PREFACE

The dependence on ground water as a reliable source for meeting the requirements for
irrigation, drinking and industrial uses in India has been rising rapidly during the last few
decades. Ground water development has occupied an important place in Indian economy
because of its role in stabilizing agriculture and as a means for drought management. Over the
years, particularly since the launching of Five Year Plans, there have been continued efforts in
India for development of ground water resources to meet the increasing demands of water
supply for various sectors. In many parts of the country, ground water development has
already reached a critical stage, resulting in acute scarcity of the resource. Over- development
of the ground water resources results in declining ground water levels, shortage in water
supply, intrusion of saline water in coastal areas and increased pumping lifts necessitating
deepening of ground water abstraction structures. These have serious implications on the
environment and the socio-economic conditions of the populace. Worsening ground water
quality has also adversely affected the availability of fresh ground water in several areas. The
prevailing scenario of ground water development and management in India calls for urgent
steps for augmentation of ground water resources to ensure their long-term sustainability. The
diverse nature of the terrain and complexities of hydrogeological settings prevailing in the
country makes this a challenging task.
Central Ground Water Board has been in the forefront of activities for augmenting ground
water resources through scientifically designed artificial recharge structures for harvesting
non-committed surplus runoff which otherwise runs off into sea. A number of pilot schemes
and demonstrative artificial recharge schemes have been implemented by the Board in
association with various State Government organizations since the 8th plan period. These are
aimed at popularizing cost-effective ground water augmentation techniques suitable for
various hydrogeological settings, to be replicated by other agencies elsewhere in similar areas.
Based on the valuable experience gained from such activities, the Board has also brought out
a number of publications on various aspects of artificial recharge. The Manual on Artificial
Recharge of Ground Water is the latest in this series and has updated information on various
aspects of investigation techniques for selection of sites, planning and design of artificial
recharge structures, their economic evaluation, monitoring and technical auditing of schemes
and issues related to operation and maintenance of these structures. Roof top rainwater
harvesting, suitable especially for urban habitations is also dealt with in detail. This
publication will be of immense use to all those who are engaged in planning and
implementation of ground water augmentation schemes in various parts of the country.
The work done by Central Ground Water Board and other Central, State and nongovernmental agencies involved in the water sector have provided the basic inputs necessary
for the preparation of this manual. I would like to specially acknowledge the efforts of
Shri.C.S.Ramasesha, Commissioner (GW) and Member (SML) (Retd), Shri.Nandakumaran.P,
Dr.S.K.Jain, Shri.K.R.Sooryanarayana and Shri.Y.B.Kaushik, Senior Hydrogeologists, in
bringing out this publication.
I hope this manual will be useful to all agencies engaged in planning and implementation of
artificial recharge schemes across the country in a scientific manner to ensure optimum
benefits. Comments and suggestions on various aspects of artificial recharge dealt within this
document will be highly appreciated and will be useful for updating the manual in the years to
come.

Faridabad
September 2007

(B.M.Jha)
Chairman
Central Ground Water Board

MANUAL ON ARTIFICIAL RECHARGE OF

GROUND WATER
CONTENTS
Page
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................ 1
1.1 Background...................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Present Endeavour ........................................................................................... 2
1.3 Outline of the Manual ...................................................................................... 2
2. WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT SCENARIO ....................................... 4
2.1 Global and Indian Water Scenario.................................................................... 4
2.2 Historical Perspective ...................................................................................... 4
2.2.1 Pre - Independence Scenario ..................................................................... 6
2.2.2 Post - Independence Scenario .................................................................... 7
2.3 Efficacy of Ground Water Resource Development ........................................... 8
2.4 Emerging Challenges ..................................................................................... 10
2.4.1 Ground Water Depletion ......................................................................... 10
2.4.2 Ground Water Pollution .......................................................................... 10
2.4.3 Drinking Water Shortage in Urban Areas ................................................ 11
2.4.4 Seawater Ingress in Coastal Aquifers....................................................... 11
3. ARTIFICIAL RECHARGE OF GROUND WATER .......................................... 12
3.1. Concept of Recharge..................................................................................... 12
3.2. Need for Artificial Recharge ......................................................................... 13
3.3. Purposes and Principles of Artificial Recharge .............................................. 13
3.4. Advantages of Artificial Recharge ................................................................ 14
3.5. Implementation of Artificial Recharge Schemes............................................ 14
4. SOURCE WATER .............................................................................................. 15
4.1 Rainfall.......................................................................................................... 15
4.1.1 Measurement of Rainfall ......................................................................... 16
4.1.2 Rain Gauge Network............................................................................... 17
4.1.3 Normals of Rainfall Data......................................................................... 18
4.1.4 Double Mass Curve................................................................................. 18
4.1.5 Moving Averages .................................................................................... 19
4.1.6 Supplementing Data ................................................................................ 20
4.1.7 Determination of Average Rainfall.......................................................... 21
4.1.7.1 Arithmetic Mean Method.................................................................. 21
4.1.7.2 Theissen Polygon Method ................................................................ 21
4.1.7.3 Isohyetal Method.............................................................................. 22
4.2 Runoff ........................................................................................................... 24
4.2.1 Hydrograph............................................................................................. 24
4.2.2 Estimation of Runoff............................................................................... 24
4.2.2.1 Empirical Formulae and Tables ........................................................ 24
4.2.2.2 Estimation of Direct Runoff from Rainfall........................................ 29
4.2.2.3 Rational Method ............................................................................... 34
4.2.2.4 Empirical Relationships for Determination of Peak Runoff............... 37
4.3 Quality of Source Water................................................................................. 39
4.3.1 Physical Quality ...................................................................................... 39
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4.3.2 Chemical Quality .................................................................................... 39

4.3.3 Biological Quality ................................................................................... 39
5. PLANNING OF ARTIFICIAL RECHARGE SCHEMES................................... 41
5.1 Establishment of Ground Facts....................................................................... 41
5.1.1 Establishing the Need.............................................................................. 41
5.1.2 Estimation of Sub-surface Storage Capacity of Aquifers.......................... 42
5.1.3 Prioritisation of Areas for Artificial Recharge ......................................... 43
5.1.4 Availability of Source Water ................................................................... 44
5.1.5 Suitability of Area for Recharge .............................................................. 44
5.2 Investigations for Proper Planning ................................................................. 52
5.2.1 General Studies ....................................................................................... 52
5.2.2 Detailed Studies ...................................................................................... 52
5.3 Appraisal of Economic Viability .................................................................... 57
5.4 Finalisation of Physical Plan .......................................................................... 58
5.5 Preparation of Report of the Scheme .............................................................. 59
6. ARTIFICIAL RECHARGE TECHNIQUES AND DESIGNS............................. 60
6.1 Artificial Recharge Techniques ...................................................................... 60
6.2 Direct Methods .............................................................................................. 61
6.2.1 Surface Spreading Techniques................................................................. 61
6.2.1.1 Flooding ........................................................................................... 62
6.2.1.2 Ditch and Furrows method................................................................ 62
6.2.2 Runoff Conservation Structures............................................................... 64
6.2.2.1 Bench Terracing ............................................................................... 65
6.2.2.2 Contour Bunds ................................................................................. 66
6.2.2.3 Contour Trenches ............................................................................. 69
6.2.2.4 Gully Plugs, Nalah Bunds and Check Dams ..................................... 70
6.2.2.5 Percolation Tanks ............................................................................ 71
6.2.2.6. Modification of Village Tanks as Recharge Structures..................... 84
6.2.2.7 Stream Channel Modification / Augmentation .................................. 85
6.2.3. Subsurface Techniques........................................................................... 85
6.2.3.1 Injection Wells or Recharge Wells.................................................... 85
6.2.3.2 Gravity Head Recharge Wells........................................................... 89
6.2.3.3 Recharge Pits and Shafts................................................................... 91
6.3 Indirect Methods............................................................................................ 94
6.3.1 Induced Recharge................................................................................ 94
6.3.2 Aquifer Modification Techniques ........................................................ 95
6.4 Combination Methods.................................................................................... 95
6.5 Ground Water Conservation Techniques ........................................................ 95
6.5.1 Sub-Surface Dykes / Ground Water Dams / Underground Bandharas... 96
6.6. Suitability of Artificial Recharge Structures under Combinations of Factors . 98
7. ROOF TOP RAINWATER HARVESTING ......................................................102
7.1 Concept of Roof Top Rainwater Harvesting ................................................. 102
7.2 Components of Roof Top Rainwater Harvesting System .............................. 103
7.2.1 Roof Catchment .................................................................................... 104
7.2.2 Drain Pipes............................................................................................ 105
7.2.3 Gutters .................................................................................................. 105
7.2.4 Down Pipe ............................................................................................ 105
7.2.5 First Flush Pipe ..................................................................................... 106
7.2.6 Filtration of Water................................................................................. 107
7.2.6.1 Process of Filtration........................................................................ 107
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7.2.6.2 Filter Sand...................................................................................... 107

7.2.6.3 Classification of Filters................................................................... 108
7.2.7 Storage Tank ......................................................................................... 116
7.2.7.1 Size of Storage Tanks for Rural Areas ............................................ 117
7.2.7.2 Size of Storage Tank for Urban Area .............................................. 119
7.2.8 Collection Sump.................................................................................... 119
7.2.9 Pump Unit ............................................................................................. 119
7.3 Data Requirements for Planning Rainwater Harvesting Systems .................. 119
7.4 Feasibility of Roof Top Rainwater Harvesting Systems................................ 120
7.4.1 Urban Area............................................................................................ 120
7.4.2 Rural Area............................................................................................. 121
7.5 Technical Suitability .................................................................................... 121
7.5.1 Existing Water Sources ......................................................................... 122
7.5.2 Roof Catchment .................................................................................... 122
7.5.3 Rainfall ................................................................................................. 122
7.5.4 Space .................................................................................................... 123
7.6 Economic Viability ...................................................................................... 123
7.7 Social Acceptance........................................................................................ 123
7.7.1 Acceptance of Roof Water as Drinking Water ....................................... 123
7.7.2 Willingness of Households to Participate............................................... 124
7.7.3 Traditional Practices of Roof Water Collection ..................................... 124
7.8 Water Quality and Health............................................................................. 124
7.8.1 Bacteriological Water Quality ............................................................... 125
7.8.2 Insect Vectors ....................................................................................... 125
7.8.3 Water Treatment ................................................................................... 125
7.8.4 Analysis of Water Samples.................................................................... 126
7.8.5 Disinfecting Water ................................................................................ 126
7.9 Ready Reconers for Design of Roof Top Rainwater Harvesting Systems...... 126
7.10 Computation of Flow through Half Section Gutters.................................... 129
7.11 Data Requirements for Design of Roof Top Rainwater Harvesting Systems
.......................................................................................................................... 129
7.12 Design Example......................................................................................... 131
8. IMPACT ASSESSMENT...................................................................................134
8.1 Monitoring of Recharge Structures............................................................... 134
8.2 Water Level Monitoring............................................................................... 134
8.3 Water Quality Monitoring ............................................................................ 135
8.3.1 Evaluation of Existing Water Quality Data ............................................ 136
8.3.2 Pre-operational Monitoring ................................................................... 136
8.3.3 Operational Monitoring ......................................................................... 137
8.3.4 Post-operational Monitoring .................................................................. 138
8.4 Examples of Impact Assessment .................................................................. 138
8.4.1 Catchment Characteristics ..................................................................... 138
8.4.2 Hydrology............................................................................................. 139
8.4.3 Analysis of Efficiency ........................................................................... 139
8.4.4 Monitoring of Impact of Recharge......................................................... 143
8.4.5 Impact of Recharge on Chemical Quality of Ground Water ................... 143
8.5 Impact Assessment of Schemes Completed by CGWB................................. 146

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9. ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF RECHARGE SCHEMES .............................152

9.1 Benefit Cost Analysis................................................................................... 152
9.1.1 Financial Benefit Cost Analysis............................................................. 152
9.1.1.1 Measure for Profitability................................................................. 153
9.1.1.2 Interest and Inflation....................................................................... 155
9.1.1.3 Uncertainties and Sensitivities ........................................................ 156
9.1.2. Economic Benefit Cost Analysis .......................................................... 156
9.1.2.1 Conversion Factors......................................................................... 156
9.1.2.2 Capital and Interest......................................................................... 157
9.1.2.3 Economic Appraisal ....................................................................... 157
9.1.3 Social Benefit Cost Analysis ................................................................. 157
9.2 Socio-economic and Financial Appraisal of Artificial Recharge Schemes .... 158
9.2.1 User Cost .............................................................................................. 158
9.2.2 Steady State Pumping Condition ........................................................... 159
9.2.3 Artificial Recharge Component ............................................................. 159
9.2.4 Recharge Potential of Some Artificial Recharge Structures ................... 159
9.2.4.1 Check Dam & Percolation Tank ..................................................... 160
9.2.4.2 Spreading Channel ......................................................................... 160
9.2.4.3 Recharge Tube well........................................................................ 160
9.2.4.4 Underground Dams /Subsurface Dykes........................................... 161
9.2.5 Financial Outlay.................................................................................... 161
9.2.6 Benefits of Suggested Measures ........................................................... 162
9.2.7 Financial Appraisal of the Benefits........................................................ 162
9.2.8 Profitability Analysis............................................................................. 163
9.3 Case Study................................................................................................... 164
10. OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE .............................................................171
10.1 Operational Data Requirements.................................................................. 171
10.1.1 Water Level Measurement................................................................... 172
10.1.2 Water Quality Measurement ................................................................ 172
10.2 Preventive Maintenance ............................................................................. 172
10.2.1 Maintenance of Surface Recharge Structures...................................... 173
10.3 Potential Problems ..................................................................................... 173
10.3.1 Suspended Material ............................................................................. 173
10.3.2 Environmental Problems ..................................................................... 175
10.3.3 Water Quality Problems ...................................................................... 175
10.4 Physical, Biological and Chemical Compatibility of Water ....................... 176
10.4.1 Physical Compatibility ........................................................................ 176
10.4.2 Biological Compatibility ..................................................................... 177
10.4.3 Chemical Compatibility....................................................................... 177
10.5 Maintenance of Roof Top Rainwater Harvesting System............................ 178
10.5.1 Tips for Maintenance of the RRHS...................................................... 178
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...................................................................................180
REFERENCES......................................................................................................181

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LIST OF TABLES
Table

Description

No

Page

2.1

Growth of Ground Water Abstraction Structures in India (1982-2001)

4.1

Example to Work out Weighted Average Using Theissen Polygon Method

22

4.2

Example to Work out Weighted Average Rainfall Using Isohyetal Method

23

4.3

Binnies Percentages for Computation of Runoff

25

4.4

Usual Values of Runoff Coefficients (K)

25

4.5

Barlow's Percentage Runoff Coefficients

25

4.6

Barlows Runoff Coefficients for Different Natures of Season

25

4.7

Barlow's Runoff Percentages

26

4.8(a)

27

4.8(b)

Strange Table Showing Depth of Runoff as Percentage of Total Monsoon

Rainfall and Yield of Runoff
Strange Table Showing Daily Runoff Percentage

4.9

Values of Lacey's Factor (F / S)

29

4.10

Hydrological Soil Groups

30

4.11

Infiltration Rates

31

4.12

Relative Classes of Soil Permeability

31

4.13

Rainfall Limits for Antecedent Moisture Conditions

32

4.14

Runoff Curve Numbers for Hydrological Soil Cover Complexes

33

4.15

35

4.17

Values of Runoff Coefficient Factor (C) for Different Soil Conditions in

India
Values of Parameters for Intensity Duration Return Period Relationships
for Different Zones of India.
Average Velocity Based on Channel Slope

4.18

Suggested Values of Cd for Indian Conditions

37

4.19

Values of Ryves Constant

37

4.20

Maximum Depth of Rainfall in an Area with a Return Period of 25 Years.

38

5.1

Sample Worksheet for Estimation of Sub-surface Storage Capacity

43

5.2

Sample Worksheet for Estimation of Volume of Water Required for

Recharge
Suitability of Artificial Recharge Structures for Different Hydrogeological
Settings
Details of Studies Required for Planning Artificial Recharge Schemes

43

4.16

5.3
5.4

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28

36
36

48
53

Table
No

Description

Page

6.2

Soil and Weathered Rock Thickness, Vertical Elevation Difference and the
Distance between the Bunds of Two Terraces for Different Slope Categories
Dimensions of Output Channels for Different Watershed Areas

65

6.3

Dimensions of Terraces in Different Soil Types

66

6.4

Recommended Contour Bund Specifications for Different Soil Depths

68

6.5

Common Dimensions of Bunds of Percolation Tanks

76

6.6

Coefficient of Discharge for Various Types of Weirs

83

6.7

99
114

7.2

Artificial Recharge Structures Suitable Under Combination of Different

Topographic Slopes, Hydrogeologic Groups and Rainfall Distribution.
Comparative Analysis of Merits and De-merits of Slow and Rapid Sand
Filters
Runoff Coefficients of Common Types of Roofs

7.3

Recommended Dosage of Bleaching Powder for disinfecting Water

125

7.4

7.5

Ready Reconers for Design of Roof Top Rainwater Harvesting Systems

a) Availability of Rainwater
b) Computation of Peak Flow from Roof
c) Size of Storage Tank
Flow through Half-Section Gutters of Channels of Different Diameter

126
127
127
126

7.6

Summary Data Sheet for Designing Rainwater Harvesting Systems.

128

8.1

Catchment features of Ichkheda Percolation Tank

138

8.2

Efficiency and Capacity Utilization of Ichkheda Percolation Tank

139

8.3

Tank and Ground Water Quality, Ichkheda Percolation Tank

145

8.4

146

9.1

Results of Impact Assessment of Artificial Recharge schemes Implemented

by Central Ground Water Board.
Summarized Financial Benefits of Artificial Recharge Schemes

9.2

Computation of Annual Cost of Expenditure

163

9.3

Summarized Results of Case Study

164

9.4

Format with an Example on Financial Analysis of Artificial Recharge

scheme.

165

6.1

7.1

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65

117

162

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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure

Description

Page

No
2.1

Per capita Water availability in India

2.2

Growth of Ground Water Abstraction Structures in India (1982-2001)

4.1

Non-recording Rain Gauge

16

4.2

Double Mass Curve

19

4.3

Moving Average

20

4.4

Theissen Polygons

22

4.5

Isohyetal Method

23

4.6

Hydrological Soil Groups of India

30

4.7

Runoff Hydrograph of Uniform Rainfall

34

6.1

Recharge Systems for Increasingly Deep permeable materials

61

6.2

Schematics of a Typical Flood Recharge System

62

6.3(a)

Schematics of a Typical Ditch and Furrows Recharge System

63

6.3(b)

Common Patterns of Ditch and Furrows Recharge Systems

63

6.4

Schematics of a Typical Recharge Basin

64

6.5

Schematics of a Typical Contour Bund

66

6.6

Schematics of a Contour Trench

69

6.7

Design Aspects of a Cement Nalah Bund

73

6.8

Design Aspects of a Typical Percolation Pond

77

6.9

Common Types of Bunds of Percolation Ponds

78

6.10

Upstream Revetment of Tank Bunds

79

6.11(a)

A Typical Masonry Tank Weir with a Vertical Drop

80

6.11(b)

A Typical Rock-filled Weir with Sloping Aprons

80

6.11(c)

81

6.11(d)

Typical Cross-section of a Modern Concrete Weir with Permeable

Foundation
A Typical Stepped Apron Tank Weir

6.12

Schematics of a Typical Injection Well in Alluvial Terrain

88

6.13

Schematics of a Typical System for Artificial Recharge through Dug

Well

90

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81

vii

Figure

Description

Page

No
6.14

Schematics of a Recharge Pit

91

6.15

Schematics of Recharge Shafts

92

6.16

Design Particulars of a Typical Recharge Shaft

93

6.17

94

6.18

Principle of Induced Recharge through Pumping of Wells Near a Stream

a) Natural Flow Pattern b) Change in Flow Pattern Due to Pumping.
Schematics of a Subsurface Dyke in Basaltic Terrain

7.1

A Typical Rainwater Harvesting System

103

7.2

Rectangular Gutter

104

7.3

Semi-circular Gutter

104

7.4

Down Pipe

105

7.5

Most Common Arrangement of Down Pipe

105

7.6

First Flush Pipe

106

7.7

Plan of a Slow Sand Filter

107

7.8

Cross section of a Slow Sand Filter

108

7.9

Lay-out of a Typical Rapid Sand Filter

108

7.10

Plan of Under-drainage System in a Rapid Sand Filter

109

7.11

Plan of Perforated Lateral Drain

110

7.12

Cross-section of Pipe and Strainer System

110

7.13

Cross-section of a Strainer

110

7.14

Loss of Head and Negative Head

112

8.1

Topographic Contours of Percolation Tank, Ichkheda

140

8.2

Area-capacity Curve of Ichkheda Percolation Tank

141

8.3

Correlation of Tank Level and Ground water Levels in Observation

Wells, Ichkheda Percolation Tank
Area of Influence of Percolation Tank at Ichkheda.

