Why is collecting rainwater always a good idea
From Audiopedia
Rainwater harvesting can be successful even in areas with low and unpredictable rainfall, like arid or semi-desert regions. It may seem unlikely, but time and again, rainwater harvesting has proven to be a practical solution in these dry places. To make rainwater harvesting effective in dry regions, certain adjustments can help maximize water collection and storage. First, the catchment area, or the surface that captures rainwater, needs to be as large as possible. A bigger catchment area means more rainwater can be collected, even from a small or light rainfall.
Next, the storage reservoirs should be made larger to hold more water. Since rain may come only a few times a year, it’s important to store enough water to last through the dry periods. Covering the storage reservoirs, or placing them underground, can also help reduce water loss. By roofing the reservoir or storing water below ground, we can reduce evaporation, which is a big concern in hot, dry climates.
In addition to storage tanks, underground water storage can be created by allowing rainwater to soak directly into the soil on farmland or into the sand of riverbeds. This method helps retain water in the ground, where plants can access it slowly over time, providing a natural reservoir. If you’re using a barrel to store rainwater, make sure it’s clean and was never used to store toxic chemicals, like oil or pesticides. Gutters attached to the roof can help direct rainwater into the storage barrel, making it easy to collect and store water for later use.
By expanding catchment areas, increasing storage, reducing evaporation, and using underground storage methods, rainwater harvesting can be a reliable source of water for communities in some of the driest regions.