RAIN WATER

HARVESTING

October 2015

Indian Railways Institute of Civil Engineering

Pune 411001
First Edition : August 2006

Second Edition : October 2015

Revised Edition

Price < 30/-

 RAIN WATER
HARVESTING

October 2015
INDIAN RAILWAYS INSTITUTE OF CIVIL ENGINEERING,
Pune 411001

i
ii
 Preface to the Second Edition

With regard to water, urban areas in India are facing a paradoxical

situation these days. On the one hand there is acute water scarcity
and on the other, the streets are flooded during rains. This reflects
managerial inefficiency of the urban local bodies to use the surplus
water of the rainy season to overcome the deficiency in other
seasons. The current centralized water supply paradigm is definetly
unsustainable and extremely high on energy consumption. The
shortage of ground water gets more pronounced with urbanization
and limited open areas available for recharge of ground water. Water
shortage may result in social conflicts, demonstrations, protests and
road- blockades. In the given situation rain water harvesting can
prove to be a solution.
An alternative paradigm for more sustainable water availability
is harvesting rainwater, storing it in tanks, and recharging
groundwater. In India, Rain Water Harvesting has been in practice
for more than 4000 years. The physical and chemical properties of
rainwater are mostly superior to that of groundwater.
The first step could be to initiate domestic rooftop rainwater
harvesting. In a house the highest point is the rooftop. However,
common property resource issues have to be considered at larger
level for rain water harvesting. Various government bodies of India
have issued policy directives for encouraging this practice especially
since 2002. In 2013 Ministry of Railway has also issued policy
guideline to adopt rain water harvesting in all projects.
The book on “Rain water Harvesting” will create awareness and
accordingly will guide engineers in using this technology in a
environment friendly manner.

12th October, 2015 Vishwesh Chaubey

Director
Indian Railways Institute of
Civil Engineering, Pune.
director@iricen.gov.in

iii
 Preface to the First Edition

We, the human beings, are largely dependent on water for our
survival. Although water is as important for survival of human beings
as much as food, air etc. but we hardly pay any attention for its
economical use and conservation of this precious resource.
Due to indiscriminate pumping of ground water, the water table
has already gone down abnormally and if we do not wake up even
now then our future generations may have to face severe crisis of
water. The rains are important source of water and if we can harvest
rain water, the scarcity of water can be eliminated altogether.
Therefore, it is our bounden duty to conserve the rain water in the
form of rain water harvesting.
The book on “Rain Water Harvesting” is an attempt by IRICEN
to propagate the concept of rain water harvesting which can be
effectively implemented in our office and residential establishments.
It is hoped that this will serve as a helpful guide to the field engineers.

Shiv Kumar
DIRECTOR
IRICEN, Pune

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 Acknowledgement

The rapid development of cities and consequent population

explosion in urban areas has led to depletion of surface water
resources. For fulfillment of daily water requirement, indiscriminate
pumping of ground water is being resorted to, leading to lowering of
ground water table. At the same time the rain water is not being
conserved which ultimately goes waste. To avoid this imbalance,
conservation of rain water in the form of rain water harvesting is the
only solution.
Rain water harvesting can be effectively implemented in our office
and residential complexes for conservation of rain water. The subject
has assumed lot of significance in the present scenario. This has
been included in Indian Railway Works Manual 2000 vide correction
slip no. 10 dated 17.02.05 also. This publication is an attempt to
compile all the relevant information regarding various methods
commonly in use. These methods can be used by field engineers
for designing and implementing Rain Water Harvesting systems.
Efforts have been made to make the book more useful for the
field engineers. In this effort, the IRICEN staff and faculty have
contributed immensely, notably among them are Mrs. Gayatri Nayak
and Shri Sunil Pophale. I am particularly thankful to Shri N.C. Sharda,
Senior Professor/Works for his valuable suggestions and proof
checking and Shri Praveen Kumar, Professor/Computers for
providing logistic assistance for printing of the book.
Above all, the author is grateful to Shri Shiv Kumar, Director,
IRICEN for his encouragement and suggestions for improving the
publication.

A. K. Gupta
Professor/Track
IRICEN/Pune

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vi
 CONTENTS

CHAPTER-1 GENERAL 1 - 11

1.0 Introduction
1.1 Hydrologic cycle
1.2 Advantages of rain water
1.3 Rain water harvesting
1.4 Advantages of rain water harvesting
1.5 From where to rain water harvesting
1.6 Rain water harvesting potential
1.7 Factors affecting run off from catchment
1.8 Important points relating to water storage
and recharging

CHAPTER-2 METHODS OF HARVESTING

RAIN WATER 12 - 31

2.1 Rain water harvesting methods

2.1.1 Storing rain water for direct use
2.1.2 Recharging ground water aquifers from
roof top runoff
2.1.3 Recharging ground water aquifers with
runoff from ground areas

2.2 Components of rain water harvesting

2.2.1 Catchment area
2.2.2 Coarse mesh/leaf screen
2.2.3 Gutter
2.2.4 Down spout/Conduit
2.2.5 First flushing device

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 2.2.6 Filter
2.2.7 Settlement tank
2.2.8 Storage tank

CHAPTER-3 RECHARGING SUBSURFACE

AQUIFERS 32 - 39

3.1 Methods of recharging subsurface aquifers

3.1.1 Through recharge pit
3.1.2 Recharge through abandoned hand pump
3.1.3 Recharge through abandoned dug well/
open well
3.1.4 Through recharge trench
3.1.5 Recharge through shaft
3.1.6 Recharge trench with bore

CHAPTER-4 CASE STUDY 40 - 44

4.1 Introduction
4.2 Rain water harvesting at IRICEN hostel

CHAPTER-5 QUALITY OF WATER 45 - 50

REFERENCES 51

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 CHAPTER - 1

GENERAL

It is said that “If third world war take places it will be on water”.
Already so many water disputes are going on in our country
between neighboring states for sharing river water. Same situation
of sharing river water also exists with neighboring countries like
Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. The basic reason of all these
disputes is scarcity of water and increasing requirement for human
consumption as well as for industrialization.

We, the human beings, are largely dependent on water for

our survival. Although water is as important for survival of human
beings as is food, air etc. but we hardly pay any attention for its
economical use and conservation of this precious resource. This
is resulting in scarcity of water.

Due to indiscriminate pumping of ground water, the water table

has already gone down abnormally in many parts of our country
and if we do not wake up even now, then our future generations
may have to face severe crisis of water.

In Delhi the water level in 1960 was, by and large, within 4 to

5 m from ground level but by 2001 it has gone down by 2-6 m in
alluvial areas, 8-20 in south west district and 8-30 in south district.
Due to rapid urbanization and indiscriminate pumping ground
water table has gone very deep and due to high content of soluble
solid, it has become un-potable in many area.

