Going Green: Rain Water Harvesting

Yesterday evening the heavens opened!  I have not seen that much rain in a long time. The Nairobi CBD was flooded!  It got so bad that I had to take off my shoes just to cross a flooded road and the water came up almost to my knees!  With all that water, I wondered how many of us were taking advantage of the rainy season to do some water harvesting.  Rainwater harvesting is basically just collecting, storing and then purifying the rain water that falls on your roof. 

Rainwater can be used for various needs around the house including:

• ·         Laundry
• ·         Irrigating your garden
• ·         Watering your livestock
• ·         Flushing the toilet as well as showering
• ·         For those with swimming pools you can use that water to replenish your pool
• ·         Cooking and drinking

Rainwater harvesting is a great way to ensure an independent water supply for your home especially when the water company enforces water rationing in the dry season.  One great thing to note is that rainwater systems are pretty simple to install as well as to operate.  Rainwater harvesting is a great solution for the flooding and water runoff problem.  It is also a great way to ensure that you have water all year round regardless of any rationing that may be effected.