What Are The Advantages of Rainwater Harvesting, And How is it Useful?

Last Updated on April 14, 2023 by Mattias

As population growth increases every year and climate change occurs, the collection of rainwater will become more important than ever.

This article answers the advantages of rainwater harvesting.

What Are The Advantages of Rainwater Harvesting

The practice of rainwater harvesting comes with a number of advantages:

• Requires minimal maintenance
• Self-sufficient water supply system
• Lowers water expenses
• Ideal for irrigation purposes
• Decreases reliance on groundwater
• Provides supplementary water during droughts
• Mitigates flooding and soil erosion
• It can be used as a source of drinking water
• Useful for various non-potable purposes
• Easy to install
• It can be saved for later use

Requires minimal maintenance

When your rainwater harvesting system is in place, it requires minimal care. But doing regular maintenance every 6 months is recommended to prevent algae growth or water contamination.

Self-sufficient water supply system

When storing rainwater, you will become more and more independent, especially for future needs. Stored water is a great way to stay prepared for any water crisis.

Lowers water expenses

All the harvested rainwater can replace much water usage at home, which means lower water bills.

Ideal for irrigation use

An irrigation system can use the collected water, and it’s possible to have enough water for your whole garden at all times. (depending on the type of system and the annual rainfall)

Decreases reliance on groundwater

As our population grows, so does the water demand. This affects groundwater recharge, which is very bad in places with water scarcity. Using rainwater collection systems can help the groundwater recharge.

Provides supplementary water during droughts

Places with drought can benefit a lot from the storage of rainwater. By storing rainwater, they can have it for future use when a drought occurs.

Mitigates flooding and soil erosion

Harvesting rainwater during heavy rainfall seasons can help reduce flooding in low-lying areas. Besides that, it also helps decrease soil erosion and the contamination of surface water due to fertilizers and pesticides that come from rainwater run-off, which makes the ponds and lakes much cleaner.

It can be used as a source of drinking water

Using water for drinking is possible, but it’s essential to use a filtration system to ensure good water quality. Clean water is vital, especially if it’s for human use.

Useful for various non-potable purposes

Besides drinking, it can be used for more things like:

• Flush toilets
• Bathing
• Cooking
• Washing clothes
• Washing the car

Easy to install

Most rainwater harvesting systems are easy to install. If you don’t want to start with a big storage tank, you can start small with a rain barrel.

It can be saved for later use

The rainwater can be stored and used later when needed. If it’s for drinking or cooking, we recommend testing the water if it’s been in the tank for a while.

Free

The rainwater is free, and all the amount of water you’re catching is yours to keep.

What Are The Advantages of Rainwater Harvesting Summary

I hope you enjoyed this article answering “What Are The Advantages of Rainwater Harvesting.”

As you have discovered, rainwater harvesting is beneficial and has many benefits.

Did you find this article helpful? Share it with your friends and let them know all the benefits of rainwater harvesting!