143

8.4

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144

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Introduction

1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
Ground water, which is the source for more than 85 percent of Indias rural domestic
water requirements, 50 percent of its urban water requirements and more than 50
percent of its irrigation requirements is depleting fast in many areas due to its largescale withdrawal for various sectors. For example, out of a total of 5723 assessment
units (Blocks/Mandals/Talukas) in the country, 839 have been categorised as Overexploited as assessed on 31st March 2004, with ground water extraction in excess of
the net annual recharge. There are also 226 Critical assessment units where the
ground water draft is between 90 and 100 percent of the annual replenishment, apart
from 30 blocks having only saline ground water (CGWB, 2006).
There have been continued efforts in India for development of ground water resources
to meet the increasing demands of water supply, especially in the last few decades. In
certain high demand areas, ground water development has already reached a critical
stage, resulting in acute scarcity of the resource. Over- development of the ground
water resources results in declining ground water levels, shortage in water supply,
intrusion of saline water in coastal areas and increased pumping lifts necessitating
deepening of ground water structures. Geogenic contamination of ground water due to
concentration of Arsenic, Fluoride and Iron in excess of limits prescribed for drinking
purposes (BIS, 2004) have also been observed in many parts of the country. To tackle
the twin hazards of de-saturation of aquifer zones and consequent deterioration of
ground water quality, there is an urgent need to augment the ground water resources
through suitable management interventions. Artificial recharge has now been accepted
world-wide as a cost-effective method to augment ground water resources in areas
where continued overexploitation without due regard to their recharging options has
resulted in various undesirable environmental consequences.
A Manual on Artificial Recharge of Ground Water, providing detailed guidelines on
investigative techniques for selection of sites, planning and design of artificial
recharge structures, monitoring and economic evaluation of artificial recharge
schemes was brought out by Central Ground Water Board in 1994. It also included
elaborate case studies and field examples of artificial recharge schemes from different
parts of the world. The manual has been used extensively for planning and
implementation of schemes for augmentation of ground water resources by various
agencies.
Subsequent to the publication of the manual, Central Ground Water Board has
brought out five publications on the topic in an attempt to disseminate the experiences
gained during various ground water augmentation projects implemented by the Board
in the country. They are:
1) Manual on Artificial Recharge of Ground Water (1994).
2) National Perspective Plan for Recharge to Ground Water by Utilising Surplus
Monsoon Runoff (1996)
3) Guide on Artificial Recharge to Ground Water (1998)
4) Guide on Artificial Recharge to Ground Water (2000)
5) Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Ground Water (2002)
Manual on Artificial Recharge of Ground Water

Introduction
Apart from these, Central Ground Water Board has also published technical brochures
on various aspects of artificial recharge through its Regional Directorates, which
served as guidelines to various governmental and non-governmental agencies and the
general public. Some of the State Departments have also brought out manuals and
guidelines on artificial recharge to ground water, which dealt with specific areas in
most cases.
1.2 Present Endeavour
During 2004, it was decided to revise and update the existing manual by incorporating
the latest advances in the fields of rainwater harvesting and artificial recharge.
Accordingly, a Committee of the following officers was constituted:
Shri. C.S.Ramasesha
Regional Director
Central Ground Water Board,
South Western Region, Bangalore.

Chairman

Shri. P. Nandakumaran, Scientist D

Central Ground Water Board,
South Eastern Coastal Region, Chennai

Member

Shri. S.K.Jain, Scientist D

Central Ground Water Board,
Central Region, Nagpur.

Member.

Shri. K.R.Sooryanarayana, Scientist D

Central Ground Water Board,
South Western Region, Bangalore.

Member

Shri. Y.B.Kaushik, Scientist D

Central Ground Water Board,
Central Headquarters, Faridabad.

Member Secretary

1.3 Outline of the Manual

The committee reviewed the available literature including information/data available
on the experiences and case studies of various organisations as well as the material
available on the web sites before finalizing the outline of the new manual. Emphasis
was laid on Indian case studies and field experiences. Various aspects of assessing the
availability of source water for recharge have been included in the chapter on Source
Water. Design aspects of artificial recharge of ground water have been further
elaborated and new chapters on Roof Top Rainwater Harvesting and issues related to
operation and maintenance of artificial recharge structures have been included.
The manual broadly covers the following topics
i)
ii)

Background information on the global and Indian water scenario including

status of ground water development and the demand - supply situation,
Assessment of source water availability for artificial recharge,

Manual on Artificial Recharge of Ground Water

Introduction
iii)
iv)
v)
vi)
vii)
viii)
ix)
x)

Need for artificial recharge and its historical perspective,

Planning of artificial recharge schemes,
Studies involved in selection of sites for implementation of artificial
recharge schemes,
Techniques of artificial recharge and design aspects of recharge structures,
Roof top rainwater harvesting,
Monitoring and impact assessment of artificial recharge schemes,
Economic evaluation of artificial recharge schemes and
Operation and maintenance of recharge structures

This manual is intended to be used as a guide and reference by professionals engaged

in the implementation of artificial recharge schemes at various levels.

Manual on Artificial Recharge of Ground Water

Water Resources Development Scenario

2. WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT SCENARIO

2.1 Global and Indian Water Scenario
Many of us have an image of the world as a blue planet as 70 percent of the earths
surface is covered with water. The reality, however, is that 97 percent of the total
water on earth of about 1400 Billion Cubic Meter (BCM) is saline and only 3 percent
is available as fresh water. About 77 percent of this fresh water is locked up in
glaciers and permanent snow and 11 percent is considered to occur at depths
exceeding 800 m below the ground, which cannot be extracted economically with the
technology available today. About 11 percent of the resources are available as
extractable ground water within 800 m depth and about 1 percent is available as
surface water in lakes and rivers. Out of the 113,000 BCM of rain and snow received
on the earth, evaporation losses account for about 72,000 BCM, leaving a balance of
about 41,000 BCM, out of which about 9000-14000 BCM is considered utilizable.
The annual precipitation including snowfall in India is of the order of 4000 BCM and
the natural runoff in the rivers is computed to be about 1869 BCM. The utilizable
surface water and replenishable ground water resources are of the order of 690 BCM
and 433 BCM respectively. Thus, the total water resources available for various uses,
on an annual basis, are of the order of 1123 BCM. Although the per capita availability
of water in India is about 1869 cubic meters as in 1997 against the benchmark value
of 1000 Cu m signifying water-starved condition (Fig.2.1), there is wide disparity in
basin-wise water availability due to uneven rainfall and varying population density in
the country. The availability is as high as 14057 cu m per capita in Brahmaputra/
Barak Basin and as low as 307 cu m in Sabarmati basin. Many other basins like Mahi,
Tapi, Pennar are already water stressed.
2.2 Historical Perspective
India is a vast country with very deep historical roots and strong cultural traditions.
These are reflected in our social fabric and institutions of community life. In spite of
social movements of varied nature through the millennia, we have retained the spirit
and essence of these traditions and have remained attached to our roots. Some of our
traditions, evolved and developed by our ancestors thousands of years ago have
played important roles in different spheres of our life. One of the most important
among these is the tradition of collecting, storing and preserving water for various
uses.
The tradition probably started at the dawn of civilization with small human
settlements coming up on the banks of rivers and streams. When, due to vagaries of
nature, rivers and streams dried up or the flow in them dwindled, they moved away to
look for more reliable sources of water. In due course of time, large settlements came
up along the banks of perennial rivers that provided plentiful water. As the population
increased, settlements developed into towns and cities and agriculture expanded.
Techniques were developed to augment water availability by collecting and storing
rainwater, tapping hill and underground springs and water from snow and glacier melt
etc. Water came to be regarded as precious and its conservation and preservation was
sanctified by religion. Various religious, cultural and social rituals prescribed
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Water Resources Development Scenario

purification and cleansing with water. Water itself had many applications in different
rituals. Development of reliable sources of water such as storage reservoirs, ponds,
lakes, irrigation canals etc. came to be regarded as an essential part of good
governance. Emperors and kings not only built various water bodies but also
encouraged the village communities and individuals to build these on their own.
Wide-ranging laws were enacted to regulate their construction and maintenance and
for conservation and preservation of water and its proper distribution and use.

Per-capita Water Availability (Cu.m/Yr)

6000

5177

5000
4000
3000

2200

2000

1869

1341

1140

2025

2050

1000
0
1951

WATER STRESS
WATER SCARCITY

1991

2001

BENCH MARKS

Between 1700 and 1000 Cu.m /Year/Person

Below 1000 Cu.m/Year/Person

Fig. 2.1 Per capita Water availability in India.

The Satavahanas (1st Century B.C. - 2nd Century A.D.) introduced brick and ring
wells for extraction of water. Lake and well irrigation techniques were developed on
a large scale during the time of Pandya, Chera and Chola dynasties in south India (1st
to 3rd Century A.D) and large dams were built across Cauvery and Vaigai rivers. A
number of Irrigation tanks were constructed by developing large natural depressions.
Water resources development on a large scale took place during the Gupta era (300500 A.D.). In the south, the Pallavas expanded the irrigation systems in the 7th
Century A.D. The famous Cauvery Anicut was built during this period. Large-scale
construction of tanks (Tataka) for harvesting rainwater was also done during this
period in Tamil Nadu. The Chola period (985-1205 A.D) witnessed the introduction
of advanced irrigation systems, which brought about prosperity in the Deccan region.
This included not only anicuts across rivers and streams but also a number of tanks
with connecting channels. This new system was more reliable in terms of water
availability and provided better flexibility in water distribution.
The Rajput dynasty (1000-1200 A.D) promoted irrigation works in northern India.
The 647 sq km Bhopal Lake was built under King Bhoja. In eastern India, Pal and
Sen Kings (760-1100 A.D) built a number of large tanks and lakes in their kingdoms.
Rajtarangini of Kalhana gives a detailed account of irrigation systems developed in
the 12th Century in Kashmir.

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In the Medieval period, Mohammad Bin Tughlaq (1325-1351 A.D.) encouraged the
farmers to build their own rainwater harvesting systems and wells. Feroze Shah
Tughlaq (1351-1388 A.D.) built the Western Yamuna Canal in 1355 to extend
irrigation facilities in the dry land tracts of the present-day Haryana and Rajasthan.
Emperor Shahjahan built many canals, prominent among them being the Bari Doab
or the Hasli Canal. Under the rule of Rangila Muhammad Shah, the Eastern Yamuna
Canal was built to irrigate large tracts in Uttar Pradesh.
The Vijaynagar Kings (1336-1548 A.D.) in the south took keen interest in building
large and small storage tanks. Anantraj Sagar tank was built with a 1.37 km long
earthen dam across the Maldevi River. The well-known Korangal dam was built
under King Krishnadevaraya. The Bahmani rulers (1388-1422 A.D.) introduced
canal irrigation for the first time in the eastern provinces of the Deccan. Sultan Zain
Uddin (1420-1470 A.D.) introduced extensive network of canals in Utpalpur,
Nadashaila, Bijbihara and Advin areas of Kashmir.
2.2.1 Pre - Independence Scenario
Agriculture has been the backbone of the Indian economy since time immemorial as
bulk of the population in rural areas depended on agriculture for its livelihood.
References to irrigation abound in the folklore and ancient literature of the country.
The physiographical features of the area largely conditioned the nature of these
works. In the arid and semi-arid plains of north India, perennial rivers like Indus and
the Ganges (Ganga) easily diverted floods through inundation channels. In the
peninsular part, where rivers are not perennial and rainfall is scanty, the practice of
trapping storm water in large tanks for agricultural and domestic purposes was
popular. In areas where high ground water table permitted lift irrigation, wells were
common. The Grand Anicut across Cauvery River still remains by far one of the
greatest engineering feats of ancient India. The Viranrayana and
Gangaikondacholapuram tanks in Tamil Nadu and Anantaraja Sagara in Andhra
Pradesh were constructed in the 10th and 13th centuries. The Western and Eastern
Yamuna Canals and Hasli Canal in the Ravi were dug in the 16th and 18th centuries.
Under the British rule, irrigation development continued with renovation and
improvement of existing irrigation works and with this experience, more new
diversion works such as Upper Ganga Canal, Upper Bari Doab Canal, Krishna and
Godavari delta systems were taken up and completed between 1836 and 1866. By the
second half of the 19th century, irrigation potential to the tune of about 7.5 million
hectares (m ha) had been developed.
Based on recommendations of the First Irrigation Commission, the period during
1900-1947 saw more irrigation development and the potential created increased to
22.5 m ha at the time of independence. There was a distinct shift from diversion
works to survey, investigation and implementation of storage works during this
period. Dams like Krishnaraja Sagar and Mettur were constructed across Cauvery
River during this period. Storages were identified on Tungabhadra, Krishna,
Narmada, Sabarmati, Mahi and Sutlej rivers. One reason for this shift was the
realization that cheap diversion sites had already been exhausted. The need for
productive irrigation and not merely protective irrigation was another. It was also

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realized that arid and drought areas could be benefited only by transferring water from
other areas, which would be possible only with storage dams.
2.2.2 Post - Independence Scenario
After independence, the tempo of irrigation development was sharply accelerated with
the objective of attaining self-sufficiency in food grains to meet the needs of a
growing population. Construction of large storages like Bhakra, Hirakud,
Nagarjunasagar - called by Pandit Nehru as Temples of Modern India, were taken
up and completed. The criteria for economic evaluation of storage projects were
changed from the financial return evaluation to a benefit- cost ratio evaluation. The
return to the Government on investment was, thus, no more relevant but benefit to the
farmer (at a cost to the Government) became the main evaluation criterion. The
development of irrigation potential took place in successive plans by leaps and bounds
and reached an impressive 89.5 m ha by the end of the Eighth Five Year Plan. The
country achieved self-sufficiency in food grains by producing 200 million tones (MT)
and import of food grains became a thing of the past.
The Second Irrigation Commission, set up in 1969, while not advocating any major
change in the policy of irrigation development, cautioned in its report that areas like
conjunctive use of surface and ground water, command area development, watershed
development, increase in water rates to meet O & M costs as well as a part of the
interest on investment also needed attention.
In pursuance of the above recommendations, Government of India took a number of
policy decisions relating to command area development, protection of environment
and forests, conjunctive use, flood plain zoning, regulation on use of ground water,
preservation of water quality and the like. These measures have met with varying
degrees of success and have had a bearing on the irrigation development achieved so
far and also in shaping the future strategy in this sector.
Ground water development in India is primarily sustained by the farmers themselves
or by institutional finance. The public sector outlay is mostly limited to ground water
surveys, construction of deep tube wells for community irrigation, services provided
and grants extended to small and marginal farmers. The flow of institutional finance is
generally about 60 percent of the total outlay for ground water development.
Ground water development has, therefore, occupied an important place in Indian
economy because of its role in stabilizing agriculture and as a means for drought
management. During periods of droughts, additional dependence is laid on this
resource since the storage levels in surface reservoirs dwindle and the impact of
vagaries of weather on ground water is not as pronounced or is delayed. The stage of
ground water development in the country as estimated in 1991 was about 32 percent.
By March 2004, the stage of development has reached approximately 58 percent. This
is also evident from the growth of ground water abstraction structures from the preplan period till date.
The number of ground water abstraction structures has increased from 5.8 million in
1982-83 to more than 18.5 million in 2000-2001. The growth of ground water
abstraction structures in the country since 1982 is given in Table 2.1 and Fig 2.2.

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Water Resources Development Scenario

Table 2.1 Growth of Ground Water Abstraction Structures in India (1982-2001)
Number of Structures
Type of Structure

1982-1983

Dug well
Shallow Tube well
Deep Tube well
Total

1986-1987

1993-1994

2000-2001

5384627

6707289

7354905

9617381

459853

1945292

3944724

8355692

31429

98684

227070

530194

5875909

8751265

11526699

18503267

(Source: Report of the 3rd Minor Irrigation Census 2000-2001)

12000000
10000000
8000000
6000000
4000000
2000000
0
1982-1983

1986-1987

Dugwell

1993-1994

2000-2001

Shallow Tubewell

Fig. 2.2 Growth of Ground Water Abstraction Structures in India (1982-2001)

2.3 Efficacy of Ground Water Resource Development
Ground water plays an important role in sustaining Indias economy, environment,
and standard of living. It is not only the main source for water supply in urban areas
for domestic uses, but also is the largest and most productive source of irrigation
water. The investments in this sector, as part of Minor Irrigation by public and private
sector, are going on since independence. The Minor Irrigation potential created, which
was just 32 percent during the 1st Plan, increased to 84.4 percent during the 7th Plan
period (1992-1997). This is in spite of the fact that investment in Minor Irrigation
Sector had been decreasing in subsequent plans from 56.6 percent (1966-69 Annual
Plan) to 19.7 percent (1997-2000) of the total plan outlay for irrigation.
Ground water irrigation began to expand rapidly with the large-scale cultivation of
high yielding crop varieties in the second half of the 1960s. More than 50 percent of
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Water Resources Development Scenario

Indias agricultural output comes from areas irrigated with ground water. Because
agriculture and allied activities contribute roughly 30 percent of Indias Gross
Domestic Product (GDP), with crops accounting for three- fourths of this, the
contribution of ground water (with a package of associate inputs) to Indias GDP is
about 9 percent. The relation between new technology and ground water development
has been two-way. Not only has ground water irrigation helped to spread new
technology, some of the profits earned through new technologies have been ploughed
back into ground water development, leading to the well- known tub well explosion
in northwest India. This was facilitated by the governments efforts to promote rural
electrification and the banking industrys institutional credit support, especially after
1969.
The significance of ground water in the economy is due to the fact that agricultural
yields are generally higher by one third to half in areas irrigated with ground water
than in areas irrigated with water from other sources. This is primarily due to the fact
that ground water offers greater control over the supply of water when compared to
other sources of irrigation. As a result, ground water irrigation encourages
complementary investments in fertilizers, pesticides, and high-yielding crop varieties,
leading to higher yields.
The strong link between ground water and economic growth has underlain the
development strategy of the country. A special agricultural strategy launched for
eastern India (comprising eastern U.P, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Orissa, and
eastern Madhya Pradesh) in the mid 1980s, for instance, relied heavily on the
exploitation of ground water. Since 1987, drilling of free tube wells and subsidies for
pump sets have been provided throughout the region. This approach appears to have
paid rich dividends. Rice production, the main food crop of this region, increased
rapidly and reasonable progress was made on poverty reduction.
Development of ground water has led to increased drought proofing of Indias
agricultural economy. In the 1960s, ground water was a relatively insignificant source
of irrigation, particularly in eastern India. In 1965-66, monsoon rainfall (June to
September) was 20 percent below normal, leading to drought conditions, which
resulted in the decline of food production by 19 percent at the national level. In
contrast, in 1987-88, rainfall was almost 18 percent below normal, but food grain
production declined only by 2 percent over the previous years level. Much of this
improvement can be attributed to the spread of irrigation in general and of ground
water irrigation in particular.
The impact of Ground water development has extended beyond the owners of wells.
Studies have indicated that farmers who own wells achieve the highest yields, while
farmers who purchase water achieve higher yields than farmers who depend on canal
irrigation alone, but not as high as the yields achieved by the owners of wells. They
also consume more fertilizer, labour, and other inputs. Thus, the expansion of ground
water irrigation is a major catalyst for rural development.
Ground water plays a key contributory role to agricultural GDP and drought
mitigation. The spread of ground water irrigation supports employment generation
and thus rural development and poverty alleviation. Small and marginal farmers,
having 76 percent of land holdings, account for 38 percent of net area irrigated by

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Water Resources Development Scenario

wells. As productivity is higher in irrigated land, better access to irrigation reduces
poverty in rural areas.
2.4 Emerging Challenges
Ground water management is the foremost challenge being faced today by the
organizations dealing with ground water in India. The activities and policies affecting
ground water need to reflect the priority issues with the overall objective of providing
water security through ground water management in a major part of the country.
Central Ground Water Board, being the apex organization at the central level with
vast experience in the ground water sector, has taken a proactive role in identifying
various key issues, which need immediate attention. These issues are discussed below
in brief
2.4.1 Ground Water Depletion
Indiscriminate ground water development has led to substantial ground water level
declines both in hard rocks and alluvial areas threatening sustainability of this
resource. Long-term decline of ground water levels is being observed in many areas,
mostly in the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Delhi and Haryana.
Apart form this, in most of the cities depending on ground water for drinking water
supplies, water level declines up to 30 m and more have been observed. Traditional
water harvesting methods, which were in vogue in arid and semi-arid areas of the
country have either been abandoned or have become defunct in most cases. There is
an urgent need to revive these methods.
In some parts of the country like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana and Delhi, the instorage or static ground water resources are also limited and depletion in ground water
level is resulting in ground water drought scenario. In such areas, it may become very
difficult for the State to provide water security for various users. Excessive ground
water development has resulted in deterioration of ground water quality in coastal
areas due to saline water ingress. Ground water development, therefore, needs to be
regulated and augmented through suitable measures to provide sustainability and
protection. Dependence on use of ground water for agriculture due to monsoon
failures is accelerating ground water depletion. Excessive withdrawal of ground water
is further compounding the stress on ground water system due to free/subsidized
power in some States. In order to tackle the burgeoning problem of water level
decline, it is necessary to take up schemes for water conservation and artificial
recharge to ground water on priority.
2.4.2 Ground Water Pollution
Ground water resources in several areas of the country are getting polluted due to over
application of fertilizers and pesticides, indiscriminate disposal of effluents from
industries and urban sewerage. Surveillance studies to determine the type and
migration of pollution and measures for its control have become an absolute necessity
from the point of view of long-term sustainability of ground water resources. Purposedriven studies need to be undertaken to find suitable mitigation measures to combat
this problem.

