RAIN WATER HARVESTING

for
for

REUSE AND RECHARGE

27
RAIN WATER HARVESTING
for

REUSE AND RECHARGE

Supported by
UNICEF, Gandhinagar

Collaborating Agencies
Gujarat Jalseva Training Institute
&
Gujarat Water Supply & Sewerage Board

Design & Implementation

VIKSAT
Vikram Sarabhai Centre for Development Interaction
Thaltej Tekra, Ahmedabad - 380 054
Contents
1. Process Document
Concept 1
The Project 3
I. Implementation 4
II. Procedure adopted for implementation 5
III. Implementation of RWH system for Reuse and Recharge purposes in GJTI 7
IV. Implementation of RWH system for recharge purpose in GJB 11
V. Drinking Water Security in GJTI 13
VI. Inauguration of the GJTI RWH system 13
VII. Perceptions of Users 14
VIII. Signages 14
IX. Dissemination of the experience 14
X. Documentation 16
XI. Enterprise Activity 16
XII. Costing of various RWH Components 16
Conclusion 17
Ways Forward 18
Operation & Maintenance of Reuse and Recharge systems in GJTI 19
Operation & Maintenance of Recharge system in GJB 23
2. Programme Implementation Calender
3. Capsule 1 – Project Proposal
- Project Proposal Presentation to GWSSB & GJTI on August 11, 2002

4. Capsule 2 – Minutes of the Meeting

- Presentation of the Designs of RWH Components to GJTI & GWSSB Engineers and UNICEF
- Working Committee Meeting held on January 15, 2003
- Steering Committee Meeting held on January 30, 2003

5. Capsule 3 – Progress Report

- For the Period: December 2002 – February 2003
- For the Period: March – June 2003

6. Capsule 4 – Water Quality Analysis – GJTI

- Rainwater Harvested Samples Analysed by GJTI
- Existing Tube well water Samples Analysed by GJTI

7. Capsule 5 – Copy of the Signages put up in GJTI & GJB Premises

8. Capsule 6 – Training Programmes
- Training Circulars and Agenda
- Copy of the presentation made by VIKSAT in the training programme
held on August 22, 2003
- Copy of the Presentation made by VIKSAT in the training programme
held on September 20 & 21, 2003
- Training Materials distributed to the participants in the training
programme held on August 22 & 26, 2003
- Training Materials distributed to the participants in the training
programme held on September 20 & 21, 2003

9. Capsule 7 – Web Site Information Used in Designing the RWH Systems

- Domestic Roof (Rain) Water Harvesting Technology
by P.C. Sharma, Retd. Head, Material Science, S.E.R.C, Ghaziabad Prof. P.K. Sen,
I.I.T – Delhi, S.J. Turner, Postgraduate Student, Warwick University, UK

- Air Pollution And Acid Rains

- Roughing Filter Technology
by Martin Wegelin, Programme Officer, SANDEC, Duebendorf, Switzerland

- Storm Water Technology Fact Sheet – Sand Filters

by United States Environmental Protection Agency, September 1999
9. Cleaning of existing two tube wells (hand
pumps):
Existing two tube wells were cleaned using air
compressor and tested for rate of recharge by
pouring 3000 litres water. These tube wells were
then connected with the respective gravity filters
through 6" PVC pipes.

10. Covering the filters and the drain:

Both the gravity filters and the open drain near
the workshop are covered with iron grills fixed Gravity filter covered by MS Steel sheet fixed
with 3 mm. mild steel sheets. This will prevent to steel Grill - Minimum maintenance
contamination by bird droppings, fallen leaves
and any other waste matter and also ensures
safety.

11. Re-laying the excavated trench:

The excavated earth was re-laid on the ground
and leveled with a proper slope to drain-off storm
water. Reuse system -
Provision of
12. Reuse system: Dispenser tank
For the reuse of collected rainwater in the storage tank, 1 H.P. monoblock pump has been
installed. A 300-litre PVC tank has been placed above the pump room with a tap connection.

13. Fencing of RWH systems:

G.I. Chain link fencing of 5ft.
height fixed to L-angles placed
at 10ft. distance apart has been
provided around the RWH
systems. A barbed wire has been
wound to the fence on the top in
both the RWH systems.

Accrued Benefits

The harvestable runoff available

from the entire premises is 24 lakh
litres for an average annual rainfall
of 600mm.

About 3.5 lakh litres of rainwater is

harvestable from the Institute’s
roof.

After storing 1 lakh liter for reuse

purpose, the remaining 2.5 lakh
litres is recharged into the aquifer.

Still, with a little more investment

on just the pipelines, the remaining
potential from the hostel and staff
quarters buildings can be utilised.
The water thus harvested may be
used for both reuse and recharge
purposes. Shaded portions are the RWH systems

10
Concept

Collection of rain water for immediate or later use is known as “Rainwater

Harvesting”.

Rainwater can be stored on the earth’s surface in structures such as ponds, lakes, tanks and
dams either for direct use or for recharge purposes. It may also be stored in storage tanks.

Rainwater can also be stored below the ground in the sub-surface dams, or injected directly into
the aquifer through open/bore/tube wells.

