Collection, Conveyance, Storage, Treatment and Distribution Techniques.

Rainwater harvesting is the accumulated process of collecting, purifying, and storing rainwater to fulfill a variety of uses. Although rainwater is a natural source of potable water, it requires treatment to avoid contamination and harmful pathogens. With rapid population growth, climate change, and declining groundwater supplies, rainwater harvesting has become a viable option for supplementing freshwater demands. Rainwater harvesting comprises five major techniques: collection, conveyance, storage, treatment and distribution.
Collection: Collection of rainwater is the initial stage of rainwater harvesting. Collection techniques include surface runoff collection, in which rainwater flowing over land surfaces is collected and directed to designated storage facilities such as rooftop harvesting, ground catchment, and paved surfaces like driveways and parking lots. Rooftop harvesting is common and efficient and involves the installation of gutter systems to collect rainwater from rooftops and channels it through pipes to storage tanks.
Conveyance: Conveyance deals with the movement of harvested rainwater from the collection point to storage containers. This process involves the use of downspouts, gutters, pipes, and pumps. It is essential to ensure that the conveyance system is designed correctly to accommodate an adequate flow of water and minimize wastage.
Storage: After the collection and conveyance process, the harvested rainwater is then stored in tanks, cisterns, or ponds. The size of the storage system should be determined by the amount and regularity of rainfall, the area's demand for water, and the available space. The storage facility should also have a secure lid to prevent contaminants from mixing with the harvested rainwater.
Treatment: Once harvested rainwater is stored, it must be treated to make it safe for use. Treatment of rainwater involves the physical, chemical, or biological processes that aim to remove contaminants, soften the water or disinfect it. The type of treatment method used depends on the intended use of the water – for instance, household uses require different treatment than agricultural uses. rainwater harvesting types.
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Distribution: After treatment, the harvested rainwater is then distributed to various users. This process involves the use of plumbing fixtures and piping systems. For household uses, the distribution should be through separate pipelines to avoid contamination between potable and non-potable water. In agricultural applications such as irrigation, the distribution system should feature pressure regulators, filtration devices, and water distribution network designing.
In conclusion, rainwater harvesting is a viable technique that can complement freshwater supplies. By utilizing the five major rainwater harvesting techniques, the harvested rainwater can be transformed into a valuable source of water. As a result, the practice can contribute towards mitigating water scarcity risks and reducing the impacts of climate change