Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is a simple method by which rainfall is collected for future usage. The collected rainwater may be stored, utilised in different ways or directly used for recharge purposes. With depleting groundwater levels and fluctuating climate conditions, RWH can go a long way to help mitigate these effects. Capturing the rainwater can help recharge local aquifers, reduce urban flooding and most importantly ensure water availability in water-scarce zones. Though the term seems to have picked up greater visibility in the last few years, it was, and is even today, a traditional practice followed in rural India. Some ancient rainwater harvesting methods followed in India include madakas, ahar pynes, surangas, taankas and many more.

This water conservation method can be easily practiced in individual homes, apartments, parks, offices and temples too, across the world. Farmers have recharged their dry borewells, created water banks in drought areas, greened their farms, increased sustainability of their water resources and even created a river. Technical know how for the rooftop RWH with direct storage can be availed for better implementation. RWH An effective method in water scarce times, it is also an easily doable practice. Practical advice is available in books written by Indukanth Ragade & Shree Padre, talks by Anupam Mishra and other easy to follow fun ways

Read our FAQ on Rainwater Harvesting and have many basic questions answered.

Featured Articles
September 21, 2022 The unique design and functioning of the Chakla bavdi in Chanderi Madhya Pradesh is another example of the water wisdom of our ancestors, which needs to be conserved and passed on to the future generations.
Chakla Bavdi at Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh (Image Source: Shirole, S. 2022. Architectural eloquence: Water harvesting structure in Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh (India). Ancient Asia, 13: 9, pp. 1–13)
July 14, 2022 The river is faced with the dual problem of flood plain encroachment and growing levels of water pollution
Illegal transverse check dams (Badhals) built on Ichamati near a village in Basirhat (Image: Prithviraj Nath @ TheWaterChronicles)
July 11, 2022 The Chauka system of Rajasthan can not only provide a sustainable way to manage water resources in water stressed regions, but also support livelihoods through development of pastures.
Can greening of barren lands happen? (Image Source: India Water Portal Flickr photos)
March 21, 2022 Recognizing women's accumulated knowledge and adaptive capacities in springshed management
Van Panchayat Samiti discussing the matters related to forest (Image: Varun Raja)
November 9, 2021 Building resilient agricultural system through groundwater management interventions in degraded landscapes of Bundelkhand region
Charkhari talab in Bundelkhand (Image: IWP Flickr)
July 23, 2021 Improper location, poor operation and maintenance of water harvesting and recharge structures threaten water security in Yavatmal
A study assesses the current status of the water harvesting and recharge structures in Yavatmal (Image: India Water Portal Flickr)
25 painless ways to reduce your water consumption
25 painless ways to reduce your water consumption Posted on 04 Aug, 2008 12:03 AM

Water conservation is an important part of responsible living. Water is a precious resource which is not to be squandered. Fortunately, there are a number of really easy ways to save water without a whole lot of hassle, and some of the best are listed here!

In the Kitchen Cut down on water usage in your kitchen using these methods. 1. Wash only on a full load: This is true for both washers and dishwashers. By washing in bulk, you'll cut down on the number of cycles you need to run. Also important to keep in mind is the fact that most dishwashers on a full load can clean dishes more efficiently than a hand wash. 2. Cut down on your disposal: Instead of using your disposal, start a compost pile for food waste. 3. Buy foods close to their natural form: Water is needed to produce just about everything from Coke to boxed mashed potatoes. You can cut down on your water consumption by avoiding processed foods that require lots of water to make.

Anupam Mishra's books on water - Aaj Bhi Khare Hain Talaab & Rajasthan Ki Rajat Boondein
Anupam Mishra's books on water - Aaj Bhi Khare Hain Talaab & Rajasthan Ki Rajat Boondein Posted on 20 Jun, 2008 06:40 AM

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Shri Anupam Mishra, Gandhian and environmentalist is a remarkable person. He lays no claim to copyright for his own books and (similiar to open source software) it has increased the dissemination of his message. During a recent visit to his office at Gandhi Peace Foundation in New Delhi, he showed several different editions of "Aaj Bhi Khare Hai Talaab" brought out by all kinds of individuals and publishers across the country. He recounts the story of how a impoverished young person was inspired to translate it into Punjabi and get it published.