Why Rainwater Harvesting has become important?

Provision of drinking water is the social obligation of the government. The government tries to
meet the drinking water demand by pooling both surface and sub-surface resources. There is
always a growing demand for drinking water as the population is growing and standard and style
of living is changing. The following are some of the issues related to drinking water supply:

In the rural areas, drinking water supply is sourced mostly from the groundwater.
The demand is not adequately fulfilled due to limited availability.
In the urban areas drinking water supply is usually from big dams across rivers or huge tanks
& reservoirs.
Accessing groundwater to augment drinking water needs of the household, colonies or
institutions. Groundwater level has reached an alarming depth to deeper aquifers.

With the growing problems there is pressure on all sources of water there by exploitation and
quality deterioration. Roof area

Benefits of Rainwater Harvesting: Downtake pipe

Local, decentralized rain water harvesting will reduce dependency

on external sources which would otherwise be at higher cost and at
the cost of the people from where the source is conveyed.
Water filter
RWH augments the drinking water supply
RWH for recharge purpose will improve the quality of ground water
for drinking and irrigation and goes towards addressing equity
concerns.
The clean water can be best utilized either for direct consumption
or recharged than “wasting” in the drainages, particularly in urban
areas.
Air vent
Pumpset
Filter
...............
.............
.................
.............
Storage Tank

Recharge
Tube well

1
Roof-top for rainwater harvesting
Roof area offers excellent Catchment Avenue for harvesting rainwater, including for drinking
purpose.
Roofs of RCC, Tiled and Tin sheet are better suited.
Roofs containing thatches, asbestos, wooden, bamboo should be avoided.
Areas where acid rain possibility exists must be avoided. In other words, special care should
be taken when RWH is planned in habitations in or around industrial areas,
Roof top rainwater harvesting is best suited for areas with fluoride, iron, Arsenic and in other
special problem areas.
The cost of a rainwater harvesting system can be reduced if the design is integrated in the
planning stage itself.

Options of Roof-top RWH

Reuse: Rainwater harvested from a roof can be used for drinking purpose by storing in a tank
after proper filtration to remove dirt and floating materials, if any.

Recharge: Excess water harvested from the roof or the surface runoff can be recharged into the
ground through recharge pits, dug wells or bore wells. Such a recharge activity, when carried
out over a significant area, will help raise the groundwater level, apart from improving the
quality of ground water.

Areas where RWH is appropriate

RWH for drinking purpose has great relevance in Coastal areas where groundwater is saline
and fresh water at shallow depth is limited.
In hilly areas
o Where groundwater occurs at deeper depths or for a limited period in a year; and,
o Where drudgery exists in carrying drinking water from steep slopes.
In geological terrains, where groundwater is not potable due to high concentration of Salts,
Fluoride, Arsenic etc.
In Urban areas, where Municipal water supply is rather limited and groundwater is either not
potable or expensive to withdraw.

2
The Project

Project Title : LOCAL OPTIONS FOR SUPPLY AUGMENTATION THROUGH RAINWATER HARVESTING

Project Partners
Supported by : UNICEF, Gandhinagar

Planning, Design & : VIKSAT

Implementation Vikram Sarabhai Centre for Development Interaction
Thaltej Tekra,
Ahmedabad – 380 054
Gujarat

Collaborating Agencies : Gujarat Jalseva Training Institute (GJTI), Gandhinagar

Gujarat Water Supply & Sewerage Board(GWSSB),Gandhinagar

Period : April 1, 2002 to October 31, 2003

Project Outlay : Rs. 26.36 lakhs

(RWH System + essential peripherals)

The project aimed at demonstrating the potentials of Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) for reuse and
recharge purposes.

The project envisaged scientific installation of RWH systems in the institutional premises of
Gujarat Water Supply and Sewerage Board at Gandhinagar.

The pilot demonstration models were successfully installed at:

Gujarat Jalseva Training Institute (GJTI) and
Gujarat Jal Bhavan (GJB)

Objectives of the Project

1. Establish two fully working cum demonstration models of RWH, one each at Gujarat Jalseva
Training Institute and Gujarat Jalseva Bhavan in Gandhinagar.
2. Explore scope of linking rainwater harvesting to enterprise activity.
3. Provide orientation training to Engineers and Officers of both the institutions
4. Provide orientation training to other Government Officers and NGOs and
5. Document the experiences and dissemination.

3
I. Implementation

1. Steering Committee

Monitor the progress of implementation and suggest mid-term corrections if any;

Scrutiny of tenders and selection of Contractors for civil constructions
Members : Mr. Arun Mudgerikar (Programme Officer, UNICEF, Gandhinagar)
Mr. K.K. Jadeja (Chief Engineer and Director, GJTI) and
Mr. Srinivas Mudrakartha (Director, VIKSAT).

In addition to formal Steering Committee meetings, there were quite a few informal consultations
among the committee members to take care of implementation related matters.

2. Working Group

Discuss and ratify the designs prepared and presented by VIKSAT.

Members : Key staff of GJTI, GWSSB and VIKSAT and Programme Officer, UNICEF.
In addition, there were also informal consultations between concerned Engineers from GJTI/
GWSSB, VIKSAT as and when required.

