Water Harvesting
Water Harvesting
Meaning:
Water harvesting refers to the process of collecting, storing, and utilizing rainwater or other sources of water, such as groundwater or surface runoff, for various purposes such as irrigation, domestic use, and recharge of groundwater resources. Water harvesting is an important technique for managing water resources in areas that face water scarcity or unreliable rainfall patterns. It can be done using various methods such as rooftop rainwater harvesting, ground-level harvesting through trenches or pits, and even by constructing small dams or reservoirs. Water harvesting can help to reduce the pressure on existing water resources and improve water security in both rural and urban areas.
Methods to implement:
Assess your site: Look at your property and determine where rainwater flows and where it collects. Identify the areas that could be used for water harvesting, such as rooftops, driveways, or gardens.
Install gutters: Gutters are essential for collecting rainwater from your roof. Make sure they are properly installed and clear of debris.
Install storage tanks: Choose a storage tank that can hold the amount of water you need. Make sure it is properly sealed and protected from sunlight to prevent algae growth.
Connect the gutters to the storage tank: Install pipes or hoses to direct the water from the gutters to the storage tank.
Use the water: Once the water is collected, it can be used for a variety of purposes, such as watering plants, flushing toilets, or washing clothes.
Maintain the system: Regularly check the system for leaks or damage. Clean gutters and storage tanks periodically to prevent buildup of debris or algae.
Determine the best location for your water harvesting system. You will need a flat surface that is close to your home and where rainwater flows. You may want to consider the size of your roof, the slope of the land, and the proximity to trees or other obstructions.
Choose a storage tank that is large enough to hold the amount of water you need. The tank should be made of a durable material, such as plastic or metal, and should be placed on a level surface.
Install a filter system to remove debris and contaminants from the rainwater before it enters the storage tank. You can use a simple mesh filter or a more sophisticated filtration system.
Connect a pump to the storage tank so that you can use the water for various purposes, such as watering your garden, washing your car, or flushing your toilet.
Use of Water Harvest:
- Irrigation: Water harvesting can be used to irrigate crops, gardens, and other agricultural land, helping to sustain and increase crop yields.
- Drinking water: Water harvesting can provide a source of drinking water for households and communities, particularly in areas where access to safe drinking water is limited.
- Recharging groundwater: Water harvesting can help recharge groundwater by allowing rainwater to infiltrate into the soil, which can replenish aquifers and increase water availability.
- Industrial uses: Water harvesting can provide a source of water for industrial processes, such as cooling systems, boilers, and manufacturing processes.
- Ecological restoration: Water harvesting can be used for ecological restoration, such as restoring degraded ecosystems, improving biodiversity, and reducing soil erosion.
- Flood control: Water harvesting can help control floods by reducing the volume of water that flows into rivers and streams, thereby reducing the risk of flooding.
CHECK FOR LEAKS
Frequently checking for leaks helps to ensure you aren’t using large amounts of water. Toilets are the most common source of water leakage.
INSTALL WATER SAVING DEVICES
Adding water-saving devices to your home or business can help to conserve water. Consider adding:
- Water faucet aerators
- Low-flow showerheads
- Toilet dams
OTHER SIMPLE CONSERVATION TIPS
Conservation in the bathroom
The bathroom accounts for the majority of indoor water use. Learn how to check for leaky toilets and other tips to save water.
- Install water efficient toilets and fixtures.
- When washing, brushing your teeth or shaving, never let the tap run continuously.
- Turn off the taps tightly (but gently) so they do not drip.
- Take shorter showers.
- Fix leaky faucets and toilets. Even the smallest drip from a worn washer can waste 75 or more litres a day. Larger leaks can waste hundreds.
- To check for a toilet leak, place a few drops of food coloring or dye test tablets (available at home improvement stores) in the toilet tank. Do not flush; wait 10-15 minutes. If the bowl water changes colour, you have a leak.
Conservation in the kitchen
- Take foods out of the freezer early to allow plenty time to thaw rather than running water over it.
- Keep water in the fridge so you don’t have to run the tap to get cold water.
- Completely fill the dishwasher before you turn it on. It can use 35-45 litres per cycle.
- If you wash dishes by hand, don’t leave the water running for rinsing.
- Don’t let the faucet run while you clean vegetables. Just rinse them in a stoppered sink or a pan of clean water.
- Keep cooking fats, oils and grease out of the drain. They can stick to and block the inside of pipes, which can lead to sewer back-ups and basement flooding.
Conservation in the laundry room
- Purchase a high efficiency washing machine.
- Try to only do laundry when the machine is full.
- If you need to wash smaller loads, be sure to adjust your washer’s water level settings accordingly.
Conservation outdoors
- Deep-soak your lawn, long enough for the moisture to soak down to the roots where it will do the most good. A light sprinkling can evaporate quickly and tends to encourage shallow root systems.
- Water in the morning to eliminate evaporation.
- Adjust sprinklers to water lawns and not driveways or the sidewalk.
- Avoid watering on windy days.
- Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants. Mulch will slow evaporation of moisture and discourage weed growth too.
- Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks.
- When washing your car, rather than use a running hose consider using a bucket, a sponge, and a hose with a trigger nozzle.
- Check garden hoses and connections frequently and keep them drip-free. Leaks outside the house may not seem as bad since they are not as visible, but they can be just as wasteful as leaks inside.
Conservation during winter
Typically, water use increases in the summer as we try to meet water demand of lawns, vegetable gardens and flowers. Unlike most provinces, Newfoundland and Labrador uses more water in the winter months compared to the summer. This is mainly due to the risk of freezing water pipes during cold temperatures. Here are some ways you can conserve water during the winter:
- Drip faucets instead of running water to prevent your pipes from freezing.
- Collect water in a bucket for flushing the toilet. Showers take longer to heat up in the winter so take advantage of the first few minutes of cold water.
- Wrap all exposed pipes and insulate hot water pipes to help protect them against bursting.
- If your pipes do burst, know where your shut off valve is to prevent excessive damage and decrease water usage.
- Call in a plumber after the first thaw to check your pipes for damage and leaks.
- Do not use your hose to melt snowbanks. This is an unnecessary waste of water.
Regardless of the season, it is important to be conscious of the amount of water you’re using. Be sure to follow the bathroom, kitchen and laundry room water conservation tips year round to prevent excessive use of water during all seasons.
WATER EFFICIENCY FOR BUSINESS
By reducing water consumption you can:
- Lower operating costs.
- Enhance your public image by demonstrating your commitment to the environment.
- Increase your competitiveness by saving money and attracting new loyal costumers.
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