A Research Study on Maintenance of Rainwater Harvesting Systems in Pune City

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1 A Research Study on Maintenance of Rainwater Harvesting Systems in Pune City Dr.Vijaya S. Nawale M.A, M.Ed, LL.B, Ph.D, MPM Vice Principal, Sinhgad College of Commerce Rajeshwari Shinde MBA, M.Phil, MPM, NET Asst. Prof. SIBAR, Kondhwa (Bk) Abstract: Water availability has become a very critical problem in all cities of India. There is an increasing demand exerted by the growing population of Pune. This has resulted in insufficient Municipal water supply to feed this growing population. Although rainwater harvesting system installation has been made mandatory by PMC for the upcoming residential complexes, very little has been done to find out the effectiveness with which these systems are working. It is important to maintain water harvesting systems on a regular basis. This is to ensure that the water recycling system is operating effectively and efficiently to prolong the lifespan of the system components. Once the filters are completely blocked, instead of using FREE rain water the system will compel the residential owners to divert to the main water supplying source in the city leading to payment of enhanced water bills by residents and exerting more pressure on the PMC water supply. The objective of this study is to give a brief idea about maintenance activity of RWHS in residential complexes. On the basis of the primary data, the pilot study was done and random sampling was followed in this survey. This data was collected from residential complexes in Pune city. It is observed that there is regular operation & maintenance of RWHS. Regular maintenance training and new methods to do so and government intervention and initiative /drive in the same are important. Key words: Rainwater harvesting Systems, Rainwater Harvested, RWHS caretakers, Residential Complexes. Maintenance of RWHS. Introduction: Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) means collection, preservation and obtaining maximum use of rainwater. Rainwater can be collected from the roof for domestic and drinking purposes; surface run off (paved) can be collected for ground water recharging. With the rapid urbanization, the demand for water in Pune is increasing day by day. The availability of potable water is not sufficient to meet the growing requirements of Pune city. Current demand for the city (not including Pimpri Chinchwad Muncipal corporation, PCMC) is around TMC, supplied mainly by 4 dams: Panshet, Varasgaon, Temghar and Khadakwasla. At present, the water demand is more than what is being supplied by the PMC. However Pune has limited means to augment its water supply. The pressure on ground water extraction is, therefore, increasing. Unplanned withdrawal of ground water has resulted in depletion of the water table and deterioration in the quality of ground water. To control this declining trend, there is an urgent need to augment the ground water level through artificial measures. The rainfall in Pune generally occurs during short spells with high intensity. Because of short duration of heavy rain, most of the rain water tends to flow away rapidly leaving very little to recharge the groundwater level. Most of the traditional water harvesting systems in the city have been neglected and are in disuse, worsening the urban water scenario. One of the solutions to the urban water crisis is Rainwater Harvesting ISSN DAWN Journal for Contemporary Research in Management July

2 by capturing the runoff water and promoting water conservation in a big way. In areas where there is inadequate ground water and surface water resources are either lacking or insufficient, rainwater harvesting offers an ideal solution. It helps in utilizing the ground water and also prevents the runoff from going into sewer or storm water drains. Rainwater is bacteriologically pure, free from organic matter and soft in nature. Its harvesting improves the quality of existing ground water through the process of filtration. Rainwater Harvesting also reduces urban flooding and recharging water into the aquifers. This is why the PMC has been attaching importance to water harvesting and water conservation measures. Keeping in view the water scarcity in Pune, its local bodies have been asked to adopt water harvesting through storage of rainwater runoff. Rainwater Harvesting structures have been made mandatory for residential complexes in Pune city. Fundamental rainwater harvesting processes: In recent s, groundwater recharge and rooftop rainwater collection are gaining popularity in urban areas. All rainwater harvesting systems share a number of common components (Gould & Nissen-Peterson, 1999): As shown in the Figure A catchment surface from which runoff is collected, e.g. a roof surface or paved ground surface. 2. A system for transporting water from the catchment surface to a storage reservoir.. A reservoir where water is stored until needed. 4. A device for extracting water from the reservoir. Thus RWHS is made up of: 1. Roof and Paved surface 2. Gutters and Down pipes. First Flush 4. Filter 5. Storage Tank 6. Wash Out 7. Tap or Pump Rooftop or ground rainwater harvesting consists of collecting rainwater runoff generated from rooftops and paved surfaces and then storing it for later use. The essential elements of a roof water harvesting system, as shown in Figure 1.2, are a suitable roof, a water store and a means of leading run-off flow from the first to the second. In addition, some RWH systems have other components to make them easier to manage or to improve the quality of water. Pouring of rains Runoff from catchment surface Storage in reservoir Water use Figure 1.2 Fundamental rainwater harvesting processes Objectives of the study: This study aims to: Figure 1.1 RWHS 1) assess the maintenance of the RWH schemes and handling practices and functional status of the systems ISSN DAWN Journal for Contemporary Research in Management July