Working Group
members on a visit to
project sites

4
II. Procedure adopted for implementation
1.Preliminary Feasibility Survey

Preliminary Feasibility Survey carried out in both GJTI and GJB premises.

Measurements such as Roof area, length of the conveyance system and other existing pipe
lines were made for design purpose.
Site selection was made for the conveyance and storage structures.

2.Data and Maps Collected

Primary Information
Building plans;
Existing supply storage and distribution system;
Daily water demand, supply and consumption details;
Layout of drainage system;
Location and accessibility of existing rainwater drain pipes; and,
Details of existing tube wells (defunct) and an open well, including lithology.

Secondary Information
Literature Review for Technical details on filter systems;
Hydrogeological data of Gandhinagar;
Rainfall and other meteorological data;
Information collection on PVC pipes, netlon etc.

Key elements of the data collected for GJTI RWH Activity

Area of the premises : 10,000 sq.m.
Building area : 1,612 sq.m.
Paved area : 2,895 sq.m.
Unpaved area : 5,493 sq.m.
Institute’s roof area : 743 sq.m.
Workshop roof area : 230 sq.m.
Two defunct tube wells (hand pumps) for recharge purpose.

Key elements of data collected for GJB RWH Activity

Area of the premises : 4,707 sq.m.
Total roof area : 1,927 sq.m.
Total outside passage : 1,955 sq.m.
Total inside passage : 824 sq.m.
Entire compound area is paved.

The average annual rainfall of Gandhinagar is 600 mm.

5
3.Design of RWH systems
Preparation of the designs and estimates for various components of the RWH systems in both
the institutions – GJTI and GJB was prepared by VIKSAT;
These designs were presented to the Working Group comprising GJTI and GWSSB Engineers,
Geologists, Geophysicists and Water Quality Analysts apart from members of the Steering
Committee and the Working Group at Gujarat Jalseva Training Institute (GJTI) conference
room on August 17, 2002;
The designs presented for reuse and recharge systems in GJTI were accepted with minor
suggestions, which were later incorporated.
With regard to Gujarat Jalseva Bhavan (GJB),there was a space constraint for establishing
reuse structure. So, the participants along with UNICEF and VIKSAT personnel made site visit
to GJB on the same day after the meeting.
During the site visit it was suggested to explore a small square plot behind the GJB campus
and within the GRHB campus which appeared ideal for establishing the storage structure and
that GRHB should be approached for permission.
GRHB was approached for permission; but GRHB Board alone is authorised to consider requests
for such permission. However, due to Assembly elections scheduled (in December 2002), the
decision from GRHB was delayed; hence the idea was dropped.
In the Steering committee meeting held on January 30, 2003 it was decided to install only the
recharge structure in GJB.

4.Tenders & Contracts

For RWH system in GJTI:

Sealed Tenders were invited for construction of storage tank and other civil works through
advertisement in the local Newspapers.
Tender Opening meeting Organized; H.B. Infrastructure, Ahmedabad, was selected as the
contracting agency (contractor).
Work Order issued to the contractor and techno-managerial agreement was signed between
VIKSAT and H.B. Infrastructure.

For RWH system construction in GJB:

Sealed Quotations invited from two experienced tube well construction agencies for
constructing recharge tube well.
Sealed Quotations opened; Sri Hari Tube well Company, Ahmedabad, awarded the job of tube
well construction.
Agreement signed between VIKSAT and the agency.
Work Order issued to Shri Hari Tube well Company for the construction of a recharge tube
well.

The construction agency appointed for civil works was common for GJTI and GJB.

Work Initiation permission was obtained from both GJTI and GJB before starting the actual
implementation work on site.

6
 Rainwater Harvesting Potential
GJTI Premises: lakh litres GJB Premises: lakh litres
From the entire campus area - 24.00 From the Premises - 22.60
From all building roofs - 6.30 From entire roof area - 9.25
From Training Institute roof area - 2.67* From 50% roof area - 4.60
From Workshop roof area - 0.83* (Presently, 50% roof area tapped for
(Only 3.5L litres tapped for Reuse and recharge purpose)
recharge purposes)

III. Implementation of RWH system for Reuse

and Recharge purposes in GJTI

1. Marking of Layouts:
Marked layouts for structures such as horizontal
and gravity filters, and the storage tank in GJTI as
per designs .

2. Excavation and Civil Works:

Excavations were carried out for the storage tank, filter pit, plumbing work, manholes, open
drain and roughing filter.
Reinforcement
Steel and Shutter
fixing for
Storage Tank

Excavation
for Gravity
Filter

3 Plumbing work:
Plumbing work consisted of connecting the existing rainwater drain pipes from the roof to the
underground pipes to connect with the RWH system for conveyance.
Connected the existing rainwater C.I. pipes to the newly laid 6" PVC pipes & provided first
flush valves.
First Flush
Valve fixed to the
Rainwater
Conveyance pipe

Existing C.I.
Pipe connected to
Rainwater
Conveyance Pipe

7
4. Manhole Chambers: Rainwater
from the roof is
5 manhole chambers were constructed for conveyed to the
channelising and diverting rainwater. common
chamber and
then to the
5. Horizontal Roughing Filter: Horizontal Filter

Horizontal Roughing Filter (HRF) consists of 5 chambers

interlinked with openings of appropriate sizes. The
sizes of the openings depend on the size of the gravel
laid in the particular chamber.