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Water Resources Development Scenario

Presence of naturally occurring Arsenic, Fluoride and Iron in ground water in excess
of permissible limits recommended for human consumption prohibits its use for
drinking purposes in several states of India. Research and Development studies need
to be taken up for finding cost-effective solutions to this problem. Dilution of
pollutant concentration through ground water recharge can be one of the effective
ways to mitigate the hazards of high concentration of these constituents. It is also
desirable that rural water supply schemes be formulated and arrangements made to
utilize fluoride / arsenic rich water for purposes other than drinking.
2.4.3 Drinking Water Shortage in Urban Areas
There are several urban areas in the country where water supply systems are based
mainly on ground water resource. Sustainability of urban water supply is one of the
core issues the planners across the country are facing at present. The problem may get
aggravated in near future with the rapid pace of urbanization being witnessed in India.
Potable drinking water is an important input for providing municipal supply to the
urban complexes. Due to steep increase in population, the stress on ground water
system has increased tremendously resulting in steep water level declines in and
around these cities. These problems could be solved to some extent by
i)

Shifting of ground water pumpage from the center of the cities to flood
plain areas having proven capabilities of sustaining high yielding tube wells
wherever possible,
Recycling and reuse of water,
Dual water supply systems for drinking and other domestic uses,
Roof Top Rainwater Harvesting and
Regulatory measures through proper pricing and metering of water
supplied.

ii)
iii)
iv)
v)

2.4.4 Seawater Ingress in Coastal Aquifers

The unconsolidated deltaic and coastal sediments form thick and regionally extensive
aquifers having prolific yield potential that can sustain deep, moderate to high
capacity tube wells. Although considerable fresh ground water resources have been
identified in regionally extensive deltaic and coastal tracts, particularly along the east
coast, inherent quality problems restrict their development. The ground water in these
aquifers exists in a fragile dynamic equilibrium with seawater. Indiscriminate
exploitation of ground water from such aquifers can disturb this equilibrium and result
in the development of landward hydraulic gradient, ultimately leading to seawater
intrusion into the fresh water aquifers. Coastal aquifers in parts of Gujarat, Tamil
Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are already suffering from the problem of salinity ingress.
Measures to prevent/control saline water intrusion into coastal aquifers include
i)
ii)
iii)

Regulation of ground water development in coastal areas.

Formation of a freshwater ridge parallel to the coast through artificial
recharge.
Formation of a pumping trough through a series of pumping wells
aligned parallel to the coast

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Artificial Recharge of Ground Water

3. ARTIFICIAL RECHARGE OF GROUND WATER

The term artificial recharge has different connotations for various practitioners.
Artificial recharge to ground water is defined as the recharge that occurs when the
natural pattern of recharge is deliberately modified to increase recharge (ASCE
2001). The process of recharge itself is not artificial. The same physical laws govern
recharge, whether it occurs under natural or artificial conditions. What is artificial is
the availability of water supply at a particular location and a particular time. In the
broadest sense one can define artificial recharge as any procedure, which introduces
water in a pervious stratum.
The term artificial recharge refers to transfer of surface water to the aquifer by human
interference. The natural process of recharging the aquifers is accelerated through
percolation of stored or flowing surface water, which otherwise does not percolate
into the aquifers. Artificial recharge is also defined as the process by which ground
water is augmented at a rate exceeding that under natural condition of replenishment.
Therefore, any man-made facility that adds water to an aquifer may be considered as
artificial recharge (CGWB, 1994)
Artificial recharge aims at augmenting the natural replenishment of ground water
storage by some method of construction, spreading of water, or by artificially
changing natural conditions. It is useful for reducing overdraft, conserving surface
run-off, and increasing available ground water supplies. Recharge may be incidental
or deliberate, depending on whether or not it is a by-product of normal water
utilization.
Artificial recharge can also be defined as a process of induced replenishment of the
ground water reservoir by human activities. The process of supplementing may be
either planned such as storing water in pits, tanks etc. for feeding the aquifer or
unplanned and incidental to human activities like applied irrigation, leakages from
pipes etc.
3.1. Concept of Recharge
Flow below the land surface takes place due to the process of infiltration. The soil will
not get completely saturated with water unless water supply is maintained for
prolonged periods. If water is applied only intermittently, there may be no recharge
during the first infiltration or even between two subsequent infiltrations. The
evolution of water in the soil during the period between two instances of infiltration is
referred to as redistribution. Recharge may take place even when no hydraulic
connection is established between the ground surface and the underlying aquifer.
The hydraulic effects generated by artificial recharge are basically of two types, viz.
piezometric effect and volumetric effect. The piezometric effect results in a rise of the
piezometric surface, the magnitude of which depends on the geologic and hydraulic
boundaries of the aquifer being recharged and the type, location, yield and duration of
the recharge mechanism. It is also related to the ratio of transmissivity (T) of the
aquifer and the replenishment coefficient (C), which is equal to the storage
coefficient. Other factors such as capillary forces, water temperature and presence of
air bubbles in the aquifer also have an impact on the piezometric effect.
The volumetric effect is related to the specific yield, replenishment coefficient,
transmissivity and the geologic and hydraulic boundaries of the aquifer. Model studies
that were checked through field experiments have demonstrated that the bulk of the
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Artificial Recharge of Ground Water

recharge water moves according to two systems of flow, one resulting in a spreadingout effect with a speed related to the recharge flow and the other in a sliding effect,
with a speed related to ground water flow.
3.2 Need for Artificial Recharge
Natural replenishment of ground water reservoir is a slow process and is often unable
to keep pace with the excessive and continued exploitation of ground water resources
in various parts of the country. This has resulted in declining ground water levels and
depletion of ground water resources in such areas. Artificial recharge efforts are
basically aimed at augmentation of the natural movement of surface water into ground
water reservoir through suitable civil construction techniques. Such techniques interrelate and integrate the source water to ground water reservoir and are dependent on
the hydrogeological situation of the area concerned.
Occurrence of rainfall in India is mostly limited to about three months in a year. The
natural recharge to ground water reservoir is restricted to this period only in a major
part of the country. Artificial recharge techniques aim at extending the recharge
period in the post-monsoon season for about three or more months, resulting in
enhanced sustainability of ground water sources during the lean season.
In arid regions of the country, rainfall varies between 150 and 600 mm/ year with less
than 10 rainy days. A major part of the precipitation is received in 3 to 5 major storms
lasting only a few hours. The rates of potential evapotranspiration (PET) are
exceptionally high in these areas, often ranging from 300 to 1300 mm. In such cases,
the average annual PET is much higher than the rainfall and the annual water resource
planning has to be done by conserving the rainfall, by storing the available water
either in surface or in sub-surface reservoirs. In areas where climatic conditions are
not favourable for creating surface storage, artificial recharge techniques have to be
adopted for diverting most of the surface storage to the ground water reservoirs within
the shortest possible time.
In hilly areas, even though the rainfall is comparatively high, scarcity of water is often
felt in the post-monsoon season, as most of the water available is lost as surface runoff. Springs, the major source of water in such terrains, are also depleted during the
post monsoon period. In such areas, rainwater harnessing and small surface storages
at strategic locations in the recharge areas of the springs can provide sustainable
yields to the springs as well as enhance the recharge during and after rainy season.
3.3 Purposes and Principles of Artificial Recharge
There are many reasons why water is deliberately placed into storage in ground water
reservoirs. A large percentage of artificial recharge projects are designed to replenish
ground water resources in depleted aquifers and to conserve water for future use.
Other such projects recharge water for various objectives such as control of salt-water
encroachment, filtration of water, control of land subsidence, disposal of wastes and
recovery of oil from partially depleted oil fields.
In certain coastal areas of the world, artificial recharge systems for blocking inland
encroachment of seawater are in operation. Most of these schemes rely on the
injection of fresh water through wells in order to build up a pressure barrier that will
retard or reverse encroachment of salt water resulting from excessive withdrawals
from the wells. In such schemes, most of the injected water is not directly available

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Artificial Recharge of Ground Water

for use, but serves as a hydraulic mechanism to allow better use of existing ground
water reserves.
Attempts have been made in a few places to overcome land subsidence caused by
excessive extraction of ground water by forcing water under pressure into the
underlying ground water reservoirs. The success of such experiments of
repressurizing to stop land subsidence is inconclusive.
From the point of view of artificially storing water for future use, the basic
requirement is to be able to obtain water in adequate amounts and at the proper times
in order to accomplish this goal. Some schemes involve the impoundment of local
storm runoff, which is collected in ditches, basins or behind dams, after which it is
placed into the ground. In other localities, water is sometimes brought into the region
by pipeline or aqueduct. In the latter case, the water is an import and represents an
addition to whatever natural water resources occur in the region. Another approach is
to treat and reclaim used water being discharged from sewer systems or industrial
establishments.
3.4 Advantages of Artificial Recharge
Artificial recharge is becoming increasingly necessary to ensure sustainable ground
water supplies to satisfy the needs of a growing population. The benefits of artificial
recharge can be both tangible and intangible. The important advantages of artificial
recharge are
Subsurface storage space is available free of cost and inundation is avoided
Evaporation losses are negligible
Quality improvement by infiltration through the permeable media
Biological purity is very high
It has no adverse social impacts such as displacement of population, loss of scarce
agricultural land etc
Temperature variations are minimum
It is environment friendly, controls soil erosion and flood and provides sufficient
soil moisture even during summer months
Water stored underground is relatively immune to natural and man-made
catastrophes
It provides a natural distribution system between recharge and discharge points
Results in energy saving due to reduction in suction and delivery head as a result
of rise in water levels
3.5 Implementation of Artificial Recharge Schemes
Successful implementation of artificial recharge schemes will essentially involve the
following major components
Assessment of source water
Planning of recharge structures
Finalisation of specific techniques and designs
Monitoring and impact assessment
Financial and economic evaluation
Operation and maintenance

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Source Water

4. SOURCE WATER
Availability of source water is one of the basic prerequisites for taking up any
artificial recharge scheme. The source water available for artificial recharge could be
of the following types:
i) Insitu precipitation in the watershed / area
ii) Nearby stream/ spring / aquifer system
iii) Surface water (canal) supplies from large reservoirs located within the
watershed/basin
iv) Surface water supplies through trans-basin water transfer
v) Treated Municipal/industrial wastewaters
vi) Any other specific source(s)
The availability of water for artificial recharge from all these sources may vary
considerably from place to place. In any given situation, the following information
may be required for a realistic assessment of the source water available for recharge.
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)

The quantum of non-committed water available for recharge

Time for which the source water will be available.
Quality of source water and the pre-treatment required.
Conveyance system required to bring the water to the proposed recharge
site.

Rainfall and runoff available constitute the major sources of water for artificial
recharge of ground water. Rainfall is the primary source of recharge into the ground
water reservoir. Other important sources of recharge include seepage from tanks,
canals and streams and the return flow from applied irrigation. For proper evaluation
of source water availability, a thorough understanding of rainfall and runoff is
essential. Collection and analysis of hydrometeorological and hydrological data have
an important role to play in the assessment of source water availability for planning
and design of artificial recharge schemes. These are elaborated in the following
sections.
4.1 Rainfall
Rainfall in the country is typically monsoonal in nature. Monsoon literally means
seasonal wind. It is basically a part of the trade wind system. The southeast trade
winds and northeast trade winds converge at the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone
(ITCZ). Due to uneven distribution of land and water masses, it is crooked in shape
and keeps shifting seasonally. During its northwards movement, it draws the southeast
trades along with it. After crossing the equator, the winds change direction by 90
degrees (due to Coriolis force), taking a southwesterly direction. Hence, these
seasonal winds are named Southwest monsoon. It lasts for four months, from June to
September. While traversing the vast stretches of water, (Bay of Bengal and Arabian
Sea), these winds pick up lot of moisture. On an average, annually, about 1120 mm of
rainfall is received in the country. Bulk of this rainfall occurs during Southwest
monsoon.

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These moisture-laden winds normally hits the Kerala coast around May end. As it
advances over the peninsula, copious amounts of rainfall occur all along the west
coast and the adjoining mountains. After crossing the mountains, the current
weakens. At the same time, the Bay of Bengal branch of the monsoon gives rise to
heavy rainfall in the Bay islands during the month of May. This branch encounters the
hill ranges of Northeast and then takes a westerly course. As a consequence, heavy
rains occur in the northeast as also along the foothills of Himalayas. As it advances
further, rainfall decreases towards west, almost becoming negligible west of Aravalli
hill ranges in Rajasthan. This monsoon normally takes a months time to cover whole
of the country (late June or early July). Thus, the entire country is covered by the
summer monsoon for two months, July and August, making them the wettest months.
The monsoon starts withdrawing gradually by early September and leaves the country
by middle of October. The withdrawal of the Southwest monsoon is a result of
shifting of ITCZ southwards. In its wake, the Northeast monsoon sets in. This
monsoon lasts for nearly three months, from October to December. It is a relatively
dry season as compared to its summer cousin. It is largely confined to the southeast
and interior southern parts of the country. Rainfall is confined mainly to the month of
October and to a lesser extent up to the middle of November.
4.1.1 Measurement of Rainfall
Rainfall is measured by a rain gauge, either manual or automatic. It is installed in an
open area on a concrete foundation. The distance of the rain gauge from the nearest
object should be at least twice the height of the object. It should never be on a terrace
or under a tree. The gauge as also other instruments may be fenced with a gate to
prevent animals and unauthorized persons from entering the premises. Measurements
are to be made at a fixed time, normally at 0830 hrs. In case of heavy rainfall areas,
measurements are made as often as possible.

Fig. 4.1 Non-recording Rain Gauge

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A manual gauge is basically a collector (funnel) and a bottle (Fig 4.1). It is made of
Fibreglass-reinforced Plastic. The stem of the collector or receiver is led into a bottle
kept in the base unit.
Rainwater collected in the bottle is measured by a calibrated jar or cylinder. The
gauges are designed on the basis of cross sectional area of the collector or funnel,
either 200 sq cm or 100 sq cm. The former is recommended for use where rainfall in
24 expected to be more than 200 mm. The latter is used where rainfall in a day does
not exceed 200 mm. Thus, one cm rain gives 100 cc of water in the bottle in the case
of 100 sq cm collector or 200 cc in the case 200 sq cm collector.
An automatic rain gauge gives a continuous record of rainfall. In addition to recording
directly a) the total amount of rainfall that has fallen since the record was started, b)
the times of onset and cessation of rain and therefore, c) the duration of rainfall. It
also gives d) the rate of rainfall. Installation procedure is the same as that for manual
gauge. Normally, automatic gauges are installed alongside manual gauges for use as
a standard, by means of which the readings of the recording rain gauge can be
checked, and if necessary, adjusted.
Rainwater entering the gauge at the top of the cover is led via the funnel to the
receiver. The receiver consists of a float chamber and a siphon chamber. A pen is
mounted on the stem of the float and as the water level rises in the receiver, the float
rises and the pen records on a chart mounted on a clock drum. The drum revolves
once in 24 hours or 7 days. Siphoning occurs automatically when the pen reaches the
top of the chart and as the rain continues the pen rises again from zero line of the
chart. If there is no rain, the pen traces a horizontal line from where it leaves off
rising. The diameter of the funnel is 203 mm and height of the gauge is 600 mm.
There are other types of recording rain gauges such as tipping bucket, digital rain
gauge etc, which facilitate telemetry of data.
4.1.2 Rain Gauge Network
For proper assessment of water resources, a good network of rain gauges is a must.
The planning of such a network primarily depends on physical factors which affect
hydrology such as topography, morphology, land use and soil types. In hilly areas,
where heavy rainfall characterized by extreme variability is experienced, the network
should be carefully planned. More the variability of rainfall, denser should be the rain
gauge network. As per the IS: 4987-1968, the recommended rain gauge network
density in plains is one rain gauge for every 520 sq km, whereas in moderately elevated
areas (average elevation up to 1000 m), it is one in 260 to 390 sq km. Hilly areas, where
very heavy rainfall is expected, are also areas of extreme rainfall variability. The
network density in such areas, if economically feasible, should be one rain gauge for
every 130 sq km. As far as possible, 10 percent of the rain gauge stations should be
equipped with automatic (self recording) rain gauges.
An important factor in the design of the network is the accuracy with which rainfall
over the catchment is to be assessed. A relation involving optimum number of rain
gauges required and variability of rainfall among the existing rain gauges is expressed
as
N = (Cv/P)2 or P = (Cv)/(N1/2)

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where N is the optimum number of rain gauges, Cv is coefficient of variability of the
rainfall values of the existing rain gauge stations and P, the permissible percentage error
in the estimate of basin mean rainfall.
Normally, the mean rainfall is estimated up to an error (P) not exceeding 10 percent.
If N increases, the error would decrease. Thus, depending on the desired accuracy of
the estimate, the number of rain gauges should be planned. For micro level studies of
small watersheds, the error may not exceed 5 percent. In case of routine hydrological
investigations, error of estimate may not exceed 10 percent. Relative distances
between the gauges, accessibility, operating costs and availability of trained observers
are to be taken into account while setting up new gauges.
The allocation of additional gauges depends on the spatial distribution of existing rain
gauging stations and the variability of rainfall over the basin. For this purpose,
isohyets of equal intervals are drawn, based on the existing gauges. Areas between
two successive isohyets and their proportion with respect to total area are computed.
The optimum number (i.e., existing plus additional) should be distributed to the
different isohyetal zones in proportion of their areas.
Example: A catchment has 4 rain gauges recording an annual rainfall of 800, 540, 445
and 410 mm. Optimum number of rain gauges (N) required for estimating the average
depth of rainfall is computed in the following manner.
Mean rainfall
Coefficient of variation (Cv)

= 548.75
= 32.12

Standard Deviation
N= (Cv / P)2

= 176.26
= 10.32 i.e. 10

It can be seen that the existing network of 4 rain gauges is inadequate and 6 new
gauges are to be installed for a realistic estimate of average depth of rainfall.
4.1.3 Normals of Rainfall Data
Length of rainfall data records to be considered is an important factor in the analysis of
rainfall. If the frequency distribution of mean annual rainfall becomes stable after a
certain period, the addition of further years of observations does not add significantly to
the accuracy. The length or period of record needed to achieve stability varies between
seasons and regions. From experience it is observed that rainfall data of 30 years is
adequate under Indian conditions. This period encompasses dry as well as wet cycles
and is called the normal period. Averages of normal periods are termed normals. These
normals need updating to account for changes in environment and land use. The current
normal period is 1971-2000. Normals or averages, based on data for that period are
used for making comparisons with data of the following decade.
4.1.4 Double Mass Curve
Consistent rainfall data is essential for resources evaluation. Due to change of location
of a rain gauge or its exposure conditions, the data becomes inconsistent. This can be
rectified by plotting cumulative rainfall of the gauge in question against average
cumulative rainfall of a number of surrounding gauges. Such a plot is known as a
Double Mass Curve (Fig. 4.2).

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Fig. 4.2 Double Mass Curve

In case of inconsistency, there will be a change in slope of the straight plot. It is
assumed that the average of group of stations used as basis of comparison does not have
any inconsistency in itself. Only significant changes in slope are considered. Usually,
values of previous period i.e., before change in slope are adjusted to the current period
i.e., after change of slope. The adjustment factor is the ratio of the slope after change
and slope before change.
4.1.5 Moving Averages
Change in the trends of an event such as rainfall may either be real, caused by
climatic conditions or be apparent, resulting from inconsistencies due to damage to
the instrument or change of location. The apparent change can be verified, and if
necessary, rectified by means of double mass curves as described above. Evidence of
real trends may be ascertained from the study of progressive long-term averages using
3 year or 5 year moving averages (Fig.4.3). For three year moving average, the
rainfall is averaged over successive three-year periods. The first average is obtained
for years one, two and three, the second average for years two, three and four and so
on. The first average is plotted against year two, the second one against three and so
on. In the case of 5 year moving average, years one, two, three, four and five are
averaged and plotted against year three and so on. Selection of odd period is to
facilitate ease of plotting. The period can be changed to 7 years or even 9 years.

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Year
Fig. 4.3 Moving average
4.1.6 Supplementing Data
It is often necessary to supplement incomplete rainfall records by estimating values that
are missing at one or more stations. Short period missing data of say, a single storm can
be interpolated from an isohyetal map drawn with available data. For longer periods,
say a month or an year, normal rainfalls are considered for interpolation. In one
approach, it is assumed that the ratio of monthly or annual rainfall of two adjacent
gauges is equal to the ratio of the normal rainfalls for the same period of the two
gauges. It is expressed as:
Rx = Ry (Nx / Ny)
where x is the rain gauge whose records are to be interpolated and y, the nearest rain
gauge station. Rx is the rainfall at gauge x and Ry, the rainfall at gauge y. Nx and
Ny are normal rainfall at x and y respectively.
Example: Rain gauge Normal
X
1125
Y
910

Actual
?
865

Actual Rainfall at X = 865(1125/910) = 1069

In another approach, at least three rain gauges with continuous records, as close to and
as evenly spread around the gauge with missing records as possible, are chosen. If the
normal rainfall at each of the gauge is within 10 percent of that for the gauge with
missing records, then the arithmetic mean of the rainfall of the three surrounding gauges
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is used as that of the gauge in question. If the percentage is more than 10, the following
equation is used:

Rx

1 Nx
Ra
3 Na

Nx
Rb
Nb

Nx
Rc
Nc

where Nx, Na, Nb and Nc, are the normal rainfalls of the gauge in question and the
three surrounding gauges and Rx, Ra, Rb and Rc are the interpolated value of the gauge
in question and the actuals of three gauges.

