Rooftop rainwater harvesting system

A water harvesting system in which rain falling on a roof is led through connecting pipes into a ferro-cement water collecting jar

Many households in Nepal’s midhills suffer from water shortages during the pronounced dry season. The technology described here – harvesting roofwater during times of heavy rainfall for later use – is a promising way of improving people’s access to water for household use, especially for households with no or only limited access to spring or stream water. The technology has yet to be extensively adopted Nepal’s midhills.

The technology was introduced in the Jhikhu Khola watershed to demonstrate an alternative source of water for domestic use (mainly drinking water). This technology is appropriate for scattered rural households in mountainous areas. The harvesting system consists of a catchment roof, conveyance pipes, and a storage jar. The pipes include a gutter system made from longitudinally split polythene pipe which has a flushing system that allows the system to be periodically flushed clean.

light green: districts in 2007

WOCAT database reference: QT NEP18

Location: Kharelthok, Sathighar, Panchkhal, Hokse and Patalekhet VDCs of the Jhikhu Khola watershed, Kabhrepalanchok district. Nepal

Technology area: 1-10 km²

SWC measure: Structural

Land use: Settlements

Climate: Humid subtropical

Related approach: Not described

Compiled by: Madhav Dhakal, ICIMOD

Date: November 2006

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• Rooftop rainwater harvesting system