Section View
of Horizontal Filter

Openings in
Horizontal Filter -
GJTI

Plan view
of Horizontal
Filter and
Storage Tank

The openings are placed in such a way that rainwater passes through entire column of the
chamber for effective filtration.

Settlement Chamber:
The turbulence of gushing rainwater is reduced. The dirt carried by the rainwater is settled at
the bottom.

Filter Chambers:
The middle three chambers are filters filled with gravels. Each chamber has different sizes of
gravels, like 100-150mm pebbles, 75-100 mm pebbles and 40-75 mm pebbles respectively in that
order.
Section View of
Horizontal Filter and
Storage Chamber: Storage tank
The last (5th) chamber stores filtered water and conveys to the storage tank.

6. Storage Tank
The storage tank is an RCC structure
of 1 lakh litre capacity.
It is constructed adjoining the HRF
to avoid problems in conveyance.

8
 Storage tank is partitioned with a 4" thick wall and
interconnected by openings at the bottom.
This partition wall supports the RCC slab cover as
the span is large.
All the inner walls of the storage tank are lined
with Ceramic tiles for easy cleaning and
maintenance.
An over flow pipe is provided at the opposite end
at the top.
The top of the tank is raised 6" above the ground Storage Tank with Air vents
level to avoid soil depositing on the cover slab.

7. Gravity Filter
Gravity filter is a part of the recharge system.
The filter chamber has a depth of 3m and the bottom is kept open for seepage of water.
A 6" PVC pipe connects the filter to the recharge tube well at the bottom.
Rainwater gets filtered through three layers of filter materials.
Top Layer : 0.6-1mm coarse sand of 1m thickness Gravity Filter -
PVC Pipe laid
Middle Layer : 40-60mm gravel of 1m thickness in U shape
with Steel Grill
Bottom Layer : 60-90mm gravel of 1m thickness Cover

A netlon sheet is spread between the top sand and middle gravel layers to avoid clogging of
voids in the gravel by sand particles.
Over-flowed rainwater from the storage tank and from the bypass pipeline are diverted to
this filter through 6" PVC Pipes. PVC pipes.
The PVC pipe in the filter chamber is laid in such a way that the rainwater spreads equally
throughout the filter through small openings provided in the pipe at the bottom. This will not
Gravity filter connected to the tube well -
disturb the sand layer and ensures efficient filtration. Recharge system in Workshop area -

8. Recharge structure
A drain of 2’x 2 1/2’ dimension with a 4" thick
wall is constructed near the workshop area for
collection of surface run off for recharge purpose.
Rainwater harvested from surface flow around
the workshop, roof of the workshop and the drain
are conveyed to the gravity filter and then
recharged into the aquifer through the existing
tube well.
9
IV. Implementation of RWH system for
recharge purpose in GJB
1 Marking of Layouts:
Layouts were marked on the ground for the
conveyance system from the raindrop pipe points
to the recharge tube well site.

2. Excavation:
Excavation of concrete pavement was carried out
for the plumbing and for the construction of
manholes.

3. Manhole Chambers:
9 manhole chambers were constructed along the Trench dug for laying PVC pipes for conveying rainwater
conveyance pipe line for the purpose of
maintenance.

4. Plumbing work:
Plumbing work involved connecting the existing
rainwater C.I. pipes at 7 places with the PVC pipes
& providing first flush system by fixing PVC valves.
The PVC pipes laid underground were connected
to tube well.

First 45m. of the rainwater conveyance pipe in the

parking area is of G.I. (as per the request of GJB.) 6” PVC Pipes laid in the trench

5. Recharge Tube well

A new recharge tube well is constructed to
inject rainwater directly into the aquifer.

The tube well is 8" dia (final) and

constructed to a depth of 200ft. to recharge
current production aquifer.

Rainwater conveyance pipe is connected

to this tube well at a depth of 4ft. below
the ground.

Detailed design is shown below:

6. Overflow system:
Over flow structure is provided near the
rarely used (2nd) gate on the left side of
the premises.

This structure discharges excess rainwater

from the recharge tube well thus avoiding
flooding in the compound.

Tube well is connected to over flow structure

by a 6" PVC pipe.

11
An air vent is provided to dispalce air when heavy rainwater gushes in the conveyance pipe
and the recharge tube well

7. Relaying the excavated trench:

The excavated portion of the pavement in the premises was relayed by first filling the trench
with sand, over-lain by PCC and then by RCC. The left out and the tube well excavated earth
was disposed off.

Layout plan showing Recharge system in GJB

The following plan shows the conveyance pipe line (thick dotted lines), location of manhole
chambers and the location of the recharge tube well in the premises:

Dotted lines are the conveyance pipeline

Potential Benefits

The potential harvestable runoff available from the entire premises is 21 lakh litres for an
average annual rainfall of 600mm.
This Rainwater Harvesting System is designed to recharge 4.6 lakh litres as it taps only half
the roof area of 963 sq.m.

