Conserving water saves energy. Energy is needed to filter, heat and pump water to your home, so reducing your water use also reduces your carbon footprint. Using less water keeps more in our ecosystems and helps to keep wetland habitats topped up for animals like otters, water voles, herons and fish.

Rainwater harvesting system, technology that collects and stores rainwater for human use. Rainwater harvesting systems range from simple rain barrels to more elaborate structures with pumps, tanks, and purification systems. The nonpotable water can be used to irrigate landscaping, flush toilets, wash cars, or launder clothes, and it can even be purified for human consumption. With water scarcity a 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 on municipal systems.

CASE STUDY

The programme got off to a rocky start in Chennai because of fierce resistance from residents after the government made it mandatory for all government and residential buildings. But nearly 15 years down the road, the tables have turned, so to speak.

The scheme has helped people in water-starved regions such as Chennai by raising water tables in most neighborhood’s, winning support from activists and local residents long dependent on groundwater for their daily needs.

The scheme has been implemented in rural pockets too, with a great degree of success. “We used to spend sleepless nights, thinking about sourcing water for daily needs. All that changed after the government came up with the RWH method. The water table has risen and we no longer face such an ordeal,” 

Chennai owes its success to a change in rules to ensure that new buildings didn’t get the nod from authorities without rainwater harvesting structures. With more and more residents migrating to the suburbs from the city to overcome the water-related issues, the scheme has come in handy to make sure that there is no shortage.