Rainwater Harvesting

RAINWATER HARVESTING TO IMPROVE GROUNDWATER LEVEL
RAINWATER HARVESTING TO IMPROVE

GROUNDWATER LEVEL
A Seminar report Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirement
for the Degree of
BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING
In
Civil Engineering
by
CHETHANA R
(1CR18CV017)
Under the Supervision of
Dr. HEMA H C
Assistant Professor
Civil Engineering Department
CMR INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

BELAGAVI - 590018
Department of Civil Engineering, CMRIT, Bangalore Page 1

MAY 2022
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
This is to certify the Technical Seminar Report entitled “RAINWATER HARVESTING TO

IMPROVE GROUNDWATER LEVEL” prepared by Ms. CHETHANA R, bearing USN
1CR18CV017, a bonafide student of CMR Institute of Technology, Bengaluru in partial
fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering
of the Visvesvaraya Technological University , Belagavi during the academic year 2021-22.
This is certified that all the corrections and suggestions indicated for Internal Assessment have
been incorporated in the report deposited in the departmental library. The seminar report has
been approved as it satisfies the academic requirements in respect of the Technical Seminar
prescribed for the Bachelor of Engineering degree.
_____________ _____________
Signature of Guide Signature of HOD
Dr. Hema H C Dr. Asha M Nair
Asst. Professor Asst.Professor & HOD
Dept of Civil Engg. Dept of Civil Engg.
Examiners
Name of the examiners: Signature with date
1.

2.
ABSTRACT
Every year in Monsoon our nature gives us our life in the form of rainfall but little beat of it is
stored in the soil, damps, lakes etc. and remaining water get wasted in rivers. At the time of
rainfall we didn’t even recognize that running water but when the water level of our well’s goes
down then we think on it but at that time we can’t do anything so we face water scarcity, only
mean to say “When the well is dry, we learn the value of water”. Now days we are reaching to
the heights of development and covering all the earth surface by cement and concrete material
but we are forgetting that we are closing the route of water to get entered in the earth’s surface
and it directly affects on our ground water level and we need face water scarcity. If this condition
goes on then our new generation will face a high water problems for drinking and Agriculture
purpose. Till about thirty years back, the areas around our homes and offices used to be unpaved
and the rain falling on these areas would percolate into the soil and remain there for being drawn
through shallow open wells. With the proliferation of flat complexes, not only have these areas
been avid and percolation of rainwater into the soil almost totally stopped, the quantity of water
drawn from the soil below has increased manifold. Consequently open wells and not - so - deep
bore wells started drying up. The reason is that no sincere attempt is made to replenish the
ground water table with rainwater during the monsoon. The Rainwater harvesting is the simple
collection or storing of water through scientific techniques from the areas where the rain falls. It
involves utilization of rain water for the domestic or the agricultural purpose. The method of rain
water harvesting has been into practice since ancient times. It is as far the best possible way to
conserve water and awaken the society towards the importance of water. The method is simple
and cost effective too. It is especially beneficial in the areas, which faces the scarcity of water.
People usually make complaints about the lack of water. During the monsoons lots of water goes
waste into the gutters. And this is when Rain water Harvesting proves to be the most effective
way to conserve water. We can collect the rain water into the tanks and prevent it from flowing
into drains and being wasted. It is practiced on the large scale in the metropolitan cities. Rain
water harvesting comprises of storage of water and water recharging through the technical
process.


TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE NO
Abstract 3
Chapter-1 – INTRODUCTION 5
1.1 Definition 5
1.2 History 6
Chapter-2 – LITERATURE REVIEW 7
2.1 Why it is important? 7
2.2 Objectives of rainwater harvesting 8
2.3 Methods of rainwater harvesting 8
2.4 Surface runoff rainwater harvesting 8
2.5 Human influence on surface runoff 9
2.6 Rooftop rainwater harvesting 10
2.7 Components of rainwater harvesting 11
2.8 Methods and techniques for groundwater recharge 13
2.8.1 Groundwater recharge in rural areas 13
2.8.2 Groundwater recharge in urban areas 18
2.9 Advantages of rainwater harvesting 22
2.10 Disadvantages of rainwater harvesting 24
2.11 Global scenario of rainwater harvesting 25
2.12 Cost analysis of rainwater harvesting in Indian scenario 25
Chapter-3 – CONCLUSION 27
REFERENCE 28

CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION
1.1 DEFINITION:
Rainwater harvesting is the simple process or technology used to conserve rainwater by
collecting, storing, conveying and purifying of Rainwater that runs off from rooftops, parks,
roads, open grounds, etc. for later use. Harvesting Rainwater for saving drinking water has
gained enormously in Significance as modern water saving sanitary technique. This can be used
for private and public buildings as well as for many industrial areas. In ancient times the water
cycle was properly going on but due to the interruption of mankind the Ground water level is
going down and down. It was difficult to imagine few years before that you will require to buy
drinking water but now we need to buy it everywhere we travel. Today Fresh water is a scarce
resource, and it is being felt the world over. More than 2000 million people would live under
conditions of high water stress by the year 2050, according to the UNEP (United Nations
Environment Programme), which warns water could prove to be a limiting factor for
development in a number of regions in the world. About one-fifth of the world’s population lacks
access to safe drinking water and with the present consumption patterns; two out of every three
persons on the earth would live in water-stressed conditions by 2025. Around one-third of the
world population now lives in countries with moderate to high water stress—where water
consumption is more than 10% of the renewable fresh water supply, said the GEO (Global
Environment Outlook) 2000, the UNEP’s millennium report. Actually water harvesting means a
system that collects rainwater from where it falls doesn’t allow it to drain out. It may include
water that is collected within the boundaries of a property, from roofs, agriculture land and
surrounding surfaces.

1.2 HISTROY:
Water collecting and use frameworks have been utilized since antiquated circumstances and
confirmation of rooftop catchment frameworks go back to early Roman circumstances. Roman
estates and even entire urban communities were intended to exploit water as the chief water
hotspot for drinking and residential purposes since no less than 2000 B.C. In the Negev leave in
Israel, tanks for putting away overflow from slopes for both local and farming purposes have
permitted home and development in zones with as meager as 100mm of rain for each year. The
most punctual known proof of the utilization of the innovation in Africa originates from northern
Egypt, where tanks running from 200- 2000m3 have been utilized for no less than 2000 years –
numerous are as yet operational today. The innovation likewise has a long history in Asia, where
water gathering hones have been followed back right around 2000 years in Thailand. The little
scale gathering of water from the overhang of rooftops or by means of straightforward drains
into conventional jugs and pots has been polished in Africa and Asia for a huge number of years.
In numerous remote provincial regions, this is as yet the technique utilized today. The world's
biggest water tank is most likely the Yerebatan Sarayi in Istanbul, Turkey. This was built amid
the lead of Caesar Justinian (A.D. 527-565). It quantifies 140m by 70m and has a limit of
80,000cubic meter.

CHAPTER 2 – LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 WHY IT IS IMPORTANT?

Water is our most precious natural resource and something that most of us taken for granted. We
are now increasingly becoming aware of the importance of water to our survival and its limited
supply, especially in such a dry continent as Australia. The harvesting of rainwater simply
involves the collection of water from surfaces on which rain falls, and subsequently storing this
water for later use. Normally water is collected from the roofs of buildings and stored in
rainwater tanks. This is very common in rural Australia. Water can also be collected in dams
from rain falling on the ground and producing runoff. With the help of rainwater harvesting
techniques, water can be conserved and used during the dry season. Two state practising
rainwater harvesting in India. Rajasthan and Gujarat practise rainwater harvesting in India.
Rainwater harvesting or the collection of rainwater in a proper way, can be a Permanent
solution to the problem of water crisis in different parts of the world. Rainwater harvesting
therefore is an ideal solution for farmers who depend on monsoon for consistent water
supply.

2.2 OBJECTIVES OF RAINWATER HARVESTING

The main objectives of rainwater harvesting are:
1. To meet the increasing demand of water.
2. To reduce the run-off which chokes the drains.
3. To avoid the flooding of roads.
4. To raise the underground water table.
5. To reduce groundwater pollution.
6. To reduce soils erosion.
7. Supplement domestic water needs
2.3 METHODS OF RAINWATER HARVESTING
Broadly there are two ways of harvesting rainwater.

(i) Surface runoff harvesting.
(ii) Roof top rainwater harvesting.
2.4 SURFACE RUN-OFF RAINWATER HARVESTING:-
In urban area rainwater flows away as surface runoff. This runoff could be caught and used for
recharging aquifers by adopting appropriate methods. Harvesting of runoff and storage of the
same into reservoirs such as water pans make it available for use when required. In this method
of collecting rainwater for irrigation, water flowing along the ground during the rain will be
collected to tank below the surface of ground. The main challenge to Surface runoff water
harvesting poses is the removal of pollutants in order to make this water available for reuse.
Small reservoirs with earthen bunds or embankments to contain runoff or river flow are built
from soil excavated from within the reservoir to increase storage capacity and a spillway or weir
allows controlled overflow when storage capacity is exceeded.

