Water Supply (Aug 2021)
An investigation on the adaptability of residential rainwater harvesting system in Tamil Nadu – techno-economic considerations and the way forward
Abstract
Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is one of the most important means of water conservation today. Although there is tremendous emphasis on the implementation of this versatile technology at various levels, many of us are unaware of its significance and its consequences. This study examines the perception and awareness of people in the state of Tamil Nadu, India, of the RWH system through a questionnaire survey. The survey was conducted to infer basic information on rainwater harvesting features, water quality and conservation, economics of implementation and financial support. The results show that there is an increasing need to promote the usage of harvested rainwater for domestic purposes rather than direct groundwater recharge. The potential risks in the reliable supply of available water sources demand large-scale implementation of RWH especially in apartments. Fewer people are aware of the technical details of operation and maintenance of the RWH system (22.2%) while more people are aware of the general layout of the system (50.5%). Longer experience in using RWH systems (for more than two years) builds confidence in using them for consumptive uses compared with the response from recent adopters. This also demonstrates the scope for a radical change in the perception of water quality by continuous awareness and financial incentives. HIGHLIGHTS Structured questionnaire survey to realise the awareness of people about improving rainwater harvesting (RWH) infrastructure.; Suspicion of reliability in available water resources promotes early adoption of RWH systems.; Experience with RWH makes changes in people's perception towards ensuring water quality and proper usage.; Major hurdles in RWH: promotion through demonstration, access to financial incentives and implementation of groundwater recharge.;
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