3 2) gain knowledge of the design, process and implementation of RWH schemes practised in Pune. ) use the findings to make recommendations to implementing stakeholders of RWHS and policy makers about the use of rainwater harvesting systems in Pune city. Research methodology: Qualitative research techniques were used to collect data on the use, operation and maintenance of RWH systems. First, a study of secondary data such as various reports, papers, guidelines and policies was carried out to review experiences from RWH projects that have already been implemented by various agencies in the city in the residential complexes. Then a technical questionnaire was prepared to collect information about the maintenance practices regarding RWHS. (The Questionnaire is attached as an Appendix to the paper.) Sample Size and Selection: Random selection of three residential complexes was done from Pune city for the purpose of data collection and research. Limitations of the Research: The present study which was undertaken as a Pilot has surveyed only Housing Societies in Pune. Research Hypothesis:- The research at hand took into consideration the following hypothesis H 1: Maintenance of RWHS systems is not done in Pune Housing Societies.. Ho: Maintenance of RWHS is done in Pune Housing Societies. Data Analysis: The data analysis for the research through the structured questionnaire is as follows and Chi-square testing is used for data analysis. Conditions of RWHS:Table1 Conditions of RWHS:Table1 Qns. 2 Vegetation overhanging roof catchment area 4 Gutter slopes to downpipe 5 First flush diversion method available in use Are there any objects 20 such as tyres, sand bags or nests for animals visible on the roof? 21 Does the roof catchment have any signs of dirt or debris? 22 Is there any access routes for animals such as overhanging trees or branches? 2 Is guttering that collects water, dirty, blocked or broken? 24 Does the filter overflow when it rains? 25 Is the rainwater tank open? 26 Are there entry points for insects/animals in the reservoirs? Y N Interpretation: From the above analysis it is evident that there is the existence of sources which would dilute the rainwater and at the same time First flush diversion method which is of utmost importance to rainwater harvesting is not in use. ISSN DAWN Journal for Contemporary Research in Management July 2015

4 Maintenance of RWHS : Table 2 Question 1 Condition of roof Condition of Gutters 6 Condition of filter 7 Condition of the percolation pit 12 Tap or other plumbing in good repair Good Fair Poor Interpretation: It is clearly evident that RWHS are in good condition as the roof, gutters, filters are properly maintained. Frequency of cleaning RWHS : Table Qns 1 How frequent ly the system is cleaned Interpretation:- Onc e in a Twic e a Onc e in two s Nev er The above analysis points out to the fact that cleaning should be done more than once in a. Generally this annual cleaning was observed to be done before the advent of the rainy season. Difficulty in maintenance of RWHS : Table 4 Questio n 28 Do you find it difficult to take care of the system? To some Interpretation: It is evident from the above analysis that the caretakers find it difficult to maintain the system. But despite the difficulties they do maintain the system. Further, the response to Q 15, Is there any initiative taken up by the end users in the maintenance of the system? indicates that user effort is minimal. Results of Chi square Testing: Since the calculated values of chi-square which is 148 is greater than table value at 4 degree of freedom at 95%confidence interval (0.207) we may reject the Hypothesis 1. Findings: The research study found the following: 1. RWHS systems are maintained well. 2. There are some sources which may dilute the rainwater like tress or vegetation hanging around.. The various parts of RWHS are in appropriate condition. 4. First flush diversion method is in not in use which is of utter importance. 5. The systems are cleaned only before the arrival of rainy season, which should not be the practice. Ideally, it should be done on regular basis thrice a. ISSN DAWN Journal for Contemporary Research in Management July