The rains are important source of water and if we can harvest

rain water, the scarcity of water can be eliminated upto large
extent. A major portion of rainwater that falls on earth surface
runoff from stream to river to sea. On average only 8% of total
rainfall recharges ground aquifers. This can be enhanced upto

1
50% with proper rainwater harvesting. Therefore, it is our bounden
duty to conserve the rain water in the form of rain water harvesting.

Few basic facts we should know:

• Only 3% of water on earth is available for human use.
• Only 10% rain water is harvested currently. This can be
enhanced to 50% if adopted as habit or movement. This
can solve water problems of major part of country.
• On an average rains, occur only for about 100 hours every
year.

Legislation on Rain Water Harvesting in India

• Under the sec 15 of Environment (protection) Act 1986
central ground water authority (ministry of water resources)
has made mandatory to adopt rain water harvesting
system for certain types of buildings /institutions located
in specified regions of national capital territory.
• Ministry of Environment & forest (Govt. of India) has
circulated draft Gazette Nomination regarding RWH in
hilly area of entire country.
• New Delhi - MOUD has made RWH mandatory since June
2001 if roof area = 100sqm or plot area = 1000sqm.
• Mumbai: RWH mandatory since Oct 2002 for new
buildings with area = 1000 sqm.
• Chennai: RWH has been made mandatory in all new
buildings of three or more storeys.
• Hyderabad: RWH made mandatory since June 2001 if
area = 300 sqm.
• Kanpur : RWH made mandatory for new buildings with
area = 1000 sqm.
• Indore :
– RWH made mandatory for new buildings if area = 250
sqm.

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 – Rebate of 6% in property tax as incentive for RWH.
• Rajasthan: RWH made mandatory for new buildings in
urban areas if plot area = 500 sqm.

• Haryana:
– HUDA has made RWH mandatory for new buildings in
urban areas irrespective of area.
– CGWA has asked all institutions and residential buildings
in notified areas of Gurgaon and adjacent industrial areas
to go for RWH.
Ministry of Railways (Railway board vide their letter dated
2013/JMB/9/1 dtd 09-9-2013 has issued policy instruction
to adopt Rain water harvesting scheme in all projects.

1.0 Introduction

Water is the most common or major substance on earth,

covering more than 70% of the planet’s surface. All living things
consist mostly of water. For example, the human body is about
two third water. World wide distribution of water is given in table
1.1 of the total volume of water, only 2 percent (over 28,000,000
Km3) is fresh water, which can be used for consumption and for
agriculture as given in table 1.2. The average runoff in the river
system of India has been assessed as 1869 km3, of this, the
utilizable portion by conventional storage and diversion is
estimated as about 690 km3. In addition, there is substantial
replenishable ground water potential in the country estimated at
432 km3. The per capita availability of water at the national level
has reduced from about 5,177 m3 in the year 1951 to the present
level of 1,869 m3. For improving per capita water availability in
the country, replenishment of ground water resources is a
necessity which can be done very effectively through rain water
harvesting.

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 Table 1.1 World-wide distribution of water

S Water Type Volume Percentage

N (1000km3) of total Global
Volume
1 Ocean 1,370,323 94.200
2 Ground water 60,000 4.100
(fresh & saline)

3 Glaciers 24,000 1.650

4 Lakes and reservoirs 280 0.019
5 Soil moisture 85 0.006
6 Atmospheric water 14 0.001
7 River water 1.2 0.001
Total 1,454,703.2 100.000

Table 1.2 World-wide distribution of fresh water

S Water Type Volume Percentage

N (1000km3) of total Global
Volume
1 Glaciers 24,000 85.000
2 Ground water 4,000 14.000
3 Lakes and reservoirs 155 0.600
4 Soil moisture 83 0.300
5 Atmospheric water 14 0.050
6 River water 1.2 0.004
Total 28,253.2 100.00

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Rain Water Harvesting:
The concept of rain water harvesting means “Collecting Rain
water when and wherever it falls for future use”...It is just like
“bank account where you deposit the money when it is surplus
& with draw when it is deficient”.

As most of rainfall water goes waste in form of surface run off

to stream, river and sea, simple technique need to be developed
to collect and store this water in storage tank or direct this water
to recharge ground water acquifers (water bearing strata) to be
tapped later on for use in dry periods.

1.1 Hydrologic Cycle

The never-ending exchange of water from the atmosphere to
the oceans and back is known as the hydrologic cycle (Fig.
1.1). This cycle is the source of all forms of precipitation (hail,
rain, sleet, and snow), and thus of all the water.

Fig. 1.1 Hydrologic cycle

Precipitation stored in streams, lakes and soil evaporates

while water stored in plants transpires to form clouds which store
the water in the atmosphere.

5
 Currently, about 75% to 80% of conventional water supply is
from lakes, rivers and wells. Making the most efficient use of
these limited and precious resources is essential. Otherwise,
scarcity of water will be faced by our future generations.

1.2 Advantages of Rain Water

The rain water’s environmental advantage and purity over other

water options makes it the first choice, even though the
precipitation cycle may fluctuate from year to year.

a. Environmental Advantage

Collecting the rain that falls on a building and using the same
for various purposes is a simple concept. Since the rain you
harvest is independent of any centralized system, you are
promoting self-sufficiency and helping to foster an appreciation
for this essential and precious resource. The collection of rain
water not only leads to conservation of water but also energy
since the energy input required to operate a centralized water
system designed to treat and pump water over a vast service
area is bypassed. Rain water harvesting also lessens local
erosion and flooding caused by runoff from impervious cover such
as pavement and roofs.

b. Qualitative Advantage

A compelling advantage of rain water over other water sources

is that it is one of the purest sources of water available. Indeed,
the quality of rain water is an overriding incentive for people to
choose rain water as their primary water source, or for specific
uses such as watering houseplants and gardens. Rain water
quality almost always exceeds that of ground or surface water
as it does not come into contact with soil and rocks where it
dissolves salts and minerals and it is not exposed to many of
the pollutants that often are discharged into surface waters such
as rivers, and can contaminate groundwater. Rain water’s purity
also makes it an attractive water source for certain industries for
which pure water is a requirement.

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1.3 Rain Water Harvesting

For our water requirement we entirely depend upon rivers,

lakes and ground water. However rain is the ultimate source that
feeds all these sources. Rain water harvesting means to make
optimum use of rain water at the place where it falls i.e. conserve
it and not allow to drain away and cause floods elsewhere. The
rain water harvesting may be defined as the technique of collection
and storage of rain water at surface or in sub-surface aquifer
before it is lost as surface run off.