12
V. Drinking Water Security in GJTI
For about 100 staff working at GJTI, at the rate of 2 litres percapita on an average, about 200
litres of water is to be drawn from the rainwater harvested storage tank. For 240 working
days in a year, it requires to withdraw 48,000. Whereas the storage tank has the capacity to
store 1 lakh litre of rainwater.
A 300-liters HDPE tank is provided near the RWH system to store water.
A support staff of GJTI has been assigned the job of carrying water daily by Carboys and pours
into the water coolers placed one in each of the three floors.
Drinking water that was earlier coming from the
over-head tank has been closed. Hence, the staff
is drinking rainwater since the beginning of this
year monsoon.

‘VARSHAMRIT’ is the name coined by VIKSAT

to the purified rainwater that is poured into Varshamrit -
Rainwater
the coolers for drinking purpose. The name carried in
is derived from the ancient Indian language Carboys for
Sanskrit meaning Varsha = Rain and Amrit pouring in
coolers
= Elixir of life

A general enquiry with the staff of GJTI on the perception of taste of Varshamrit revealed that
the water quality is better than the tube well water and every one likes to drink rainwater only.

VI. Inauguration of the GJTI RWH system

The RWH system in GJTI for reuse and recharge purposes was inaugurated by Honourable Minister
for Narmada Water Resources Mr. Narottambhai Patel on 31st July 2003.

Mr.Arun Mudgerikar, Project Officer, UNICEF, Gandhinagar, Mr. K.K. Jadeja, Chief Engineer cum
Director, GJTI, Mr. Srinivas Mudrakartha, Director of VIKSAT, other invitees and the staff of
VIKSAT and GWSSB attended the inaugural function.

In his inaugural address, the Minister emphasized on the the need for implementing such RWH
systems in all the Departmental buildings in Gandhinagar in view of the ever increasing drinking
water problems. Mr. K.K. Jadeja and Mr. Arun Mudgerikar also spoke on the occasion.

He was taken around the structures by VIKSAT Director who also explained the functions of
various components. The Minister expressed his happiness for establishing RWH system in the
GJTI premises.

Hon’ble Minister
going round RWH
systems in GJTI
and Inaugurating
VARSHAMRIT

13
VII. Perceptions of Users
The RWH systems were established well before the advent of monsoon (of 2003). After the
inauguration of the system by the Hon’ble State Minister, arrangements for supply of drinking
water were put in place. A person was identified to carry “Varshamrit” in carbuoys and fill the
water coolers in all the three floors. We interviewed a few staff members to obtain their
perceptions on the rainwater.

“The rainwater tastes so good and clear!” exclaimed Mr. S.M. Shah, Executive Engineer and
Administrator of the Institute building. He felt relieved at the alternative to the saline taste of
the existing tube well water.

A driver of long years in GJTI believes that “the potable quality drinking water being supplied
now would, over a period of time relieve, or, at least reduce his knee joint pain”.

The family members of the staff residing in the quarters in the premises are quite enthusiastic
about using rainwater daily for drinking and cooking purpose. A woman member hoped that this
rainwater would “help her and her family to get rid of the yellowness on teeth”; “which is an
indication of excess fluoride in the ground water supplied so far for drinking” added a watchman.
GJTI has a full fledged water analysis laboratory; no wonder that support staff are also aware
of the quality problems.

VIII. Signages
Signages/posters depicting technical plans and designs of each component of the RWH systems
have been put up in both GJTI and GJB, along with the details of potentials and benefits.
Posters contain appropriate explanation about the materials used,designs and dimensions to
make them self-explanatory.
Similarly, caution notices on acrylic plates are fixed near the rainwater drop pipes to distinguish
them from other pipes running parallel to each other; this will also help avoid contamination
with sewage pipes even by mistake.
Appropriate instruction signages are put up near the first flush valves.

IX. Dissemination of the experience

One of the objectives of the project was to disseminate the concept, share the experience and
create awareness on the benefits among various sections of the Society.

Under this, 5 training programmes were conducted for different groups such as engineers,
builders, teachers/students, general public and NGOs. The topics covered under these interactive
training sessions included:
General scenario on water resources in the world, South Asia, India and Gujarat.
Recent trends in drinking water scarcity situation in both rural and urban areas of Gujarat.
Various methods of rainwater harvesting for reuse and recharge.
Discussion on rainwater harvesting systems for institutional, industrial, residential societies
and individual buildings established by VIKSAT.
Potentials and benefits of rainwater harvesting.
Rainwater as a decentralised option in achieving drinking water security.
14
 Sabarmati Stake-
holders Forum
including Industry
group participating
in the Training
Programme

Teachers &
Students
Participating in the
Training
Programme -
Enlarging the scope
for scaling up

Societies and
Builders
Participating in the
training

Hon. Minister
Mr. Narotthambhai
Patel and Director
& Engineers from
GWSSB & GJTI
attending training