Example :

Rain gauge
A
B
C
X

Normal Actual
1125
875
910
1021
765
915
830
?

Rainfall at X = 1 / 3 ((( 830/1125 )* 875 )+(( 830/910 )* 1021 ) + (( 830/765)*915 )))

= 856.5
4.1.7 Determination of Average Rainfall
In resource evaluation of a drainage basin, average depth of rainfall of a number of rain
gauges is required. The average is usually obtained by any of the three methods; Arithmetic mean, Theissen polygon and isohyetal. The first one is a simple average whereas
the other two give weighted averages.
4.1.7.1 Arithmetic Mean Method

In this method, the average depth of rainfall is computed as

P = (P1 + P2 + P3 + + Pn )/ n
where, P is the average rainfall, n, the number of years of data and P1, P2, P3 Pn ,
precipitations measured at stations 1, 2,3 n.
4.1.7.2 Theissen Polygon Method
In this method, weights are assigned to each rain gauge depending on its relative
location. This method involves constructing polygons around each gauge, which are a
result of perpendicular bisectors of lines joining two adjacent rain gauges. The polygon
thus formed form the boundary of the effective area assumed to be controlled by the
gauge, or in other words, the area closer to the gauge than to any other gauge. The ratio
of the area of each polygon to the total area is the weight. The average or weighted
rainfall is the sum of the product of the rainfall and weight of each gauge. P1 to Pn are
the rainfall at gauges 1 to n and A1 to An are the areas of the respective polygons (Fig.
4.4).

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Fig. 4.4 Theissen Polygons

An example for working out average rainfall using this method is shown in Table. 4.1.
Table 4.1 Example to Work out Weighted Average Using Theissen Polygon
Method
Rainfall
(mm)
165
371
488
683
391
757
1270
1143
Total

Area
(sq km)
18
311
282
311
52
238
212
197
1621

Weight
0.011
0.192
0.174
0.192
0.032
0.147
0.131
0.121
1.000

Weighted Average
Rainfall (mm)
1.8
71.2
84.9
131.1
12.5
111.3
166.4
138.3
717.5

Weighted average is worked out as 717. 5 mm

4.1.7.3 Isohyetal Method
In this method, isohyets are drawn connecting points of equal rainfall and areas
between two successive isohyets computed (Fig.4.5). The weight in this case is the
ratio of the area of two successive isohyets to the total area. The weighted average is
given by the sum of the products of weights and average contour value of
corresponding isohyets.

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Fig 4.5 Isohyetal Method

An example for working out average rainfall using isohyetal method is shown in Table.
4.2.
Table 4.2 Example to Work out Weighted Average Rainfall Using Isohyetal
Method
Isohyet
(mm)
1270
1020
760
510
250
<250

Area
enclosed
(Sq km)
34
233
534
1041
1541
1621

Area Net
(Sq km)

Weight

Mean Rf
(mm)

34
199
300
508
500
80
1621

0.021
0.123
0.185
0.313
0.308
0.049

1350
1170
890
640
380
200

Weighted
Average Rainfall
(mm)
28.35
143.91
164.65
200.32
117.04
9.80
664.07

Weighted average is worked out as 664.07 mm

The arithmetic mean method gives equal weights to all the rain gauges. Apart from
being quick and easy, it yields fairly accurate results if the rain gauges are uniformly
distributed and are under homogeneous climate. The polygon method is laborious.
But once weights of each rain gauge are computed, it gives results quickly. This
method takes care of non-uniform distribution of rain gauges. However, variability in
rainfall due to elevation differences is not taken care of. Another serious drawback of
this method is a situation when the polygons are to be redrawn due to addition or
deletion of rain gauges to the network. The third method overcomes most of the
deficiencies of the other two. However, drawing isohyets and computing weights
every time estimations are to be made is tedious. The accuracy of the method also
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depends on the skill with which the isohyets are drawn. It is reasonable to rely on
polygon method for averages of plain areas and the isohyetal method for hilly areas.
4.2 Runoff
Precise estimation of runoff is the basic and foremost input requirement for the design
of recharge structures of optimum capacity. Unrealistic runoff estimates of
catchments yield often leads to the construction of oversized or undersized structures,
which, in any case, must be avoided.
Runoff is defined as the portion of the precipitation that makes its way towards rivers
or oceans as surface or subsurface flow. After the occurrence of infiltration and other
loses from the precipitation (rainfall), the excess rainfall flows out through the small
natural channels on the land surface to the main drainage channels. Such types of flow
are called surface flows. A part of the infiltrated rainwater moves parallel to the land
surface as subsurface flow, and reappears on the surface at certain other points. Such
flows are called interflows. Another part of the infiltrated water percolates downwards
to ground water and moves laterally to emerge in depression and rivers and joins the
surface flow. This type of flow is called the subsurface flow or ground water flow.
4.2.1 Hydrograph
A plot of the stream discharge against the elapsed time gives the flow hydrograph.
The time scale could correspond to a storm period, a month, a season, a year or any
other similar scale. The stream flows are classified as perennial, intermittent and
ephemeral. Perennial streams always carry some water on account of replenishment
by ground water throughout the year. Intermittent streams receive varying supplies of
ground water, which is more during the wet season and dries up in the summer.
Ephemeral streams do not get any supply of ground water and behave like storm
drains in which the flow occurs only due to the overland flow caused by a stream.
These streams cause flash floods too.
4.2.2 Estimation of Runoff
Runoff can be estimated by various methods. These can be classified under the
following headings:
Empirical formulae and tables
Runoff Estimation based on Land Use and Treatment.
Rational Method and
Empirical formulae for flood peak
4.2.2.1 Empirical Formulae and Tables
4.2.2.1.1 Binnie's Percentages: Sir Alexander Binnie was probably among the first to
study the relationship of runoff to rainfall with a view to express the former as a
percentage of the latter (Table.4.3)

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Table 4.3 Binnies Percentages for Computation of Runoff
Annual Rainfall
Runoff
Annual Rainfall
Runoff
(mm)
(%)
(mm)
(%)
500
15
900
34
600
21
1000
38
700
25
1100
40
800
29
The percentages are based on observations on two rivers in Madhya Pradesh.
4.2.2.1.2 Coefficients: The runoff R in cm and rainfall P in cm can be correlated
as R = KP, where K is the runoff coefficient. The runoff coefficient depends on
factors affecting runoff. This method is applicable only for small projects. The usual
values of K are as given in Table 4.4.
Table 4.4 Usual Values of Runoff Coefficients (K)
Type of Area

Urban Residential

0.3 - 0.5
0.05 - 0.2
0.9
0.05 - 0.3
0.85

Forests
Commercial & Industrial
Parks, farms, Pastures
Asphalt or concrete pavement

4.2.2.1.3 Barlow's Tables: T.G. Barlow carried out studies of catchments mostly
under 130 sq km in Uttar Pradesh and gave the following values of K (in percentage)
for various types of catchments (Table 4.5).
Table 4.5 Barlow's Percentage Runoff Coefficients
Class
A
B
C
D
E

Description of Catchment
Flat, cultivated and black cotton soils
Flat, partly cultivated-various soils
Average
Hills and plains with little cultivation
Very hilly and steep, with hardly any cultivation

Percent runoff
10
15
20
35
45

These percentages are for the average type of monsoon and are to be modified by the
application of the following coefficients according to the nature of the season as
shown in Table 4.6.
Table 4.6 Barlows Runoff Coefficients for Different Natures of Season

A
0.70
1.00

Class of catchments.
B
C
D
0.80 0.80
0.80
1.00 1.00
1.00

E
0.80
1.00

1.50

1.50

1.80

Nature of Season.
1. Light rain, no heavy downpour
2. Average or varying rainfall, no
continuous downpour
3.Continuous downpour

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He divided special tropical rainfall into the following four classes:
(i)
(ii)

(iii)
(iv)

Negligible falls: All rainfalls under 12 mm a day unless continuous for

several days; also rainfalls 12 to 40 mm a day, when there is no rain.
Light falls: All rainfalls up to 25 mm a day followed by similar or heavier
falls. Steady pours of 25 to 40 mm a day, when there is no rain of similar
or greater amount before or after that.
Medium falls: Rainfalls from 25 to 40 mm a day when preceded or
followed by any but light falls.
Heavy Falls:
(a) All rainfalls over 75 mm a day or continuous falls at 50 mm a day.
(b) All rainfalls of an intensity of 50 mm or more per hour.

He gave the runoff percentages as shown in the following table by combining the type
of catchment and nature of the season (Table 4.7).
Table 4.7 Barlow's Runoff Percentages
Nature of rainfall
1. Negligible falls
2. Light falls
3. Medium falls
4. Heavy falls

Percentage of Flow in Catchments of Different Type

A
B
C
D
E
1
3
5
10
15
10
15
20
25
33
20
33
40
55
70

4.2.2.1.4 Strange Tables: These tables provide quick and easy access to daily runoff,
which is given as a percentage of total monsoon rainfall (Table 4.8a) or as a
percentage of daily rainfall (Table 4.8b). These are based on extensive studies in the
then Bombay Presidency but can be applied in similar areas.

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Table 4.8(a) Strange Table Showing Depth of Runoff as Percentage of Total
Monsoon Rainfall and Yield of Runoff
Total
Monsoon
Rainfall
in
inches
1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60

Good Catchment
Depth of
PercentRunoff
age of
due to
Runoff
Rainfall
to
in inches
Rainfall
2
0.1
0.2
0.4
0.7
1.0
1.5
2.1
2.8
3.5
4.3
5.2
6.2
7.2
8.3
9.4
10.5
11.6
12.8
13.9
15.0
16.1
17.3
18.4
19.5
20.5
21.8
22.9
24.0
25.1
26.3
27.4
28.5
29.6
30.8
31.9
33.0
34.1
33.53
36.4
37.5
38.8
39.8
40.9
42.0
43.1
44.3
45.4
46.5
47.6
48.8
49.9
51.0
52.1
53.3
54.4
55.5
56.6
57.8
58.9
60.0

3
0.001
0.004
0.012
0.028
0.050
0.090
0.147
0.224
0.315
0.430
0.572
0.744
0.936
1.162
1.410
1.600
1.972
2.304
2.641
3.000
3.381
3.806
4.232
4.680
5.150
5.668
6.183
6.720
7.279
7.890
8.495
9.120
9.768
10.472
11.165
11.880
12.617
13.414
14.196
15.000
15.826
16.716
17.587
18.480
19.395
20.378
21.338
22.320
23.324
24.400
25.449
26.520
27.613
28.782
29.920
31.080
32.262
33.524
34.751
36.000

Yield of
Run-off
from
Catchment
per square
mile in Mcft
4
0.002
0.009
0.028
0.65
0.116
0.209
0.341
0.520
0.732
0.999
1.329
1.728
2.174
2.699
3.276
3.930
4.581
5.353
6.135
6.970
7.855
8.842
9.832
10.873
11.964
13.168
14.364
15.612
16.911
18.330
19.733
21.188
22.693
24.323
25.939
27.600
29.312
31.163
32.980
34.848
36.767
38.835
40.858
42.933
45.058
47.342
49.572
51.854
54.186
56.686
59.123
61.611
64.151
66.866
60.510
72.205
74.951
77.883
80.734
83.035

Percentage of
Runoff
to
Rainfall

Average Catchment
Yield of
Depth of
Run-off
Runoff
per square
due to
Rainfall in mile in
Mcft
inches

Bad Catchment
Depth of
PercentRunoff
age of
due to
Run-off
Rainfall
to
in inches
Rainfall

Yield of
Runoff per
square mile in
Mcft.

5
0.1
0.15
0.3
0.5
0.7
1.1
1.5
2.1
2.6
3.2
3.9
4.6
5.4
6.2
7.0
1.8
8.7
9.6
10.4
11.25
12.0
12.9
13.8
14.6
15.4
16.3
17.1
18.0
18.8
19.7
20.5
21.3
22.2
23.1
23.9
24.7
25.5
27.4
22.3
28.1
28.9
29.8
30.6
31.5
32.3
33.2
34.0
34.8
35.7
36.8
37.4
38.2
39.0
39.9
41.8
41.6
42.4
43.3
44.1
45.0

6
0.001
0.003
0.009
0.021
0.037
0.067
0.110
0.168
0.236
0.322
0.429
0.558
0.702
0.871
1.057
1.260
1.479
1.728
1.980
2.250
2.535
2.854
3.174
3.510
3.862
4.251
4.637
5.040
5.459
5.917
6.370
6.840
7.326
7.854
8.373
8.910
9.462
10.060
10.647
11.250
12.537
13.190
13.860
13.546
15.283
16.003
16.724
17.493
17.493
18.336
19.086
19.890
20.709
21.586
22.440
23.310
24.196
25.143
26.063
27.000

8
0.05
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.5
0.7
1.0
1.4
1.7
2.1
2.6
3.1
3.6
4.1
4.7
5.2
5.8
6.4
6.9
7.5
8.0
8.6
9.2
9.7
10.3
10.9
11.4
12.0
12.5
13.8
13.7
14.2
14.8
15.4
15.9
16.5
17.0
17.6
18.2
18.7
19.3
19.9
20.4
21.0
21.5
22.8
22.7
23.2
23.8
24.4
24.9
25.5
26.0
26.6
27.2
27.7
28.3
28.9
29.4
30.0

10
0.000
0.004
0.014
0.032
0.058
0.104
0.170
0.260
0.366
0.499
0.664
0.864
1.087
1.349
1.638
1.951
2.290
2.676
3.067
3.485
3.927
4.421
4.916
5.436
5.982
6.584
7.182
7.806
8.455
9.165
9.866
10.594
11.345
12.164
12.969
13.800
14.656
15.591
16.490
17.424
18.383
19.417
20.429
21.466
22.529
23.671
24.786
25.927
27.093
28.343
29.561
30.805
32.075
33.433
34.755
36.102
37.471
38.941
40.367
41.817

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0.001
0.006
0.021
0.048
0.087
0.156
0.255
0.390
0.549
0.749
0.996
1.296
1.630
2.024
2.457
2.927
3.435
4.014
4.601
5.227
5.891
6.631
7.374
8.154
8.973
9.876
10.773
11.709
12.683
13.747
14.799
15.891
17.019
18.246
19.454
20.700
21.984
23.372
24.735
26.136
27.575
29.126
30.643
32.199
33.793
35.506
37.179
38.890
40.639
42.514
44.342
46.208
48.313
50.149
52.132
54.453
56.213
58.412
60.550
62.726

9
0.0005
0.002
0.006
0.014
0.025
0.045
0.073
0.112
0.157
0.215
0.286
0.372
0.463
0.581
0.705
0.840
0.986
1.152
1.420
1.500
1.690
1.903
2.116
2.340
2.575
2.834
3.091
3.360
3.639
3.945
4.247
4.560
4.884
5.236
5.582
5.940
6.308
6.760
7.098
7.500
7.913
8.358
8.793
9.240
9.697
10.189
10.669
11.160
11.662
12.200
12.724
13.260
13.806
14.391
14.960
15.540
16.131
16.762
17.375
18.000

27

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Table 4.8(b) Strange Table Showing Daily Runoff Percentage
Daily
Rainfall, mm
5
10
20
25
30
40
50
60
70
75
80
90
100

Runoff Percentage and Yield when the State of Ground is

Dry
Damp
Wet
%
Yield
%
Yield
%
Yield
4
0.20
7
0.35
1
0.10
5
0.25
10
1.00
2
0.40
9
1.80
15
3.00
3
0.75
11
2.75
18
4.50
4
1.20
13
3.90
20
6.00
7
2.80
18
7.20
28
11.20
10
5.00
22
11.00
34
17.00
14
8.46
28
16.80
41
24.60
18
12.61
33
25.10
48
33.60
20
15.00
37
27.75
52
41.25
22
17.60
39
31.20
55
44.00
25
22.50
44
39.60
62
55.80
30
30.00
50
50.00
70
70.00

Note: - for good or bad catchment, add or deduct up to 25% of yield.

For use of these tables, catchments have been classified as Good, Average or Bad as
follows:
Good catchment: Hills or plains with little cultivation and moderately absorbent soil.
Average catchment: Flat partly cultivated stiff gravely/Sandy absorbent soil
Bad catchment: Flat and cultivated sandy soils.
4.2.2.1.5 Ingles and De Souza's formulae: Based on studies carried out for
catchments in Western Ghats and plains of Maharashtra, C.C. Inglis and DSouza
gave the following relations:
For Ghat (Hilly) area, R = 0.85 P - 30.5
Where R and P are runoff and precipitation respectively, both expressed in cm.
For plains

R=

(P-17.8) P
254

4.2.2.1.6 Lacey's Formula: As per this formula, runoff (R) can be computed as
_______P_______
1 + 304.8
F
P
S
Where

S = a catchment factor
F = monsoon duration factor

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Lacey's values for the factor F / S for Barlow's classification of catchments are given
in Table 4.9.
Table 4.9 Values of Lacey's Factor (F / S)
Sl.
No.
1
2.
3.

Monsoon Class
Very short
Standard length
Very long

A
2.0
4.0
6.0

B
0.83
1.67
2.50

Class of Catchments
C
D
0.50
0.23
1.00
0.58
1.50
0.88

E
0.14
0.28
0.43

4.2.2.2 Estimation of Direct Runoff from Rainfall

In this method of runoff estimation, the effects of the surface conditions of a
watershed area are evaluated by means of land use and treatment classes. Land use is
the watershed cover and it includes every kind of vegetation, litter and mulch, and
fallow as well as non-agricultural uses such as water surfaces (lakes, swamps, etc) and
impervious surfaces (roads, roofs, etc.). Land treatment applies mainly to agricultural
land uses and includes mechanical practices such as contouring or terracing and
management practices such as grazing control or rotation of crops. The classes consist
of use and treatment combinations actually to be found on watersheds. Land use and
treatment classes are readily obtained either by observation or by measurement of
plant and litter density and extent on sample areas.
4.2.2.2.1 Hydrological Soil Groups: There are four soil groups that are used in
determining the hydrological soil cover complexes, which are used in a method for
estimating the runoff from rainfall. A generalised soil map of India, giving the broad
classification of all the major soils in India is shown in Fig.4.6. Major characteristics
of these groups are described in Table 4.10. The classification is broad but the groups
can be divided into sub-groups whenever such a refinement is justified. The
infiltration rates and permeability of soils in different groups are shown in Table 4.11
and Table 4.12 respectively. In these tables, infiltration rate is the rate at which water
enters the soil at the surface and which is controlled by surface conditions and
permeability rate is the rate at which water moves in the soil, which is controlled by
the nature and characteristics of soil horizons.

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Fig.4.6 Hydrological Soil Groups of India.

Table 4.10 Hydrological Soil Groups
Soil Group
A

Description
Soils having high infiltration rates even when thoroughly wetted and
consisting chiefly of deep, well to excessively drained sands or
gravels. These soils have a high rate of water transmission.
Soils having moderate infiltration rates when thoroughly wetted and
consisting chiefly of moderately deep to deep, moderately well to
well drained soils with moderately fine to moderately coarse textures.
These soils have a moderate rate of water transmission.
Soils having slow infiltration rates when thoroughly wetted and
consisting chiefly of moderately deep to deep, moderately well to
well drained soils with moderately fine to moderately coarse textures.
These soils have a moderate rate of water transmission.
Soils having very slow infiltration rates when thoroughly wetted and
consisting chiefly of clay soils with a high swelling potential, soils
with a permanent high water table, soils with a clay pan or clay layer
at or near the surface, and shallow soils over nearly impervious
material.

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Table 4.11 Infiltration Rates

1.
2.

Very Low
Low

Rates / hr in
Inches
Millimeters
Below 0.1
Below 2.5
0.1 - 0.5
2.5 - 12.5

3.
4.

Medium
High

0.5 - 1.0
Above 1.0

Sl. No.

Class

12.5 - 25.0
Above 25.0

Remarks
Highly clayey soils
Shallow soils, clay soils,
soils low in organic matter
Sandy loams, silt loams
Deep sands, well aggregated
soils

Table 4.12 Relative Classes of Soil Permeability

Class
Slow
1) Very slow
2) Slow
Moderate
3) Moderately slow
4) Moderate
5) Moderately Rapid
Rapid
6) Rapid
7) Very Rapid

Permeability
Inches / hr.

mm/hr.

Less than 0.05

0.05 to 0.20

1.30
1.31 to 5.00

0.20 to 0.30
0.80 to 2.50
2.50 to 5.00

5.01 to 20.00
20.01 to 50.00
50.01 to 130.00

5.00 to 10.00
Over 10.00

130.01 to 250.00
Over 250.00

4.2.2.2.2 Land Use and Treatment Classes: The commonly used land use and
treatment classes are briefly described below. These classes are used in determining
hydrologic soil- cover complexes, which are used in one of the methods for estimating
runoff from rainfall.
a)

Cultivated lands: These include all field crops such as maize, sugarcane, paddy
and wheat.
b) Fallow lands: These are lands taken up for cultivation, but are temporarily out of
cultivation for a period of not less than one year, and not more than 5 years.
Current fallow lands are cropped areas kept fallow during the current year.
c) Uncultivated lands include:
a. Permanent pastures and other grazing lands.
b. Cultivable waste, which are lands available for cultivation whether or not
taken up for cultivation or abandoned after a few years for one reason or
another. Land once cultivated but uncultivated for 5 years in succession
shall also be included in this category.
d) Forest area includes all lands classed as forest under any legal enactment dealing
with forest or administered as forest whether State owned or private and whether
wooded or maintained as potential forest land.
e) Tree crops include woody perennial plants that reach a mature height of at least 8
feet and have well defined stems and a definite crown shape.