1.4 Advantages of Rain Water Harvesting

(a) Promotes adequacy of underground water

(b) Mitigates the effect of drought
(c) Reduces soil erosion as surface run-off is reduced
(d) Decreases load on storm water disposal system
(e) Reduces flood hazards
(f) Improves ground water quality / decreases salinity (by
dilution)
(g) Prevents ingress of sea water in subsurface aquifers in
coastal areas
(h) Improves ground water table, thus saving energy (to lift
water)
(i) The cost of recharging subsurface aquifer is lower than
surface reservoirs
(j) The subsurface aquifer also serves as storage and
distribution system
(k) No land is wasted for storage purpose and no population
displacement is involved
(l) Storing water underground is environment friendly
(m) Rainwater is bacteriological pure, free from organic matter
and soft in nature

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 (n) Rainwater can be harnessed at place of need & time of
need
(o) Recharged aquifers also serve as distribution system &
water can be harnessed by just putting a hand pump at
convenient location
(p) The infrastructure required for rainwater harvesting are
simple & economical.

1.5 From Where to Harvest Rain Water

i. Roof top to storage tank or Ground water recharging point

ii. Unpaved area direct seepage to ground water
iii. Water bodies like ponds, tanks and lakes
iv. Storm water drains directed to recharge ground water

1.6 Rain Water Harvesting Potential

The total amount of water that is received in the form of rainfall

over an area is called the rain water endowment of that area. Out
of this, the amount that can be effectively harvested is called rain
water harvesting potential.

All the water which is falling over an area cannot be effectively

harvested, due to various losses on account of evaporation,
spillage etc. Because of these factors, the quantity of rain water
which can effectively be harvested is always less than the rain
water endowment. The collection efficiency is mainly dependent
on factors like runoff coefficient and first flush wastage etc.

Runoff is the term applied to the water that flows away from
catchments after falling on its surface in the form of rain. Runoff
from a particular area is dependent on various factors i.e. rainfall
pattern and quantity, catchment area characteristics etc. For
determining rainfall quantity, the rainfall data preferably for a period
of at least 10 years is required. This data can be collected from
meteorological department.

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 Area of catchment x Amount of rainfall = Rain water
endowment

For determining the pattern of rainfall, the information may

be collected either from meteorological department or locally.
The pattern of rainfall in a particular catchment area influence
the design of rain water harvesting system. In areas where rainfall
is more but limited to very short period in a year, big storage
tanks would be required to store rain water, if we are collecting
rain water in storage tanks for direct use. In such areas, it is
preferable to use rain water for recharging of ground water aquifers,
if feasible, to reduce the cost of rain water harvesting system.

1.7 Factor Affecting Run Off from Catchment

i. Rainfall - quantity, pattern, intensity & duration
High intensity in less duration may get same quantity but
may get wasted due to high surface run off due to less
infiltration capacity whereas mild rainfall with long duration
will help in recharging ground water.
ii. Catchment area characteristic

Unpaved surface have greater capacity of retaining rain water

& similarly green patches of grass can retain large
proportion of rainwater.

Runoff depends upon the area and type as well as surface of

catchment over which it falls as well as surface features. Runoff
can be generated from both paved and unpaved catchment areas.
Paved surfaces have a greater capacity of retaining water on the
surface and runoff from unpaved surface is less in comparison to
paved surface. In all calculations for runoff estimation, runoff

9
coefficient is used to account for losses due to spillage, leakage,
infiltrations catchment surface wetting and evaporation, which
will ultimately result into reduced runoff. Runoff coefficient for
any catchment is the ratio of the volume of water that run off a
surface to the total volume of rainfall on the surface. The runoff
coefficient for various surfaces is given in table 1.3.

Table 1.3 Runoff coefficients for various surfaces

S. Type of catchment Coefficients

No. Roof catchments
1 Tiles 0.8 - 0.9
2 Corrugated metal sheets 0.7 - 0.9
Ground surface coverings
3 Concrete 0.6 - 0.8
4 Brick pavement 0.5 - 0.6
Untreated ground catchments
5 Soil on slopes less than 10% 0.0 - 0.3
6 Rocky natural catchments 0.2 - 0.5

Source: Pacey, Amold and Cullis, Adrian 1989, Rain water

Harvesting: The collection of rainfall and runoff in rural areas,
Intermediate Technology Publications, London pg-55.

Based on the above factors, the water harvesting potential of

site could be estimated using the following equation:

Rain Water harvesting potential = Amount of Rainfall x Area

of catchment x Runoff coefficient

The calculation for runoff can be illustrated using the following

example:

Consider a building with flat terrace area (A) of 100 sqm located
in Delhi. The average annual rainfall (R) in Delhi is approximately
611mm. The runoff coefficient (C) for a flat terrace may be
considered as 0.85.

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 Annual water harvesting potential from 100
=AxRxC
= 100 x 0.611 x 0.85
= 51.935 cum,
i.e. 51,935 liters

1.8 Important Points Relating to Water Storage

and Recharging

i. It is estimated that only 10 to 25% of rain water is utilized

to charged ground water but artificially with rain water
harvesting, it can be charged upto 50% (para 2.6.3 of
manual of rain water harvesting & conservation - Govt of
India)
ii. Settlement tank need to be constructed in area. This helps
in two ways, it arrest silt & floating impurities and secondly
allow standing water to percolate in to soil to finally
recharge ground water. Apart from the removing silt from
desilting chamber, it act like a buffer in case of excess
rain fall to arrest surface run off & store excess water. Its
size can be decided on the basis of size of catchment,
intensity of rain fall & rate of recharge depend on
geological data like porosity, permeability etc of area.

  

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 CHAPTER - 2

METHODS OF HARVESTING RAIN WATER

2.1 Rain Water Harvesting Methods

There are three methods of harvesting rain water as given

below:

(a) Storing rain water for direct use (Fig. 2.1)

(b) Recharging ground water aquifers, from roof top run off
(Fig. 2.2)
(c) Recharging ground water aquifers with runoff from ground
area (Fig. 2.3)

2.1.1 Storing rain water for direct use

In place where the rains occur throughout the year, rain water
can be stored in tanks (Fig. 2.1). However, at places where rains
are for 2 to 3 months, huge volume of storage tanks would have
to be provided. In such places, it will be more appropriate to use
rain water to recharge ground water aquifers rather than to go for
storage. If the strata is impermeable, then storing rain water in
storage tanks for direct use is a better.

Fig. 2.1 Storing rain water for direct use method.

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 Similarly, if the ground water is saline/unfit for human
consumption or ground water table is very deep, this method of
rain water harvesting is preferable.

