Rainwater harvesting for Vijayapura schools

In Vijayapura town there is a severe water crisis. The only source is groundwater and that water is usually supplied only once in 4 days. Water has to be bought by the school, at significant expense. Though the school premises are kept very clean and neat, the shortage of water is impacting the schools negatively especially with regard to sanitation.

By building rainwater harvesting systems it will be possible to demonstrate the safe availability of water and become a good example for the entire town.

Current status

The sanitation facilities are ready but unused due to lack of water. Drinking water and cooking water is purchased once every 2 days.

The project is being taken up in a boys school and a girls school. In the boys school there already exists a sump tank for about 20,000 litres. The approximately 200 sq. mt. rooftop will be connected to this sump tank through interconnected PVC pipes. The rainwater will pass through a filter and then be connected to the sump tank through a 10 cm. dia pipe from the filters. A small 1/2 H.P. pump will then pump this water into a 500 litre overhead tank and the water will be drawn by gravity for drinking and cooking purpose as well as for the toilets.

In the Girls school a sump tank of capacity 20,000 litres will be built. The adjoining rooftop of 200 sq. mt. roof area will be connected through appropriate filters to this sump tank. A small 1/2 H.P. pump will then be used to pump the water into an already existing overhead tank of 1000 litre capacity. Water will then be drawn by gravity for drinking and cooking and for sanitation purpose.

In both schools all children will be taught how to check water for bacterial contamination, how to purify rainwater and how to follow handwashing and good sanitation habits.

Safe water for drinking and cooking and for sanitation through rainwater harvesting from rooftops.

Goals

• Safe water for drinking and cooking for the school children
• Awareness amongst children regarding quality of water
• Water available for sanitation
• Awareness among children regarding good sanitation practices

Their is a clear need for water and toilet structures have been built but are dysfunctional due to lack of sufficient water. In both schools the headmasters and teachers are very interested in the project.

The School Development Management committee is also backing the project and has promised to take care of any minor investment needed for repairs.