VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL

UNIVERSITY BELAGAVI-590014

REPORT ON

WATER CONSERVATION AND RAINWATER HARVESTING

In partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of the

degree Bachelor of Engineering
IN

Electrical And Electronics

Engineering Submitted by

Krishnaveni (3GN22EE019)

Nandini (3GN22EE030)

Nandini R (3GN22EE031)

Pooja (3GN22EE036)

Sneha (3GN22EE057)

Under the Guidance of

Asst Prof. Parashuram Lokre

ELECTICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING GURU NANAK DEV ENGINEERING

COLLEGE, BIDAR
(Affiliated to Visvesvaraya Technological University Belagavi &Approved by AICTE New Delhi)
Accredited by National board of accreditation (NBA)
Mailoor Road Bidar-585403, Karnataka, India.

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 GURU NANAK DEV ENGINEERING COLLEGE, BIDAR

VISION OF THE INSTITUTE

To be premier technological institution that fosters humanity, ethics and
excellence in education and research towards inspiring and developing
future torch bearers.

MISSION OF THE INSTITUTE

M1. To impart quality educational experience and technical skills to
students that enables them to become leaders in their chosen
professions.

M2. To nurture scientific temperament and promote research and

development activities.

M3. To include students with an ethical and human Values so as to

have big picture of societal development in their future career.

M4. To provide service to industries and communities through

educational, technical, and professional activities.

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 GURU NANAK DEV ENGINEERING COLLEGE, BIDAR

VISION OF THE DEPARTMENT

To be premier department known for its quality education, cutting

edge research and accomplished graduates to serve the society.

MISSION OF THE DEPARTMENT

M1: To provide quality education and skills to the students of

Electrical and Electronics Engineering, with focus to develop
critical-thinking and problem solving skills to face the challenges
in their career.
M2: To promote research activities and life-long learning required
for successful professional career.
M3: To contribute to the society through technical and professional
education that is embedded with ethics and humanity.

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Abstract

Water is one of the most critical natural resources essential for sustaining life, economic
development, and ecological balance. However, due to rapid urbanization, industrialization,
population growth, and climate change, freshwater availability is under increasing threat. This
report explores various water conservation strategies aimed at ensuring sustainable
management and utilization of water resources. The study highlights both traditional and
modern techniques that can significantly reduce water wastage and enhance water-use
efficiency.
Key strategies discussed include rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, the use of drip
and sprinkler irrigation systems, adoption of drought-resistant crops, and the implementation
of efficient domestic appliances. Moreover, the report emphasizes the importance of public
awareness campaigns, community-based water management, policy reforms, and
technological innovations such as smart water meters and AI-based irrigation scheduling.
Urban conservation measures like permeable pavements, green roofs, and the restoration of
natural water bodies are also reviewed for their contribution to enhancing groundwater
recharge and minimizing surface runoff.
The integration of these strategies at household, industrial, agricultural, and municipal levels
can lead to significant water savings and resilience against future water scarcity. The report
concludes by stressing the need for a multi-dimensional approach combining education,
technology, and policy intervention to foster a culture of water conservation, ensuring that
this vital resource is preserved for current and future generations.

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1.1 Introduction to Water Conservation
Water conservation aims to sustainably manage the natural resource of fresh water, protect
the hydrosphere, and meet current and future human demand. Water conservation makes it
possible to avoid water scarcity. It covers all the policies, strategies and activities to reach
these aims. Population, household size and growth and affluence all affect how much water
is used.
Better water conservation and management has economic benefits and helps protect the
environment. The more water you use, the more you pay for water and sewer service on a
municipal water and sewer system. Excessive water use can overload both individual septic
systems and municipal sewer systems, thereby resulting in untreated sewage contamination
of fresh water supplies. Water conservation can extend the useful life of both community and
individual household sewer systems. Excessive withdrawals of ground water can lead to salt
water intrusion, a subtle environmental impact with long-lasting effects. These areas are
usually associated with large population centres or agriculture, where water use is high.
Agriculture is our most essential industry, but it is also our largest consumer of fresh water.
Water conservation and management will become bigger issues for agriculture and
metropolitan areas as they compete for limited fresh water resources in the future. Water
Conservation & Management (WCM) is a collaborated publishing project under VOLKSON
PRESS and Zibeline International. Although the earth is rich in water, only one percent is
liquid fresh water, the form we require for our highest priority needs. The demands on this
liquid fresh water are growing, and many scientists feel that a future shortage of fresh water
will be eminent.
Water conservation and management emphasizes water quality protection, a growing area of
employment and environmental concern. Water conservation and management encompasses
the policies, strategies and activities made to manage water as a sustainable resource, to
protect the water environment, and to meet current and future human demand.