2.1.2. Recharging ground water aquifers from roof

top run off

Rain water that is collected on the roof top of the building

may be diverted by drain pipes to a filtration tank (for bore well,
through settlement tank) from which it flows into the recharge
well, as shown in Fig.2.2. The recharge well should preferably be
shallower than the water table. This method of rain water harvesting
is preferable in the areas where the rainfall occurs only for a
short period in a year and water table is at a shallow depth. The
various methods of recharging ground water aquifers from roof
top runoff are discussed separately in Chapter 3.

Fig. 2.2 Recharging ground water aquifers from roof top

run off.

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2.1.3 Recharging ground water aquifers with runoff
from ground areas

The rain water that is collected from the open areas may be
diverted by drain pipes to a recharge dug well / bore well through
filter tanks as shown in Fig.2.3. The abandoned bore well/dug
well can be used cost effectively for this purpose. The various
methods of recharging ground water aquifers with runoff from
ground areas are discussed separately in Chapter 3.

Fig. 2.3 Recharging ground water aquifers with runoff

from ground areas.

2.2 Components of Rain Water Harvesting

The rain water harvesting system consists of following basic

components –

(a) Catchment area

(b) Coarse mesh / leaf screen
(c) Gutter
(d) Down spout or conduit
(e) First flushing device

14
 (f) Filter
(g) Storage tank
(h) Recharge structure

2.2.1 Catchment area

The catchment area is the surface on which the rain water

falls. This may be a roof top or open area around the building.
The quality of water collected from roof top is comparatively much
better than collection from the ground. Rain water harvested from
catchment surfaces along the ground should be used for lawn
watering, flushing etc., because of increased risk of contamination.
This water can also be used for recharging ground aquifers after
proper filtration.

The rain water yield varies with the size and texture of the
catchment area. A smooth, cleaner and more improvised roofing
material contributes to better water quality and greater quantity
with higher value of runoff coefficient. (refer table 1.3 for runoff
coefficient)
When roof of the house is used as the catchment for collecting
the rain water, the type of roof and the construction material
affect the runoff coefficient and quality of collected water. Roofs
made of RCC, GI sheets, corrugated sheets, tiles etc. are
preferable for roof top collection. But thatched roofs are not
preferred as these add colour and dissolved impurities to water.
Water to be used for drinking purpose should not be collected
from roof with damaged AC sheets or from roofs covered with
asphalt and lead flashing or lead based paints as the lead
contamination may occur in the collected water.

2.2.2 Coarse mesh / leaf screen

To prevent the entry of leaves and other debris in the system,

the coarse mesh should be provided at the mouth of inflow pipe
for flat roofs as shown in Fig. 2.4.

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 Fig. 2.4 Coarse mesh

For slope in roofs where gutters are provided to collect and

divert the rain water to downspout or conduits, the gutters should
have a continuous leaf screen, made of ¼ inch wire mesh in a
metal frame, installed along their entire length, and a screen or
wire basket at the head of the downspout (Fig. 2.5).

Fig. 2.5 Leaf screen

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2.2.3 Gutter

Gutter is required to be used for collecting water from sloping

roof and to divert it to downspout. These are the channels all
around the edge of a sloping roof to collect and transport rain
water to the storage tank. Gutters can be of semi-circular,
rectangular or trapezoidal shape. Gutters must be properly sized,
sloped and installed in order to maximize the quantity of harvested
rain. Gutter can be made using any of the following materials:

(a) Galvanized iron sheet

(b) Aluminum sheet
(c) Semi-circular gutters of PVC material which can be readily
prepared by cutting these pipes into two equal semi-
circular channels
(d) Bamboo or betel trunks cut vertically in half (for low cost
housing projects )

The size of the gutter should be according to the flow during

the highest intensity rain. The capacity of the gutters should be
10 to 15% higher. The gutters should be supported properly so
that they do not sag or fall off when loaded with water. The
connection of gutters and down spouts should be done very
carefully to avoid any leakage of water and to maximize the yield.
For jointing of gutters, the lead based materials should not be
used, as it will affect the quality of water.

2.2.4 Down spout / conduit

The rain water collected on the roof top is transported down

to storage facility through down spouts / conduits. Conduits can
be of any material like PVC, GI or cast iron. The conduits should
be free of lead and any other treatment which could contaminate
the water. Table 2.1 gives an idea about the diameter of pipe
required for draining out rain water based on rainfall intensity and
roof area.

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 Table 2.1 Size of downspout pipe

Diameter
Average rate of rain fall (in mm/hr)
of pipe
(in mm) 50 75 100 125 150 200
50 13.4 8.9 6.6 5.3 4.4 3.3
65 24.1 16.0 12.0 9.6 8.0 6.0
75 40.8 27.0 20.4 16.3 13.6 10.2
100 85.4 57.0 42.7 34.2 28.5 21.3
125 - - 80.5 64.3 53.5 40.0
150 - - - - 83.6 62.7

Source: National Building Code

2.2.5 First flushing device

Roof washing or the collection and disposal of the first flush

of water from a roof, is very important if the collected rain water is
to be used directly for human consumption. All the debris, dirt
and other contaminants especially bird dropping etc. accumulated
on the roof during dry season are washed by the first rain and if
this water will enter into storage tank or recharge system it will
contaminate the water. Therefore, to avoid this contamination a
first flush system is incorporated in the roof top rain water
harvesting system. The first flushing device, dispose off the first
spell of rain water so that it does not enter the system. If the roof
is of sloping type, then the simplest system consists of a pipe
and a gutter down spout located ahead of the down spout from
the gutter to the storage tank. (Fig. 2.6)

18
 Fig. 2.6 First flushing device

The pipe is usually 6 or 8 inch PVC pipe which has a valve

and cleanout at the bottom, most of these devices extend from
the gutter to the ground where they are supported. The gutter
down spout and top of the pipe are fitted and sealed so that
water will not flow out of the top. Once the pipe has filled, the
rest of the water flows to the downspout connected to storage
tank.

The alternate scheme for sloping roof is shown in Fig. 2.7.

This involves a very simple device which is required to be operated
manually. In down take pipe at the bottom one plug/ valve is
provided. When the rainy season start, this plug should be
removed, and initial collection of roof top water should be allowed
to drain. After 15 – 20 minutes, plug / valve should be closed so
that collected rain water can be diverted to storage tank.

19
 Fig. 2.7 First flushing device.

2.2.6 Filter

If the collected water from roof top is to be used for human

consumption directly, a filter unit is required to be installed in
RWH system before storage tank. The filter is used to remove
suspended pollutants from rain water collected over roof. The
filter unit is basically a chamber filled with filtering media such
as fiber, coarse sand and gravel layers to remove debris and dirt
from water before it enters the storage tank. The filter unit should

20
be placed after first flush device but before storage tank. There
are various type of filters which have been developed all over the
country. The type and selection of filters is governed by the final
use of harvested rain water and economy. Depending upon the
filtering media used and its arrangements, various types of filters
available are described below.