2.5 HUMAN INLUENCE ON SURFACE RUNOFF:-
Urbanization increase surface runoff by creating more impervious surfaces such as pavement and

buildings that do not allow percolation of the water down through the soil to the aquifer. It is
instead forced directly into streams or storm water and runoff drains, where
erosion and situation can be major problems, even when flooding is not. Increased runoff reduces
groundwater recharge, thus lowering the water table and making droughts worse, especially for
agricultural farmers and others who depend on the water wells. When anthropogenic
contaminants are dissolved or suspended in runoff, the human impact is expanded to create water
pollution. This Pollutant load can reach various receiving waters such as streams, rivers, lakes
and oceans with resultant water chemistry changes to these water systems and their related
ecosystems. A 2009 report by the United States National Research Council identified urban
storm water as a leading source of water quality problems in the U.S.As humans continue to alter
the climate through the addition of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, precipitation patterns are
expected to change as the atmospheric capacity for water vapor increases. This will have direct
consequences on runoff amounts.

2.6 ROOFTOP RAINWATER HARVESTING:-
It is a system of catching rainwater where it falls. In rooftop harvesting, the roof becomes the
catchments, and the rainwater is collected from the roof of the house/ building. It can either be
stored in a tank or diverted to artificial recharge system. This method is less expensive and very
effective and if implemented properly helps in augmenting the ground water level of the area.
This method is simple, eco-friendly, less expensive and truly effective. Roof-top rainwater
harvesting method (RRH) involves diverting and recharging (or) storing rainwater that falls on
the roof of a house/building. The main objective of rooftop rain water harvesting is to make
water available for future use, to improve quality of ground water and etc. Harvested rain water
can either be stored in a tank or diverted to artificial recharge system to meet the
household/commercial needs through storage in tanks.
Let’s take a look at where rooftop rainwater harvesting system/method can

be installed:
1. Residential Homes/Houses, Villas

2. Schools, Colleges and other Educational Institutions
3. Apartments/Flats, Multi storey buildings
4. Government Buildings
5. Industries, Factories, Mills
6. IT Parks, Hotels, Restaurants, Resorts

7. Swimming pools, Stadiums and many such Domestic or commercial applications of rooftop
rainwater harvesting method include: flushing toilets, washing machines, washing vehicles,
gardening, showers, sinks, and baths.
2.7 COMPONENTS OF ROOFTOP RAINWATER HARVESTING:-
 Catchment
 Transportation
 First flush
 Filter
CATCHMENT:
The surface that receives rainfall directly is the catchment of rainwater harvesting system. It may
be terrace, courtyard, or paved or unpaved open ground. The terrace may be flat RCC/stone roof
or sloping roof. Therefore the catchment is the area, which actually contributes rainwater to the
harvesting system.
TRANSPORTATION:-
Rainwater from rooftop should be carried through down take water pipes or drains to
storage/harvesting system. Water pipes should be UV resistant (ISI HDPE/PVC pipes) of
required capacity. Water from sloping roofs could be caught through gutters and down take pipe.

FIRST FLUSH:-
First flush is a device used to flush off the water received in first shower. The first shower of
rains needs to be flushed-off to avoid contaminating storable/rechargeable water by the probable
contaminants of the atmosphere and the catchment roof. It will also help in cleaning of silt and
other material deposited on roof during dry seasons Provisions of first rain separator should be
made at outlet of each drainpipe.
FILTER:-
There is always some skepticism regarding Roof Top Rainwater harvesting since doubts are
raised that rainwater may contaminate groundwater. There is remote possibility of this fear
coming true if proper filter mechanism is not adopted. Secondly all care must be taken to see that
underground sewer drains are not punctured and no leakage is taking place in close vicinity.

Filters are used for treatment of water to effectively remove turbidity, colour and
microorganisms. After first flushing of rainfall, water should pass through filters. A gravel, sand
and ‘netlon’ mesh filter is designed and placed on top of the storage tank. This filter is very
important in keeping the rainwater in the storage tank Clean. It removes silt, dust, leaves and
other organic matter from entering the storage tank. The filter media should be cleaned daily
after every rainfall event.
2.8 METHODS AND TECHNIQUES FOR GROUNDWATER

RECHARGE
2.8.1 Ground water recharge in Rural areas:

In rural areas, rain water harvesting is taken up considering watershed as a unit. Surface
spreading techniques are common since space for such systems is available in plenty and
quantity of recharged water is also large. Following techniques may be adopted to save water
going waste through slopes, rivers, rivulets and nalas.
Gully plug
 Gully plugs are built using local stones, clay and bushes across small gullies and streams
running down the hill slopes carrying drainage to tiny catchments during rainy season.
 Gully Plugs help in conservation of soil and moisture.
 The sites for gully plugs may be chosen whenever there is a local break in slope to permit
accumulation of adequate water behind the bunds.

