes need to be secure and well maintained to ensure there is no leakage into the soil.

4. Green Roof

This method of harvesting does not need the use of storage tanks. Instead of storing the water in a reservoir, the water is channeled straight to the garden. The process will require installing a drainage system on a building’s roof straight to the backyard. It is a very low maintenance method.