Question

What are the measures for collecting and storing rain water
beneath the surface of the earth by regulating surface run off?

Answer 1

There are two major techniques of rainwater harvesting.

1. Surface runoff harvesting

In this method, rainwater flows away as surface runoff and can be stored for future use. Surface water can be stored by diverting the flow of small creeks and streams into reservoirs on the surface or underground. It can provide water for farming, for cattle and also for general domestic use. Surface runoff harvesting is most suitable in urban areas.

Rooftop rainwater/storm runoff can be harvested in urban areas through:

• Recharge Pit

• Recharge Trench

• Tubewell

• Recharge Well

2. Groundwater recharge

Groundwater recharge is a hydrologic process where water moves downward from surface water to groundwater. Recharge is the primary method through which water enters an aquifer. The aquifer also serves as a distribution system. The surplus rainwater can then be used to recharge groundwater aquifer through artificial recharge techniques.

Rainwater in rural areas can be harvested through:

• Gully Plug

• Contour Bund

• Dugwell Recharge

• Percolation Tank

• Check Dam/Cement Plug/Nala Bund

• Recharge Shaft