Ever thought about catching rain in a bucket? At a larger scale, rainwater must be harvested so that it can be used for agriculture and watering lawns. This is a great way to conserve fresh water through reuse. In this activity, we will introduce some of the key components of rainwater harvesting systems as well as some of the reasons and ways water can and should be conserved.
Engineers create rainwater collection systems to make use of stormwater while simultaneously reducing runoff. Rain falling on impermeable surfaces generates runoff. In large amounts, runoff is a powerfully erosive force, scouring away bare soil and creating pockmarked roads. Because roofs, roads, and parking lots are impermeable surfaces, in urban areas even moderate rainfall produces large amounts of runoff. Controlling runoff to prevent flooding and erosion is a major public expense. Rain water harvesting can reduce these problems. Permeable paving materials, along with plants in raised berms or depressions can help to collect and treat water as it is able to pass through. In this activity, we will be discussing the reuse and collection of stormwater for other purposes, such as farming or gardening by asking students to observe.
Show students a short video about rainwater harvesting (This may later be made for curriculum, a suitable video has not yet been found). Engage them by asking them to come up with places where water is wasted and can be saved. Ask about why this may be important in an urban and rural area. Ask them if they have observed gutters or drains around the school or their home.
Precious water – To raise awareness about the importance of water:
Have students continue the notice-board throughout the year, adding and sharing observations about how they can conserve water and energy on school grounds.
The surface that receives the rainfall directly and transfers water to the system is called a catchment area. It can be a paved area such as a building’s terrace or patio, or an unpaved area such as a lawn or open field. Other catchment areas involve impermeable roofs.
The conduits are pipelines or drains that bring rainwater to the irrigation system from the catchment or rooftop area.
This is where water is stored, if above ground it is called a cistern and is often used to store water for use around the house or on a farm, such as watering plants or a lawn. This is different from a well in that it is above ground and is waterproof, not allowing for eventual infiltration into the soil.
This is a below ground water collection and storage option where rainwater is able to replenish groundwater. Established structures such as wells, pits, and tanks can be used as recharge structures.
