It’s a system that collects, stores, and uses rainfall—often from rooftops, fields, or engineered catchments—to irrigate crops, water livestock, support farm operations, or recharge groundwater.

• Reduces dependence on wells, canals, or tanker water
• Improves drought resilience and yield stability
• Lowers irrigation costs and energy use
• Reduces runoff, erosion, and nutrient loss
• Supports groundwater recharge in suitable areas

• Farm ponds/reservoirs (earthen or lined)
• Rooftop collection with tanks/cisterns
• Contour bunds & trenches for field moisture retention
• Check dams for slowing runoff and storage
• Percolation pits & recharge wells for groundwater recharge
• Terracing / micro-catchments on sloped land

It depends on rainfall, catchment size, runoff efficiency, and storage. Use this estimate: Harvested water = Rainfall × Catchment area × Runoff coefficient

Tip: Improve efficiency by sealing/compacting catchments, maintaining gutters, and adding silt traps.

• Crop irrigation (especially supplemental irrigation)
• Livestock watering
• Greenhouses and nurseries
• Aquaculture
• Equipment washing and farmyard cleaning
• Groundwater recharge (via infiltration structures)

Usually, yes. For livestock drinking water or sensitive applications, include sediment control and filtration, and consider disinfection where contamination risk exists (for example, roof debris or dirty tanks).

Most crops benefit, especially vegetables, fruit orchards, pulses, oilseeds, fodder crops, and greenhouse crops. Supplemental irrigation often improves both yield stability and quality.

Costs vary by type and scale (tanks vs. ponds vs. recharge structures), earthworks, lining materials, and pumps/pipes. Rooftop systems can be relatively low-cost; lined ponds and engineered recharge works are typically higher investment.

Many regions offer support through agriculture, watershed, water resources, or rural development programs. Check with local agricultural extension offices or relevant agencies for approved designs and funding.

• Earthen ponds: often 10–20 years with upkeep
• Lined reservoirs or concrete tanks: often 20–40+ years
• Recharge structures: long-term with periodic cleaning and desilting

• Clean gutters, inlets, and screens regularly
• Desilt ponds and silt traps to maintain capacity
• Inspect and repair embankments, liners, and cracks
• Control weeds and vegetation around structures
• Check pumps, valves, and pipes for leaks or blockages
• Keep recharge pits unclogged for good infiltration

Yes. Check dams, percolation pits, and recharge wells slow runoff and increase infiltration—helping replenish aquifers where soils and geology allow.

• Maximize runoff capture (compacted catchments, bunds, micro-catchments)
• Reduce evaporation (windbreaks, covers, deeper storage)
• Use efficient irrigation (drip/sprinklers)
• Improve soil moisture retention (mulch, organic matter, conservation tillage)

Consider rainfall pattern, soil type, land slope, crop water needs, available space, budget, and existing water sources. Local experts can help match designs to your site conditions and goals.

Not always. Clay soils may hold water naturally, while sandy or permeable soils often need lining to reduce seepage. Options include compacted clay, geomembranes, or concrete—selected based on soil, budget, and intended use.

Yes. By slowing and storing runoff, these systems can reduce peak flows, limit erosion, and lower downstream flood risk.

Stored rainwater is ideal for micro-irrigation. Drip and sprinklers help stretch stored water by reducing evaporation and runoff while delivering water more precisely to plants.

• Undersized storage or poor catchment planning
• Poor site selection (unstable soils, high seepage, flood paths)
• Missing overflow/spillway leading to damage during heavy rain
• No filtration or silt traps (rapid sediment buildup)
• Irregular maintenance reducing performance over time

Ecosure Rainwater Harvesting System can generally be installed in one day providing the water tank base is pre-exisiting.

Agricultural extension services, irrigation/civil engineers, watershed specialists, and soil-and-water conservation professionals can help with sizing, siting, safety, and approvals.