2.2.6.1 Sand filter

In the sand filters, the main filtering media is commonly

available sand sandwitched between two layers of gravels. The
filter can be constructed in a galvanized iron or ferro cement
tank. This is a simple type of filter which is easy to construct
and maintain. The sand fillers are very effective in removing
turbidity, colour and microorganism. In a simple sand filter that
can be constructed domestically, filter media are placed as shown
in Fig. 2.8.

Fig. 2.8 Sand filter

2.2.6.2 Charcoal water filter

This is almost similar to sand filter except that a 10-15 cm

thick charcoal layer placed above the sand layer. Charcoal layer
inside the filter result into better filtration and purification of water.
The commonly used charcoal water filter is shown in Fig. 2.9.

21
 Fig. 2.9 Charcoal water filter

2.2.6.3 Dewas filter

This filter was developed by officials of Rural Engineering

Services of Dewas. In Dewas, the main source of water supply is
wells which are used to extract ground water for supply of water.
Because of regular extraction of ground water, the water table is
going down rapidly. To recharge the ground water, all the water
collected from the roof top is collected and passed through a
filter system called the Dewas filter( Fig. 2.10). The filtered water
is finally put into service tube well for recharging the well.

The filter consists of a PVC pipe 140mm in diameter and

1.2m long. There are three chambers. The first purification
chamber has pebbles of size varying between 2-6 mm, the
second chamber has slightly larger pebbles between 6 to 12
mm and the third chamber has largest 12 – 20mm pebbles. There
is a mesh on the out flow side, through which clean water flows
out after passing through the three chambers. This is one of the
most popular filter type being used in RWH systems.

22
 Fig. 2.10 Dewas filter

2.2.6.4 Varun

This filter has been developed by Shri S. Viswanath, a

Bangalore based water harvesting expert. “Varun” is made from
90 lit. High Density Poly Ethylene (HDPE) drum. The lid is turned
over and holes are punched in it.( Fig. 2.11) The punched lid acts
as a sieve which keeps out large leaves, twigs etc. Rain water
coming out of the lid sieve then passes through three layers of
sponge and 150mm thick layer of coarse sand. Because of
sponge layers, the cleaning of filter becomes very easy. The first
layer of sponge can be removed and cleaned very easily in a
bucket of water. Because of the layers of sponge, the sand layer
does not get contaminated and does not require any back washing
/ cleaning. This filter can handle about 50mm per hour intensity
rain fall from a 50 sqm roof area.

Fig. 2.11 Varun

23
2.2.6.5 Horizontal roughening filter and slow sand
filter

This is one of the most effective filter for purification of water

being used in coastal areas of Orissa. The horizontal roughening
filter (HRF) acts as a physical filter and is applied to retain solid
matter, while slow sand filter (SSF) is primarily a biological filter,
used to kill microbes in the water. The water is first passed through
the HRF and then through SSF.

The HRF usually consists of filter material like gravel and

coarse sand that successively decrease in size from 25mm to
4mm. The bulk of solids in the incoming water is separated by
this coarse filter media or HRF. The filter channel consists of
three uniform compartments, the first packed with broken bricks,
the second with coarse sand followed by fine sand in the third
compartment. At every outlet and inlet point of the channel, fine
graded mesh is implanted to prevent entry of finer material into
the sump. The length of each channel varies accordingly to the
nature of the site selected for the sump (Fig. 2.12).

Fig. 2.12 Horizontal roughening filter and slow sand

filter

24
 The slow sand filter (SSF) consists of fine sand in a channel
of size one sqm in cross section and eight metre in length, laid
across the tank embankment. The water after passing through
SSF is stored in a sump. From this sump water can be supplied
through pipe line or can be extracted through hand pump.

Wherever the roof top area is very large, the filters of high
capacity are designed to take care of excess flow. For large roof
tops, a system is designed with three concentric circular
chambers in which outer chamber is filled with sand, the middle
one with coarse aggregate and the inner most layer with pebbles
(Fig. 2.13). Since the sand is provided in outer chamber, the
area of filtration is increased for sand, in comparison to coarse
aggregate and pebbles. Rain water reaches the center core and
is collected in the sump where it is treated with few tablets of
chlorine and is made ready for consumption.

Fig. 2.13 Filter for large roof top

25
2.2.6.6 Rain water purification center

This filter has been developed by three Netherlands based

companies for conversion of rain water to drinking water and is
popularly known as Rain PC. Rain PC is made of ultra violet
resistant poly-ethylene housing and cover, stainless steel rods
and bolts, a nickel-brass valve and an adapter for maintaining
constant volume (Fig. 2.14).

This filter can effectively remove E-coli and other bacteria from
water using Xenotex-A and active carbon cartridges along with
ultra membrane filtration modules. This filter is easy to operate
and maintain and needs no power. This operates at low gravity
pressure and maintains nearly constant volume irrespective of
water pressure. The system is capable of providing a constant
flow of about 40 lit. of rain water per hour. The Xenotex- A and
activated carbon cartridges processes up to 20,000 liters of water
and can be regenerated up to 10 times.

Fig. 2.14 Rain water purification center

26
2.2.7 Settlement tank

If the collected rain water from roof top / ground is used to

recharge ground water reserve, it should be passed through a
desilting pit/ settlement tank before entering the aquifer. The
settlement tank facilitates the settling down of suspended material
i.e. silt and other floating impurities before the water recharge
the aquifer. The settlement tank should have inlet, outlet and
overflow device. Any container with adequate capacity of storage
can be used as settlement tank. It can be either underground or
over ground.

The settlement tank acts like a buffer in the system. In case

of excess rainfall, the rate of recharge, especially of borewells,
may not match the rate of rainfall. In such situations, the desilting
chamber holds the excess amount of rain water, till it is soaked
by recharge structures. The settlement tank can be prefabricated
PVC or Ferro-cement tanks, masonry and concrete tanks (Fig.
2.15). In case of underground settlement tank, the bottom can
be unpaved surface so that water can percolate through soil.

Fig. 2.15 Settlement tank

For designing the optimum capacity of the settlement tank,

27
the following parameters need to be considered –

(a) Size of the catchment

(b) Intensity of rain fall
(c) Rate of recharge

The capacity of the tank should be enough to retain the runoff

occurring from conditions of peak rainfall intensity. The rate of
recharge in comparison to runoff is a critical factor. The capacity
of recharge tank is designed to retain runoff from at least 15
minutes of rainfall of peak intensity.

