Reaping the rain

Abstract

The term ‘harvesting’ usually conjures up images of a farmer on his tractor, working in his field of mealies. But did you know we can also harvest rainwater? Rainwater harvesting simply refers to the collection and storage of rainwater (or other forms of precipitation) for future use. Millions of people around the world, especially those living in semi-arid and arid regions (such as South Africa), lack access to good quality water for drinking, growing and preparing food. Water is also needed to provide water for animals, vegetables, crops and trees. Where groundwater and surface water sources are in short supply, rainwater may be a sustainable alternative or supplement. Rainwater harvesting is practiced by many communities around the world. The practice is becoming more widespread as people realise the importance of conserving water. Rainwate R haRvesting a Round the wo Rld There are many examples of rainwater harvesting around the world, some dating back thousands of years. Extensive rainwater harvesting apparatus existed 4 000 years ago in the Palestine and Greece, for example.

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