Contour bund
 Contour bunds are effective methods to conserve soil moisture in watershed for long
duration.
 These are suitable in low rain fall areas where monsoon run off can be impounded by
constructing bunds on the sloping ground all along the contour of equal elevation.
 Flowing water is intercepted before it attains the erosive velocity by keeping suitable
spacing between bunds.
 Spacing between two contour bunds depends on the slope, the area and the permeability
of the soil. Lesser the permeability of soil, the close should be spacing of bunds.
 Contour bunding is suitable on lands with moderate slopes without involving terracing.
Gabion structure
 This is a kind of check dam commonly constructed across small streams to conserve
stream flows with practically no submergence beyond stream course.
 A small bund across the stream is made by putting locally available boulders in a mesh of
steel wires and anchored to the stream banks.
 The height of such structures is around 0.5 m and is normally used in the streams with
width of less than 10 m.
 The excess water over flows this structure storing some water to serve as source of
recharge. The silt content of stream water in due course is deposited in the interstices of
the boulders. With the growth of vegetation, the bund becomes quite impermeable and
helps in retaining surface water run off for sufficient time after rains to recharge the
ground water body.

Percolation tank
 Percolation tank is an artificially created surface water body, submerging in its reservoir a
highly permeable land, so that surface runoff is made to percolate and recharge the
ground water storage.
 Percolation tank should be constructed preferably on second to third order steams,
located on highly fractured and weathered rocks, which have lateral continuity down
stream.
 The recharge area down stream should have sufficient number of wells and cultivable
land to benefit from the augmented ground water.
 The size of percolation tank should be governed by percolation capacity of strata in the
tank bed. Normally percolation tanks are designed for storage capacity of 0.1 to 0.5
MCM. It is necessary to design the tank to provide a ponded water column generally
between 3 & 4.5 m.
 The percolation tanks are mostly earthen dams with masonry structure only for spillway.
The purpose of the percolation tanks is to recharge the ground water storage and hence
seepage below the seat of the bed is permissible. For dams upto 4.5 m height, cut off
trenches are not necessary and keying and benching between the dam seat and the natural
ground is sufficient

Check dams / cement plugs / nala bunds

 Check dams are constructed across small streams having gentle slope. The site selected
should have sufficient thickness of permeable bed or weathered formation to facilitate
recharge of stored water within short span of time.
 The water stored in these structures is mostly confined to stream course and the height is
normally less than 2 m and excess water is allowed to flow over the wall. In order to
avoid scouring from excess run off, water cushions are provided at downstream side.
 To harness the maximum run off in the stream, series of such check dams can be
constructed to have recharge on regional scale.
 Clay filled cement bags arranged as a wall are also being successfully used as a barrier
across small nalas. At places, shallow trench is excavated across the nala and asbestos
sheets are put on two sides. The space between the rows of asbestos sheets across the nala
is backfilled with clay. Thus a low cost check dam is created. On the upstream side clay
filled cement bags can be stacked in a slope to provide stability to the structure.
Recharge shaft
 This is the most efficient and cost effective technique to recharge unconfined aquifer
overlain by poorly permeable strata.
 Recharge shaft may be dug manually if the strata is of non-caving nature. The diameter of
shaft is normally more than 2 m.

 The shaft should end in more permeable strata below the top impermeable strata. It may
not touch water table.
 The unlined shaft should be backfilled, initially with boulders/ cobbles followed by
gravel and coarse sand.
 In case of lined shaft the recharge water may be fed through a smaller conductor pipe
reaching up to the filter pack.
 These recharge structures are very useful for village ponds where shallow clay layer
impedes the infiltration of water to the aquifer.
 It is seen that in rainy season village tanks are fully filled up but water from these tanks
does not percolate down due to siltation and tubewell and dugwells located nearby
remains dried up. The water from village tanks get evaporated and is not available for the
beneficial use.
 By constructing recharge shaft in tanks, surplus water can be recharged to ground water.
Recharge shafts of 0.5 to 3 m. diameter and 10 to 15 m. deep are constructed depending
upon availability of quantum of water. The top of shaft is kept above the tank bed level
preferably at half of full supply level. These are back filled with boulders, gravels and
coarse sand.
 In upper portion of 1 or 2 m depth, the brick masonry work is carried out for the stability
of the structure.
 Through this technique all the accumulated water in village tank above 50% full supply
level would be recharged to ground water. Sufficient water will continue to remain in
tank for domestic use after recharge.
Dugwell recharge

