Rainwater harvesting and its contributions on income for households
Rainfall remains the chief source of surface runoff. Rainwater harvesting processes promise to collect runoff to storage facilities and relay to landscape irrigation. Irrigation of the former neglected land would increase production in horticulture and livestock farming that give household income. Rainwater harvesting laws authorize individuals to capture runoff for irrigation purposes only. Proper rainwater harvesting processes promise to increase household income and provide food security since the water supports intensive agriculture activities all year-round. Harvested rain water provides a cheap source of water supply that cuts back on the high water bill; besides, it supports landscape irrigation for crop and fodder farming. Rainwater harvesting contributes to increased household income through increased crops, horticulture, fodder, and livestock farming that counts towards food security and profit for the farmer.
The degree of surface imperviousness determines the amount of runoff. Impervious surfaces record heavy runoff and offer the best catchment for the economical rainwater harvesting process. Contrary, previous surfaces allow precipitation to penetrate and saturate the ground before generating enough runoff. The process of rainwater harvesting consists of harvesting runoff into storage tanks and cisterns from which a distribution system relays the rainwater to landscape irrigation.
Approximately one-fifth of persons on earth lack direct access to fresh drinking water because of surface runoff pollution that contaminates fresh water sources. Industrial pollution and local diversion of freshwater to industrial and agricultural uses cause fresh water-stress. Research and development of better harvesting, storing, and distributing systems to guarantee the farmers enough rainwater for irrigation during the dry season is strategic to increase household earnings.
Statistics show that agriculture uses about 50% of fresh water supply. For instance, Texas residents use 50% of their total water resource supply for landscape irrigation. If Texans implemented rainwater-harvesting processes, they would increase their household income by paying 50% less for their water bills. Similarly, the residents would benefit from fertile land protected from erosion. Harvested rainwater increase production per acre of land and the total gross value of crops and livestock farming is high income for households.
In conclusion, high family income generating activities that use harvested rainwater include irrigating landscape for crop farming, horticulture, and fodder production. Sustainable livestock farming promises increased household income. Free water would increase production of fodder that acts as feed for livestock farming