Rainwater Harvesting

Rain Water Harvesting Methods

Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is a simple method by which rainfall is collected for future usage. The collected rainwater may be stored, utilised in different ways or directly used for recharge purposes. With depleting groundwater levels and fluctuating climate conditions, RWH can go a long way to help mitigate these effects. Capturing the rainwater can help recharge local aquifers, reduce urban flooding and most importantly ensure water availability in water-scarce zones. Though the term seems to have picked up greater visibility in the last few years, it was, and is even today, a traditional practice followed in rural India. Some ancient rainwater harvesting methods followed in India include madakas, ahar pynes, surangas, taankas and many more.

This water conservation method can be easily practiced in individual homes, apartments, parks, offices and temples too, across the world. Farmers have recharged their dry borewells, created water banks in drought areas, greened their farms, increased sustainability of their water resources and even created a river. Technical know how for the rooftop RWH with direct storage can be availed for better implementation. RWH An effective method in water scarce times, it is also an easily doable practice. Practical advice is available in books written by Indukanth Ragade & Shree Padre, talks by Anupam Mishra and other easy to follow fun ways

Read our FAQ on Rainwater Harvesting and have many basic questions answered.

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Discover innovative rainwater harvesting techniques and methods to conserve water. Learn about various rain water harvesting practices, benefits, and implementation strategies. Visit India Water Portal for expert guidance.
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rain water harvesting methods
Featured Articles
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A tanka covered with Khejri branches (Image: Swaran V)
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Tanks of Karnataka (Image Source: IWP Flickr photos)
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The tank irrigation systems of South India

Traditional irrigation tanks of South India. Image for representation purposes only (Image Source: India Water Portal)
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Policy matters this fortnight Posted on 15 Jan, 2024 08:34 AM

DPCC proposes penalising structures lacking operational rainwater harvesting systems in its NGT report

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Rainwater harvesting model for a stand alone house (Image: India Water Portal Flickr)
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What needs to be done to increase the adoption of rainwater harvesting technologies in rural areas? This study shows the way. Posted on 24 Oct, 2023 10:56 PM

Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) technology continues to be highly recommended as a potential solution to deal with water scarcity in developed as well as developing countries such as India and includes various methods such as Rooftop rainwater harvesting (RRWH), surface runoff collection, flood runoff harvesting, and in-situ RWH.

Catch the rain where it falls (Image Source: IWP flicker photos)
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NGT forms committee to frame policy to protect submerging islands in India

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