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Source Water
f)

Lands put to non-agricultural uses are areas occupied by buildings, roads,

railroads etc.
g) Barren and uncultivable lands include areas covered by mountains, deserts etc.
4.2.2.2.3 Rainfall Runoff Equations: The data generally available in India
comprise rainfall measured by non-recording rain gauge stations. Rainfall-runoff
relation developed for such data is given below
Q = [(P-Ia)2] / [(P-Ia)+S]
Where Q is the actual runoff in mm, S, the potential maximum retention in mm, and
Ia, initial abstraction during the period between the beginning of rainfall and runoff in
equivalent depth over the catchment in mm.
In areas covered by black soils having Antecedent Moisture Conditions (AMC) II
and III, Ia in the equation is equal to 0.1S, whereas in all other regions including those
with black soils of AMC I, Ia is equal to 0.3S.
In order to show this relationship graphically, S values are transformed into Curve
Numbers (CN) using the following equation
CN = 25400 / (254 + S)
Using the above equation, the following equations have been developed:
Q = [(P-0.3S)2] / [(P+0.7S)] -------------------- 1
Q = [(P-0.1S)2] / [(P+0.9S)] -------------------- 2
Equation 1 is applicable to all soil regions of India except black soil areas referred to
in the section on Hydrological Soil Groups. Equation 2 applies to black soil regions.
This equation should be used with the assumption that cracks, which are typical of
these soils when dry, have been filled. Therefore, equation 2 should be used where
AMC falls into groups II and III. In cases where the AMC falls in group I, equation 1
should be used. The rainfall limits for AMC conditions are shown in Table 4.13
Table 4.13 Rainfall Limits for Antecedent Moisture Condition
AMC
I
II
III

5 day Total Antecedent Rainfall (cm)

Dormant Season
Growing Season
< 1.25
< 3.5
1.25 to 2.75
3.50 to 5.25
> 2.75
> 5.25

Values of CN for different soils are given in Table 4.14

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Table 4.14 Runoff Curve Numbers for Hydrologic Soil Cover Complexes ( For
watershed Condition II and Ia = 0.25)
Land Use/ Cover
Fallow
Row Crops

Small Grain

Close seeded
legumes or rotation
meadow

Treatment/
Practice
Straight Row

Hydrologic
Condition
-

Curve Number for

Hydrologic Soil Group
77
86
91
94

Straight Row
Straight Row
Contoured
Contoured
Contoured
and Terraced
Contoured
and Terraced
Straight Row
Straight Row
Contoured
Contoured
Contoured
and Terraced
Contoured
and Terraced
Straight Row

Poor
Good
Poor
Good
Poor

72
67
70
65
66

81
78
79
75
74

88
85
84
82
80

91
89
88
86
82

Good

62

71

78

81

Poor
Good
Poor
Good
Poor

65
63
63
61
61

76
75
74
73
72

84
83
82
81
79

88
87
85
84
82

Good

59

70

78

81

Poor

66

77

85

89

Straight Row
Contoured
Contoured
Contoured
and Terraced
Contoured
and Terraced

Good
Poor
Good
Poor

58
64
55
63

72
75
69
73

81
83
78
80

85
85
83
83

Good

51

67

76

80

Poor
Fair
Good
Poor
Fair
Good
Good

68
49
39
47
25
6
30

79
69
69
67
59
35
58

86
79
79
81
75
70
71

89
84
84
88
83
79
78

Poor

45

66

77

83

Fair
Good

36
25
59
72
77

60
55
74
82
84

73
70
82
87
90

79
77
86
89
92

Pasture or Range
Contoured
Contoured
Contoured
Meadow
(Permanent)
Woodlands (Farm
Woodlots)

Farmsteads
Roads (Dirt)
Roads (Hard
Surface)

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4.2.2.3 Rational Method
This method was originally developed for urban catchments. Thus, the basic
assumptions for development of this method were made for urban catchments.
However, this method is fairly applicable to small agricultural watersheds of 40 to 80
hectares size (Chow, 1964).
The Rational method is based on the assumption that constant intensity of rainfall is
uniformly spread over an area, and the effective rain falling on the most remote part
of the basin takes a certain period of time, known as the time of concentration (Tc) to
arrive at the basin outlet. If the input rate of excess rainfall on the basin continues for
the period of time of concentration, then the part of the excess rain that fell in the
most remote part of the basin will just begin its outflow at the basin outlet and with it,
the runoff will reach its ultimate and the maximum rate. That is, the maximum rate of
outflow will occur when the rainfall duration is equal to the time of concentration.
The above processes are explained in Fig. 4.7. Consider a drainage basin, which has
rainfall of uniform intensity and of longer duration. On plotting the relationship
between the cumulative runoff rate Q and time, the rate of runoff shows a gradual
increase from zero to a constant value. The runoff increases with increase in flow
from remote areas of the basin to its outlet. If the rainfall continues beyond the time of
concentration, then there is no further increase in the runoff, and it remains constant at
its peak value.

End of Rainfall

Recession curve
Qp

Tc
Fig. 4.7 Runoff Hydrograph Due to Uniform Rainfall

The relationship for peak runoff Qp is then expressed as

Qp = C I A
Where, C = coefficient of runoff
A = area of the catchment (drainage basin)
I = intensity of rainfall.

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Source Water
In metric units, this equation is expressed as.
Qp = 1 C I A
3.6
Where, Qp = peak runoff rate (m/s)
C = coefficient of runoff
I = mean intensity of precipitation (mm/h) for a duration equal to time of
concentration, and for an accidence probability.
A = area of the drainage basin (km).
4.2.2.3.1 Runoff Coefficient Factor (C): The runoff coefficient factor (C)
encompasses all other factors that affect the surface runoff, except the area (A) and
the intensity of rainfall (I). It is defined as:
C=

Qp
AI

Under ideal conditions, C represents the ratio of runoff volume to rainfall volume.
Ideal conditions are rare. Consequently, the values of C are significantly lower than
the values obtained through the above ratio. A summary of the values of C developed
by different research works in India for different soil conditions are given in Table
4.15.
Table 4.15 Values of Runoff Coefficient Factor (C) for Different Soil Conditions
in India.
Type of
Vegetation

Slope Range
(%)

Woodland
and forests

0-5
5-10
10-30
0-5
5-10
10-30
0-5
5-10
10-30

Grassland

Agricultural
land

Runoff Coefficient (C) in

Sandy Loam
Loam /
Stiff Clay Soil
Soil
Loam Clay Soil
0.1
0.3
0.4
0.25
0.35
0.5
0.3
0.5
0.6
0.1
0.3
0.4
0.16
0.36
0.55
0.22
0.42
0.6
0.3
0.5
0.6
0.4
0.6
0.7
0.52
0.72
0.82

4.2.2.3.2 Intensity of Rainfall: The formula for the intensity of rainfall is expresses
as.
I =

KTra
(Tc + b) n

Where I is the intensity of rainfall, Tr, the recurrence interval, T c, Time of

concentration, and a, b, n are constants.

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The values of parameters K, a, b, n for different zones of India have been developed
by the ICAR scientists, and are shown in Table 4.16.
Table 4.16 Values of Parameters for Intensity Duration - Return Period
Relationships for Different Zones of India.
Zone
Northern zone
Central zone
Western zone
Southern zone

K
5.92
7.47
3.98
6.31

A
0.162
0.170
0.165
0.153

b
0.50
0.75
0.15
0.50

n
1.013
0.960
0.733
0.950

4.2.2.3.3 Time of Concentration (Tc): For determination of the time of

concentration, the most widely used formula is the equation given by Kirpich (1940).
However, for small drainage basins, the lag time for the peak flow can be taken to be
equal to the time of concentration. The lag time can be determined by the Snyders
equation.
The Kirpichs equation is given as
Tc = 0.01947 L0.77 S-0.385
Where
Tc = time of concentration (min)
L = maximum length of travel of water (m)
S = slope of the drainage basin = HIL
H= difference in elevation between the most remote point of the basin and its outlet
(m) and L, the maximum length of travel (m)
The time of concentration can also be determined as
Tc = 0.1947 (K) 0.77
Where K = L
H
The time of concentration is sometimes also determined by dividing the length of run
with the average velocity of flow based on the slope of the channel as given in Table
4.17.
Table 4.17 Average Velocity Based on Channel Slope
Channel Slope %
1-2
2-4
4-6
6-10

Manual on Artificial Recharge of Ground Water

Velocity (m/s).
0.6
0.9
1.2
1.5

36

Source Water
4.2.2.4 Empirical Relationships for Determination of Peak Runoff
Empirical relationships can be applied to regions for which these are developed.
There are some popular Runoff formulae in use in India, three of which are given
below:
4.2.2.4.1 Dickens Formula: This formula was developed in the year 1865. It states
that
Qp = Cd A3/4
Where
Qp = peak discharge rate (m3 /s).
Cd = a constant (Dickens), ranging from 6 to 30.
A = Drainage basin area (km).
For Indian conditions, suggested values for Cd are given in Table 4.18
Table 4.18 Suggested Values of Cd for Indian Conditions
Region
Northern states

Topography
Plains
Hills
-

Central states
Coastal area

Cd
6
11-14
14.28
22.28.

4.2.2.4.2 Ryves Formula

Ryves formula was reported in the year 1884. It states that
Qp = Cr A2/3
Where
Qp = Peak discharge rate (m/s).
A = Drainage basin area (km).
Cr = A constant (Ryves), as shown in Table 4.19
Table 4.19 Values of Ryves Constant
Region
Within 80 km from east coast
80-160 km from east coast
Hills

Cr
6.8
8.5
10.2

The Ryves formula is recommended for southern states of India.

4.2.2.4.3 Ingles Formula: This formula was developed in areas of old Bombay state.
It states that
123 A
Qp =
A + 10.4
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Qp = Peak discharge in Cumecs
A = Area of the catchment in sq km
Example
A catchment has an area of 5.0 km. The average slope of the land surface is 0.006
and the maximum travel depth of rainfall in the catchment is approximately 1.95 km.
The maximum depth of rainfall in the area with a return period of 25 years is as
tabulated in Table 4.20.
Table 4.20 Maximum Depth of Rainfall in an Area with a Return Period of 25
Years.
Time duration (min)
Rain fall depth (mm)

5
15

10
25

15
32

20
45

25
50

30
53

40
60

60
65

Consider that 2.0 Km of the catchment area has cultivated sandy loam soil (c=0.2)
and 3.0 Km has light clay cultivated soil (c = 0.7). Determine the peak flow rate of
runoff by using the Rational method.
Solution: The time of concentration is given by Kirpichs equation.
Tc = 0.01947 L0.77S-0.385
= 0.01947 (1950) 0.77 (0.006) -0.385 min
= 47.65 min.
The maximum rainfall depth for 47.65 min duration would fall between the periods of
40-60 min and is located at 7.65 min after the 40 min period at which the maximum
rainfall depth is 60 mm, as per the available data.
The rainfall depth during the 7.65 min period = 65-60 x 7.65 = 1.9 mm
20
Therefore, for 47.65 min duration, the rainfall depth = 60 + 1.9 = 61.9 mm.
The average rainfall intensity

(During the period of time of concentration)

Runoff coefficient, C

61.9 x 60 = 77.96 mm/hr

47.65

(20 x 0.2) + (3.0 x 0.7)

5.0
0.4 +2. =
0.5
5.0
CIA m/s

=
Peak runoff rate, Qp

maximum rainfall depth

Tc

=
=

3.6
1/3.6 x 0.5 x 77.96 x 5.0

54.138 m/s.

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4.3 Quality of Source Water
The physical, chemical and biological quality of the recharge water also affects the
planning and selection of recharge method. Physical quality of recharge water refers
to the type and amount of suspended solids, temperature, and the amount of entrapped
air whereas chemical quality refers to type and concentration of dissolved solids and
gases. Biological quality refers to type and concentration of living organisms. Under
certain conditions, any or all of these characteristics can diminish recharge rates.
4.3.1 Physical Quality
If suspended solids are present in the recharge water, surface application techniques
are more efficient than subsurface techniques. Even though suspended particles may
cause clogging, the infiltration surfaces are accessible for remedial treatment. Where
indirect methods of recharge are used, suspended solids pose virtually no problem.
Under such conditions, induced recharge would probably be one of the best methods.
Ditch and furrows method is also well suited for large amounts of suspended solid
loads because the steady flow of water inhibits settling. Basins should not be
indiscriminately subjected to turbid water because surface clogging is almost certain
to occur. If basins must be used for recharge with turbid water, they can be used in
series, whereby the first basin acts as a clarifier for subsequent basins. This method
requires more land, however, and is feasible only where land is readily available.
Where suspended solid loads in recharge water are high, subsurface application
techniques, including deep pits, shafts, and wells, are prone to failure. Unless pretreatment measures are provided, subsurface techniques should not be considered
when the source water is turbid because clogging of injection wells is particularly
troublesome, and well redevelopment is costly.
4.3.2 Chemical Quality
Recharge water should be chemically compatible with the aquifer material through
which it flows and the native ground water to avoid chemical reactions that would
reduce effective porosity and recharge capacity. Chemical precipitation and
unfavourable exchange reactions, as well as the presence of dissolved gases, are
causes for concern. Cation exchange reactions involving sodium in recharge water
may cause clay particles to swell or disperse, thereby decreasing infiltration rate or
aquifer permeability. Dissolved gases may alter aquifer pH or come out of solution,
forming gas pockets that occupy pore space and decrease aquifer permeability.
Toxic substances in excess of established health standards must not be present in the
recharge water unless they can be removed by pre-treatment or chemically
decomposed by a suitable land or aquifer treatment system. If artificial recharge is for
drinking purpose, then the source water must conform to the drinking water standards
in vogue.
4.3.3 Biological Quality
Biological agents such as algae or bacteria may also be present in recharge water.
Organic wastes may contain harmful bacteria or promote their growth and decay or

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Source Water
organic materials may produce excess nitrate or other by-products. Growth of algae
and bacteria during recharge can cause clogging of infiltration surfaces and may lead
to the production of gases that further hinder recharge efforts. Although surface
spreading removes most bacteria and algae by filtration before the recharge water
reaches the aquifer, surface clogging can reduce the infiltration rate considerably.
Injection of water containing bacteria and algae through wells is generally not
recommended because it causes clogging of well screens or aquifer materials, which
is difficult and costly to remedy.
The quality of source water is thus vitally important wherever direct recharge
techniques are contemplated. In cases where insitu precipitation or water supplied
from canals are used for recharge, no constraints on account of water quality may
arise. However, in cases where waters in the lower reaches of rivers or recycled
municipal/industrial waste waters are proposed to be used, the quality of water
requires to be precisely analysed and monitored to determine the type and extent of
treatment required.
In cases where the recharge is contemplated through spreading techniques, raw waste
water can be used after primary sedimentation and secondary (biological) treatment to
take advantage of filtration and bio-degradation that occurs as the water passes
through the upper soil layers and zone of aeration. On the other hand, if the water is to
be used for direct recharge, secondary treatment should be followed by chemical
clarification (coagulation-flocculation-clarification). The water is then allowed to pass
through adequate filter beds. The filtration is followed by tertiary treatment involving
air tripping, granular activated carbon treatment, reverse osmosis and disinfection, in
that order.
The consideration of chemical quality of source water will thus lead to decisions
about the extent and type of treatment required, arrangements for treatment plants and
the cost of source water. In case it is not possible to ensure the desired quality
standard from the treatment, such source(s) may be avoided for recharging the ground
water.

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5. PLANNING OF ARTIFICIAL RECHARGE SCHEMES

Proper planning is essential for the successful outcome of any artificial recharge
scheme. Planning of artificial recharge schemes involves the formulation of a suitable
plan, under a given set of natural conditions, to augment the natural ground water
recharge. An artificial recharge scheme may be aimed at recharge augmentation in a
specific area for making up the shortage in ground water recharge compared to the
ground water draft either fully or partially.
The area involved in artificial recharge projects may range from a watershed, a
limited area covering an urban, rural or industrial centre or administrative units like
Mandal/Block to large basins or larger administrative units like Districts/States.
Though the steps involved in planning are essentially the same, the planning is done
on different scales as per the required objectives and the area involved. Thus,
planning of recharge scheme may be done at Mega level (State or Basin level), Macro
level (District or sub-basin level) and Micro level (Block or Watershed level) at
progressively larger scales. It is advisable to do State/Basin level planning at 1:
2000,000 scale, District / Sub-basin level planning at 1:250,000 scale and Block /
Watershed level planning at 1:50,000 scale and so on.
Proper scientific investigations aimed at assessing the need and feasibility of an area
for artificial recharge are necessary prerequisites for planning and implementation of
any successful artificial recharge project. Detailed consideration of the following
aspects is necessary for evolving a realistic plan for an artificial recharge scheme.
i.

Establishment of ground facts, which includes

Need for artificial recharge
Estimation of sub-surface storage capacity of the aquifers and
quantification of water required for recharge
Prioritisation of areas for artificial recharge
Source water availability
Assessment of source water
Source water quality
Suitability of the area for recharge in terms of climate, topography, soil
and land use characteristics and hydrogeologic set-up
ii. Appraisal of economic viability
iii. Finalisation of Physical Plan.
iv. Preparation of a Plan document covering all the aspects mentioned above

5.1 Establishment of Ground Facts

An appraisal of the ground facts relevant to the need and suitability of an area for
artificial recharge helps in deciding upon the most suitable scientific strategy for the
formulation of artificial recharge schemes. The most important considerations in this
regard are described in brief in the following sections.
5.1.1 Establishing the Need
Assessing the need for recharge augmentation in a scientific and objective manner
forms the first step in planning a recharge scheme. Artificial recharge may be required

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Planning of Artificial Recharge Schemes

for tiding over deficit situations in summer/winter seasons though sufficient water
may be available for the year as a whole, or to combat perennial deficit situations
getting compounded over the years. In the former case, there is need for building up
additional ground water storage as and when it is available and to conserve it to
ensure that the available supplies last through the lean season. In case where the
ground water deficit gets compounded due to overexploitation, artificial recharge
measures will often have to be coupled with economy measures for preventing misuse
of water and regulation of ground water development through legislation for them to
be effective.
The need for artificial recharge also requires to be prioritized according to its
importance in the overall development perspective of the nation. Such prioritization
will also help in deciding the economic viability of the scheme being contemplated.
Recharge for catering to drinking water needs in adverse situations, preventive
recharge to combat saline water ingress/land subsidence and augmentation of water
supply to projects of strategic importance fall under the highest priority. A benefit
cost ratio of 0.9: 1 or even less may be acceptable depending upon the conditions
under which the project is being implemented. Providing subsistence irrigation in
semi-arid and drought-prone areas comes under the next category where a benefit cost
ratio of 1 may be considered adequate. Recharge augmentation for industrial use and
irrigation augmentation in humid areas have the least priority and a benefit cost ratio
of 1.5:1 or higher may be required in such situations.
In cases where the objective of recharge is replenishment of de-saturated aquifer
zones or to arrest/reverse decline in ground water levels, the benefit cannot be directly
reflected in terms of BC ratio as the benefits are mostly intangible. In such cases, a
long-term declining trend of ground water levels, in the absence of significant
negative departure of rainfall, may be attributed to over-development of ground water
resources. Data pertaining to a period of at least 10 years is recommended for
examining the trend of ground water levels in an area.
5.1.2 Estimation of Sub-surface Storage Capacity of Aquifers
The scope for artificial recharge in an area is basically governed by the thickness of
unsaturated material available above the water table in the unconfined aquifer. Depth
to water level, therefore, provides the reference level to calculate the volume of
unsaturated material available for recharge. Depth to water level recorded during postmonsoon period is used for the purpose as areas where the natural recharge is not
enough to compensate the ground water withdrawal, can be easily identified using the
water level data. The average water levels for a period of at least 5 years is to be used
in order to nullify the effects of variation in rainfall.
Contour maps prepared from the average post-monsoon water level data with suitable
contour intervals can be used for assessment of available storage space. The intercontour areas between successive contours are determined and the total area in which
the water levels are below a certain cut-off level (say 3.00 m.bgl in phreatic aquifers),
multiplied by the specific yield of the aquifer material gives the volume of subsurface storage space available for recharge. The cut-off water level is so selected to
ensure that the recharge does not result in water logging conditions in the area.

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After assessing the subsurface storage space, the actual requirement of source water is
to be estimated. Based on the experience gained from field experiments, the average
recharge efficiency of the individual structure is to be specified (say 60-90%). To
arrive at the total volume of actual source water required at the surface, the volume of
water required for artificial recharge is calculated by multiplying the volume of subsurface storage space with the reciprocal of recharge efficiency of the structure
proposed.
Sample worksheets for estimation of sub-surface storage capacity and volume of
water required for recharge is shown in Table 5.1 and Table 5.2 respectively.
Table 5.1 Sample Worksheet for Estimation of Sub-surface Storage Capacity
Sl.
No.

