Rainwater harvesting can recharge the declining groundwater levels in cities. Data from 11 rainwater harvesting projects spread across Delhi shows an increase of 5 to10 metres in the groundwater levels over two years. These are the results of a survey from May 2002 to May 2004 on the level of groundwater in rainwater harvesting sites, carried out by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). Deliberate policy and action at the city level is needed to ensure a sustained, long-term impact on the capital’s groundwater situation. CSE outlines the efforts as follows: increase the harvesting of rainwater at the city level, by protecting and regenerating the tanks and ponds; promote individual rainwater harvesting projects at the colony and household level; ensure by law that all commercial users are required to harvest; redistribute the water supply across the city to ensure equity; treat all the sewage collected in Delhi and recycle the water so that we do not pollute our rivers and destroy the water cycle.

See also: CSE RWH Model Projects, http://www.rainwaterharvesting.org/Urban/Model-P...

Contact: Salahuddin Saiphy (CSE), salah@cseindia.org;
R K Srinivasan (CSE), rksri@cseindia.org

Source: CSE Press Release, 15 Jun 2004

CSE Rainwater Harvesting, http://www.rainwaterharvesting.org/

Tags: water collection