Water
Harvesting
Water harvesting is the collection and storage of water from various sources,
including rainwater, surface water (like rivers or streams), or groundwater. This
Water harvesting is the collection and storage of water from various sources, including
water is stored for later use in agriculture, household needs, or replenishing
rainwater, surface water (like rivers or streams), or groundwater. This water is stored
underground water supplies, helping to manage and conserve water resources
for later use in agriculture, household needs, or replenishing underground water
effectively.
supplies, helping to manage and conserve water resources effectively.
Purpos
e • Conserve water resources
• Reduce dependence on external water
supplies
• Provide a sustainable water supply for
agriculture and domestic use
• Recharge groundwater levels
• Prevent soil erosion and reduce flooding
by managing runoff
Types of Water
harvesting
1.Rooftop water
Harvesting
~Rainwater harvesting is the collection and storage of rainwater for
later use.
• It reduces reliance on groundwater and helps conserve
water.
Prevents soil erosion and reduces flooding by managing rainwater
runoff.
Provides a sustainable water source for irrigation, gardening, and household
use
Surface Water
Harvesting
• Surface water harvesting collects and stores water
from rivers, lakes, or ponds
Helps meet water needs for agriculture, drinking, and
industrial use.
• Reduces groundwater dependence and conserves
natural resources.
• Common methods include reservoirs, check
dams, and ponds.
• Controls flooding and supports
groundwater recharge.
Rooftop
Harvesting
• Rooftop harvesting collects rainwater from building
rooftops.
• Water is directed to storage tanks or recharge pits.
• Reduces dependence on groundwater and conserves
water.
• Simple and cost-effective for household and community
use.
• Minimizes runoff and helps prevent urban flooding.
Check
Dams
• Check dams are small barriers built across streams to capture water.
• They slow down water flow, allowing it to percolate and recharge
groundwater.
• Useful for reducing soil erosion and controlling
floods.
• Provide a reliable water source for agriculture and
livestock.
• Common in dry or semi-arid regions to improve water
availability.
Pits and
Trenches
• Pits: Small depressions dug into the ground to collect and store
rainwater for groundwater recharge.
• Percolation Pits: Designed to allow
• water to seep into the soil, aiding
•underground water levels.
Recharge Trenches: Long, narrow ditches filled with porous material to direct water
into the groundwater system.
• Water-Spreading Trenches: Wider trenches to distribute water evenly
across agricultural fields.
• Contour Trenches: Built along land contours to slow down runoff and
prevent soil erosion on slopes.
Benefits of Water
Harvesting
1. Groundwater Recharge: Increases underground water levels by capturing runoff and
allowing it to percolate into aquifers, especially important in drought-prone areas.
2. Flood Control: Reduces surface runoff and prevents flooding by channeling excess rainwater into pits, trenches, or
storage systems.
3.Soil Erosion Prevention: Slows down water flow, minimizing soil erosion and protecting agricultural land and
natural habitats.
4. Improved Water Availability: Ensures a sustainable water supply for drinking, irrigation, and livestock,
supporting communities during dry periods.
5. Enhanced Agricultural Productivity: Supports crop growth by providing reliable water sources, which can lead to better yields
and increased food security.
