As the colloquial saying goes – Chennai has only three seasons: Hot, hotter and hottest. But at the same time, as per recent statistics, Chennai is also blessed with an average of around 95 centimeters of rainfall every year. This alternating weather pattern of scorching heat waves followed by generous monsoons has pushed homeowners to make the most of the refreshing rains by harvesting it. The rising humidity in the air is a clear sign that the Northeast monsoon season is on its way. So, apart from making your home monsoon-ready, it is also time for you to consider rainwater harvesting solutions for your property.
What is Rainwater Harvesting? (RWH)
RWH is a simple method of collecting and storing rainwater without letting it run off. The rainwater is collected in pits on the ground, on rooftops, and in many other places. The accumulated water is then redirected into deep pits, bore wells or tanks where the water can percolate. This practice is common in parts of the country that get high amounts of rainfall throughout the year. Before setting up a rainwater harvesting unit, the site is audited to understand the amount of rainfall it gets, to learn the consumption pattern and to plan where the storage tank can be placed.
Types of RWH
There are 2 types of rainwater harvesting techniques that are practiced
- Rooftop rainwater harvesting
- Surface run-off rainwater harvesting
Rooftop rainwater harvesting
This is a method in which the rainwater is collected from the rooftops and through a pipe, it reaches a sump or a storage unit. The sumps come with inbuilt filters. They are used to remove colour, microbes and other contaminants from the water which is collected from rooftops. Sand and gravel filters are commonly used. These filters need to be cleaned after every rainy season as clogged filters will prevent more water from entering the sumps. Some rainwater harvesting units also use charcoal filters. A pump can then be used to divert the water into overhead tanks or the water can be directed to bore wells where the aquifers get recharged.
While practicing this type of RWH, the rooftops must be kept clean at all times. There also must be a provision for adequate overflow in case of very high amounts of rainfall.
Surface run-off rainwater harvesting
The only difference with this method of rainwater harvesting is the way in which the rainwater is collected. It is commonly practiced in urban areas where water tends to flow away. But in this method, ramps are constructed thus allowing the water to flow into tanks through a network of drains where they are stored and used. Thereafter, the water is either used to recharge bore wells, or filtered and stored. While practicing this method, the slopes must be kept clean at all times.
New approaches to rainwater harvesting have now been devised where rain saucers are used rather than using the roofs for the catchment. These saucers are umbrella-like structures that are installed to collect the rainwater straight from the sky thus decreasing the potential for contamination.
Benefits of RWH
- The biggest benefit of RWH is that a free and abundant resource is being saved and utilised.
- RWH will help meet the drinking water requirement in times of drought.
- With the increase in population, the groundwater level gets depleted and RWH will help restore that. The water stored can be utilised during summer. When you are already looking at ways to conserve water in summer, having a backup storage will be a relief. The groundwater table is recharged through percolation pits or bore wells.
- Having a rainwater harvesting system will prevent your homes from getting flooded when there is a heavy downpour.
- Rainwater harvesting saves up on a lot of power consumption. This can be a great way to make your home more eco-friendly. This is also a pollution-free method.
- RWH also prevents the water in coastal areas from getting saline.
- It restores the water available in wells and aquifers.
Lancor’s Kiruba Cirrus situated in the heart of the city in Valasaravakkam is one such development that promotes green living with rainwater harvesting. This gated community offers 2, 3 and 4 BHK luxurious apartments that are packed with global amenities and facilities to complement your urban lifestyle. The top amenities include a state-of-the-art swimming pool, well-equipped gymnasium, indoor gaming area, and a tennis court, to name a few. Head out to Lancor today and get one step closer to your dream home.