CSE's advanced course: "Urban rainwater harvesting", 14-18 July 2008, New Delhi
Posted on 18 Jun, 2008 09:53 PM

Forwarded to the Portal by: Vikas Khanna, CSE India CSE's advanced course on "Urban Rainwater Harvesting"for working professionals is being conducted from July 14-18, 2008, at New Delhi. This course is focused on, the theory, practice and policy of rainwater harvesting (RWH) and is open for all working professionals including civil engineers, architects, urban planners, environment consultants, municipal water managers, policy makers and NGOs. This hands- on workshop will combine class room lectures, field visits, practical exercises and interactive seminars to help you in planning, designing and implementation of rainwater harvesting systems for micro and macro catchments in urban areas. It also undertakes policy and social mobilization aspects of rainwater harvesting. Application Deadline: July 4, 2008

Buying an apartment? Demand better water management from the builders
Buying an apartment? Demand better water management from the builders
Posted on 05 Jun, 2008 04:30 AM

We at the Water Portal, came up with some questions to ask the builder when you are buying an apartment. The more educated you are regarding the way the apartment is handling water, the better decision you are likely to make and one that will benefit you immensely in the long term.

A comprehensive book : "Rainwater Harvesting a New Concept to Utilize Rainwater and Secure the Future"
A comprehensive book : "Rainwater Harvesting a New Concept to Utilize Rainwater and Secure the Future" Posted on 19 Jan, 2008 10:53 PM

RAINWATER HARVESTING A NEW CONCEPT TO UTILIZE RAINWATER AND SECURE THE FUTURE [BASED ON IS:1172-1993 & IS:3370-1965 (PARTS I & II)] by Er. Kollegal. K. Meghashyam

The only book published so far in India covering the following

Treating the subject Rainwater Harvesting in A Comprehensive Manner

H2H organises "Rainwater harvesting" competition in Mumbai, 29 Feb 2008
Posted on 12 Jan, 2008 02:26 AM

Thanks to Sanjay Bapat for forwarding this to us: ========== Dear friends: Popular demand has been pulling at our sleeves… so we are happily extending our deadline! Harvest 2 Harness is extending the deadline for submission of your entries on Rainwater Harvesting models to February 29, 2008 (Friday). After 3 successful years, you will agree that we have created a brand out of H2H… your support, of course, being the most significant part of this.

"Bringing Home rain" : A film on rainwater harvesting in Kannada and Tamil
"Bringing Home rain" : A film on rainwater harvesting in Kannada and Tamil Posted on 11 Jan, 2008 05:59 AM

 

Improving water and sanitation in the Northeastern states
Improving water and sanitation in the Northeastern states Posted on 19 Dec, 2007 09:21 PM

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Map showing areas of Bangalore where rainwater harvesting is practised
Map showing areas of Bangalore where rainwater harvesting is practised
Posted on 30 Oct, 2007 08:03 PM

Mayadanta Male : Broadcast programs on rainwater harvesting by Chitradurga AIR
Mayadanta Male : Broadcast programs on rainwater harvesting by Chitradurga AIR Posted on 23 Oct, 2007 08:51 PM

In July 2007 India Water Portal collaborated with Chitradurga All India Radio (AIR) station (FM 102.6MHz) to produce and broadcast programs related to rainwater harvesting and ground water management. This activity was part of the 'offline' dissemination program of the Water Portal , i.e. creating awareness related to water issues through different offline media. We feel that the program series is a success and would like to reproduce the experience on a larger scale. The series -- named Mayadanta Male (literal , Magical Rain) involves 15 programs of 30 minutes duration each.

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