Basin

Watershed

Geographical area
(sq.km)

Area
identified
for
artificial
recharge
(sq.km)

Depth to
water
level
(Postmonsoon)
below
cut-off
level
(m)

Volume of
unsaturated
zone
(M Cu m)

Average
specific
yield
(%)

Total
subsurface
storage
potential as
volume of
water (M Cu
m)

1
1
2
3
4

7= (5x6)

9=(7x8)

Table 5.2 Sample Worksheet for Estimation of Volume of Water Required for
Recharge
Sl.
No

Basin / Sub
basin /
Watershed

(1)

(2)

Area
Identified
for Artificial
Recharge*
(Sq.km)
(3)

Sub surface
Storage
Potential**
(M Cu m)

Recharge
Efficiency
(%)

(4)

(5)

Surface Water
Requirement
(M Cu m)

(6)=(4 )x 100 / (5)

1
2
3

*As in column 5 & ** column 9 of Table 5.1

5.1.3 Prioritisation of Areas for Artificial Recharge
It may not always be possible to implement artificial recharge projects in the entire
area even though the need is established, due to various constraints such as lack of
source water, shortage of funds for implementation of the projects etc. In such cases,
it may be necessary to identify areas that require recharge augmentation most and to
implement recharge projects accordingly.
Prioritisation of areas for artificial recharge is normally done by overlaying postmonsoon depth to water level maps with maps depicting the long-term trend of

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Planning of Artificial Recharge Schemes

ground water levels. From these maps, it is possible to demarcate areas with various
combinations of depth to water levels and water level trends. For example, if a depth
to water level map having 3 m contour intervals is combined with a water level trend
map with 0.1 m/year contour interval, it is possible to demarcate areas having
a) water levels in the range of 3 to 6 m.bgl and declining trend of 0.10 to 0.20
m/year.
b) water levels deeper than 9.00 m bgl and declining trend in excess of 0.40
m/year or
c) water levels deeper than 12.00 m bgl, but with a long term rising trend of 0.2
to 0.4 m/year.
d) Water levels in the range of 5.0 to 10.0m with declining trends during both
pre-monsoon and post-monsoon season.
Normally, areas having deeper water levels and declining water level trends are given
higher priority identification of area feasible for artificial recharge. Areas having
shallow water levels / rising water level trends are not considered for inclusion in
artificial recharge plan.
5.1.4 Availability of Source Water
A realistic assessment and quantification of the source water help design the storage
capacity of the structure. Otherwise, there is a possibility of arriving at an improper
design of the recharge structure. Various aspects of assessment of source water
availability have been dealt with in the chapter on Source Water. In cases validated
data on non-committed surplus runoff / any other possible source of water and its
distribution in time and space is available with appropriate agencies, the same can be
considered. The quality aspects of the water to be utilized for recharge needs to be
ascertained from the available data and if required through detailed analysis.
5.1.5 Suitability of Area for Recharge
The climatic, topographic, soil, land-use and hydrogeologic conditions are important
factors controlling the suitability of an area for artificial recharge. The climatic
conditions broadly determine the spatial and temporal availability of water for
recharge, whereas the topography controls the extent of run-off and retention. The
prevalent soil and land use conditions determine the extent of infiltration, whereas the
hydrogeologic conditions govern the occurrence of potential aquifer systems and their
suitability for artificial recharge.
5.1.5.1 Climatic Conditions
In regions experiencing high (1000 to 2000 mm/year) to very high (>2000 mm/year)
rainfall, such as the Konkan and Malabar coasts, North-eastern States, parts of lesser
Himalayas in Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh, eastern part of Madhya Pradesh
and parts of Bihar and Bengal, a major part of the water received during the rainy
season goes as surface runoff. Only 5 to 10 percent of the total precipitation may
infiltrate into the ground and reach the water table, which may be sufficient for
adequate recharge. In areas of very high rainfall, the phenomenon of rejected recharge
may also occur.

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Planning of Artificial Recharge Schemes

Most of such areas may not require artificial recharge of ground water and the best
option is to store as much of the surplus water available as possible in large surface
reservoirs, to be released to downstream areas during non-monsoon periods for direct
use or to be used as source water for artificial recharge in suitable areas. The second
and third order streams in such regions may have flow throughout the winter and the
major rivers are normally perennial. The water in these streams and rivers, diverted,
lifted or drawn through induced recharge may also be used as source water for
artificial recharge.
In areas having moderate rainfall (750 1000 mm/year) such as eastern parts of
Punjab and Maharashtra, eastern and central parts of Madhya Pradesh, parts of
Godavari delta, eastern coast and Karnataka, adequate ground water resources are
generally available only during the rainy season. A major component of the
precipitation goes as surface runoff in these areas too and recharge may be 10 to 15
percent of annual precipitation. Ground water recharge is normally not sufficient to
saturate the water table aquifers in deficit rainfall years. The second and third order
streams normally do not have any flow during a major part of winter and only major
streams may have some flow during summer.
The non-availability of surplus runoff beyond the rainy season may impose a severe
constraint on artificial recharge to ground water in these areas. Diversion of water
released from surface water reservoirs in the upper reaches of the catchments, water
transferred from surplus basins or lifted from rivers wherever available may be
required for sustaining irrigation water supplies. Hence, conserving as much of
surface runoff as possible through watershed treatment measures, inducing additional
recharge during and after rainy season and conserving ground water outflow through
subsurface dykes may be suitable for such areas.
In semi-arid regions with low to moderate rainfall in the range of 400 to 700 mm/year,
the annual precipitation may not even suffice to meet the existing water demand, and
droughts may occur with regular frequency due to variations in rainfall. Western part
of Punjab and Haryana, eastern Rajasthan and parts of Gujarat, Saurashtra, central
Maharashtra and Telengana and Rayalseema regions of Andhra Pradesh fall under
this category. The evapotranspiration losses in these areas are quite high and even
though 15 to 20 percent of water gets infiltrated into the ground, the total ground
water recharge will be limited because of the low rainfall. The stream flow in these
regions is mostly restricted to the rainy season.
The replenishment of aquifers during rainy season generally is not enough to cater to
the irrigation requirements during Rabi season in such areas, though it may be
adequate for drinking water use through winter. Shortage of drinking water supplies is
common during summer, which may be acute in years of deficit rainfall. Though
recharge augmentation is warranted, due to lack of availability of source water, the
only option available is to conserve as much of the surplus surface runoff during the
short rainy season. Rainwater harvesting and runoff conservation measures for
augmenting the ground water resources are appropriate in such situations.
In areas falling in arid zone, such as western Rajasthan desert, parts of Kutch region
of Gujarat and Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, the annual precipitation is less
than 400 mm, the number of rainy days between 20 and 30 or even less and the

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Planning of Artificial Recharge Schemes

coefficient of variation of rainfall is normally between 30 and 70 percent. The major
component of outflow is evaporation and drainage is poorly developed in these areas.
Infiltration of water may rarely exceed field capacity of soils and ground water
recharge may be very small or negligible. Such areas may be left out of consideration
for artificial recharge in spite of need unless trans-basin water is available. Rainwater
harvesting may be contemplated in such regions for augmenting drinking water
supplies. In case imported water is available, spreading or injection methods (for
confined aquifers) may be considered depending on surface conditions (sandy/rocky),
topographic set-up and salinity profiles of soils and the zone of aeration.
5.1.5.2 Topographic Set-up
The topographic set-up of an area controls the retention period of surface and ground
water within a topographic unit. The gradients are very steep (more than 1:10) in the
runoff zones, with very little possibility of infiltration. Such areas on hill-slopes may
be suitable only for water conservation measures like gully plugging, bench terracing
or contour trenching, aimed at slowing down surface runoff and thereby causing more
infiltration, which may go as delayed subsurface seepage either to the unconfined or
deeper confined aquifer systems.
Moderate topographic slopes between 1:10 and 1:100 usually occur on valley sides,
downward of piedmont foothill regions. Surface and subsurface retention of water in
these areas will be for longer durations depending upon slope and other conditions.
The piedmont zone, with characteristically deep water table is located immediately at
the foothills. The surface drainage is generally located above the water table. The se
areas are suitable for locating recharge basins and percolation ponds for recharging
the water table aquifer. These unconfined aquifers may or may not recharge the
deeper aquifers depending upon their hydraulic connectivity. At elevations just below
the piedmont zone, artificial recharge through percolation ponds, recharge pits,
trenches and recharge basins is normally feasible. In this transition zone, the
piezometric heads of deeper aquifers may be initially located below the phreatic
surface but at lower elevations, the situation may be the reverse. In the former
situation, recharge of deeper aquifers through shafts, gravity inflow wells or injection
wells may be feasible if sufficient source water supply is available.
The broad valley floors or the zone of lowest elevation occurring along the major
rivers may typically have gentle to very gentle gradients. The movement of both
surface and ground water in these areas is sluggish and retention time, in general, is
high. These areas are generally categorized as ground water storage zones as all the
water moving down the water table gradient converges in this zone. The deeper semiconfined aquifers often contribute water to the unconfined zone through upward
leakage due to higher piezometric heads. The need for artificial recharge in such areas
may arise only when they are located in low rainfall zones or have adverse
hydrogeologic conditions. In such situations, induced recharge of unconfined aquifer
along the river channel will be feasible if the river has some flow. Soil Aquifer
Treatment (SAT) of treated municipal waste water may also be possible in the vicinity
of urban agglomerations.

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Planning of Artificial Recharge Schemes

5.1.5.3 Soil and Land Use Conditions
Soil and land use conditions are of vital importance if artificial recharge through
surface spreading methods is contemplated in an area. Various factors such as the
depth of soil profile, its texture, mineral composition and organic content control the
infiltration capacity of soils. Areas having a thin soil cover are easily drained and
permit more infiltration when compared to areas with thick soil cover in the valley
zones. Soils having coarser texture due to higher sand-silt fractions have markedly
higher infiltration capacity as compared to clay-rich soils, which are poorly
permeable. Soils containing minerals, which swell on wetting like montmorillonite
etc. and with higher organic matter, are good retainers of moisture necessary for crop
growth but impede deeper percolation.
The land use and extent of vegetation also controls the infiltration capacity of soils.
Barren valley slopes are poor retainers of water as compared to grass lands and
forested tracts, which not only hold water on the surface longer, but also facilitate
seepage during the rainy seasons through the root systems. Similarly, ploughed fields
facilitate more infiltration as compared to barren fields.
5.1.5.4 Hydrogeological Factors
Hydrogeological conditions of the area are also among important factors in planning
artificial recharge schemes. The recharged water moves below the soil zone in
moisture fronts through the zone of aeration. The unsaturated flow is governed by the
permeability of zone of aeration, which in turn varies with moisture content of the
front. Usually, in case of consolidated and semi consolidated rock formations, the
subsoil zone passes into weathered strata, which, in turn, passes into unweathered
rock. The hydrogeologic properties of the weathered strata are generally much better
as compared to the parent rock due to higher porosity and permeability imparted by
weathering. The nature of soil, subsoil, weathered mantle, presence of hard pans or
impermeable layers govern the process of recharge into the unconfined aquifer. The
saturation and movement of ground water within unconfined and all deeper semiconfined and confined aquifers is governed by storativity and hydraulic conductivity
of the aquifer material. Aquifers best suited for artificial recharge are those, which
absorb large quantities of water and release them whenever required.
The geologic formations encountered in India have been classified into three groups
based on their hydrogeologic properties and ground water potential. The broad
hydrogeological characteristics of each group and the suitability of artificial recharge
methods in each are given in Tables 5.3. The geologic formations in the highly
mountainous Himalayan Region, except for the Quaternary valley fill deposits have
not been covered in this classification on account of the adverse topographic
conditions. Site selection criteria and design guidelines of artificial recharge structures
mentioned in the tables have been described in the subsequent chapter.

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Planning of Artificial Recharge Schemes

Table 5.3 Suitability of Artificial Recharge Structures for Different Hydrogeological Settings
Group I - Consolidated Formations:
This group covers the hard crystalline igneous and metamorphic rocks, as well as hard massive indurate Pre-Cambrian sedimentary formations.
The late Mesozoic, early Tertiary and Deccan and Rajamahal Volcanics, which cover a large area of the country, are also included in this group
Geologic
Age
Archaean
(4000 to
1500 million
years)

PreCambrians
(1500 to 600
million
years)

Jurassic
Upper
cretaceous to
Eocene (110
to 60 million
years)

Rock
Formation
Archaean
Complex
Dharwars
Aravallis to
equivalent
formations.

Cuddapahs,
Delhi &
equivalent
systems.

Rajmahal
traps
Deccan traps

Rock Types

Hydrogeologic Characteristics

(a)Granites
Gneisses, Charnokites,
Khodalites
(b)Schists, Slates
Phyllites Granulites
(c)Banded Haematite
Quartzites (Iron ore
series)

These formations have negligible to poor

primary porosity. Secondary openings like
joints, fractures, shears and faults give rise to
limited fracture porosity. Weathering and
denudation aided by secondary openings and
structural weak planes add to the porosity &
permeability of rock mass.
Solution cavities (Caverns) in carbonate rocks
may, at places give rise to large ground water
storage/circulation.

(a)Consolidated
sandstones, shales,
Conglomerates
(b)Limestones,
Dolomites
(c)Quartzites, Marbles
(d)Intrusive granites &
Malani volcanics

Ground water circulation is generally limited to

100m depth but if major deep fractures are
present, it may occur down to much deeper
levels.
Storativity value of unconfined aquifer is
generally low. Hydraulic conductivity may vary
widely depending on fracture incidence. Leaky
confined/confined aquifers may be present in
layered formations.

Artificial Recharge Structures

Suitable
1. Percolation tanks
2. Nalah Bunds
3. Gully plugs
4. Contour Bund
5. Bench Terracing.
6. Recharge pits and shafts.
7.Gravity recharge wells
8. Induced recharge wells in
favourable situations.
9. Ground water Dam (Under
ground Bandhara) and Fracture
sealing cementation.
10. Borehole Blasting & Hydro
fracturing.
11. Various combination of above
methods as per the site situations.

Remarks
1. The storage capacity and
diffusivity of aquifer being
generally restricted; only
limited artificial recharge
may be accepted through a
single structure, which
benefits a limited area.
More structures, spread
over the watershed are
required to create
significant impact.
2. Injection recharge wells
are not considered suitable
due to limited intake
possible in the deeper
aquifers

(a)Basalts, Dolerites
(b)Diorites and other
acidic derivatives of
Basaltic magma.

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Group-II: Semi Consolidated formations:

The sedimentary formations ranging in age between the Upper Carboniferous to Tertiary, which though lithified are relatively less consolidated
and soft as compared to the consolidated formation have been included in this group. The hydrogeologic characteristics of the group are
intermediate between the consolidated and the unconsolidated groups
Geologic
Age

Rock Formation

Rocks Types

Hydrogeologic characteristics

Upper
Carboniferous to
Jurassic
(275 to
150
Million
years)

Gondwana Group

(a)Boulder pebble
bed
(b) Sandstones
( c)Shales
(d) Coal seams

Among the sedimentary rocks included in this group, the pebble & gravel
beds, sandstones and boulder conglomerates possess moderate primary
porosity and hydraulic conductivity, which is governed by texture,
sorting, degree of compaction and amount of cementing material. The
hydrogeologic potential of limestones is governed by degree of
karstification. The shales have poor potential. In the Gondwana group,
the Talchir boulder bed, the Barakars, Kamthis and their equivalent
formations possess moderately good potential. This group occurs in parts
of West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.

Eocene to
Lower
Pleistocene
(60 to 1
Mill ion
years)

Jurassics of Kutch and

Rajasthan, Bagh beds,
Lametas & Cretaceous of
Trichinapalli & Chharat

(a) Sandstones
(b) Calcareous Sst.
(c) Shales
(d) Quartzites
(e) Limestones

Hill Limestone, Murees of

Jammu, Rajmundri
Sandstone, Subathus,
Dagshai and Kasaulis of
Shimla hills, Jaintia,
Barail, Surma, Tipam,
Dupitila and Dihing of
Assam , upper, middle &
lower Siwaliks of
Himalayan Foot Hill Zone,
Tertiary Strata of
Rajasthan, Kutch, Gujarat,
Pondicherry, A.P,
Ratnagiri (Maharashtra),
Baripada (Orissa), Quilon,
Varkalli (Kerala),
Cuddalore (Tamil Nadu)

(a) Nummulitic
shales & limestones
(b) Carbonaceous
shale,
(c) Sandstones
(d) Shales
(e) Conglomerates
(f) Ferrugeneous sand
stones
(g) Calcareous
sandstones
(h) Pebble beds &
boulder conglomerate
(i) Sands
(j) Clays

Manual on Artificial Recharge of Ground Water

Tertiary sandstones of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Kutch, Kerala, Tamil Nadu,

Andhra Pradesh and Orissa have relatively better hydrogeologic potential.

Structures suitable for

Artificial Recharge

1. Percolation Tanks
2. Nalah Bunds
3. Gully plug
4. Bench terracing
5. Contour Bund
6. Groundwater dams
7.
Stream
Modification
8. Recharge Basin,
Pits and shafts
9. Gravity recharge
wells
10. Induced Recharge

Remarks

1. Sandstones
form the
main rock
type
having
potential
for
artificial
recharge
structures.

Confined Aquifer
All the semi-consolidated formations in the peninsular areas occur as
innumerable small outcrops and do not have wide regional distribution.
These are therefore only locally significant.

1. Injection wells in
favourable situation.

The semi-consolidated group is extensively exposed in the lower and

outer Himalaya ranges extending through J & K, H.P, Punjab, Haryana,
U.P., Sikkim, West Bengal, Assam and the North Eastern States. The
hydrogeologic potential of these formations becomes relevant only when
these occur in the valley areas. The Murees, Dagshai, Kasauli, Subathus
and lower Siwaliks are relatively hard & compact and have poor potential.
The predominant sandstone members of middle Siwaliks lying at higher
elevations do not form aquifers. The upper Siwaliks display moderate
ground water potential in suitable topographic locations. Similar is the
case with Tertiary Sandstones of N.E. States.

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Planning of Artificial Recharge Schemes

Group-III: Unconsolidated Formations

In this group, the youngest geological formations of Pleistocene to Recent age, which are fluviatile or aeolean in origin, which have not been
lithified and occur as loose valley fill deposits have been included. Such formations hold good hydrogeologic potential.
Geologic
Age

Rock Formation

1
Pleistocene to
Recent
(1 Million
yrs. To
Recent)

2
(a) Morains of
Himalayan Valleys
& Ladakh Region.
(b) Karewas of
Kashmir

3
(a) Mixed boulders,
cobbles, sands and silts.

(c) Bhabhar Tarai

and equivalent
piedmont deposits of
Himalayan foothills.

(c ) Boulder, cobble,
pebble beds, gravels,
sands, silt and clays

(d) Indo-GangaBrahmaputra alluvial

plains

(e) Narmada, Tapi,

Purna alluvial
deposits.
(f) Alluvial deposits
along courses of
major peninsular
rivers.
(g) Coastal Alluvial
and mud flats

Rocks Types

(b) Conglomerates, sands,

gravels, carbonaceous
shales and blue clays

(d) Clays & silts, gravels

and sands of different
textures, lenses of peat &
organic matter, carbonate
and siliceous concretions
(Kankar)
(e) Clays, silts, sands and
gravels.
(f) Clays, silts, sands and
gravels.

(g) Clays, silts and sands

(salt marshes)

Hydrogeologic characteristics

4
The morain deposits occupy valleys and gorges in interior Himalayas.
Ground water development is negligible. It will be premature to think
of artificial recharge in these areas.
Karewas are lacustrine deposits displaying cyclic layers of clayey,
silty and coarser deposits with two intervening well-marked boulder
beds. Hydraulic connection between deeper and shallower beds is
likely to be poor due to horizontality of intervening clayey layers.
The Bhabhar piedmont belt contains many productive boulder,
cobble, gravel and sand aquifers in fan deposits of major drainage.
The surface gradients are high and the water tables deep. The rivers
have shallow, broad and flat beds located much above water table.
The deeper aquifers of alluvial plains are expected to merge with
unconfined zone in Bhabhar region.
Tarai belt represents down-slope continuation of Bhabhar aquifers
having higher recharge heads. The deeper confined aquifers display
artesian and flowing artesian conditions. The area was a marshy
malarial tract due to shallow water table of unconfined aquifer. The
Indo-Ganga-Brahmaputra alluvial plains form the most potential
ground water reservoir with a thick sequence of sandy aquifers down
to great depth. The unconfined sand aquifers have been known to
extend down to moderate depth (125m). Within such depths, the
aquifers locally behave like confined zones and could regionally form
part of an unconfined system. Deeper aquifers below the regionally
extensive clayey layers are leaky confined/confined. The texture of
sand strata, degree of sorting and uniformity and compaction
determines the Storativity and hydraulic conductivity of individual
stratum. The older alluvium, occurring away from the present river
channels, and strata below 400 m. depth are more compact and hence
permeability is relatively less.

Manual on Artificial Recharge of Ground Water

Structures suitable
for Artificial
Recharge
5
1. Flooding
2. Ditch & Furrow
3. Contour Trenches
4. Recharge Basin
5. Stream
Modification
6. Surface irrigation
7. Injection well
8. Connector well
9. Recharge pits &
shafts
10. Induced
recharge.