The broad theme of the training programmes was ‘Decentralised Local Options for Supply
Augmentation through Rainwater Harvesting’.
Sr. Participants Date Number of Experience shared by
No. participants
1 Engineers and officers from 31st July 2003 50 Srinivas Mudrakartha and Mansi
GWSSB and GJTI Mandan
2 NGOs 22nd August, 22 Srinivas Mudrakartha, Srinath,
2003 Vijay Kaushal, Mansi Mandan and
Anand Kumar
3 Members of Sabarmati 26th August 20 Srinivas Mudrakartha, Srinath,
Stakeholders Forum 2003 Vijay Kaushal, Mansi Mandan and
Anand Kumar
4 Teachers & Students from 20th September 22 Srinivas Mudrakartha, Srinath,
schools and colleges 2003 Vijay Kaushal and Venkataramana
5 Housing Societies & Builders 21st September 15 Srinivas Mudrakartha, Srinath,
2003 Vijay Kaushal and Venkataramana

Exposure visit to working models was part of all the above trainings. Participants were taken to
GJTI, GJB, N.M.Kapadia’s house (individually owned RWH system for the household consumption)
in satellite area, Ahmedabad and Gujarat Oncology Centre, Vasna, Ahmedabad to show different
models of RWH systems implemented by VIKSAT.

Outcome and suggestions from the Training

More number of orientation programmes and technical guidance to the housing societies is
essential. They also requested technical support for establishing RWH structures.
Technical assistance for installing RWH structures was sought by industry.
Follow up with the Government for policy advocacy to provide incentive for taking up RWH.
Introduction of RWH concept in the school and college curriculum.
Formation of RWH Clubs in Schools and Colleges for promotion in the residential areas and
institutions.
15
X. Documentation
The experiences gained during implementation have been documented for the purpose of
dissemination among various groups such as individual households, Research and Academic
Institutions, Government Departments and Non-governmental Organisations.

The project endeavoured to address drinking water problems such as quantity, quality,
accessibility and reliability and to have water security through RWH.

The following materials have been developed:

Leaflets providing technical details of the RWH systems in GJTI and GJB.
Operation & Maintenance manual for GJTI and GJB.
VIKSAT’s experience in the promotion of RWH models in various institutional premises.
Signages / Posters for GJB and GJTI.
Process documentation of the RWH construction in GJTI and GJB.

XI. Enterprise Activity

The storage tank has a capacity of 1 lakh litres of harvested rainwater. As the consumption of
harvested rainwater for drinking purpose by 100 staff members is only 48,000 litres (@2 litres
percapita/day for 240 working days) in a year, the remaining 52,000 litres could be used for
enterprise activity. (However, this year, 2003, this excess water was supplied to trainees in the
hostel.)

In other words, even if we assume a cost of Re.1/- per litre, the GJTI RWH system cost could be
recovered in 3-5 years.

In addition, there will be other basic benefits of improved health of the staff due to consumption
of good quality water.

XII. Costing of various RWH Components

S.No Item Rs.

1 GJTI- Conveyance 3,09,724
2 GJTI- StorageTank 2,94,883
3 GJTI- Filtration Tank 66,815
4 GJTI- Recharge System 52,159
5 GJTI-Reuse System 14,066
6 GJB- Conveyance 3,67,651
7 GJB-Recharge System 1,23,210

1
The costs include other peripheral works which are strictly not part of the RWH but are considered essential such as
the fencing around the RWH structure for the purpose of safety.

16
Conclusion
Gujarat State has varied rainfall from South to North west with scanty rainfall of average
350mm in Kachchh District.

Narmada River is considered to be a boon for the Gujarat State as it is fulfilling the drinking
water needs in many parts of the State. Narmada canal crossing over many Northern districts
are supplying drinking water to hundreds of urban and rural households.

Apart from this Dharoi dam across the River Sabarmati is catering to the drinking water needs
of a few tens of villages in Mehasana District.

All these demands are met from external options, which are beyond the control of the people or
the government (for some natural reasons). Thus, water security for the people in the areas
covered and to be covered areas is still to be achieved.

Any solutions, preferably from local options, will have long-term benefits for the people as they
will thenselves be shouldering the responsibility.

RWH systems established in GJTI and GJB demonstrate the viability of such local options for
reuse and recharge purposes.

The RWH system established in GJTI (a premier Institution in the State for training on drinking
water and its management), has become a demonstrative, working model for trainees from
diverse regions to see and learn the conceptual and practical aspects.

The signages put up provide technical details including harvestable potentials from each of the
systems and help motivate visitors.

The recharge system in GJB is a standing example as an option for groundwater recharge from
roof-top harvested rainwater.

The various components established provide clear understanding of the RWH system for recharge
purpose and the caution notices would give messages on the precautions to be taken while
adopting such systems in any premises.

Large scale adoption through more publicity on rainwater harvesting as a local option for the
individual household, community, institutions and government departments is likely to address
the scarcity of drinking water problem in Gujarat State. This would also have a direct bearing
on the health and quality of life of the people.

The United Nations has very appropriately declared the year 2003 as the “International year of
freshwater.”

17
Ways Forward
It is proved beyond doubt that drinking water security can be ensured by rain (rooftop) water
harvesting, whether at household level, residential societies or large public institutions. For
instance, in the case of GJTI, hardly 15% of the potential is used currently; the RWH system is so
designed that the coverage can easily be extended to its full capacity for a combination of
storage and recharge.

