Collecting precious raindrops

By Wangeci Kanyeki

I have been watching the rain with two conflicting emotions, joy and sorrow. Joy because it has rained, and sorrow because so much water is going to waste. Rainwater collects on the ground only for it to be absorbed back into the earth. The irony of all this is that, in many Nairobi homes, taps remain dry despite the rain pouring.

As population grows putting pressure on limited resources, we need to change our habits on water usage and recycle as much as possible. Washing cars and watering our gardens with treated tap water is unacceptable and against local authorities’ by-laws.

Rather than lose all rainwater, we need to invest in rain harvesting methods.

A research in America by RainXchange states that one inch of rainfall on 2,000 square feet residential roofs generates 4,750 litres of water. The same roof in a region receiving 30 inches of annual rainfall generates 155,800 litres of reusable water.

According to the research, running a sprinkler for two hours can use up to 1,900 litres of water.

The simplest method of collecting rain is installing roof gutters that direct rainwater into a tank. You could choose to have a huge plastic tank on the ground, or opt for an underground tank. However, it would be commendable to consult an expert to check the soil types and provide you with a suitable tank before installing one.

Harvested water is normally not suitable for human consumption, as it may have been contaminated. It is also advisable to ensure that your gutter has a strain to keep particles or debris from clogging the gutters.

Recycling water will not only make you a better steward of this precious commodity but it will save you money by lowering your water bills.