Rooftop rainwater harvesting

The technique of rainwater harvesting involves the collection of rainwater from the roof through conduits to a reservoir. A rainwater harvesting system is composed of three basic systems: a collection area, a conveyance system, and storage facilities. Generally, the collection area is the roof of a house. The area and constituent material of the roof impact the collection efficiency and water quality. A conveyance system is made of gutters or pipes and the water is stored in a plastic or cemented tank. This technology provides high-quality water, soft and low in minerals. The physical and chemical properties of rainwater are better than those of polluted or saline groundwater or surface waters. Using the harvested water, crop productivity is increased by two-three folds because of assured irrigation in the kitchen garden. Various vegetables viz. radish, french bean, carrot, coriander, etc. can be grown in the assured irrigated area during the lean period.