Self-sustaining Wells: Rainwater Conservation

 

 

                                       

A plastic water tank to collect rainwater

   This image was created by Microsoft’s Co-pilot 

Self-sustaining Wells for rural areas

Imagine a shallow well 7 feet deep and about 7 feet in diameter, designed to collect and save rainwater. If there is 100 cm of rain per year, the well could collect 30,000 liters of water, enough for the needs of four adults for six months, at 40 liters per day per person. A small hand pump would be sufficient to pump out 160 liters/day. The well could easily built using pre-fabricated reinforced cement parts.

Rainwater entering a well usually leaks out and adds to the groundwater. In the case of self-sustaining wells, we need to reduce water leaks as much as possible by design. Wellwater evaporates, so SS Wells should be completely covered at the top. 

But how does rainwater get in? We build a small collection tank 13 feet long and 13 feet wide with a tiled surface. This tank needs only to be 6” deep.  It would have to slope so rainwater falling into it will run to a corner. The water will go through a filter and run into the well below.  A float-based water-level indicator would be a valuable addition. 

On days when it does not rain, people who wish to sleep in the open can sleep in the water-collection tank.  

Scaling down the solution

One way is available to provide a fraction of the benefits at a fraction of the investment. Plastic tanks that can hold 1000 liters of water are available in the market in plenty. Imagine if their top cover is replaced by a concave version with a filtering device so rainwater can be collected and stored in the tank. This will provide drinking water for a small family for several months. This solution has the advantage of being very easy to implement.