Lessons in water management

April 21, 2017 04:52 pm | Updated 04:52 pm IST

The rainwater harvesting structures are found near two academic blocks and all residential blocks.

The rainwater harvesting structures are found near two academic blocks and all residential blocks.

Until four years ago, Women’s Christian College (WCC) was almost entirely dependent on supply from Metrowater. Obviously, this dependence cost the college dearly. The management felt the need to ensure an independent source of water supply. This need and the spectre of a water crisis forced the management to have rainwater harvesting system. This measure ensured that four open wells and the borewells, sunk subsequently, yielded sufficient water.

“As a result, WCC has not been facing any water shortage; both academic and residential blocks have been meeting their water requirements from the borewells,” points out Mary Pearl, dean of Student Affairs, WCC. The two borewells cater to six hostels, eight academic blocks and one administrative block. One borewell is found at the botanical garden set up by the Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology department and another is located behind the nursery school, set up by the Home Science Department.

“We also have a third borewell, near a hostel, which is used in an emergency,” says Reshma Jacob, a second-year student and the Environmental Steward, a recently-added portfolio to handle the environmental affairs of the college.

The rainwater harvesting structures, including the trench/pit, are found near two academic blocks and all residential blocks.

“Rainwater reaches the recharge pit through the stormwater pipes. The added advantage is that through this method, we are able to recharge the open wells as well,” explains Mary.

As part of the centenary year celebrations of the college, an RO (Reverse Osmosis) water plant, sponsored by the alumni association, was set up on the campus to meet the kitchen requirements and also the drinking water needs of the students.

“One of the four open wells is near the RO plant and is recharged with water from this plant. Hence, it is only used for gardening,” says Reshma. Another notable reason for the success of the college’s water conservation effort is this.

“On this 20-acre campus, around 75% of the land has not been tarred or paved, except for the walkways. The natural environment is undisturbed, which keeps the texture of the soil and the trees intact. This, in turn, facilitates efficient water percolation and natural recharging. Today, water is ‘gushing’ from the borewells into the sump,” says Ridling Margaret Waller, WCC’s principal.

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