World Water Day: Can rainwater harvesting help address water needs?

World Water Day is observed on March 22 every year to spread awareness about the water crisis. It was in 2019 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi set the goal to provide tap water to every rural household in the next 5 years. The government in the last few years has taken several measures to conserve both rainwater and groundwater.

The National Water Policy envisages water conservation and rainwater harvesting. The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) includes rainwater harvesting as one of the project components. The government in 2014 introduced guidelines that focus on promoting rainwater harvesting and water conservation. 

Under section 5 of The Environment Protection Act, 1986, rainwater harvesting is mandatory. The rural local bodies or panchayats are entitled to utilise 15th Finance Commissions grants to take up rainwater harvesting in government buildings like panchayat bhawans, anganwadis, primary health centres and others.

Rainwater harvesting is basically the process of collecting and storing rainwater that falls on rooftops, paved areas and other surfaces. Harvested water can be used for a variety of purposes, including irrigation, toilet flushing, laundry and even for drinking with proper treatment.

Gurmit Singh Arora, president, Indian Plumbing Association, said that it is crucial to raise awareness of the importance of water and its conservation. Listing out the benefits of rainwater harvesting, he said that the first and most obvious benefit is cost savings. 

"By collecting and using rainwater, households and businesses can reduce their reliance on municipal water supply and cut down on their water bills. This is particularly beneficial for people who consume large amounts of water, such as those with gardens, lawns, or swimming pools. In some regions, water bills can be quite high, especially during the dry season when water supply is scarce. By harvesting rainwater, people can reduce their reliance on municipal water and save money," he said.

Another benefit of rainwater harvesting is meeting water needs. In many parts, water supply is unreliable and people have to rely on sources like groundwater or surface water. However, these sources are not always safe or sufficient. By harvesting rainwater, people can ensure a reliable and safe source of water for their household and agricultural needs, he said.

Rainwater harvesting can be done at various scales, from small rain barrels for households to large tanks for farms and communities. Besides, it also provides environmental benefits and reduces stormwater runoff, which can cause flooding, erosion, and water pollution.

"By capturing and storing rainwater, it can be used for productive purposes, rather than being wasted. This reduces the pressure on natural water sources and helps to conserve them for future use," he said.

The initiatives for rainwater harvesting, if implemented to full extent, can also reduce the strain on municipal water systems by reducing the demand and help ensure that water is available to meet everyone's needs, even during periods of drought or other water shortages.