 Existing and abandoned dug wells may be utilized as recharge structure after cleaning
and desilting the same.
 The recharge water is guided through a pipe from desilting chamber to the bottom of well
or below the water level to avoid scouring of bottom and entrapment of air bubbles in the
aquifer.
 Recharge water should be silt free and for removing the silt contents, the runoff water
should pass either through a desilting chamber or filter chamber.
 Periodic chlorination should be done for controlling the bacteriological contaminations.
Ground water dams or sub-surface dykes

 Sub surface dyke or under-ground dam is a subsurface barrier across stream which
retards the base flow and stores water upstream below ground surface. By doing so, the
SSwater levels in upstream part of ground water dam rises saturating otherwise dry part
of aquifer.
 The site where sub-surface dyke is proposed should have shallow impervious layer with
wide valley and narrow out let.
 After selection of suitable site, a trench of 1-2 m wide is dug across the breadth of stream
down to impermeable bed. The trench may be filled with clay or brick/ concrete wall upto
0.5m. below the ground level.
 For ensuring total imperviousness, PVC sheets of 3000 PSI tearing strength at 400 to 600
gauge or low-density polythene film of 200 gauges can also be used to cover the cut out
dyke faces.
 Since the water is stored within the aquifer, submergence of land can be avoided and land
above the reservoir can be utilized even after the construction of the dam. No evaporation
loss from the reservoir and no siltation in the reservoir takes place. The potential disaster
like collapse of the dams can also be avoided.
2.8.2 Ground water recharge in urban areas

In urban areas, rain water available from roof tops of buildings, paved and unpaved areas goes
waste. This water can be recharged to aquifer and can be utilized gainfully at the time of need.
The rain water harvesting system needs to be designed in a way that it does not occupy large

space for collection and recharge system. A few techniques of roof top rain water harvesting in
urban areas are described below.
Recharge pit
 In alluvial areas where permeable rocks are exposed on the land surface or are located at
very shallow depth, rain water harvesting can be done through recharge pits.
 The technique is suitable for buildings having a roof area of 100 sq.m. These are
constructed for recharging the shallow aquifers.
 Recharge Pits may be of any shape and size. They are generally constructed 1 to 2 m.
wide and 2 to 3 m deep. The pits are filled with boulders (5-20 cm), gravels (5-10mm)
and coarse sand (1.5- 2mm) in graded form. Boulders at the bottom, gravels in between
and coarse sand at the top so that the silt content that will come with runoff water will be
deposited on the top of the coarse sand layer and can easily be removed. For smaller roof
area, pit may be filled with broken bricks/ cobbles.
 A mesh should be provided at the roof so that leaves or any other solid waste / debris is
prevented from entering the pit. A desilting /collection chamber may also be provided at
the ground to arrest the flow of finer particles to the recharge pit.
 The top layer of sand should be cleaned periodically to maintain the recharge rate.
 By-pass arrangement is to be provided before the collection chamber to reject the first
showers.

Recharge trench
 Recharge trenches are suitable for buildings having roof area of 200-300 sq. m. and
where permeable strata is available at shallow depths.
 Trench may be 0.5 to 1 m wide, 1 to 1.5m. deep and 10 to 20 m. long depending upon
availability of water to be recharge.
 These are back filled with boulders (5-20cm), gravel (5-10 mm) and coarse sand (1.5-2
mm) in graded form – boulders at the bottom, gravel in between and coarse sand at the
top so that the silt content that will come with runoff will be coarse sand at the top of the
sand layer and can easily be removed.
 A mesh should be provided at the roof so that leaves or any other solid waste/debris is
prevented from entering the trenches and a desilting/collection chamber may also be
provided on ground to arrest the flow of finer particles to the trench.
 By-pass arrangement is to be provided before the collection chamber to reject the first
showers.
 The top layer of sand should be cleaned periodically to maintain the recharge rate.
Tube wells

 In areas where the shallow aquifers have dried up and existing tubewells are tapping
deeper aquifer, rain water harvesting through existing tubewell can be adopted to
recharge the deeper aquifers.
 PVC pipes of 10 cm dia are connected to roof drains to collect rainwater. The first roof
runoff is let off through the bottom of drainpipe. After closing the bottom pipe, the
rainwater of subsequent rain showers is taken through a T to an online PVC filter. The
filter may be provided before water enters the tubewells. The filter is 1 –1.2 m. in length
and is made up of PVC pipe. It’s diameter should vary depending on the area of roof, 15
cm if roof area is less than 150 sq m and 20 cm if the roof area is more. The filter is
provided with a reducer of 6.25 cm on both the sides. Filter is divided into three
chambers by PVC screens so that filter material is not mixed up. The first chamber is
filled up with gravel (6-10mm), middle chamber with pebbles (12-20 mm) and last
chamber with bigger pebbles (20-40 mm).
 If the roof area is more, a filter pit may be provided. Rainwater from roofs is taken to
collection/desilting chambers located on ground. These collection chambers are
interconnected as well as connected to the filter pit through pipes having a slope of 1:15.
The filter pit may vary in shape and size depending upon available runoff and are back-
filled with graded material, boulder at the bottom, gravel in the middle and sand at the top
with varying thickness (0.30-0.50m) and may be separated by screen. The pit is divided
into two chambers, filter material in one chamber and other chamber is kept empty to
accommodate excess filtered water and to monitor the quality of filtered water. A
connecting pipe with recharge well is provided at the bottom of the pit for recharging of
filtered water through well.
Trench with recharge well

