Water Management Through Rainwater Harvesting In Urban Areas

Abstract

The total water available on the earth remains constant but its distribution with respect to time and space is highly variable leading to hydrologic extremes. Demand for water is increasing as the worlds population increasing rapidly. Rainfall on a general note is considered to be the starting point of hydrologic cycle. Large quantum of water evaporates from surface water bodies and precipitate over the landmass through rainfall. Rainfall is highly variable in time and space. It is essential to store and utilize the rainfall in an effective and efficient way. Surface and groundwater resources declining both in terms of quantity and quality. This study presents water management through rainwater harvesting. Rainwater harvesting is a practice that is in use in many regions to meet the growing water demand. Rooftop rainwater if harvested effectively can be utilized as potable water for our regular domestic as well as industrial activities. In Chennai city, where annual rainfall is high, rainwater if harvested properly could meet a significant amount of total demand. This study ensures a sustainable water management system through rain water harvesting mechanism in a residential apartment. Ben Foundation, Maple Orchid, a residential apartment located at Mogappair, Chennai is selected for the current study. The total premises area accounts to 5683 m2 which includes four separate 7-storey building and a park at the front. The apartment consists of a population of 476. 27 years of rainfall data has been collected and rainfall analysis has been carried out for the study area in order to understand the rainfall pattern. Demand and harvest storage analysis was carried out for 75% dependability and 50% dependability. This method illustrates the water savings and reliability of rainwater harvesting system.