It is beyond doubt that the quality of rainwater is excellent, although it may not have the
“mineral” contents. Rain water is available in all areas which can be captured, filtered/treated
and used for drinking water. Thus, it is a decentralized source which provides self-reliance. It
has particular application in urban areas as otherwise the run off gets mixed with city sewage
and becomes wasted.

Such a decentralized source can also be linked with entrepreneurship much on the lines of the
“milk” pattern. This aspect needs further study and experimentation.

On the recharge front, rainwater has great potential to reduce the demand-supply gap. A proper
area planning will help raise ground water levels.

Such a rebuilding of ground water levels is possible only when the rainwater recharge takes
place on a scale. Technical support is essential for proper designing and implementation as
standardized designs are not suitable for all situations. Although the principles of recharge may
appear very simple, absence of proper technical design has potential for damage.

The driver for the success of rainwater harvesting lies with the government. There is a need for
both “incentives” as well as “regulations”. It will not be a day sooner even if such policy changes
are made forthwith and implemented properly.

18
Operation & Maintenance of Reuse and
Recharge systems in GJTI
1. Institute roof and Workshop roof area
Trim the branches of trees hanging over the roof to prevent contamination by leaves and bird
droppings;
Clean the roof and remove the algae formation if any, before the onset of monsoon.

2. Conveyance System
Inspect down pipes, particularly when it is raining, so that leaks can easily be detected. Clean
them before the advent of monsoon and also when there is a long gap between the spells to
remove dust and other contaminants.
Remove sediments from the manhole / chambers before the advent of monsoon.
After the monsoon, drain the stagnant water in the pipes in to the filter pit near the storage
tank by operating the valve in the chamber located in front of the Gravity filter.
Clean the conveyance drain in the workshop area before the onset of monsoon.

3. Horizontal Roughing Filter

Clean the first and the fifth chamber (which do not have any filter materials) before monsoon.
Before the advent of monsoon, take out pebbles from the filters, clean and fill it back. This
should be carried out every year.

4. Gravity Filter Unit

Remove the top 0.5 m thick coarse sand above the netlon sheet. Wash, sieve and then re-lay
the sand just before the onset of the monsoon.
Wash and Clean the U-shaped PVC pipe placed along the periphery of the gravity filter unit at
least once before the onset of monsoon.

5. Storage tank
Clean the storage tank of 1 lakh litre capacity before the onset of monsoon when the tank is
empty.
Ensure that the lids are in its place and there are no gaps. This will avoid entry of sunlight
which otherwise allows growth of Algae and entry of insects and worms. Remove dust and
leaves around the lid.
Ensure that the air vent pipes on the storage tank are closed with nylon net to prevent entry
of insects and Mosquitoes.
Chlorinate @2 mg/litre of water in case some contamination is detected/suspected.
Monitor water quality for potability for samples taken from the storage tank on a regular
basis.

19
Analyse water quality for the following parameters:
Date of water Sample of collection:
Date of Analysis:

Sr. Parameters Desirable limit Permissible limit in the Analysed

no absence of alternate value
source

Physical Characteristics
1 Colour Hazen units 5 50
2 Odour Unobjectionable;
3 Turbidity, NTU 5 25
Chemical Characteristics
4 Total Dissolved solids 500 mg/l 1500 mg/l
5 pH 7.0 – 8.5 6.5 – 9.2
6 Hardness (as CaCO3) 75 mg/l 110 mg/l
7 Calcium 75 mg/l 200 mg/l
8 Magnesium & Sodium 500 mg/l 1000 mg/l
9 Chlorides 200 mg/l 600 mg/l
10 Sulphates 200 mg/l 400 mg/l
11 Nitrate 45 mg/l 100 mg/l
12 Fluorides 0.5 mg/l 1.5 mg/l
13 Biological & Micro-organic Nil 1 Coliform colony per 100ml
or MPN of B-coli is limited
to 1 per 100ml

6. Drinking Water Dispenser System

Clean the 300-litre dispenser tank regularly (at least twice in a month) to ensure pure and
safe drinking water.
Use a small ‘tap filter’ before collecting water from the tank for drinking purposes.
Keep the pump room under lock to avoid over use of stored rainwater.

7. Existing Tube Wells (Hand pump)

Strictly ensure that no grease, oil or any other solid impure material gets mixed with water
that flows into the RWH systems. This will reduce the recharge capacity, in addition to
contaminating the system.
Install water meter on the conveyance pipe to monitor actual quantum of water recharged.
Measure water levels in the pumping and recharge tube well using Water Level Indicator on
fortnightly basis from May to October to observe raise of groundwater table.
Monitor Water Quality for all parameters of potability for samples taken from pumping tube
well every month from May to October.

