Water Storage

Water Storage

With limited rainfall in the 2-3 months of the monsoon, storing water for the rest of the year is essential for survival in rural Rajasthan. Ground water wells are the main source of water for the majority of people in rural areas. New wells are provided and existing ones desilted. In some areas wells are polluted with ground borne salts - common salts and fluoride. In other areas effluent from local industries has destroyed water sources. A variety of modern and traditional ways are used to store water.

Taankas

Taankas are underground storage tanks constructed of concrete and stone. At the time of the monsoon the area around the tank is cleared and the rain allowed to run through a coarse filter into the tank. If filled the 20,000 litres can last a family many months. When empty water brought by tractor tanker can be used to refill the tank - at a much lower cost than buying small quantities.

Beries

Beries are large underground storage tanks holding up to 500,000 litres. These are excavated in suitable ground and are filled from a large catchment area during the monsoon. From time to time they also need to be desilted.

Open Wells

Open Wells are the traditional means to store the monsoon rains and extract ground water throughout the year. The water is often naturally saline and open wells can easily be polluted, In many areas falling ground water levels means that progressive deepening is required.

Wells for Agriculture

Water from open wells used for irrigation can be extracted using traditional Persian pumps driven by oxen, extracted using oxen with a drag or with a diesel pump.

Roof Water Harvesting

Where flat roofs are available water can be channelled into a taanka such as at this desert school

Closed  Wells

A closed well with hand pump substantially reduces potential contamination. Wells are often constructed on the edges of the naadis (village ponds). Water in such wells is less contaminated than the pond water which is often used by animals. The water in the wells remains long after the pond has dried up in the summer months.

Tanklis

These are small traditional underground storage tanks excavated in suitable and lined with clay or mortar.