Describe the process of ‘rooftop rainwater harvesting.’

Question: Describe the process of ‘rooftop rainwater harvesting.’

The correct answer is –

Rooftop rainwater harvesting is a technique of collecting and storing rainwater that falls on the roofs of buildings for future use. The process generally involves the following steps:

1. Catchment area: The roof of the building serves as the catchment area for collecting the rainwater. The type and quality of the roof material and its inclination play an important role in determining the efficiency of the system.

2. Transportation: The rainwater collected on the roof is transported through gutters and pipes to a filtration unit for further processing.

3. Filtration: The collected rainwater is then passed through a series of filters to remove debris and other contaminants such as leaves, twigs, and dirt.

4. Storage: The filtered rainwater is then stored in storage tanks or underground reservoirs. The size of the storage tank depends on the amount of rainwater that can be collected and the demand for water in the household.

5. Distribution: The stored rainwater can be used for a variety of purposes such as domestic use, irrigation, and recharging groundwater.

Rooftop rainwater harvesting is a sustainable and eco-friendly technique that helps to conserve water, reduce the demand on freshwater resources, and recharge groundwater aquifers. It also helps to mitigate the effects of urbanization and reduces the risk of flooding in urban areas.