Why do we need rainwater harvesting in both developing and developed countries?

What are the benefits of rainwater harvesting?

What is Rainwater Harvesting?

Rainwater harvesting is the use of rainwater harvesting in times of water scarcity. Generally speaking, it is a process used to collect and store rainwater for human consumption.

Rainwater harvesting techniques are described for the purpose of storing rainwater and reusing it during the dry season or when there is a drought.

Many countries around the world are facing shortage of potable water due to rapid climate change, global warming and population growth.

The gradual decrease in water level is a matter of serious concern as it not only causes shortage of usable water but also creates an imbalance in the salinity of the coastal areas.

Rapid industrialization and disposal of chemical waste into water bodies cause pollution of rivers, lakes and water. This is a global problem and needs a quick fix. The supply of fresh water to this planet cannot be increased. So an alternative method should be found. One such method is to collect rainwater.

Why do we need rainwater harvesting in both developing and developed countries?

Benefits

Efficiency: By harvesting rainwater, we're able to use water that would otherwise be wasted. Not only does rainwater harvesting save our precious natural resources for future use, but it can also help us protect the environment. By using drought-resistant plants, we can save hundreds of gallons of water from being lost to evaporation each year.

Water: To efficiently manage water supplies in a natural way, we have to know how to store it efficiently. We should harvest water at the same time it's most plentiful.

How can we save rainwater? 

Water conservation also means looking at our water sources. Water needs to flow. When rainwater runs into a river or stream, it stays within that watershed and contributes to the health of the rivers, lakes and oceans. Rainwater has many other important benefits, such as replenishing groundwater, improving fish habitats, and providing storage for those times when drought or over-pumping water resources is required. The rain that falls from a small stream that drops to a ground-level drainage system can easily replenish groundwater to water pools, streets, and yards, for the same price and in a shorter time than purchasing an agricultural water-saving meter. So, instead of waiting for summer rains and then using all of the water that you have collected, harvest rainwater when it falls and then harvest more each season.

Water Recycling

Carrying rainwater from home to home is a popular method of conserving water, since that water will not be used for toilets or drinking. This technique is better and more environmentally friendly than washing, filling up swimming pools or laying down tons of cement. The water will go directly into the ground, which prevents leaching of metals from soil into the watershed.

Water Management

Keeping reservoirs full is another way to conserve water in dry areas. Keeping your water reservoir stocked with the right amount of water is essential if you have no public water supply available. If the weather does turn dry, you can try keeping the reservoir full with rainwater, irrigation, or any other water sources. Water management is important because water reservoirs have already reached their lowest water levels due to a lack of rainfall, and if rainwater starts to drain out of the reservoir, it will not have enough time to recharge the system.

Bringing Water Up From the Ground

Increasing the water supply from underground is another way to conserve water in drought conditions. This method is not used to the extent of harvesting water from home-grown rainwater. It is best used in places where the water supply is scarce. You can only produce small amounts of groundwater when rainfall is plentiful. Many dry areas still have water holes and small springs. In these areas, you can take water directly from the soil. This water can be used for dry-weather uses such as watering plants, washing cars, washing clothes, etc. Because this method is a bit harder to manage, the quality of water in these locations is generally lower. Some people have been using groundwater in dry areas since ancient times. 

Protecting Water Resources

Most of the water you use in your home has already been brought up from its natural sources. Because of this, water conservation and rainwater harvesting are even more important than before. The water you use can either be recycled to other areas of the world through appropriate rainwater harvesting and recycling practices, or you can use water conservation and conservation practices in your own community.