THE USEFULNESS OF RAIN WATER HARVESTING

Story by: Boadu Gyarteng Emmanuel

Rainwater harvesting is a method for accumulating and storing water for various purposes, including agricultural irrigation, household chores, and drinking. This natural resource has been used by civilizations for centuries and has been purified for drinking purposes.

Rainwater harvesting, an ancient practice, provides drinking water, crop irrigation, and mitigates urban stormwater overflow. It involves collecting and storing rainwater using man-made systems, helping combat water shortages in regions with minimal rainfall.

Rooftop collection systems in Ghana are prevalent, using galvanized sheet metal or polyvinyl chloride components to collect rainwater. The quality and quantity of collected water are influenced by roof location and material.

Ghana primarily uses subterranean water storage, with careful planning to ensure adequate capacity. Tanks can also be used for storing collected water.

Rainwater harvested through conveyance systems is directed to storage solutions, either filtered or unfiltered, ensuring cost-effective and eco-friendly solutions.