JOIN USExperts call for harnessing rainwater
Water conservationists have urged the people and the agencies for proper utilisation of rainwater through rainwater harvesting to overcome water shortage, and also suggested the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) take measures to educate and promote rainwater utilisation.
According to experts, rainwater can be used for drinking purpose as it is pure compared to borewell, tank and river water. Rainwater can be collected for use after one or two spells of rain.
Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority former member K M Jayaramaiah said, "Rainwater is pure and less polluted when compared to borewell and river water, and is safe for drinking." Jayaramaiah has written to Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) authorities to take measures to promote rainwater harvesting at ward level.
The city has a total of 65 wards and the civic body pumps 250 MLD from Cauvery and Kabini rivers. The city, however, receives approximately 180 MLD of water, due to leakage and wastage during the purification process.
With the proper utilisation of rainwater, it reduces the burden on the other water sources such as borewells and rivers. The district receives an average rainfall of 776.7 mm annually and a 200 sqft rooftop RWH unit can harvest 15,000 litres of water every year.
MCC has made rainwater harvesting mandatory for the structures built on sites measuring 50x80 ft and above. Many people are under the impression that the rainwater is not safe for drinking and it affects health. But, using the water after a few spells of rain will not have any effects on the health as dirt and germs wash away from the roof, especially when rain follows several days of dry weather.
Borewell water contains several metals and harmful chemicals. The chances of contamination of borewells are high as drainage water mix with borewell water. Even, tank and river get polluted due to the inflow of industrial effluents and drain water, says Jayaramaiah.