Rooftop rainwater harvesting for groundwater recharge in capital city, Bhubaneswar

Abstract

A rooftop rainwater harvesting structure (RRHS) was constructed at Hydrology Project building in Bhubaneswar to study the effect of groundwater recharge. One dug well along with three recharge shafts were constructed inside the campus for artificial groundwater recharge. The diameter of dug well was 6.0 m and depth was 10 m (with 9.0 m below ground surface and 1.0 m above ground). Three numbers of recharge shafts of 125 mm diameter each were constructed upto a depth of 35 m based on the geomorphology of the area. The cost of the project was ` 7,60,000/–. The study reveals that an average amount of 2500 m3 of water can be recharged annually through this project. The data on groundwater level shows a rise in summer water table by 0.70 m and in post monsoon period rise is 2.04 m though regular pumping in two productions bore wells. Thus, the study reveals that there is increase in groundwater level due to the recharge structure. This study shows the effectiveness of RRHS for groundwater recharge that can be made in each housing project in urban areas which will reduce decline of groundwater table.