For example, for Delhi peak hourly rainfall is 90mm (based on

25 year frequency) and 15 minutes peak rainfall is 22.5 mm say
25mm.

Area of roof top catchment (A) = 100 sqm.

Peak rain fall in 15 min (r) = 25mm (0.025m)
Runoff coefficient (C) = 0.85
Then, capacity of settlement tank = A x r x C
= 100 x 0.025 x 0.85
= 2.125 cum
or 2,125 liters

2.2.8 Storage tank

Whenever the rain water collected from roof top is used directly
for various purposes, storage tank is required. The storage tank
can be cylindrical, rectangular or square in shape. The material
of construction can be RCC, ferrocement, masonry, PVC or metal
sheets. Depending upon the availability of space, the storage
tank can be above ground, partially underground or fully
underground. The design of storage tank is dependent on many
factors which are listed below:

(a) Number of persons in the household – The greater the

number of persons, more will be requirement of water.

28
 (b) Per capita requirement – varies from household to
household, based on standard of living. The requirement
also varies with season. In summer the requirement is
more in comparison to winter. Similarly, the per capita
requirement is more in urban areas in comparison to rural
areas.
(c) Average annual rainfall.
(d) Rainfall pattern – It has a significant impact on capacity
of storage tank. If the rainfall is uniformly spread throughout
the year, the requirement of storage capacity will be less.
But if the rainfall is concentrated to a limited period in a
year, the storage tanks of higher capacity will be required.
(e) Type and size of catchment – Depending upon the type of
roofing material, the runoff coefficient varies which affect
the effective yield from a catchment area. The size of the
catchment also has a bearing on tank size. The more the
catchment area, larger the size of storage tank.

The design of the storage tank, can be done using following

three approaches:
(a) Matching the capacity of the tank to the area of the roof.
(b) Matching the capacity of the tank to the quantity of water
required by its users.
(c) Choosing a tank size that is appropriate in terms of costs,
resources and construction methods.

2.2.8.1 Matching the capacity of the tank with the

area of the roof

In this approach, storage capacity of the tank is determined,

based on the actual catchment area and total rain water harvesting
potential. All the water collected from roof top is stored in storage
tank and storage capacity is calculated based on the consumption
pattern and rainfall pattern.

Illustration – Suppose the storage tank has to be designed

for 200 sqm roof area in Chennai area where average annual

29
rainfall is 1290mm. The runoff coefficient for roof top is 0.85, so
for every 1mm rainfall, the quantity of water which can be harvested
is 200 x 0.001 x 0.85 = 0.170m3 or 170 liters.

The monthly consumption of water is 20,000 liters. Table 2.2

given below illustrates the method of calculation of required
storage capacity of the tank.

Table 2.2 Calculation of capacity of storage tank

Month Monthly Rain fall Cumulative Monthly Cumulative Difference

Rain fall Harvested rain fall Demand between
in mm in liters harvested in liters (4) & (6)
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)
July 98 16660 16660 20000 20000 -3340
Aug 136 23120 39780 20000 40000 -220
Sept. 122 20740 60520 20000 60000 520
Oct. 282 47940 108460 20000 80000 28460
Nov. 354 60180 168640 20000 100000 68640
Dec. 141 23970 192610 20000 120000 72610
Jan. 30 5100 197710 20000 140000 47710
Feb. 8 1360 199070 20000 160000 39070
Mar. 5 850 199920 20000 180000 39920
Apr. 15 2550 202470 20000 200000 2470
May 38 6460 208930 20000 220000 -11070
June 61 10370 219300 20000 240000 20700

Total annual rain fall: 1290mm

From the above table, it can be seen that difference between

cumulative rainfall harvested and cumulative demand is maximum
in the month of December at 72610 liters. So the capacity of
storage tank should be 72610 liters, say 73000 liters.

30
2.2.8.2 Matching the capacity of the tank with the
quantity of water required by its users

Suppose the system has to be designed for meeting drinking

water requirement of a 4 member family living in the building with
a roof top area of 200 sqm. The average annual rainfall in the
Chennai region is 1290 mm. Daily drinking water requirement is
10 liters per person.

If area of catchment (A) = 200 sq.m.

average annual rainfall ( R) = 1290 mm (1.290 m)
and runoff coefficient (C) = 0.85
Then, annual rain water
harvesting potential = 200 x 1.290 x 0.85

= 219.30 cum or 2,19,300 liters

The tank capacity is determined based on the dry period i.e.

the period between the two consecutive rainy seasons. For
example, with a monsoon extending over 5 months, the dry season
is of 215 days.

Drinking water requirement for the family during dry season =

215 x 4 x 10 = 8600 liters. After keeping some factor of safety,
the tank should have 20 percent more capacity than required
above, i.e. 10,320 liters.

2.2.8.3 Choosing a tank size, appropriate in terms

of costs, resources and construction methods

In practice, the costs, resources and construction methods

tend to limit the storage tank to smaller capacity in comparison
to requirement as per approach 1 & 2. Depending upon the
budget and space available, the construction of storage tank is
done so that at least for some period dependence on municipal
sources / water tankers can be minimized.

  
31
 CHAPTER - 3

RECHARGING SUBSURFACE AQUIFERS

3.1 Methods of Recharging Subsurface Aquifers

The various methods of recharging subsurface aquifers are:
1. Through recharge pit.
2. Recharge through abandoned hand pump.
3. Recharge through abandoned dug well/open well.
4. Through recharge trench.
5. Recharge through shaft.
6. Recharge trench with bore.
3.1.1 Through recharge pit
This method is suitable where permeable strata is available
at shallow depth. It is adopted for buildings having roof area up
to 100 sqm. Recharge pit of any shape is constructed generally
1-2 m wide and 2-3 m deep. The pit is filled with boulders, gravel
and sand for filtration of rain water. Water entering in to RWH
structure should be silt free. Top layer of sand of filter should be
cleaned periodically for better ingression of rain water in to the
sub soil. Details are shown in Fig. 3.1.

3.1.2 Recharge through abandoned hand pump

In this method, an abandoned hand pump is used as

recharging structure. It is suitable for building having roof top
area up to 150 sqm . Roof top rain water is fed to the hand
pump through 100 mm dia. pipe as shown in Fig. 3.2. Water fed
in the Rain water harvesting structure should be silt free. Water
from first rain should be diverted to drain through suitable
arrangement. If water is not clear then filter should be provided.

3.1.3 Recharge through abandoned dug well / open

well

In this method, a dry / unused dug well can be used as a

32
recharge structure. It is suitable for buildings having a roof top
area more then 100 sqm . Recharge water is guided through a
pipe of 100 mm to the bottom of the well as shown in Fig. 3.3.
Well cleaning and desilting is imperative before using it.
Recharge water guided should be silt free, otherwise filter should
be provided as shown in Fig. 3.3. Well should be cleaned
periodically and chlorinated to control bacteriological
contamination.