Remarks

1. The valleys and gorges in

interior and outer Himalayas
have not been fully explored
and exploited for ground water
resources and thus any scheme
for artificial in these areas is not
suggested at this stage.
2. Bhabhar region, being the
recharge zone for most of the
deeper aquifer systems in
alluvial plains, offer
possibilities of augmenting
ground water reservoir by
construction of contour
trenches recharge basins and
pits. Stream flow, available for
a very limited time during
monsoon period requires to be
fully utilized for recharge of
deeper aquifer.
3. Tarai belt being a natural
discharge zone in the foothill
region is presently not
conducive for any artificial
recharge. Sluice valve control
of artesian wells is required to
conserve groundwater outflow
from deeper aquifers

50

Planning of Artificial Recharge Schemes

Geologic
Age
1

Rock Formation

Rocks Types

Hydrogeologic characteristics

2
(h) Aeolean Deposits of
Western Rajasthan and
parts of neighbouring
states.

3
(h) Very fine to fine
sands and silts.

4
The unconfined aquifers generally show high
Storativity (5 to 25%) and high Transmissivity (500 to
3000 m2/day) and have great capacity to accept and
store recharged water.
The leaky-confined aquifers receive recharge in areas
where unconfined aquifers have higher hydraulic heads
(tracts along major canals) and provide leakage
recharge to the unconfined aquifer wherever the
relative heads are reverse (mostly along courses of
major streams).
The deeper confined aquifers generally occurring
below 200 to 300 m depth have low Storativity (0.005
to 0.0005) and high Transmissivity (300 to 1000
m2/day).
The alluvial valley fill deposits of Narmada, Tapi and
Purna fault basins are predominantly silty/clayey with
a few sand-gravel lenses within 100 m depth. Deeper
strata are more clayey and are perhaps partly
Pleistocene/tertiary. The quality of ground water at
deeper levels is inferior. The aquifers have moderate
ground water potential (Storativity 4 x 10 -6 to 1.6 x 102
and Transmissivity 100 to 1000 m2/day).
The aeolean deposits (sand dunes) of western
Rajasthan and parts of Haryana, Delhi and Punjab are
very fine to fine grained, well-sorted sands and silts.
Due to their location in arid region, they do not receive
adequate natural recharge and water table is normally
deep.
The coastal sands and mud flats are generally restricted
in width and thickness and do not merit detailed
consideration.

Manual on Artificial Recharge of Ground Water

Structures suitable for

Artificial Recharge
5

Remarks

4. In alluvial plains, canal irrigation over

extensive tracts have given rise to incidental
recharge of aquifers in most of the States,
which forms the best supplementary recharge,
provided the adverse effects like water-logging
and salinisation of land are avoided through
proper irrigation practices.
5. In aeolean deposits (sand dunes) of western
Rajasthan, and parts of Haryana, Delhi and
Punjab, unintended recharge may form the most
appropriate option if canal water transferred
from other basins becomes available.

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Planning of Artificial Recharge Schemes

5.2 Investigations for Proper Planning
Various inputs are necessary for proper and scientific planning of artificial recharge
schemes in any terrain. Scientific investigations leading to a better understanding of
the characteristics of sub-surface formations are to be taken up for realistic
determination of these inputs. These can broadly be grouped into two categories
namely viz. general studies and detailed studies.
5.2.1 General Studies
These studies are aimed at assessing the need and scope of artificial recharge in an
area. The procedure to be followed for establishing the need for artificial recharge in
an area to augment the ground water resources has already been described in detail in
an earlier section of the chapter.
Once a case of overexploitation of ground water is proved, the need for augmentation
of ground water resources through artificial recharge is justified. In case of entire
watersheds, overlaying of maps depicting the long-term decline in water levels and
cumulative departure of rainfall from the normal can help in identification of areas
requiring recharge augmentation.
Once the areas requiring artificial recharge are identified, the next step is to decide on
the appropriate techniques for recharging the aquifer. The synthesis of all available
data relevant to ground water is the first step in this exercise. These data include a) all
sources of recharge like rivers, tanks, canals etc., b) rainfall distribution pattern, c)
hydrogeological parameters with emphasis on lithological characteristics, d) nature of
the terrain, e) intensity of ground water development and irrigation practices and f)
chemical quality of surface and ground water etc. The data is generally available in
reports/records of various Central and State Government agencies. However, the data
available often have considerable gaps. It is therefore necessary to have detailed
studies to supplement the available data and for preparation of a scientific data base
for proper implementation of suitable artificial recharge schemes.
5.2.2 Detailed Studies
Once the need for and suitability of the area for artificial recharge to ground water are
identified on the basis of data collected from the general studies, areas identified as
suitable for recharge augmentation are studied in detail using Remote Sensing
techniques and through hydrometeorological, hydrological, geophysical,
hydrogeological and hydrochemical investigations to ascertain the scope and
feasibility of artificial recharge. These studies are to be oriented in such a way as to
collect and analyse necessary data, which are to be used as inputs for proper planning
of artificial recharge projects. The major inputs expected to be provided by the studies
mentioned are given below (Table 5.4)

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Planning of Artificial Recharge Schemes

Table.5.4 Details of Studies Required for Planning Artificial Recharge Schemes
Sl.No

Type of Study

Remote Sensing Studies

Hydrometeorological Studies

Hydrological Studies

Geophysical Studies

Hydrogeological Studies

Hydrochemical Studies

Inputs Anticipated
Spatial variation in the infiltration
characteristics of various litho-units.
Drainage characteristics and Lineament
intensity.
Distribution of various geomorphic units.
Rainfall amount, duration, daily and hourly
rainfall intensity, variability of rainfall.
Source water availability, infiltration
characteristics of major soil types and
various land use categories
Thickness of weathered zone in hard rocks
Thickness and characteristics of granular
zones in sedimentary terrain.
Stratification of aquifer system and spatial
variability in hydraulic conductivity.
Vertical hydraulic conductivity
Discontinuities such as dykes and fault
zones.
Regional hydrogeology and aquifer
characteristics
Behaviour of ground water levels
Ground water potential
Ground water flow pattern and hydraulic
connection between ground water and
surface water bodies.
Quality aspects of source water for
artificial recharge.
Spatial and temporal variations in ground
water quality.

5.2.2.1 Remote Sensing Studies

Remote sensing, with its advantages of spatial, spectral and temporal availability of
data has now become a very useful tool in assessing, monitoring and conserving
ground water resources. Satellite data provides quick and useful baseline information
on various parameters controlling the occurrence and movement of ground water such
as geology, structural features, geomorphology, soils, land use, land cover, lineaments
etc. All these parameters used to be studied earlier independently due to nonavailability of data and lack of integrating tools and modeling techniques. A
systematic study of these factors leads to better delineation of areas suitable for
artificial recharge, which are then studied in detail through hydrogeological and
geophysical investigations.
Visual interpretation of Satellite Imagery, with emphasis on terrain analysis is being
used widely for selection of sites suitable for recharge augmentation. Aspects, which
are given special attention for the study, usually carried out with Satellite Imagery or
False Colour Composites (FCC) on 1: 50,000 scale include stream course delineation,
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Planning of Artificial Recharge Schemes

land form analysis, outcrop pattern analysis, fracture pattern analysis and land use
analysis. These studies can provide valuable information on drainage density and
lineament intensity, which helps in the identification of suitable sites for recharge.
Various geomorphic units can also be delineated, which also help determine the type
of recharge structures suitable for the area.
Apart from visual interpretation, digital image enhancement techniques are also being
increasingly used for deriving geological, structural and geomorphological
information. Digital Image Enhancement techniques are found to be extremely useful
as they improve the feature sharpness and contrast for simple interpretation. Various
thematic layers generated using remote sensing data such as lithology, structure,
geomorphology, land use/land cover, lineaments etc. can be integrated with slope,
drainage density and other collateral data in a Geographic Information System (GIS)
framework and analysed using a model developed with logical conditions to arrive at
suitable sites for artificial recharge.
Image rectification and preparation of a GIS file through visual interpretation of
standard False Color Composite (FCC) data can be done to extract expressions of subsurface moisture conditions. Techniques such as Edge Enhancement are Band
Rationing are useful techniques for digital image interpretation.
Observations from satellite data must be complemented by field checks, existing
geologic maps and topographic sheets.
5.2.2.2 Hydrometeorological Studies
Rainfall and evaporation are two of the most important parameters, which are
required for proper planning of artificial recharge schemes.
Detailed information pertaining to the amount, duration and intensity of rainfall in a
given area is a necessary pre-requisite for planning recharge schemes. Rainfall data is
normally available at offices of India Meteorological Department (IMD), Revenue
Offices such as Collectorates, Taluk/Block/Mandal offices, Irrigation project dam
sites and Agricultural Universities/ Colleges etc.
Long-term average rainfall is an important parameter for assessing the storage
capacity of various artificial recharge structures. On the other hand, daily and hourly
rainfall data is essential for planning water conservation schemes such as farm ponds,
contour trenches, roof top rainwater harvesting schemes and also for designing filters
for runoff recharge schemes.
Long-term average rainfall, dependable average rainfall and probability of incidence
of a particular amount of rainfall in a given area can be calculated using long-term
rainfall data of IMD Stations for 100 to 150 years. For computations of daily and
hourly rainfall intensity, data available with other agencies can be used.
Evaporation data is useful for assessing the potential losses from the free surfaces of
ponds and other surface water storage structures. Data related to daily/seasonal/
monthly evaporation losses is helpful for identification of most effective recharge

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Planning of Artificial Recharge Schemes

schemes in an area. The period/duration of ground water recharge with minimum
evaporation losses can be determined from this data.
5.2.2.3 Hydrological Studies
Hydrological investigations are useful for ascertaining the availability of source water
for recharge. These investigations are required to be carried out in the watershed, subbasin or basin where the artificial recharge schemes are envisaged.
A detailed account of the hydrological investigations for artificial recharge schemes
have already been discussed under the heading Source Water' earlier in the manual.
5.2.2.4 Geophysical Studies
Geophysical studies can provide useful information pertaining to the characteristics of
sub-surface lithological formations, which influence the type of recharge mechanism
suitable for a particular area. These studies are normally taken up to complement the
data collected through hydrogeological investigations.
The main purpose of applying geophysical methods for the selection of appropriate
sites for artificial recharge studies is to assess the unknown sub-surface
hydrogeological conditions economically, adequately and unambiguously. They are
usually employed to narrow down the target zone and to pinpoint the probable sites
for artificial recharge structures. The application of geophysical techniques is also
useful for bringing out a comparative picture of the sub-surface litho-environment and
to correlate them with the hydrogeological setting. Besides defining the sub-surface
structure and lithology, geophysical studies can also help in studies for identifying the
brackish/fresh ground water interface, contaminated zones (saline) and area prone to
seawater intrusion.
In the context of artificial recharge, Geophysical studies are particularly useful for
gathering information pertaining to
i. Stratification of aquifer systems and spatial variability of hydraulic
conductivity of different zones.
ii. Negative or non-productive zones of low hydraulic conductivity in unsaturated
and saturated zones.
iii. Vertical hydraulic conductivity discontinuities such as dykes, faults etc.
iv. Moisture movement and infiltration.
v. Direction of ground water flow under natural/artificial recharge processes.
vi. Salinity changes in aquifers with depth / saline water ingress.
Surface Geophysical techniques such as Electrical Resistivity Surveys, Self Potential
(SP) surveys, Very Low Frequency (VLF) Electromagnetic Surveys and Shallow
Refraction Seismic Surveys are commonly used for identification of sites for artificial
recharge structures. Physical parameters like rock resistivities, magnetic
susceptibilities, shock wave velocities etc. are measured in these investigations and
interpreted to gather information pertaining to sub-surface rock types, rock water
content, structural controls on ground water movement and ground water salinity.
Subsurface methods such as Spontaneous Potential, Neutron, Natural Gamma, and

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Planning of Artificial Recharge Schemes

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) logging techniques are also useful for collecting
valuable information from boreholes in the study area. As compared to surface
methods, which measure parameter values representative of a combined subsurface
layer sequence, subsurface methods measure the value of the physical parameter
concerned for each individual layer.
5.2.2.5 Hydrogeological Studies
A detailed understanding of the hydrogeology of the area is of prime importance in
ensuring successful implementation of any artificial recharge scheme. A desirable
first step toward achieving this objective is to synthesize all available data on various
hydrogeological parameters from different agencies. Regional geological maps
indicate the location of different geological strata, their geological age sequence,
boundaries/contacts of individual formations and structural expressions like strike,
dip, faults, folds, fractures, intrusive bodies etc. These maps also indicate the
correlation of topography and drainage to geological contacts.
Maps providing information on regional hydrogeological units, their ground water
potential and general pattern of ground water flow and chemical quality of ground
water in different aquifers are also necessary. Satellite imagery provide useful data on
geomorphic units and lineaments, which govern the occurrence and movement of
ground water, especially in hard rock terrain. A detailed hydrogeological study, aimed
at supplementing the regional picture of hydrogeological set up available from
previous studies, is imperative to have precise information about the promising
hydrogeological units for recharge and to decide on the location and type of structures
to be constructed.
5.2.2.5.1 Detailed Hydrogeological Mapping: The purpose of detailed
hydrogeological mapping is to prepare the following maps, which facilitate an
understanding of the ground water regime and its suitability to artificial recharge
schemes
i)
ii)

iii)
iv)
v)
vi)
vii)

Map showing the hydrogeological units demarcated on the basis of their

water-bearing capabilities, both at shallow and deep levels.
Map showing ground water elevation contours to determine the form of
the water table and the hydraulic connection between ground water and
surface water bodies like rivers, tanks and canals.
Maps showing depths to water table, usually compiled for the periods of
maximum, minimum and mean annual positions of water table.
Maps showing amplitudes of ground water level fluctuation.
Maps showing piezometric heads of aquifers and their variations with
time.
Maps showing ground water potentials of different hydrogeological
units and the levels of ground water development.
Maps showing chemical quality of ground water in different aquifers.

The usage of the above interpretative maps is additive, i.e., their combined usage
provides greater knowledge and understanding of an area than when a map is used in
isolation. The maps mentioned above will help determine

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Planning of Artificial Recharge Schemes

a) whether any gaps exists in the data on sub-surface geology of the area
b) whether the available data on aquifer parameters is sufficient in case the
area shows promise for artificial recharge to the deeper aquifers.
c) Whether the available ground water structures are sufficient to monitor the
impacts of artificial recharge to ground water.
5.2.2.5.2 Aquifer Geometry: The data on sub-surface hydrogeological units and their
thickness and depth of occurrence are necessary to bring out the disposition and
hydraulic properties of the unconfined, semi-confined and confined aquifers in the
area. For surface water spreading techniques, the area of interest is generally restricted
to shallow depths. The main stress is on knowing whether the surface rock types are
sufficiently permeable to maintain high rate of infiltration during artificial recharge.
5.2.2.6 Hydrochemical Studies
A detailed study of the quality of source water is vitally important whenever direct
recharge techniques are contemplated. In cases where in situ precipitation or water
supplied from canals are used for recharge, no constraints on account of water quality
may arise. However, in cases where waters in the lower reaches of rivers or recycled
municipal/industrial waste waters are proposed to be used, the quality of water
requires to be precisely analysed and monitored to determine the type and extent of
treatment required.
5.3 Appraisal of Economic Viability
Economic viability is another critical parameter to be ascertained before taking a
decision to implement any artificial recharge scheme. The appraisal of economic
viability has to be carried out after taking into account all possible expenses including
those for investigation, source water (conveyance, treatment), construction of
recharge structures, operation and maintenance etc. All benefits should be
appropriately accounted for and assessed in order to decide the acceptability of the
scheme as per its priority in the overall scheme of development.
Important guidelines for carrying out economic appraisal of ground water recharge
projects are furnished below:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.

The inputs and outputs should be distinguished as tradables and nontradables.

It is to be assumed that the project under consideration will not change the
price of the output.
Certain adjustments have to be made for converting financial prices to
economic prices by applying appropriate conversion factors.
The economic analysis should consider the effects of the project on both the
producer and the user.
Labour and wages under skilled and unskilled categories have a special
significance in the valuation for economic analysis. The real contribution to
the economy probably varies according to region, type of labour and season.
Hence, an extensive labour market survey is required for proper restructuring
of the analysis.

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Planning of Artificial Recharge Schemes

vi.

vii.
viii.

ix.

Although the computational part of the appraisal is rather straightforward, the

essential purpose of the exercise is to ensure that the project has a positive
impact on the efficient application of the resources of the nation.
The outcome of the economic appraisal of a development project is decisive
for the acceptance of the project.
If the project is acceptable from the economic but not from the financial point
of view, it implies that the project will contribute to an efficient application of
the resources, but with additional financial support.
If the project yields attractive returns to the Government but does not make a
contribution to the efficient use of national resources, additional policy
measures may be required to rectify the situation.

It is important to carry out the benefit cost analysis for all major public works before
deciding the allocation of funds. The benefit cost analysis presents the quantifiable
efforts and environmental and social aspects of any public projects in terms of money.
Hence, it is an important instrument to guide investments for better planning and
designing of the proposed layout.
The analysis of the financial benefits and costs requires the expression of cash flow
elements under the non-financial operations in comparable terms. Costs are related to
investments occurring during the lifetime of the project. Benefits, on the other hand,
originate from the productive use of the projects. Both costs and benefits are,
therefore, expressed in quantitative terms and translated into monetary terms by using
market values of the inputs and outputs concerned. As the costs and benefits occur at
different points of time, it is customary to express both in terms of their present value
by applying appropriate discounting factors to make them comparable. After
accounting for both costs and benefits against their market values, appropriate criteria
are applied to determine the profitability of the project.
The benefit cost analysis of projects, also called Project Appraisal is done before the
decision is taken to invest. The Project Appraisal includes financial, economic and
social Benefit Cost analysis. The economic evaluation of the project, on the other
hand, is done to analyse the performance and effects of the project after it has been
executed.
The computational details of benefit cost analysis of artificial recharge projects are
described in detail in the chapter on Economic Evaluation of Recharge Projects in
this manual.
5.4 Finalisation of Physical Plan
The finalization of physical plan for artificial recharge involves the following steps
i.

Preparation of lay-out plan of the project area on an appropriate scale

showing the locations of proposed structures and source water
conveyance systems.
ii. Determination of the number of structures required for recharge.
iii. Identification of tentative locations of proposed structures
iv. Preparations of design specifications and drawings

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Planning of Artificial Recharge Schemes

v. Working out the time-schedules for completion of various stages of the
scheme.
vi. Planning of financial aspects such as source of funds, allocations
required at various stages, schedules of repayment etc
vii. Identification of the agency for executing the scheme.
5.5 Preparation of Report of the Scheme
Reports are to be prepared separately for each scheme or project, reflecting various
considerations made during the planning process. The Detailed Report should
essentially cover the following aspects;
Detailed background, purpose, scope, technical feasibility and objectives
of the scheme.
All physical details of the work including layout plans, drawings,
specifications of structures and materials etc.
An execution plan, indicating various phases of the work, work and time
schedules and agency-wise allocation of responsibilities.
Financial allocations, mode of recoveries, repayment schedules etc.
Details of monitoring systems and their operation.

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Artificial Recharge Techniques and Designs

6. ARTIFICIAL RECHARGE TECHNIQUES AND DESIGNS

The selection of a suitable technique for artificial recharge of ground water depends
on various factors. They include:
a) Quantum of non-committed surface run-off available.
b) Rainfall pattern
c) Land use and vegetation
c) Topography and terrain profile
d) Soil type and soil depth
e) Thickness of weathered / granular zones
f) Hydrological and hydrogeological characteristics
g) Socio-economic conditions and infrastructural facilities available
h) Environmental and ecological impacts of artificial recharge scheme
proposed.
6.1 Artificial Recharge Techniques
Techniques used for artificial recharge to ground water broadly fall under the
following categories
I) Direct Methods
A) Surface Spreading Techniques
a) Flooding
b) Ditch and Furrows
c) Recharge Basins
d) Runoff Conservation Structures
i)
Bench Terracing
ii)
Contour Bunds and Contour Trenches
iii)
Gully Plugs, Nalah Bunds, Check Dams
iv)
Percolation Ponds
e) Stream Modification / Augmentation
B) Sub-surface Techniques
a) Injection Wells (Recharge Wells)
b) Gravity Head Recharge Wells
c) Recharge Pits and Shafts
II) Indirect Methods
A) Induced Recharge from Surface Water Sources;
B) Aquifer Modification
i)
Bore Blasting.
ii)
Hydro-fracturing.
III) Combination Methods
In addition to the above, ground water conservation structures like Subsurface dykes
(Bandharas) and Fracture Sealing Cementation techniques are also used to arrest
subsurface flows.

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Artificial Recharge Techniques and Designs

Aquifer disposition plays a decisive role in choosing the appropriate technique of
artificial recharge of ground water ( Todd and Mays, 2005) as illustrated in the Fig.
6.1.

Figure 6.1 Recharge Systems for Increasingly Deep permeable materials:

Surface Basin (a), Excavated Basin (b), Trench (c), Shaft or Vadose Zone Well
(d) and Aquifer Well (e)
6.2 Direct Methods
6.2.1 Surface Spreading Techniques
These are aimed at increasing the contact area and residence time of surface water
over the soil to enhance the infiltration and to augment the ground water storage in
phreatic aquifers. The downward movement of water is governed by a host of factors
including vertical permeability of the soil, presence of grass or entrapped air in the
soil zone and the presence or absence of limiting layers of low vertical permeability at
depth. Changes brought about by physical, chemical and bacteriological influences
during the process of infiltration are also important in this regard.
Important considerations in the selection of sites for artificial recharge through
surface spreading techniques include
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
vi)

The area should have gently sloping land without gullies or ridges.
The aquifer being recharged should be unconfined, permeable and
sufficiently thick to provide storage space.
The surface soil should be permeable and have high infiltration rate.
Vadose zone should be permeable and free from clay lenses.
Ground water levels in the phreatic zone should be deep enough to
accommodate the recharged water so that there is no water logging.
The aquifer material should have moderate hydraulic conductivity so
that the recharged water is retained for sufficiently long periods in the
aquifer and can be used when needed.

