Imagining a world without water is hard. It is a major part of our all activities. But, due to constant pollution and lack of water conservation methods, we are facing water scarcity today. In this blog, we will explore the advantages of rainwater harvesting, which stands out as a major conservation technique.
Advantages of Rainwater Harvesting
It is the simple process of collecting and storing rainwater that has run off roads, parks, rooftops, and even open grounds. This water is then either recharged into the groundwater or stored for other uses. There are various advantages of this process and the major ones are mentioned below.
1. Conserves Water
It’s a free way to save water and reduce your dependence on external sources. It makes managing water demands easier and more efficient, especially in summer when you need to save treated water for critical purposes. The stored water also serves as a reliable backup during emergencies.
In areas where water is scarce or expensive, rainwater is very vital as it enhances clean water availability. In developed nations, it also supplements water sources and reduces overall consumption.
2. Easy to Install and Maintain
Apart from helping communities save energy and address limited drinking water problems, this technique is also liked as it’s easy to install and needs minimal maintenance. Compared to purifying or pumping systems, their installation and operation costs are also quite low.
You can install rain barrels by following these easy steps-
Step 1: Start by finding the appropriate spot for the rain barrel under the downspout with the most rainwater.
Step 2: Now, you need to attach connections like hoses or spigots to this rain barrel.
Step 3: If not on concrete, you can place gravel under the barrel.
Step 4: To redirect water to the tank, connect the barrel to the downspout with a diverter.
Step 5: To distribute water weight evenly, level the barrel.
Step 6: To prevent damage, divert overflow away from the home’s foundation.
For underground storage tanks, it is recommended to seek professional installation for durability. With proper care, it can last up to 40 years.
3. Eases Groundwater Demands
With rapid increase in population, there is a surge in water demands. To meet these demands, the residential areas and industries are extracting groundwater. This is putting pressure on the groundwater sources, especially in water-scarce regions, and causing depletion.
With these environmental benefits of rainwater harvesting, we can help sustain groundwater levels instead of further depleting them.
Also check out the Causes, Effects and Solutions of Groundwater Depletion
4. Helps during Drought
In many countries, especially in arid ones, this conservation method is a dependable and cost-effective way of obtaining clean water. During droughts, the rainwater harvested in the past can be used to survive.
Soil ridges are built in arid areas to trap rainwater, preventing it from running downhill. This also improves irrigation, as even with low rainfall, there will be enough water for the crops. Roofs and dams can be utilized for water collection, and ponds can store large amounts of rainwater.
5. Mitigates Floods and Soil Erosion
During the rainy season, rainwater is collected in large tanks to minimize the risk of floods in low-lying areas. This practice also helps lower soil erosion and prevents pesticides as well as fertilizers from contaminating lakes and ponds.
Rainwater harvesting also helps prevent erosion along stream banks by reducing stormwater runoff.
6. Serves for Drinking Purpose
Rainwater is free from salinity and groundwater pollutants. If properly harvested using the right-sized system and equipment, it can be suitable for drinking. In fact, rainwater from a potable rainwater harvesting system that has undergone proper filtration and disinfection is some of the best tested water available.
7. Provides for Several Non-drinking Purposes
Collected rainwater is free from many groundwater chemicals. It is thus suitable for irrigation, gardening, and various non-drinking purposes like flushing toilets, washing clothes, washing cars, composting, cleaning homes, or fire protection.
This water is quite valuable for farming and industries with high water demands. It eliminates the need to use pure drinking water for such tasks.
8. Improves Plant Growth
Rainwater harvesting can be beneficial for our plants and gardens. It can help flush out salt buildup from plants and soil. Typically, this harvested water is clean from various pollutants and man-made contaminants.
Since rain doesn’t have chlorine, using this water is good for trees. This can save money on overall property maintenance and landscaping.
Also Read: Scientists Create Literal Power Plants to Harvest Wind and Rain Energy
9. Extends the Life of Appliances
If rainwater is used as a potable water source, you’ll benefit a lot from its zero hardness. The scale build-up in household appliances often appears with the use of other water sources, this water can eliminate it. Thus, it will extend your appliances’ life.
Moreover, it also reduces the amount of soap or detergents needed in dishwashing and laundry appliances. In the long run, saving money that is spent on these.
10. Reduces Energy Consumption
Treating and pumping water is an energy-intensive process. If we start using locally collected rainwater in place of municipal water, it will reduce the demand for treated water. With this shift, we’ll reduce energy consumption as a community.
11. Reduces Water Bills
If one collects and uses rainwater for their everyday needs, there will be a decrease in their municipal water use, especially for activities like irrigation. Thus they’ll have reduced water service costs for municipalities.
Supplying treated water is getting more costly each year because building dams, pipes, and treatment plants, and maintaining them is costly. Eventually, the people in the city will have to pay for this. Rainwater harvesting reduces water use, so cities can provide clean water at a lower cost.
12. Reduces Carbon Footprint
Collecting rainwater can reduce the demand for city water. Many cities transport water from far away places. It not only uses lots of energy but also creates significant carbon emissions. Using local rainwater cuts down on these emissions. Therefore, this environmental benefit of rainwater harvesting is effective for fighting climate change.
Cross-reference: Can Rainwater Harvesting Contribute to Climate Change Adaptation?
13. Increases Property Value
Rainwater harvesting systems can be appealing to eco-friendly buyers. It can enhance your property’s value among these buyers as it shows your commitment to sustainable practices. Investing in such a system not only saves you money but also secures the future worth of your home.
Also See: 6 Advantages and Disadvantages of Green Building
14. Creates Job Opportunities
For the future economy, creating and setting up rainwater collection systems can create long-lasting jobs. This sector can become a major source of jobs in the expanding field of green infrastructure.
15. Engages and Empowers the Community
This initiative not only promotes the idea of water conservation but also encourages individuals and communities to be accountable for their water resources. It teaches them to protect the environment and gives them the ability to make a notable difference.
So these were the various advantages of rainwater harvesting and by including this process in our lives we can bring small but momentum changes to society. We will not only save water or reduce water bills but can prevent major events like floods. Water is everyone’s need and so we all should take part in this conservation technique.