3.1.4 Through recharge trench

This method is used where permeable strata is available at

shallow depth. It is suitable for buildings having roof top area
between 200 & 300 sqm. In this method, trench of 0.5-1.0 m
wide, 1-1.5 m deep and of adequate length depending upon
roof top area and soil/subsoil characteristics should be
constructed and filled with boulders, gravel and sand as shown
in Fig. 3.4. Cleaning of filter media should be done periodically.

3.1.5 Recharge through shafts

This method is suitable where shallow aquifer is located

below clayey surface. It is used for buildings having roof top
area between 2000 & 5000 sqm. Recharge shaft of diameter
0.5-3 m and 10-15 m deep is excavated mechanically. The shaft
should end in impermeable strata. The shaft should be filled
with boulders, gravel and sand for filtration of recharge water.
Top sand layer should be cleaned periodically. Recharge shaft
should be constructed 10-15 m away from the buildings for the
safety of the buildings. The details are given in Fig. 3.5.

3.1.6 Recharge trench with bore

This method is used where sub-soil is impervious and large

quantity of roof water/ surface run off is available. In this, trench
is made 1.5-3 m wide and 10-30 m length depending upon water
availability. Wells of 150-300 mm dia. and 3-5 m deep (below
pervious layer) are constructed in the trench. Numbers of wells
to be dug are decided in accordance to water availability and
rate of ingression. Trench is filled with filtration media as shown
in Fig. 3.6. A suitable silt chamber is also inserted with grating
for water diverting arrangements as shown in the figure.

33
34
Fig. 3.1 Through recharge pit
35
Fig. 3.2 Recharge through abandoned hand pump
36
Fig. 3.3 Recharge through abandoned open well
37
Fig. 3.4 Through recharge trench
38
Fig. 3.5 Recharge through shaft
39
Fig. 3.6 Recharge trench with bore
 CHAPTER - 4

CASE STUDY

4.1 Introduction

The various method of rain water harvesting explained in

previous chapters are equally applicable for the single building
or structure which is having built up area. Since the principals of
rain water harvesting are universal, the same can be applied
for rain water harvesting in big colonies/establishment with some
minor modifications. The basic components of any rain water
harvesting system remain the same but the number and size
may vary depending upon the catchments area. If the rain water
harvesting has to be implemented in a large area i.e. an office
complex or big residential complex, the area can be subdivided
into smaller parts. The runoff from each smaller part can be
harvested through recharge structures constructed nearby while
the runoff from open areas can be canalized through storm water
drains into recharge structures. Fig.4.1 given below indicates
one such type of scheme.

Fig. 4.1 Rain water harvesting in a large area

40
4.2 Rain Water Harvesting at IRICEN Hostel

The Indian Railways Institute of Civil Engineering (IRICEN),

Pune is having a 104 rooms hostel at Koregaon Park. The total
area of the hostel building is approx. 1162.5 sqm and open area
in the hostel is approx. 900 sqm. In first phase, the rain water
harvesting has been implemented in left wing of the hostel,
covering a roof top area of 465 sqm and open area of 788 sqm.
For rain water harvesting, a deep bore well of 32m. depth and
150mm dia. has been bored.

The annual rainfall (R) in Pune is approx. 700mm.

Considering a roof top area (A) of 465 sqm and runoff coefficient
(C) of 0.85, the rain water harvesting potential from roof top is
=AxRxC
= 465 x 0.700 x 0.85
= 276.675 cum or 2,76,675 liters

The open area from which runoff is to be collected is approx.

788 sqm. Considering a runoff coefficient (C) of 0.55 for open
areas, the rain water harvesting potential from open area is
=AxRxC
= 788 x 0.700 x 0.55
= 303.38 cu.m. or 3,03,380 liters

Total rain water harvesting potential annually is 5,80,055 liters

from the roof top and open area. The scheme for rain water
harvesting implemented at IRICEN is shown in fig 4.2.

The runoff from roof top is collected through down take pipes
/ conduits of 100mm dia. After collection through conduits, the
collected water is channelised through a network of drains
(underground) having 250/150mm dia. RCC pipes to a
settlement tank cum filter. Similarly the runoff from open area is
also collected through series of chambers constructed along
the drains and channelised to settlement tank cum filter. The
details of settlement tank cum filter are shown in Fig. 4.3.

41
Fig. 4.2 Rain water harvesting at IRICEN hostel

42
43
Fig. 4.3 Details of settlement tank / filter for Rain Water Harvesting
 The capacity of filter cum settlement tank is 8400 liters, which
is sufficient to retain runoff from at least 15 minutes rainfall of
peak intensity. After passing through the filter media, the filtered
water enters into the 150mm dia 32m deep borewell, bored
specifically for this purpose i.e. for recharging ground water
aquifer. The overflow from settlement tank/filter enters into the
municipal sewer through the connection provided. The total
cost of implementation of the project in IRICEN hostel was
approximately Rs. 55,000 and the system was implemented in
January 2006.

  

44
 CHAPTER - 5

QUALITY OF WATER
The rain water is one of purest form of water and does not
contain suspended / dissolved impurities. However when this water
is collected through rain water harvesting, it gets contaminated
because of contact with roof surface/ground and some of the
impurities get mixed in it. These impurities are required to be
removed before collecting the harvested rain water in storage tank
or diverting it or recharging of ground water aquifers.
Following precautions should be taken to ensure quality of water:

1. Roof over which water falls, should be cleaned before

rain fall.
2. The suitable type of first flushing device to be installed
and initial 10 to 15 minutes of runoff should be diverted.
3. The water collected from roof top only, should be stored
in storage tank for direct use.
4. The runoff from surface/ground should be preferably be
used for recharging ground water aquifers after proper
filtration.
5. The rain water collected from roof top should pass
through suitable type of filter and only then it should be
stored in storage tank / used for recharging ground water
aquifers.

The harvested rain water may contain some toxic substances

which may affect our health. The water collected from roof top
after filtration can be used directly for lawn watering, washing
etc. But if this water has to be used directly for drinking purpose,
then quality of water must be ascertained before use.

The water used for drinking should comply with the provisions
of IS-10500:1991 i.e. Indian Standard “DRINKING WATER –
SPECIFICATION (First Revision)”. The important test
characteristics for drinking water as given in Table 1 of IS-
10500:1991 are reproduced in Table 5.1 for ready reference.

