RAINWATER HARVESTING

Water is one of the primary needs of the community. The need for clean water taps supplied by the public generally. But until now, not all people get clean water from the taps so as to obtain clean water is obtained from groundwater. The use of ground water for daily needs - day for domestic use is reasonable and safe for ground water will be replenished during the rainy season. But it would be dangerous in the event of over-exploitation of ground water. Exploitation of groundwater is happening because too many people that use ground water as estates that do not subscribe to taps and industries large and small who need a lot of water every day.

Worse yet, during the rainy season should be a time in which the soil absorbs water, it can not be done to the fullest. This is due to the areas that can absorb water into the ground is increasingly reduced. The rapid urban development has replaced rice fields into housing, converting vacant land into the concrete jungle of overgrown plants and asphalt.

When it rains, the water became stuck in the ground by concrete roads etc., There is little that can be absorbed by the soil (infiltration), the rest being water runoff or if in considerable amounts resulting in flooding. But, of course, urban growth is a positive thing, provided due regard to the impact on the environment

Exploitation of groundwater can cause subsidence of land to (land subsidence). In addition, it will also cause clean water shortages because groundwater is increasingly difficult to obtain. If the ground water exploitation continues without any brakes, the water crisis is likely to become a reality.

Rainwater is captured and then stored (rain water harvesting) can be utilized by the household for everyday needs some treatment if needed, or use a small industrial businesses, such as motorcycle and car washing, laundry business, etc.. With substituted by rain water, ground water exploitation can be reduced, not only was the rain that has not accommodated in the shelter (reservoir) can be incorporated into the soil by using infiltration wells so as to increase the supply of ground water. If the shelter has a large capacity, water can be used until the dry season.

Rainwater harvesting (rain water harvesting) is a simple way. Pellets of rain falling rainwater captured by the catcher, catchers used rain water usually is effective because in addition to the roof of the building is also efficient. The wider roof of the building, the more well rainwater that can be captured, then the rain water is channeled by gutters or pipes to get to the shelter, the shelter usually located in the soil due to its weight when filled with water will be very heavy.

The technology is quite simple, but it can provide real benefits. It can even be made by the layman, because the process of making more use of the carpentry work. Moreover, public awareness of the water is more necessary than in-depth mastery of the theoretical method. However, when making accompanied by a careful calculation in determining the capacity of reservoirs, rainfall, piping, etc.., It will give better results.

This method can be done anywhere. As for a good place to apply this method to the building is large enough or public facilities such as mosques, multipurpose building, gymnasium, etc.

In Indonesia, rainwater harvesting is still rarely used. Given the current availability of water is not the most pressing problem, although signs of the water crisis are starting to show. By implementing rainwater harvesting, there are at least two benefits to be had.

First, the cost savings. Indeed, at the current price of clean water is not as expensive as the price of fuel. However, if can save the expense of the water, why not. Especially in areas that normally have to buy water in jerry cans, as well as for small industries and businesses, such as motorcycle and car washes laundry business that requires a lot of water every day.

Second, the benefits to our environment. Rainwater harvesting can reduce the usage of ground water. During the rainy season, the water is so abundant that it can be used directly or to be treated first if necessary, the remaining rain water is collected in a tank for use in the dry season.

Although the need for water in the dry season can not be met entirely from the results of the water, but it will greatly affect the reduction in groundwater use. Back on the SSAT rainy season, if the tank has been filled, which have been harvested rainwater can be channeled to the infiltration wells. This infiltration wells can recharge the ground water, as well as to avoid flooding caused water to seep into the soil.

If we were being kind to the environment, the environment may also be kind to us, and besides, you should not wait for a disaster to come first if the anticipation can begin.