Rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge

Rainwater harvesting collects rain from roofs and paved areas for storage and later use, or for sending into the ground. Groundwater recharge is the replenishment of aquifers, naturally by rain and rivers or artificially through recharge pits, trenches and wells.

Where groundwater tables are falling, both help keep borewells and handpumps working. Many Indian cities require rainwater harvesting in new buildings; the local building bye-laws set the thresholds.