45
 Table 5.1 Important test characteristics for drinking water

S Substance Requirement Undesirable Effect Permisible Limit Method Remarks

N Characteristics (Desirable Outside the in the Absence of Test
Limit) Desirable Limit of Alternate (Ref. to IS)
Source
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Essential Characteristics
i Colour, Hazen units, 5 Above 5. consumer 25 3025(Part-4): Extended to 25 only
Max. acceptance desreases 1983 if toxic substances
are not suspected in
absenceof alternate

46
sources.
ii Odour Unobjectionable - - 3025 (Part-5): a) Test cold and
1983 when heated b) Test
at several dilutions

iii Taste Aggreable - - 3025 (Part Test to be conducted

7&8):1984 only after safety has
been established.
iv Turbidity NTU, Max. 5 Above5, consumer 10 3025 (Part
acceptance decreases. 10): 1984
v pH Value 6.5 to 8.5 Beyond this range the No relaxation 3025 (Part
water will affect the 11): 1984
mucous membrane and/or
water supply system
 S Substance Requirement Undesirable Effect Permisible Limit Method Remarks
N Characteristics (Desirable Outside the in the Absence of Test
Limit) Desirable Limit of Alternate (Ref. to IS)
Source
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
vi Total Hardness 300 Encrustation in water 600 3025 (Part
(as CaCO3) mg/l, supply structure and 21): 1983
Max. adverse effects on
domestic use.
vii Iron (as Fe) mg/l, Beyond this limit taste/ 1.0 32 of 3025
Max. 0.3 appearance are affected : 1964
, has adverse effect on
domestic uses and water

47
supply structures, and
promotes iron bacteria.
viii Chloride (as Cl) 250 Beyond this limit, test, 1000 3025 (Part
mg/l, Max.0.3 corrosion and palatability 32): 1988
are affected.
ix Residual free 0.2 - - 3025 (Part To be applicable only
chlorine mg/l, Min 26)1986 when water is
chlorinated. Tested at
consumer end. When
protection is required,
it should be Min
0.5mg/l
 S Substance Requirement Undesirable Effect Permisible Limit Method Remarks
N Characteristics (Desirable Outside the in the Absence of Test
Limit) Desirable Limit of Alternate (Ref. to IS)
Source
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
x Fluoride (as F) 1.0 Fluoride may be kept as 1.5 23 of 3025
mg/l, Max. low as possible. High 1964
fluoride may cause
fluorosis
Desirable Characteristics
xi Dissolved solid 500 Beyond this palatability 2000 3025 (Part
mg/l, Max. decreases and may cause 16) 1984

48
gastro intestinal irritation
xii Calcium (as Ca) 75 Encrustation in 200 3025 (Part
mg/l, Max. water supply structure 40) 1991
and adverse effect on
domestic use
xiii Magnesium 30 Encrustation to water 100 16.33.34 of
(as Mg) mg/l, Max. supply structure and IS 3025 1964
adverse effect on
xiv Copper (as Cu) 0.05 domestic use Astringent 1.5 36 of 3025
mg/l, Max. taste, will be caused 1964
beyond this discoloration
and corrosion of pipes,
fitting and utensils
 S Substance Requirement Undesirable Effect Permisible Limit Method Remarks
N Characteristics (Desirable Outside the in the Absence of Test
Limit) Desirable Limit of Alternate (Ref. to IS)
Source
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
xv Sulphate (as SO4) 200 Beyond this causes gas- 400 (sec. col. 3025 (Part May be extended up
tro intenstinal irritation 7) 24) 1986 400 provided
when magnesium or Magnesium (as Mg)
sodium are present. does not exceed 30
xvi Nitrate (as NO2) 45 Beyond this methaemo- No relaxation 3025 (Part
Mg/l, Max. globinemia takes place 34) 1988

xvii Cadmium (as Cd) 0.01 Beyond this, the water No relaxation See Note 1 To be tested when

49
Mg/l, Max. becomes toxic pollution is suspected
xviii Arsenic (as As) 0.01 Beyond this, the water No relaxation 3025 (Part To be tested when
Mg/l, Max. becomes toxic 37) 1988 pollution is suspected
xix Lead (as Pb) Mg/l, 0.05 Beyond this limit, the No relaxation See Note 1 To be tested when
Max. water becomes toxic pollution is suspected
xx Zinc (as Zn) Mg/l, 5 Beyond this limit it can 15 39 of 3925 To be tested when
Max. cause astringent taste & 1964 pollution is suspected
an opalescence in water
xxi Mineral Oil Mg/l, 0.01 Beyond this limit undesi- 0.03 Gas chromat- To be tested when
Max. rable taste and odour ographic pollution is
after chlorination take place method suspected

Note-1: Atomic absorption spectrophotometric method may be used

 To test the quality of water, the water samples can be
collected and testing can be done in testing laboratories But as
a routine, the quality of water can also be checked with the help
of testing kits by the users themselves. In case, water is not
potable, treatment of water may be necessary to make it fit for
human consumption. For treatment of water, the following
measures can be taken at household level.

(a) Filtration of water should be done using suitable type of

filter. The details of various type of filter are given in
chapter 2.
(b) Chemical disinfection can be done by chlorination.
Chlorination is done with stabilized bleaching powder,
which is a mixture of chlorine and lime. Chlorination can
kill all types of bacteria and make water safe for drinking
purposes. Approx. 1 gm of bleaching powder is sufficient
to treat 200 liters of water otherwise chlorine tablets,
which are easily available in the market can be used for
disinfection of water. One tablet of 0.5gm is enough to
disinfect 20 litres of water.
(c) Boiling water is one of the effective method of purification.
Boiling water for 10 to 20 minutes is enough to remove
all biological contaminants.

  

50
References

1. Texas Guide on rain water harvesting

2. “A Water Harvesting Manual for urban areas” issued by
Centre For Science and Environment
3. Paper on “Rain Water Harvesting” written by Sri. Kaushal
Kishore, Materials Engineer, Roorkee published in
CE&CR , May 2004
4. Indian Standard Guidelines for Rain Water Harvesting
in hilly areas by roof water collection system” IS
14961:2001
5. Indian Standard “ Drinking Water Specifications” IS
10500 : 1991
6. Indian Railway Works Manual 2000
7. www.rainwaterharvesting.org
8. www.aboutrainwaterharvesting.com

  

51
First Edition : August 2006

Second Edition : October 2015

Revised Edition

Price < 30/-

For suggestions, please write to:

mail@iricen.gov.in
 RAIN WATER
HARVESTING

Published by :
INDIAN RAILWAYS INSTITUTE OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, PUNE
11-A, South Main Road, Koregaon Park, Pune - 411001.

Design by :
HUMA Adds, Pune.
October 2015
Printed by :
Kalyani Corporation, Sadashiv Peth, Pune - 30. Indian Railways Institute of Civil Engineering
Pune 411001
Price < 30/-