5 6. The end users participation in the RWHS maintenance is not to an appreciable, which has to be increased. (Q 15) Recommendations: Proper operation and maintenance of the RWHS is a must. Without O&M, RWHS cannot be successful. Based on the analysis and field experience following recommendations are given to run RWHS properly. 1. First flush should be installed and maintained properly. 2. Revolving funds concept might be developed to continue the repair work. Willing involvement of users is an another driver to keep the RWHS running. Gutter and catchment areas should be regularly cleansed and repairs carried out as and when needed 4. Regular O&M is essential throughout the 5. The agencies that are implementing and installing the schemes should provide demonstration and technical knowledge on how to operate and maintain the RWH systems effectively at regular intervals. Campaigns and awareness programs should be conducted regularly for the O&M practices of the system. 6. The caretakers should test the quality of rainwater and confirm whether it meets the WHO standards. 7. The government should train some of its staff for O&M practices in the community. These people should educate, enthuse and motivate the users on various practices of maintenance of these systems. 8. The working policy on rainwater harvesting becomes critical to guarantee the successful implementation of rainwater harvesting programmes. Guidelines should be put in place by the policy makers (Government) regarding the operation and maintenance practices. Conclusion: Rain is the best source of pure water at this present time. Greater awareness should be created to make rain water harvesting a success. Special monitoring is needed to operate this system successfully. Proper maintenance will bring about effective utilization of this system which will become a great success not only for Pune city but the nation as a whole. References: Gould, J. & Nissen-Peterson, E. (1999).Rainwater Catchment Systems for Domestic Supply: Design, Construction and Implementation. Intermediate Technology Publications, London. Study On The Implication Of The Rain Water Harvesting System In The Urban Slums And Schools,International Journal Of Surface And Groundwater Management Vol. 01,. 01, Jan-Jun 2014 Sustainable Drinking Water Supply in Pune Metropolitan Region: Alternative Policies Sanjay Rode Center for Development Alternatives, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India Pune Municipal Corporation Water supply and Drainage Dept website Amit Paranjape s BlogPune Water Supply (Crisis!) Past, Present And Future, Posted in Current Affairs, Pune By Amit Paranjape on April 4, 2012 ISSN DAWN Journal for Contemporary Research in Management July

6 Appendix- Questionnaire Questi on 1 Condition of roof Good Fair Poor 2 Vegetation overhanging roof catchment area Condition of Gutters Good Fair Poor 4 Gutter slopes to downpipe 5 First flush diversion method available in use 6. Condition of filter Good Fair Poor Condition of the percolation pit Good Fair Poor 7. Water recharged in Tanks Undergro und 8 Are tanks covered? 9 Condition of the tanks (i.e. any Good Fair Poor cracks,leaksetc.) 10 Tank interior cleanliness Good Fair Poor 11 Method of withdrawal Bore well Hand pump 12 Are taps and other plumbing in good repair? 1 How frequently the system is cleaned? 14 Are there any funds allocated for the maintenance of the system? 15 Is there any initiative taken up by the end users in the maintenance of the system? 16 Is there any help provided by the installing agency for maintenance purposes? Is the Rain Water collected 17 subject to Sanitary inspections? 18 IS there any help extend by Government in the maintenance of these systems? 19 Is there any road or industry nearby? Once in a Twice a Once in two s To some To some Never ISSN DAWN Journal for Contemporary Research in Management July

7 20 Are there any objects such as tyres, sand bags or nests for animals visible on the roof? 21 Does the roof catchment have any signs of dirt or debris? 22 Is there any access routes for animals such as over hanging trees or branches? 2 Is guttering that collects water, dirty, blocked or broken? 24 Does the filter overflow when it rains? 25 Is the rainwater tank open? 26 Are there any entry points for insects or animals in the reservoirs? 27 Is there pooling or stagnating water around the tank collection area? 28 Do you find it difficult in taking care of the system? To some 29 Is the quality of water checked before it researches its ultimate user? 0 Are there any stringent rules and regulation put forth by Government when it comes to the maintenance of RWHS systems? To some To some ISSN DAWN Journal for Contemporary Research in Management July