 In areas where the surface soil is impervious and large quantities of roof water or surface
runoff is available within a very short period of heavy rainfall, the use of trench/ pits is
made to store the water in a filter media and subsequently recharge to ground water
through specially constructed recharge wells.
 This techniques is ideally suited for area where permeable horizon is within 3m below
ground level.
 Recharge well of 100-300 diameter is constructed to a depth of at least 3 to 5 m below the
water level. Based on the lithology of the area, well assembly is designed with slotted
pipe against the shallow and deeper aquifer.
 A lateral trench of 1.5 to 3m width and 10 to 30 m length, depending upon the
availability of water is constructed with the recharge well in the centre.
 The number of recharge wells in the trench can be decided on the basis of water
availability and local vertical permeability of the rocks.
 The trench is backfilled with boulders, gravels and coarse sand to act as a filter media for
the recharge wells.
 If the aquifer is available at greater depth say more than 20 m, a shallow shaft of 2 to 5 m
diameter and 3-5 metres deep may be constructed depending upon availability of runoff.
Inside the shaft a recharge well of 100-300 mm dia is constructed for recharging the
available water to the deeper aquifers. At the bottom of the shaft a filter media is
provided to avoid choking of recharge well.
2.9 ADVANTAGES OF RAINWATER HARVESTING
1. Easy to Maintain: Utilizing the rainwater harvesting system provides certain advantages to
the community. First of all, harvesting rainwater allows us to better utilize an energy resource. It
is important to do so since drinking water is not easily renewable and it helps in reducing
wastage. Systems for the collection of rainwater are based on simple technology. The overall
cost of their installation and operation is much lesser than that of water purifying or pumping
systems. Maintenance requires little time and energy. The result is the collection of water that
can be used in substantial ways even without purification.

2. Water Bills: Water collected in the rainwater harvesting system can be put to use for several
non-drinking functions as well. For many families and small businesses, this leads to a large
reduction in their utilities bill. On an industrial scale, harvesting rainwater can provide the
needed amounts of water for many operations to take place smoothly without having to deplete
the nearby water sources. It also lessens the burden of soil erosion in a number of areas, allowing
the land to thrive once again. In fact, it can also be stored in cisterns for use during times when
water supplies are at an all time low.
3. Suitable for Irrigation: As such, there is little requirement for building new infrastructure for
the rainwater harvesting system. Most rooftops act as a workable catchments area, which can be
linked to the harvesting system. This also lessens the impact on the environment by reducing use
of fuel based machines. Rainwater is free from many chemicals found in ground water, making it
suitable for irrigation and watering gardens. In fact, storing large reservoirs of harvested water is
a great idea for areas where forest fires and bush fires are common during summer months.
4. Reduces Demand on Ground Water: With increase in population, the demand for water is
also continuously increasing. The end result is that many residential colonies and industries are
extracting ground water to fulfill their daily demands. This has led to depletion of ground water
which has gone to significant low level in some areas where there is huge water scarcity.
5. Reduces Floods and Soil Erosion: During rainy season, rainwater is collected in large
storage tanks which also help in reducing floods in some low lying areas. Apart from this, it also
helps in reducing soil erosion and contamination of surface water with pesticides and fertilizers
from rainwater run-off which results in cleaner lakes and ponds.
6. Can be Used for Several Non-drinking Purposes: Rainwater when collected can be used for
several non-drinking functions including flushing toilets, washing clothes, watering the garden,
washing cars etc. It is unnecessary to use pure drinking water if all we need to use it for some
other purpose rather than drinking.