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1.2 Methods of Conserving Water
Water conservation is crucial for sustainable water management. This report outlines 10
effective methods to conserve water.
1. Efficient Irrigation Systems
Drip irrigation and precision agriculture reduce water waste.
2. Low-Flow Fixtures
Installing low-flow showerheads, toilets, and faucets saves water.
3. Rainwater Harvesting
Collecting rainwater for non-potable uses reduces demand on municipal supplies.
4. Greywater Reuse
Reusing greywater for irrigation and flushing toilets conserves water.
5. Fixing Leaks
Promptly fixing leaks prevents water waste.
6. Water-Efficient Appliances
Using water-efficient appliances, like dishwashers and washing machines, saves water.
7. Drought-Resistant Landscaping
Planting drought-resistant plants reduces water consumption.
8. Mulching
Mulching retains soil moisture and reduces evaporation.
9. Water Recycling
Treating wastewater for non-potable uses conserves water.
10. Public Awareness and Education
Educating communities about water conservation promotes behavioral change.

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1.3 Types and Techniques
• Irrigation Scheduling Irrigation system managers use irrigation schedules to determine the
appropriate frequency and duration of watering. Water management takes into account the
method of irrigation, as well as the amount, timing, and frequency of water application.
Farmers regularly monitor weather forecasts, soil moisture, and plant conditions to adjust
their irrigation schedules accordingly and prevent both under-watering and over-watering of
their crops. This proactive approach helps optimise water use, ensuring that crops receive the
right amount of water at the right time for optimal growth while avoiding water waste and
potential negative impacts on plant health and productivity.
• Rainwater Harvesting Rainwater harvesting is augmenting natural rainwater filtration into
underground formations with artificial methods. Percolation naturally recharges groundwater
resources. However, due to indiscriminate development and rapid urbanization, the exposed
surface for soil has decreased, resulting in a decrease in rainwater.
• Grey Water recycling ‘Greywater’ also known as Greywater or Sullage refers to all
wastewater generated in buildings from streams without fecal contamination – i.e., all streams
except for the wastewater from toilets. Greywater recycling, then, refers to the treatment of
wastewater from appliances such as showers, baths and sinks, to be re-used and fed back into
a property for non-potable purposes such as flushing toilets and irrigation.
• Drip irrigation Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the base of plants using a system of
tubes and emitters. This method minimizes water wastage by providing a controlled and
targeted supply, reducing evaporation and runoff. It is particularly effective in areas with
limited water resources.
• Cover Cropping Planting cover crops during fallow periods helps improve soil structure and
water retention. These cover crops protect the soil from erosion, enhance organic matter
content, and reduce evaporation. Improved soil health contributes to better water infiltration
and retention, benefiting overall water conservation efforts.
• Dry Farming Dry farming is a method of growing crops without relying on regular irrigation
or abundant rainfall. Instead, farmers use techniques that make the most of the limited water
available in arid or semi-arid regions. This involves selecting drought-resistant crops, using
soil conservation practices, and relying on natural rainfall to sustain the crops.

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1.4 Government Policies and Rules
Governments play a crucial role in promoting water conservation by framing policies,
implementing regulations, and launching national programs aimed at sustainable water
management. Effective governance ensures that water resources are managed equitably and
responsibly to meet the demands of all sectors while preserving ecosystems.
1. National Water Policies
Many countries have formulated comprehensive National Water Policies that prioritize
conservation, efficient water use, groundwater management, and pollution control. These
policies encourage integrated water resource management (IWRM) and promote conservation
at the source, distribution, and consumption stages.
2. Regulations on Groundwater Extraction
Strict licensing systems and caps on groundwater extraction have been implemented in water-
scarce regions. Regulations require industries, farmers, and residential users to seek permits
for groundwater use, ensuring sustainable withdrawal levels to prevent aquifer depletion.
3. Water Pricing and Tariff Systems
Governments have introduced differential water pricing to discourage wastage. Higher tariffs
for excessive use and subsidies for efficient users incentivize responsible water consumption,
particularly in agriculture, which is the largest consumer of freshwater.
4. Mandatory Rainwater Harvesting
Several urban planning rules now mandate rainwater harvesting systems in residential,
commercial, and institutional buildings. This helps reduce reliance on groundwater and
promotes groundwater recharge.
5. Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Policies
Regulations require industries and municipalities to treat wastewater before discharge.
Policies encourage the reuse of treated water for irrigation, industrial cooling, and other non-
potable purposes, reducing the burden on freshwater sources.
6. Incentives for Water-Efficient Technologies
Subsidies, tax rebates, and grants are provided for the adoption of water-efficient technologies
such as drip irrigation, sprinklers, low-flow fixtures, and smart meters.
7. Public Awareness Campaigns
Governments conduct nationwide campaigns like "Save Water," "Jal Shakti Abhiyan," and
"Water for Life" to promote behavioral change among citizens towards water conservation.
8. Protection of Natural Water Bodies
Laws have been enacted to protect rivers, lakes, wetlands, and aquifers. Encroachment,
pollution, and unsustainable extraction are penalized under environmental protection acts.
9. Promotion of Water-Smart Agriculture
Policies are encouraging farmers to adopt micro-irrigation, crop diversification to less water-
intensive crops, and techniques like mulching and precision farming to minimize water use.
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1.5 Conclusion
Government policies and rules form the backbone of large-scale water conservation efforts.
A combination of legislative action, economic instruments, public engagement, and
technological support ensures the effective conservation of water resources. Continuous
policy innovation and strict enforcement are necessary to meet the challenges posed by
growing water demands and climate variability.

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