Rainwater mixes with both soluble and insoluble materials from the
surfaces on which it lands and collects dust and pollutants as it flows
down through the atmosphere. Contaminants may beplants,fungi, and
other organic materials, as well as inorganic substances such as
dissolvedminerals,metals,chemicals, or water-soluble paints.
Although collected rainwater does not need a high degree of purity for
garden or agricultural applications, rainwater collected from unclean
surface runoffs is not suitable for drinking or cooking. Separation of
the first flush of rainwater from the roof, gutters, and other collection
surfaces can improve water quality in the rainwater storage tank.
Given that rainfall is sporadic and that only a small proportion of
globalprecipitationis easily available for human use, rainwater
harvesting can be an efficient means of capturing
thatpreciousresource. In cities, much of therainthat falls on buildings,
roofs, roads, and other hard landscaping does notpercolateinto
thesoiland is instead directed into storm sewers for disposal.
Impermeable surfaces cause urbanfloodingin many areas and
generate contaminated unusable water that is directed away from
potable water resources. During dry months, localgroundwatercan be
depleted, and many localities struggle to consistently provide enough
potable water to meet demand. Rainwater harvesting for nonpotable
functions, such as gardening and washing clothes, significantly
reduces both the demanded amount of the totalfresh waterand the
strain on stormwaterinfrastructure.
Rainwater harvesting system, also calledrainwater collection
systemorrainwater catchment system,technologythat collects and
storesrainwaterfor human use. Rainwater harvesting systems range from
simplerain barrels to more elaborate structures with pumps, tanks,
andpurification systems. The nonpotablewater can be used to irrigate
landscaping, flush toilets, wash cars, or launder clothes, and it can even
be purified for humanconsumption. Withwater scarcitya pressing
problem for many densely populated regions, rainwater harvesting
systems can supply households and businesses with water for use in dry
seasons and lessen the demand onmunicipal systems.
SERIVICES –RAINWATERHARVESTING