Water harvesting is of particular importance in arid and semi-arid regions, which are also drought prone. Rainwater harvesting measures if adopted on a large scale may alleviate water scarcity even during severe drought years.
What are some solutions to drought?
- Desalination of water. ...
- Rainwater harvesting. ...
- Drip Irrigation. ...
- Harvesting water from the air. ...
- Crop engineering. ...
- Solar pumps. ...
- Recycling organic waste.
How does water harvesting help in times of drought?
Supplemental in drought
If rain is scarce but also unpredictable, the use of a rainwater harvesting system can be critical to capturing the rain when it does fall . ... In addition, rainwater harvesting decreases the demand for water from wells, enabling groundwater levels to be further sustained rather than depleted.
How is harvesting beneficial?
The elimination of runoff can reduce contamination of surface water with pesticides, sediment, metals, and fertilizers. By reducing stormwater runoff, rainwater harvesting can reduce a storm’s peak flow volume and velocity in local creeks , streams, and rivers, thereby reducing the potential for streambank erosion.
How can we prevent drought in agriculture?
Avoiding Overuse
Being mindful of the amount of water you use each day can be a powerful way to prevent droughts. Turning off the faucet while you brush your teeth , watering your garden early in the morning so less water evaporates, and installing low-flow plumbing fixtures all are good ways to prevent wasted water.
What are the two main techniques of rainwater harvesting?
There are two ways of harvesting rainwater, namely; surface runoff harvesting and rooftop rainwater harvesting .
What are water harvesting techniques?
A number of water harvesting techniques are based along contours including: contour ploughing; contour ridges; stone lines; grass strips and terraces . The technique used depends on the steepness of the slope, soil type, conditions, crops grown and other factors such as the availability of labour.
What are 5 causes of drought?
- 1) Land and water temperatures cause drought. ...
- 2) Air circulation and weather patterns also cause drought. ...
- 3) Soil moisture levels also contribute to drought. ...
- 4) Drought can also be a supply and demand of water issue.
What triggers drought?
The Short Answer: A drought is caused by drier than normal conditions that can eventually lead to water supply problems . Really hot temperatures can make a drought worse by evaporating moisture from the soil. But droughts don’t just happen in hot and dry places.
What is the longest drought in history?
The three longest drought episodes occurred between July 1928 and May 1942 (the 1930s Dust Bowl drought ), July 1949 and September 1957 (the 1950s drought), and June 1998 and December 2014 (the early 21st-century drought).
Why is collecting rainwater bad?
Rain can wash different types of contaminants into the water you collect (for example, bird poop on your roof could end up in your water barrel or tank). Rainwater can carry bacteria, parasites, viruses, and chemicals that could make you sick , and it has been linked to disease outbreaks.
What are the disadvantages of rain water harvesting?
- Unpredictable Rainfall. Rainfall is hard to predict, and sometimes little, or no rainfall can limit the supply of rainwater. ...
- Initial High Cost. ...
- Regular Maintenance. ...
- Certain Roof Types may Seep Chemicals or Animal Droppings. ...
- Storage Limits.
What are the two advantages of rainwater harvesting?
Advantages of Rainwater Harvesting
Helps in reducing the water bill. Decreases the demand for water. Reduces the need for imported water. Promotes both water and energy conservation .
Do and don’ts during drought?
Do Store water in the refrigerator instead of letting the tap run for cool water. Don’t Use the toilet as a waste basket for tissues, Band-Aids, etc. Do Remove weeds from your lawn regularly. ... Do Collect water used to rinse fruit or vegetables, and use it to water plants.
Which is the most drought resistant crop?
Staple food crops like sorghum, cassava, sweet potato, pearl millet, cowpea and groundnut are naturally more drought-tolerant than maize. For centuries, farmers in parts of West Africa have grown maize alongside cassava and sweet potatoes.
What are the ways to conserve rainwater?
- Store Rainwater in Drums. ...
- Direct Rainwater Runoff to Plants. ...
- Make a Roof Garden. ...
- Set Bowls to Collect Water in Different Locations. ...
- Make a Rain Saucer. ...
- Place Outside All Items that Need a Rinse. ...
- Let Your Borewell Get Refilled Too. ...
- 5 Design Tips to Make your Home Safe and Comfortable for the Elderly.