2.10 DISADVANTAGES OF RAINWATER HARVESTING
1. Unpredictable Rainfall: Rainfall is hard to predict and sometimes little or no rainfall can
limit the supply of rainwater. It is not advisable to depend on rainwater alone for all your water
needs in areas where there is limited rainfall. Rainwater harvesting is suitable in those areas that
receive plenty of rainfall.
2. Initial High Cost: Depending on the system’s size and technology level, a rainwater
harvesting system may cost anywhere between $200 to $2000 and benefit from it cannot be
derived until it is ready for use. Like solar panels, the cost can be recovered in 10-15 years which
again depends on the amount of rainfall and sophistication of the system.
3. Regular Maintenance: Rainwater harvesting systems require regular maintenance as they

may get prone to rodents, mosquitoes, algae growth, insects and lizards. They can become as
breeding grounds for many animals if they are not properly maintained.
4. Certain Roof Types may Seep Chemicals or Animal Droppings: Certain types of roofs
may seep chemicals, insects, dirt or animals droppings that can harm plants if it is used for
watering the plants.
5. Storage Limits: The collection and storage facilities may also impose some kind of
restrictions as to how much rainwater you can use. During the heavy downpour, the collection
systems may not be able to hold all rainwater which ends in going to to drains and rivers.
Rainwater harvesting is a system that is gaining speed over time. Areas that experience high
amounts of rainfall will benefit the most from the system and will be able to distribute water to
dry lands with ease. However, the beneficial environmental impact of the system is what drives it
further as of now.

2.11 GLOBAL SCENARIO OF RAINWATER HARVESTING

It is not only in India where the methods of collecting rainwater are required. At global level, the
importance of RWH technique has been acknowledged and it has found application in many
countries.
Rainwater harvesting in Japan :

In the city of Tokyo and many other Japanese cities, rainwater is harvested to manage the
regional hydrological cycle and also to meet the water demands during emergencies.
Rainwater harvesting in Fizi:

With a total area of only 18274 km2 , Fizi is a small island country in South Pacific. Surrounded
by ocean, Fizi is lacking any freshwater resource. Therefore, capture of rainwater is the only
source of fresh water other than technical removal of salt from ocean water (desalination).
Fizians collect rainwater from rooftops (such as school and government buildings) and large hard
surfaces (e.g. an airport runway).
Rainwater harvesting in Thailand:

Thailand, being in the tropical belt of the world, receives rainfall during May – October from
south-west monsoon. It is a traditional practice in the region that people collect rainwater to use
it for drinking and cooking purposes. People prefer rainwater over groundwater due to its
pleasant taste. In less than 5 years (in the 1980s), more than 10 million concrete tanks having
capacity of 2m3 for rainwater storage were constructed in Thailand. Apart from these countries,
there are many others where rainwater harvesting is a very common practice such as USA, Sri
Lanka, United Kingdom, South Africa, Israel , etc
2.12 COST ANALYSIS OF RAINWATER HARVESTING IN INDIAN

SECNARIO
Cost analysis of rainwater harvesting system can be evaluated if the cost incurred since the
establishment to the final collection of the raindrop is considered. Before determining the cost,
the size of the required system should also be known. At domestic level, the size of catchment

area and tank should be enough to supply sufficient water to the users. The volume of the tank
can be calculated using the formula,
V=t*n*q
where, V = volume of the tank (liter)
t = length of the dry season (days)
n = number of people using the tank, and
q = consumption in liters per capita per day
First few liters of rainwater is lost in initial abstractions such as surface wetting, evaporation,
transpiration etc., therefore in total, approximately 90% of the rains are collected. There is a
number of information which should be known for the cost estimation of rainwater harvesting
system:
i. Rainfall pattern in the locality and peak hourly rainfall
ii. Catchment area (rooftop / surface)
iii. Surface coefficient of the catchment
iv. Number of down take pipes
v. Volume of underground / surface tank
vi. Cost of filters and first flush devices
vii. Miscellaneous expenditure

At the community level, the quantity of rainfall and size of the catchment area will decide the
size of the storage tank to be placed either on surface or underground. Size of the tank, in turn,
will decide the cost. For an example, if the average rainfall in a particular area is 500 mm and
rooftop area is 100 m2 , then the approximate amount of harvested rainwater will be 40 m3 .
Similarly, for the average rainfall of 1200 mm and 2000 mm, and rooftop area of 500 m2 and
3000 m2 ; the amount of harvested water will be 480 m3 and 4800 m3 , respectively [6]. For the
collection of the rainwater of approximately 4800 m3 , the required size of the storage tank will
be 5000 liters. The approximate cost of such a large tank will be Rs. 12,500/-. Apart from the
cost of storage tank, the piping cost, cost of filter and first flush devices, and other miscellaneous
expenses also need to be added.