20
 PRE-MONSOON OPERATION & MAINTENANCE-CHECK LIST

Catchment area (Institute & Workshop roof) Date

Cleaned the terrace Yes/No
Checked the condition and position of iron net (jali) fixed at the inlet of Yes/No
rainwater pipe
Trimmed the hanging branches on the roof Yes/No
Conveyance system
Cleaned the manhole chambers Yes/No
Kept open the first flush valve to drain the first rainwater Yes/No
Cleaned the drain before the onset of monsoon Yes/No
Horizontal Filter
Cleaned the First and fifth chamber Yes/No
Removed the pebbles from each chamber, washed, dried and filled back into Yes/No
respective chambers.
Gravity Filter Unit
Cleaned M.S. cover of the gravity filter unit to remove the dirt and dust Yes/No
Removed the top layer of coarse sand above the Netlon sheet Yes/No
Cleaned the sand Yes/No
Sieved the sand Yes/No
Re-laid the sand Yes/No
Checked & cleaned the U-PVC pipe along the periphery of the Gravity filter Yes/No
and its apertures
Storage Tank
Cleaned storage tank just before the monsoon Yes/No
Checked and repaired the air vent for any damages Yes/No
Checked net tide over the mouth of the air vent pipe on the storage tank Yes/No
Collected water sample for quality analyses for potability for the monthg of
o May Yes/No
o June Yes/No
o July Yes/No
o August Yes/No
o September Yes/No
o October Yes/No
o November Yes/No
o December Yes/No
Existing Tube well (HP)
Measured groundwater levels of production and recharge tube wells using
Water level indicator on
o 1st and 15th of every month from May to October Yes/No
Collected sample from Pumping tube well for monitoring quality of water on
every month from May to October and again in next May and June Yes/No

21
 POST-MONSOON OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE-CHECK LIST

Conveyance system Date

Inspected the pipes during monsoon and plugged leakages Yes/No

Immediately closed the first flush valve after the first rain Yes/No

Drained the stagnated water in the pipes after monsoon by opening the valve
the gravity filter & storage tank Yes/No

Storage Tank

Chlorinated the water @2 mg/litre in case of suspected contamination Yes/No

Collected water Sample for monitoring its potability for the month of:

o June Yes/No

o July Yes/No

o August Yes/No

o September Yes/No

o October Yes/No

o November Yes/No

o December Yes/No

Recharge tube well (Hand pump)

Measured water level on

o July 1 Yes/No

o July 15 Yes/No

o Aug 1 Yes/No

o Aug 16 Yes/No

o Sept 1 Yes/No

o Sept 15 Yes/No

o Oct 1 Yes/No

o Oct 15 Yes/No

Collected samples from pumping tube well for monitoring water quality

o July Yes/No

o August Yes/No

o September Yes/No

o October Yes/No

o November Yes/No

o December Yes/No

22
Operation & Maintenance of Recharge
system in GJB

1. Roof catchment area

Clean the roof and remove algae formation before the onset of the monsoon.

2. Conveyance System
Leakage in the down pipes may be identified during downpour and the same should be
plugged immediately.
Clean the conveyance pipes just before the onset of monsoon.
Clean all the manhole chambers just before the monsoon.

3. Recharge tube well

Strictly ensure that no grease, oil or any other polluting material gets mixed with water that
flows into the RWH system. This reduces the recharging capacity, in addition to contaminating
the aquifer.
Install Water meter on the drainpipe nearer to the tube well to monitor actual quantum of
water recharged.

4. Groundwater monitoring
Measure water levels in the production tube well using Water Level Indicator on fortnightly
basis every month from May to October.
Monitor Water Quality for all parameters of potability for samples taken from pumping tube
well on every month from May to October.

5. Overflow system
Clean the overflow chamber just before the monsoon.

23
 PRE-MONSOON OPERATION & MAINTENANCE – CHECK LIST
Catchment area (Institute roof) Date
Cleaned the terrace Yes/No
Checked the condition of iron net (jali) at the inlet of rainwater pipe Yes/No
Trimmed the hanging tree branches on the roof Yes/No
Conveyance system
Cleaned the manhole chambers before the onset of monsoon Yes/No
Kept open the first flush valve to drain the first rain Yes/No
Recharge tube well
Installed a Water meter device to measure quantity of rainwater recharged Yes/No
Production tube well
Measured Water levels using Water level indicator for the month of:
o May Yes/No
o May Yes/No
o June Yes/No
o June Yes/No
Collected water sample from the Pumping tube well for monitoring quality for the month of
o May Yes/No
o June Yes/No
o July Yes/No
o August Yes/No
o September Yes/No
o October Yes/No

DURING AND POST MONSOON OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE – CHECK LIST

Conveyance system
Inspected pipes during monsoon and leakages if any, repaired immediately Yes/No
Immediately closed the first rain flush valve after first rain Yes/No
Cleaned all manhole chambers after monsoon Yes/No
Recharge tube well
Taken Water meter reading to find quantity of rainwater recharged on Yes/No
o July 1 Yes/No
o July 15 Yes/No
o Aug 1 Yes/No
o Aug 16 Yes/No
o Sept 1 Yes/No
o Sept 15 Yes/No
o Oct 1 Yes/No
o Oct 15 Yes/No
Pumping tube well
Collected samples from pumping tube well for monitoring water quality on: Yes/No
o July 15 Yes/No
o Aug 16 Yes/No
o Sept 15 Yes/No
o Oct 15 Yes/No

24