Frequently asked questions and answers

1.What is Rainwater Harvesting (RWH)?

RWH is the process of collection of rainwater and storing it for future use .
2.How is RWH done?
Rainwater is directly collected form the roof or Open space and filtered before storing or recharging to the ground.
3.What are the methods of RWH?
There are three methods of RWH- Rooftop Rwh, Open space RWH AND Groundwater Recharge.
4. What are the advantages of RWH?
Rainwater harvesting has many advantages:
* Augments the existing water supply
* Reduces water bill
* Reduces effect of draught and flood
* Environment - Friendly technique
5.Who can do RWH?
Any individual or instutution can do rainwater harvesting. If you are planning to build a house, you can incorporate in
the planning to build a house. you can incorporate in the planning stage itself.
6. What is the cost of RWH?
The cost of RWH depends on quantity of the rainwater collected and the purposes for which it is required.
7.What is the space requiremtnt ?
For a residential building, a sump of 5000=10000 Ltr(6 ft.x6ft.xft.) needs to be built for storing the ranwater. Bigger
the storage facility, longer the availability of rainwater.

8. What about the qualiy of water?

Rainwater is the primary source and is purest form of water. you can collect rainwater and use it for drinking
purposes. However, precautions need to be taken, to keep the water free from contamination on the roof, open
space, during channeling and storage.
9. Who can help me in RWH? With a little guidance, you can do RWH on your own. In case you need help you can
contact an architect or an engineer, who has knowledge of RWH. There are also agencies and consultants who take
up RWH on turnkey basis.
10. How long can i store the collected water?
Since water does not get contaminated when it is stored away form sunlight and air, you can store water that's free
form impurities up to six months.
11. How can i use the harvested rainwater?
Rainwater can be used practically for all purposes.
12. What is the approximate quantity of rainwater i can harvest?
In a 100 sq. mtr area with annual rainfaal of 1000 mm, you can collet one lakh liters of rainwater.
13. What could be the adverse effects of RWH?
If proper care is not taken the folllowing adverse effets could result-
(a) Contamination of water , if the rooftop is not clean,
(b) Water logging, if groundwater is not recharged properly and
(c) Flooding of roofs, if filters are not properly designed and cleaned frequently.
14. Is it one-time or recurring investment?
RWH system is one-time investment. The storage facility is the single most expensive component of RWH. Recurring
expenditure are cost of cleaning the filter and pumping of water