Ground Water cum “Dug Well” Recharge of Coastal Eco Systems: Recharging with Roof Rainwater supports desalination of Coastal Water Bodies: The Case of Kerala, India. Jos C Raphael Location of Kerala in India Type of Dug Wells Models The Technique • It is a dug well recharging programme through roof rainwater harvesting. • It reduces considerably the saline contents and other contaminants in the well water while improving ground water table. • A filter is made use to fix the dirt from the roof. • The low density fresh rain water will remain on top of saline ingress well water that makes a fresh water zone in the bottom of each well. Kerala Backgrounds • Kerala has the coastal belt of 580 Km • It receives 3000 mm Average Annual Rainfall • There are 6 million open dug wells for 7.5 million households The Problem: Drinking Water Scarcity amid Water & Rain Rich Conditions • In some places like this have the problem of plenty of brackish water and no fresh water for drinking and domestic uses. And treated water is supplied in these areas by local boats. Dug Wells of Coastal beltWater Quality Diminishes in the coastal wells • In the coast belts, they have become saline ingress with more iron contents coupled with human induced pollution out of excessive pumping and fecal contaminations. Homestead ponds along the coastal belts also seen drying up during summer summer Drying up of wells in the midland planes and high lands during summer • Open dug wells are the main source of drinking and domestic water requirements in Kerala. About 250 Nos. open dug wells are seen in one sq.km in Kerala. • Ground water levels in these wells goes down during summer The technique suggested is to direct the roof rainwater to the open dug wells after a filtration. • The pebbles, sand , charcoal and locally available appropriate methods can be made use for filtration. • Simple model for 1000 sq.ft roof varies from Indian Rupees 5000 to 7500 (eqvi. to Korean Won 88,000 to 130,000) • Or say Euro 80 to 115 The Theory of Ghyben- Herzberg Relation supports the recharge of coastal water bodies by rainwater harvesting • As per Ghyben Herzberg Relation, when fresh ground water table of the coastal area dips down one feet, the access of saline ingress to the coastal water bodies is forty times high. It is the based on density of coastal ground water and sea saline water. Well water with saline and iron content reduces its presence and turns to fresh water Before Recharging After Recharging Results • As a result, 20,000 plus Dug Well Recharging Units installed in Kerala State with Government Subsidy • And the number of People benefitted is more than 100,000 in availing fresh well water . Assessed outputs with Water Quality and Water Levels • Scientific Impact Assessment by Government Agency called Centre for Water Resources Development Management (CWRDM) Calicut, Kerala recommended this programme to replicate to all districts in Kerala State • This study states that Saline and Iron Content in the recharged wells have been reduced considerably • And the ground water levels of recharged wells have been improved from 1 Feet to 5 feet in summer seasons gradually. Scope for Scaling ups • It can be replicated to Coastal sandy belts, islands and adjoining midland planes where homestead / institutional wells/ponds situated in the developing countries. • And it is possible for urban multi storied habitats, to replenish ground water based water supply systems with appropriate modifications suited with water source, soil condition, rainfall availability and social acceptance. • Website: www.mazhapolima.org Supporting Institutions • The programme is implemented by District Rainwater Harvesting Mission, a registered society under Government since May 2008 • Funds for implementation are mobilized from local governments, Private Agencies, NGOs and Beneficiary households. • Arghyam Trust Banglore, India supports Establishment cost from May 2009 till Jan 2016. www.arghyam.org Outcome: Recharging makes the dug wells and costal homestead ponds to Perennial fresh water bodies Society own it up Women Enthusiastic in up keeping Participatory meetings for Implementing the programme IEC- Awareness building classes IEC-Road Shows and Exhibitions Schools and Public Institutions IEC efforts multiplies the numbers and benefits • Countless Number of units have been installed by People / households themselves through the effort of IEC such as • • • • • • • Notices, Posters & Stickers, Banners, Road Show, Exhibitions, News Paper tie ups, Television and Radio lessons, CDs etc – Multiplier effects THANK YOU
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