Rainwater Harvesting: 23 flashcards
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1. What is rainwater harvesting?
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The collection and storage of rainwater for reuse before it reaches the aquifer, or the recharge of groundwater.
2. Name two main types of rainwater harvesting systems.
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1. Surface runoff harvesting (collecting from roofs or ground) and 2. Roof top rainwater harvesting (collecting from rooftops).
3. What is the primary purpose of rainwater harvesting?
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To conserve water, reduce dependence on groundwater, and mitigate flooding.
4. What is a catchment area in rainwater harvesting?
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The surface from which rainwater is collected, such as a roof or ground surface.
5. What is the role of a first flush diverter?
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It discards the initial rainwater to remove debris and contaminants from the catchment surface.
6. What is groundwater recharge?
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The process of directing rainwater into the ground to replenish aquifers.
7. Name one method for groundwater recharge in rainwater harvesting.
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Recharge pits, trenches, or wells.
8. What is the advantage of rainwater harvesting for water quality?
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Rainwater is relatively pure and soft, reducing the need for chemical treatment.
9. How does rainwater harvesting help in urban areas?
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It reduces stormwater runoff, prevents flooding, and supplements water supply.
10. What is a rainwater storage tank?
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A container used to collect and store harvested rainwater for later use.
11. What is the formula for estimating the amount of rainwater that can be harvested?
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$$\text{Harvested water} = \text{Catchment area} \times \text{Rainfall} \times \text{Runoff coefficient}$$
12. What does the runoff coefficient represent?
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The fraction of rainfall that becomes runoff, depending on the catchment surface.
13. Give an example of a runoff coefficient for a concrete roof.
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0.8 to 0.9 (80-90% of rainfall is collected).
14. What is a major limitation of rainwater harvesting?
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It depends on rainfall patterns and requires storage and maintenance.
15. How can rainwater harvesting contribute to sustainable development?
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It reduces pressure on freshwater resources and energy used for water treatment and pumping.
16. Why does the word 'harvest' matter in rainwater harvesting?
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It frames rain as a crop — something to be captured at the right moment and stored for later use, not left to drain away. It emphasizes managing timing: rain arrives in bursts while water demand is continuous.
17. List the five steps in the rainwater harvesting system chain.
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Catchment → conveyance → filtration → storage or recharge → use.
18. What happens if one link in the harvesting chain is weak (e.g., clogged filter, leaking pipe, tank with no overflow)?
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The whole system underperforms — harvesting is only as good as its weakest component.
19. How does surface runoff collection differ from rooftop harvesting in water quality and typical use?
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Surface runoff carries soil, silt, and debris, so it suits irrigation and groundwater recharge; rooftop water is relatively clean and can serve drinking and domestic use after treatment.
20. How does a recharge pit or trench differ from a storage tank?
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A tank holds water above ground for direct use now; a recharge pit or trench lets water percolate into the ground to refill the aquifer — banking water underground for the dry season.
21. Why is recharge central to groundwater management in cities?
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Concrete has sealed the soil, preventing natural infiltration; recharge structures deliberately return rain to the aquifer instead of letting it run off.
22. Why is the first flush of rain diverted, and what does drinking use additionally require?
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The first flush is the dirtiest (dust, bird droppings, pollutants). Drinking use requires first-flush diversion plus filtration and often disinfection — rainwater is not automatically potable.
23. Why is rainwater harvesting described as a decentralised and sustainable solution?
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Every household, school, and farm can participate, not just large utilities; it works with the water cycle by slowing and infiltrating runoff, supporting groundwater recharge that feeds wells and springs.
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