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The document outlines the process and importance of conducting a detailed survey for Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) systems, emphasizing the need to gather technical, environmental, and social data. It details the steps involved in the survey, including site reconnaissance, measurement of catchment areas, soil investigation, and water demand assessment, along with the tools required for each step. The outputs of the survey include a catchment area map, water collection potential report, and cost estimation for the RWH system.

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Nikhil Singh
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4 views

Rain

The document outlines the process and importance of conducting a detailed survey for Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) systems, emphasizing the need to gather technical, environmental, and social data. It details the steps involved in the survey, including site reconnaissance, measurement of catchment areas, soil investigation, and water demand assessment, along with the tools required for each step. The outputs of the survey include a catchment area map, water collection potential report, and cost estimation for the RWH system.

Uploaded by

Nikhil Singh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 8

1.

Introduction
Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) is a technique of collecting and storing rainwater for
reuse, rather than allowing it to run off.
Before implementing an RWH system, a detailed survey must be conducted to col-
lect all necessary technical, environmental, and social information.
A good survey ensures that the RWH system is optimized, cost-effective, and sus-
tainable.

2. Purpose of Survey Work

 To understand the site conditions.


 To quantify how much rainwater can be collected.
 To assess soil suitability for recharge.
 To measure available space for storage tanks, filters, recharge structures.
 To predict challenges (technical, environmental, social).
 To create a basis for design and costing.
3. Scope of Survey

The survey will cover:

Survey Type Focus


Physical Survey Catchment area, slope, surface features
Hydrological Survey Rainfall patterns, runoff estimation
Soil and Subsoil Survey Permeability, water table depth
Demand Survey Daily and monthly water consumption
Infrastructure Survey Existing pipes, tanks, drainage structures
Environmental and Legal Survey Environmental impact, legal permissions
4. Steps in Survey Work

Step 1: Literature Study & Data Collection

Before going to the site, we collect background data:

 Rainfall Data: Obtain last 5–10 years' average rainfall (Monthly and Annual)
from:
 Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) records
 Local water resource departments
 Topographic Maps: Study maps to understand the natural slopes and drainage.
 Satellite Images: Use Google Earth or GIS tools to see catchment details.

Example:

Prayagraj receives ~950 mm of rainfall annually.

Step 2: Site Reconnaissance


 Walk over the site area.
 Identify:
 Rooftop catchments (flat/sloping roofs)
 Open catchments (parks, fields)
 Waterlogging spots
 Natural drains
 Mark obstacles like trees, structures.

Example:
Our college EXAMINATION BUILDING has a flat RCC rooftop of size --
Step 3: Measurement of Catchment Area
 Measure length × width of roofs or ground surfaces.
 Tools:
Measuring Tape (manual measurement)

Laser Distance Meter (quick measurement)

Total Station / GPS (for large plots)

Formula to calculate rainwater harvestable volume:

Volume(litres) =Rainfall(mm) ×Catchment area (𝑚2 )× Runoff coefficient


Where runoff coefficient depends on
RCC Roof 0.8-0.9
Tiled roof 0.6-0.7
Paved ground 0.5-0.7
Unpaved ground 0.2-0.3

Example Calculation:
Catchment Area =
Rainfall = 950 mm = 0.95 meters
Runoff coefficient (RCC roof) =
Volume=

Step 4: Soil and Subsoil Investigation


For recharge structures, soil permeability is important.
Percolation Test Method:
 Dig a small pit (30 cm × 30 cm × 30 cm).
 Fill it with water.
 Measure the time for water to percolate into the soil.
Percolation Rate Formula:
Initial Water Level−Final water level
Percolation Rate (cm/hr)=
Time
 Good Soil: 2–5 cm/hr
 Poor Soil: < 1 cm/hr
Also check:
 Water table depth (important if planning recharge wells).
 Soil type (sandy soils are best for percolation).

Step 5: Topographic Survey


 Identify ground slope direction (important for gravity flow).
 Note natural drains, ditches, low areas.
 Survey Tools:
Dumpy Level
Theodolite
Auto Level
 Draw a contour map.
Example:
Slope towards the north suggests tank inlet on north side.

Step 6: Water Demand Survey


 Calculate water demand based on user group:
Household: 135 liters/person/day
School : 15–25 liters/student/day
Offices : 45–90 liters/person/day

Water Demand Formula:

Total Demand (liters/day)=No. of Users × Per Capita Demand


Example Calculation:
School =
Per capita =
Total Demand=

Step 7: Infrastructure Survey


 Locate existing drainage pipes, tanks, borewells.
 Identify points to connect RWH system.

Example:
I.E.R.T. already has a drainage downpipe — can be diverted to storage tank.

Step 8: Environmental and Social Aspects

 Check if any trees, natural habitats will be affected.


 Take feedback from local users.
 Check if there are any local by-laws or permissions required (urban areas).

5. Outputs of the Survey


After the survey, prepare:
 Catchment Area Map
 Water Collection Potential Report
 Percolation Test Results
 Proposed Location for Tank, Filter, Recharge Pit
 Technical Drawing (layout)
 Estimation of Costs
 Construction Planning

6. Tools and Equipment Summary


Tool Purpose
Measuring Tape Length/width measurement
Laser Distance Meter Quick distance measurement
Dumpy Level / AutoLevel Slope, level survey
GPS Device Location marking
Soil Testing Kit Percolation, soil type
Camera Site photo documentation

7. Common Challenges Faced


 Inaccessibility of rooftops or remote areas.
 Variations in soil type within small distances.
 Old or inaccurate rainfall data.
 Lack of cooperation from property owners or authoritie

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