CHAPTER 3
3.1 CONCLUSION
Rainwater harvesting is simple & cost effective. If such simple measures to “Catch water where
it falls”, is taken by individuals, most of the water management problems in our state can be
solved. The scope for development under Panchayat Raj should be fully utilized to conserve
precious fresh water to solve the water scarcity. Harvesting & conserving water is every
individual’s duty. Rainwater harvesting is an eco-friendly technique to save water. It also
increases level of ground water. One of the best way to solve the world burning facing issue :
Water scarcity. Effective use of this method helps us to Save our earth. Since we cannot produce
water but save it and protect our future. In densely populated countries like India, the demand for
water goes on increasing with increase in population. This proves to be major problem in our
exploring new source of water, rainwater naturally and freely available source can be properly
utilized by means of water harvesting and recharging rainwater harvesting is a viable technology
for enhancing production from the rainfed lands groundwater recharging by artificial methods
should be taken up priority basis, first in district where rainfall is less and rare farmers have to
depend on rainwater a strategy to implement the ground water recharge. In a major way needs to
launched with concerted efforts by various governmental and nongovernmental agencies and the
public at large, to increase the water table and make the ground water resources, a reliable and
sustainable source for supplementing water supply needs.

3.2 REFERENCE
 www.google.org
 www.wikipedia.com
 www.studymafia.com
 Rainwater harvesting and conservation manual, Central Public Works Department, Govt.
of India, 2002.
 Rainwater harvesting techniques to augment ground water, Central Ground Water Board,
Ministry of Water Resources, 2003.

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RAINWATER HARVESTING TO IMPROVE GROUNDWATER LEVEL

RAINWATER HARVESTING TO IMPROVE

for the Degree of

Under the Supervision of

VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

Department of Civil Engineering, CMRIT, Bangalore Page 1

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

This is to certify the Technical Seminar Report entitled “RAINWATER HARVESTING TO

Dr. Hema H C Dr. Asha M Nair

Asst. Professor Asst.Professor & HOD

Dept of Civil Engg. Dept of Civil Engg.

Name of the examiners: Signature with date

Department of Civil Engineering, CMRIT, Bangalore Page 2

Department of Civil Engineering, CMRIT, Bangalore Page 3

Department of Civil Engineering, CMRIT, Bangalore Page 4

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE NO

Chapter-2 – LITERATURE REVIEW 7

2.1 Why it is important? 7

2.2 Objectives of rainwater harvesting 8

2.3 Methods of rainwater harvesting 8

2.4 Surface runoff rainwater harvesting 8

2.5 Human influence on surface runoff 9

2.6 Rooftop rainwater harvesting 10

2.7 Components of rainwater harvesting 11

2.8 Methods and techniques for groundwater recharge 13

2.8.1 Groundwater recharge in rural areas 13

2.8.2 Groundwater recharge in urban areas 18

2.9 Advantages of rainwater harvesting 22

2.10 Disadvantages of rainwater harvesting 24

2.11 Global scenario of rainwater harvesting 25

2.12 Cost analysis of rainwater harvesting in Indian scenario 25

Department of Civil Engineering, CMRIT, Bangalore Page 5

Department of Civil Engineering, CMRIT, Bangalore Page 6

Department of Civil Engineering, CMRIT, Bangalore Page 7

CHAPTER 2 – LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 WHY IT IS IMPORTANT?

Department of Civil Engineering, CMRIT, Bangalore Page 8

2.2 OBJECTIVES OF RAINWATER HARVESTING

2.3 METHODS OF RAINWATER HARVESTING

Broadly there are two ways of harvesting rainwater.

2.4 SURFACE RUN-OFF RAINWATER HARVESTING:-

Department of Civil Engineering, CMRIT, Bangalore Page 9

2.5 HUMAN INLUENCE ON SURFACE RUNOFF:-

Urbanization increase surface runoff by creating more impervious surfaces such as pavement and

Department of Civil Engineering, CMRIT, Bangalore Page 10

2.6 ROOFTOP RAINWATER HARVESTING:-

Let’s take a look at where rooftop rainwater harvesting system/method can

1. Residential Homes/Houses, Villas

Department of Civil Engineering, CMRIT, Bangalore Page 11

2.7 COMPONENTS OF ROOFTOP RAINWATER HARVESTING:-

Department of Civil Engineering, CMRIT, Bangalore Page 12

Department of Civil Engineering, CMRIT, Bangalore Page 13

2.8 METHODS AND TECHNIQUES FOR GROUNDWATER

2.8.1 Ground water recharge in Rural areas:

Department of Civil Engineering, CMRIT, Bangalore Page 14

Department of Civil Engineering, CMRIT, Bangalore Page 15

Department of Civil Engineering, CMRIT, Bangalore Page 16

Check dams / cement plugs / nala bunds

Department of Civil Engineering, CMRIT, Bangalore Page 17

Department of Civil Engineering, CMRIT, Bangalore Page 18

Ground water dams or sub-surface dykes

2.8.2 Ground water recharge in urban areas

Department of Civil Engineering, CMRIT, Bangalore Page 19