Describe how modern adaptations of traditional rainwater harvesting methods are being carried out to conserve and store water?

Answer 1

Traditional methods of rainwater harvesting like 'the rooftop method' are becoming popular in India. In Gendathur village, Mysore, about 200 households have adopted the rooftop rainwater harvesting method, thereby making the village rich in rainwater. The state of Tamil Nadu has made it compulsory for all the houses to have rooftop rainwater harvesting structures. Defaulters are severely punished.

Answer 2

There are several guidelines for harvesting rainwater. Some states and municipalities have specific codes which apply as well. Always check with your local government prior to design and installation of rainwater harvesting systems. Some jurisdictions do not allow it for some uses. Others, like my city, will reimburse you for a large portion of the cost of a residential system.

Look up the following:

Texas Manual on Rainwater Harvesting, Texas Water Develoopment Board

Virginia Rainwater Harvesting Manual

ARCSA Rainwater Catchment Design and Installation Standards

Requirements vary for Residentail and Commercial occupancies, as well as the proposed use of the water. For commercial buildings with the intent of indoor re-use for toilet flushing, etc. see NFC-350 for requirements of disinfection and so on. Requirements are generally less stringent for outside use such as irrigation. You could also look up "Managing Wet Weather with Green Infrastructure Municipal Handbook, Rainwater Harvesting Policies" EPA-8330F-08-010 which is a guideline for municipalities to compile and enact regulations.

Answer 3

The most basic method isTo put rain-water barrels in a place where water is most likely to collect off of: from the eaves-trough drain pipe, or underneath a tin roof on the garage or another building that does not have an eaves trough that the rain runs off of.The above is much easier and quicker to get rain water from than leaving barrels out in the middle of the yard or field to collect rain.