Water Harvesting

Water harvesting measures These are artificial recharge measures that capture rainfall and run-off and store it in the soil profile or add to the recharge

Water harvesting measures There are many different types of water harvesting techniques – depending on: natural conditions (slope, soil, rainfall patterns) local knowledge and traditions

Some examples of water harvesting measures Recharge wells Percolation ponds Contour bunding Checkdams and gully-plugs Subsurface dams

By channelling run-off to disused dugwells, recharge wells are created

Percolation tank These tanks collect rainwater and run-off and make sure it infiltrates

Contour Bund Intercepts the sheetflow and ponds up water in the gully, so that it infiltrates

Some examples of water harvesting measures Block and impound stormwater flow in riverbeds and gullies

Subsurface dams These are built underground They intercept subsurface flows in river beds They serve both to recharge and to increase water tables in the area

Local water harvesting measures Where possible small and low cost water harvesting structures – such as recharge wells - may be promoted, as these: can be made with local and even individual investment can be easily maintained + When people invest themselves in recharge it is also more likely that they will develop local rules on using groundwater

There are also many opportunities to integrate road planning with artificial recharge by having road bunds slowing down surface run-off

This bridge for instance doubles up as a checkdam! Flood water in the river bed is retained before it flows through the culverts Water retained here