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Artificial Recharge Techniques and Designs

The most common surface spreading techniques used for artificial recharge to ground
water are flooding, ditch and furrows and recharge basins.
6.2.1.1 Flooding
This technique is ideal for lands adjoining rivers or irrigation canals in which water
levels remain deep even after monsoons and where sufficient non-committed surface
water supplies are available. The schematics of a typical flooding system are shown in
Fig.6.2. To ensure proper contact time and water spread, embankments are provided
on two sides to guide the unutilized surface water to a return canal to carry the excess
water to the stream or canal.
Flooding method helps reduce the evaporation losses from the surface water system,
is the least expensive of all artificial recharge methods available and has very low
maintenance costs
6.2.1.2 Ditch and Furrows method
This method involves construction of shallow, flat-bottomed and closely spaced
ditches or furrows to provide maximum water contact area for recharge from source
stream or canal. The ditches should have adequate slope to maintain flow velocity and
minimum deposition of sediments. The widths of the ditches are typically in the range
of 0.30 to 1.80 m. A collecting channel to convey the excess water back to the source
stream or canal should also be provided. A typical system is shown in Fig. 6.3(a) and
three common patterns viz. lateral ditch pattern, dendritic pattern and contour pattern
are shown in Fig.6.3 (b). Though this technique involves less soil preparation when
compared to recharge basins and is less sensitive to silting, the water contact area
seldom exceeds 10 percent of the total recharge area.

Fig.6.2 Schematics of a Typical Flood Recharge System

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Artificial Recharge Techniques and Designs

Fig 6.3(a) Schematics of a Typical Ditch and Furrows Recharge System

Fig 6.3(b) Common Patterns of Ditch and Furrow Recharge Systems.

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6.2.1.3 Recharge Basins
Artificial recharge basins are commonly constructed parallel to ephemeral or
intermittent stream channels and are either excavated or are enclosed by dykes and
levees. They can also be constructed parallel to canals or surface water sources. In
alluvial areas, multiple recharge basins can be constructed parallel to the streams
(Fig.6.4), with a view to a) increase the water contact time, b) reduce suspended
material as water flows from one basin to another and c) to facilitate periodic
maintenance such as scraping of silt etc. to restore the infiltration rates by bypassing
the basin under restoration.

Fig 6.4 Schematics of a Typical Recharge Basin

In addition to the general design guidelines mentioned, other factors to be considered
while constructing recharge basins include
a) area selected for recharge should have gentle ground slope.
b) the entry and exit points for water should be diagonally opposite to
facilitate adequate water circulation in individual basins,
c) water released into the basins should be as sediment free as possible and
d) rate of inflow into the basin should be slightly more than the infiltration
capacity of all the basins.
6.2.2 Runoff Conservation Structures
These are normally multi-purpose measures, mutually complementary and conducive
to soil and water conservation, afforestation and increased agricultural productivity.
They are suitable in areas receiving low to moderate rainfall mostly during a single
monsoon season and having little or no scope for transfer of water from other areas.
Different measures applicable to runoff zone, recharge zone and discharge zone are
available. The structures commonly used are bench terracing, contour bunds, gully
plugs, nalah bunds, check dams and percolation ponds.

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6.2.2.1 Bench Terracing
Bench terracing involves leveling of sloping lands with surface gradients up to 8
percent and having adequate soil cover for bringing them under irrigation. It helps in
soil conservation and holding runoff water on the terraced area for longer durations,
leading to increased infiltration and ground water recharge.
For implementing terracing, a map of the watershed should be prepared by level
surveying and suitable benchmarks fixed. A contour map of 0.3 m contour interval is
then prepared. Depending on the land slope, the width of individual terrace should be
determined, which, in no case, should be less than 12 m. The upland slope between
two terraces should not be more than 1:10 and the terraces should be leveled. The
vertical elevation difference and width of terraces are controlled by the land slope.
The soil and weathered rock thickness required, vertical elevation difference and the
distance between the bunds of two terraces for different slope categories are furnished
in Table.6.1.
In cases where there is a possibility of diverting surface runoff from local drainage for
irrigation, as required in case of paddy cultivation in high rainfall areas, outlet
channels of adequate dimensions are to be provided. The dimensions of the outlet
channels depend on the watershed area as shown below in Table6.2. The terraces
should also be provided with bunds of adequate dimensions depending on the type of
soils as shown in Table.6.3
Table 6.1 Soil and Weathered Rock Thickness, Vertical Elevation Difference and
the Distance between the Bunds of Two Terraces for Different Slope Categories
Land
Slope (%)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Required Thickness of
Soil and Weathered
Rock (m)
0.30
0.375
0.450
0.525
0.600
0.750
0.750
0.750

Vertical
Separation (m)
0.30
0.45
0.60
0.75
0.90
1.05
1.20
1.20

Distance Between
Bunds of Two
Terraces (m)
30
22
20
18.75
18
17.5
17
15

Table: 6.2 Dimensions of Output Channels for Different Watershed Areas

Area of watershed (ha)
<4
4 to 6
6 to 8
8 to 10
10 to 12

Channel Dimensions (m)

Base Width
Top width
0.30
0.90
0.60
1.20
0.90
1.50
1.20
1.80
1.50
2.10

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0.60
0.60
0.60
0.60
0.60

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Table: 6.3 Dimensions of Terraces in Different Soil Types
Type of Soil

Soil Thickness
(cm)

Base Width
(m)

Top Width
(m)

Height
(m)

Side slope

Light
Medium
Medium
Deep

7.50 to 22.50
22.50 to 45.00
45.00 to 90.00

1.50
1.80
2.25

0.30
0.45
0.45

0.60
0.65
0.75

1:1
1:1
1:1

> 90.00

2.50

0.50

0.80

1:1

Deep

In areas where paddy is cultivated, water outlets of adequate dimensions are to be

provided to drain out excess accumulated water and to maintain water circulation. The
width of the outlets may vary from 0.60 m for watersheds up to 2 ha to 3.0 m for
watersheds of up to 8 ha for rainfall intensity between 7.5 and 10 cm. All the outlets
should be connected to natural drainage channels.
6.2.2.2 Contour Bunds
Contour bunding, which is a watershed management practice aimed at building up
soil moisture storage involve construction of small embankments or bunds across the
slope of the land. They derive their names from the construction of bunds along
contours of equal land elevation. This technique is generally adopted in low rainfall
areas (normally less than 800 mm) where gently sloping agricultural lands with very
long slope lengths are available and the soils are permeable. They are not
recommended for soils with poor internal drainage e.g. clayey soils. Schematic of a
typical system of contour bunds is shown in Fig.6.5.

BUND

BUND

Fig.6.5 Schematics of a Typical Contour Bund

Contour bunding involves construction of narrow-based trapezoidal embankments
(bunds) along contours to impound water behind them, which infiltrates into the soil
and ultimately augment ground water recharge.
Field activities required prior to contour bunding include levelling of land by
removing local ridges and depressions, preparation of map of the area through level

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surveying and fixing of bench marks. Elevation contours, preferably of 0.3 m interval
are then drawn, leaving out areas not requiring bunding such as habitations, drainage
etc. The alignment of bunds should then be marked on the map.
The important design aspects of contour bunds are i) spacing, ii) cross section and iii)
deviation freedom to go higher or lower than the contour bund elevation for better
alignment on undulating land.
6.2.2.2.1 Spacing of Bunds: Spacing of contour bund is commonly expressed in terms
of vertical interval (V.I), which is defined as the difference in elevation between two
similar points on two consecutive bunds. The main criterion for spacing of bunds is to
intercept the water before it attains the erosive velocity. Spacing depends on slope, soil,
rainfall, cropping pattern and conservation practices.
Spacing of contour bunds is normally calculated using the formula
Vertical Interval (V.I) = 0.305 (XS+Y), where
X is the rainfall factor,
S is the land slope (%) and
Y is the factor based on soil infiltration and crop cover during the
erosive period of rains
The rainfall factor X is taken as 0.80 for scanty rainfall regions with annual rainfall
below 625 mm, as 0.60 for moderate rainfall regions with annual rainfall in the range
of 625 to 875 mm and as 0.40 for areas receiving annual rainfall in excess of 875 mm.
The factor Y is taken as 1.0 for soils having poor infiltration with low crop cover
during erosive rains and as 2.0 for soils of medium to good infiltration and good crop
cover during erosive rains. When only one of these factors is favourable, the value of
Y is taken as 1.50. Vertical spacing can be increased by 10 percent or 15 cm to
provide better location, alignment or to avoid obstacles.
The horizontal interval between two bunds is calculated using the formula
Horizontal Interval (H.I) = V.I x 100/Slope
6.2.2.2.2 Cross Section of Contour Bunds: A trapezoidal cross section is usually
adopted for the bund. The design of the cross section involves determination of height,
top width, side slopes and bottom width of the bund.
The height of the bund depends on the slope of the land, spacing of the bunds and the
rainfall excess expected in 24-hour period for 10-year frequency in the area. Once the
height is determined, other dimensions can be worked out depending on the nature of
the soil.
Height of the bund can be determined by the following methods
a) Arbitrary Design: The depth of impounding is designed as 30 cm. 30 cm is
provided as depth flow over the crust of the outlet weir and 20 cm is
provided as free board. The overall height of the bund in this case will be
80 cm. With top width of 0.50 m and base width of 2 m, the side slope will
be 1:1 and the cross section, 1 sq m.

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b) The height of bund to impound runoff from 24 hour rain storm for a given
frequency can be calculated by the formula

R e V .I
, where
50

H is the depth of impounding behind the bund (m),

Re is the 24 hour rainfall excess (cm) and
VI is the vertical interval (m)
To the height so computed, 20 percent extra height or a minimum of 15cm is added
for free board and another 15 to 20 percent extra height is added to compensate for
the settlement due to consolidation.
Top width of the bund is normally kept as 0.3 to 0.6 m to facilitate planting of
grasses. Side slopes of the bund are dependent on the angle of repose of the soil in
the area and commonly range from 1:1 for clayey soils to 2:1 for sandy soils. Base
width of the bund depends on the hydraulic gradient of the water in the bund
material due to the impounding water. A general value of hydraulic gradient
adopted is 4:1. The base should be sufficiently wide so that the seepage line should
not appear above the toe on the downstream side of the bund.
Size of the bund is expressed in terms of its cross-sectional area. The cross sectional
area of bunds depends on the soil type and rainfall and may vary from 0.50 to 1.0 sq
m in different regions. Recommended contour bund specifications for different soil
depths are shown in Table: 6.4
Table 6.4 Recommended Contour Bund Specifications for Different Soil Depths
Soil Type

Soil Depth
(m)

Top
Width
(m)

Bottom
Width
(m)

Height
(m)

Side
Slope

Area of
Cross
section
(sq m)

Very Shallow
Soils
Shallow Soils
Medium Soils
Deep soils

< 7.5

0.45

1.95

0.75

1:1

0.09

7.50 to 23 .0
23.0 to 45.0
45.0 to 80.0

0.45
0.53
0.60

2.55
3.00
4.20

0.83
0.83
0.90

1.25:1
1.50:1
2:1

1.21
1.48
2.22

The length of bunds per hectare of land is denoted by the Bunding Intensity, which
can be computed as
Bunding Intensity

100 S
, where
V.I

S is the land slope (%) and

V.I is the vertical interval (m)
The earthwork for contour bunding includes the main contour bund and side and
lateral bunds. The area of cross-section of side and lateral bunds is taken equal to the

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main contour bund. The product of cross sectional area of the bund and the bunding
intensity gives the quantity of earthwork required for bunding / hectare of land.
6.2.2.2.3 Deviation Freedom: Strict adherence to contours while constructing bunds
is a necessary prerequisite for ensuring maximum conservation of moisture and soil.
However, to avoid excessive curvature of bunds, which makes agricultural operations
difficult, the following deviations are permitted
a) a maximum of 15 cm while cutting across a narrow ridge,
b) a maximum of 30 cm while crossing a gully or depression and
c) a maximum of 1.5 m while crossing a sharp, narrow depression not
exceeding 5 m in width.
6.2.2.3 Contour Trenches
Contour trenches are rainwater harvesting structures, which can be constructed on hill
slopes as well as on degraded and barren waste lands in both high- and low- rainfall
areas. Cross section of a typical contour trench is shown in Fig.6.6.

Fig.6.6 Schematics of a Contour Trench

The trenches break the slope at intervals and reduce the velocity of surface runoff.
The water retained in the trench will help in conserving the soil moisture and ground
water recharge.
The size of the contour trench depends on the soil depth and normally 1000 to 2500
sq. cm cross sections are adopted. The size and number of trenches are worked out on
the basis of the rainfall proposed to be retained in the trenches. The trenches may be
continuous or interrupted and should be constructed along the contours. Continuous
trenches are used for moisture conservation in low rainfall area whereas intermittent
trenches are preferred in high rainfall area.
The horizontal and vertical intervals between the trenches depend on rainfall, slope
and soil depth. In steeply sloping areas, the horizontal distance between the two

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trenches will be less compared to gently sloping areas. In areas where soil cover is
thin, depth of trenching is restricted and more trenches at closer intervals need to be
constructed. In general, the horizontal interval may vary from 10 m in steep slopes to
about 25 m in gentle slopes.
6.2.2.4 Gully Plugs, Nalah Bunds and Check Dams
These structures are constructed across gullies, nalahs or streams to check the flow of
surface water in the stream channel and to retain water for longer durations in the
pervious soil or rock surface. As compared to gully plugs, which are normally
constructed across 1st order streams, nalah bunds and check dams are constructed
across bigger streams and in areas having gentler slopes. These may be temporary
structures such as brush wood dams, loose / dry stone masonry check dams, Gabion
check dams and woven wire dams constructed with locally available material or
permanent structures constructed using stones, brick and cement. Competent civil and
agro-engineering techniques are to be used in the design, layout and construction of
permanent check dams to ensure proper storage and adequate outflow of surplus water
to avoid scours on the downstream side for long-term stability of the dam.
The site selected for check dam should have sufficient thickness of permeable soils or
weathered material to facilitate recharge of stored water within a short span of time.
The water stored in these structures is mostly confined to the stream course and the
height is normally less than 2 m. These are designed based on stream width and
excess water is allowed to flow over the wall. In order to avoid scouring from excess
runoff, water cushions are provided on the downstream side. To harness maximum
runoff in the stream, a series of such check dams can be constructed to have recharge
on a regional scale. The design particulars of a cement nalah bund are shown in
Fig.6.7.
The following parameters should be kept in mind while selecting sites for check dams
/ nalah bunds:
i)

ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
vi)

vii)

The total catchment area of the stream should normally be between

40 and 100 ha. Local situations can, however, be a guiding factor in
this regard.
The rainfall in the catchment should be preferably less than 1000
mm / annum.
The stream bed should be 5 to 15 m wide and at least 1m deep.
The soil downstream of the bund should not be prone to water
logging and should have a pH value between 6.5 and 8.
The area downstream of the Check Dam / bund should have
irrigable land under well irrigation.
The Check dams / Nalah bunds should preferably be located in
areas where contour or graded bunding of lands have been carried
out.
The rock strata exposed in the ponded area should be adequately
permeable to cause ground water recharge.

Check dams / Nalah bunds are normally 10 to 15 m long, 1 to 3 m wide and 2 to 3 m

high, generally constructed in a trapezoidal form. Detailed studies are to be made in

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the watershed prior to construction of the check dam to assess the current erosion
condition, land use and water balance. The community in the watershed should also
be involved in the planning and selection of the type and location of the structure.
For construction of the check dam, a trench, about 0.6 m wide in hard rock and l.2 m
wide in soft impervious rock is dug for the foundation of core wall. A core brick
cement wall, 0.6 m wide and raised at least 2.5m above the nalah bed is erected and
the remaining portion of trench back filled on upstream side by impervious clay. The
core wall is buttressed on both sides by a bund made up of local clays and stone
pitching is done on the upstream face. If the bedrock is highly fractured, cement
grouting is done to make the foundation leakage free.
6.2.2.5 Percolation Tanks
Percolation tanks, which are based on principles similar to those of nalah bunds, are
among the most common runoff harvesting structures in India. A percolation tank can
be defined as an artificially created surface water body submerging a highly
permeable land area so that the surface runoff is made to percolate and recharge the
ground water storage. They differ from nalah bunds in having larger reservoir areas.
They are not provided with sluices or outlets for discharging water from the tank for
irrigation or other purposes. They may, however, be provided with arrangements for
spilling away the surplus water that may enter the tank so as to avoid over-topping of
the tank bund.
It is possible to have more than one percolation tank in a catchment if sufficient
surplus runoff is available and the site characteristics favour artificial recharge
through such structures. In such situations, each tank of the group takes a share in the
yield of the whole catchment above it, which can be classified as
(i) 'free catchment', which is the catchment area that only drains into the tank
under consideration and
(ii) 'combined catchment', which is the area of the whole catchment above the
tank.
The difference between the combined and free catchment gives the area of the
catchment intercepted by the tanks located upstream of any tank. The whole
catchment of the highest tank on each drainage shall be its free catchment. Moreover,
each tank will receive the whole runoff from its free catchment, but from the
remainder of its catchment it will receive only the balance runoff that remains after
the upper tanks have been filled.
6.2.2.5.1 Site Selection Criteria: The important site selection criteria for percolation
ponds include
i)

ii)

The hydrogeology of the area should be such that the litho-units occurring
in the area of submergence of the tank should have high permeability. The
soils in the catchment area of the tank should be sandy to avoid silting up
of the tank bed.
The availability of non-committed surplus monsoon runoff should be
sufficient to ensure filling of the tank every year.

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iii)

iv)

v)

vi)

vii)

viii)

As the yield of catchments in low rainfall areas generally varies between

0.44 to 0.55 M Cu m/sq km, the catchment area may be between 2.50 and
4.0 sq km for small tanks and between 5.0 and 8.0 sq km for larger tanks.
Selection of the size of a percolation tank should be governed by the
percolation capacity of the strata rather than the yield of the catchment. In
order to avoid wastage of water through evaporation, larger capacity tanks
should be constructed only if percolation capacity is proven to be good. If
percolation rates are low to moderate, tanks of smaller capacity may be
constructed. Percolation tanks are normally designed for storage capacities
of 8 to 20 M cft. (2.26 to 5.66 M Cu m).
The depth of water impounded in the tank provides the recharge head and
hence it is necessary to design the tank to provide a minimum height of
ponded water column of 3 to 4.5 m and rarely 6 m above the bed level.
This would imply construction of tanks of large capacity in areas with
steep gradient.
The purpose of construction of percolation tanks is to ensure recharge of
maximum possible surface water runoff to the aquifer in as short a period
as possible without much evaporation losses. Normally, a percolation tank
should not retain water beyond February.
The percolation tank should be located downstream of runoff zone,
preferably toward the edge of piedmont zone or in the upper part of the
transition zone. Land slope between 3 and 5 percent is ideal for
construction of percolation tanks.
There should be adequate area suitable for irrigation and sufficient number
of ground water abstraction structures within the command of the
percolation tank to fully utilise the additional recharge. The area benefited
should have a productive phreatic aquifer with lateral continuity up to the
percolation tank. The depth to water level in the area should remain more
than 3 m below ground level during post-monsoon period.

6.2.2.5.2 Investigations Required: An area, preferably the entire watershed, needing

additional ground water recharge is identified on the basis of declining water level
trends both during pre and post monsoon, increase in the demand of ground water and
water scarcity during lean period etc. Areas having scarcity of water during summer
in spite of incidences of flood during monsoons may also be considered for artificial
recharge.
A base map, preferably on 1:50,000 scale showing all available geological,
physiographical, hydrogeological and hydrological details along with land use,
cropping pattern etc. is a pre-requisite for the scientific planning. Survey of India
toposheets, aerial photographs and satellite imagery of the area may be consulted to
gather preliminary information about the area under study. The nature of catchment
as regards to the general slope, land use, forest cover, cropping pattern, soils, geology
etc. should be understood to assess their influence on runoff.

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Fig.6. 7 Design Aspects of a Cement Nalah Bund

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The rainfall data of rain gauge stations located in the watershed or in its immediate
vicinity is to be collected during the preliminary investigations. The intensity and
pattern of rainfall, number of rainy days and duration of dry spells during the
monsoon are to be analyzed. The dependability of normal monsoon rainfall and the
departure of actual rainfall from normal rainfall are also worked out along with other
weather parameters.
Percolation tanks are to be normally constructed on second or third order streams, as
the catchment area of such streams would be of optimum size. The location of tank
and its submergence area should be in non-cultivable land and in natural depressions
requiring lesser land acquisition. There should be cultivable land down stream of the
tank in its command with a number of wells to ensure maximum benefit by such
efforts. Steps should be taken to prevent severe soil erosion through appropriate soil
conservation measures in the catchment. This will keep the tank free from siltation
which otherwise reduces the percolation efficiency and life of the structure.
Detailed geological and hydrogeological mapping is to be carried out in the area of
submergence, at the tank site and also downstream of the site to find out the
permeability of vadose zone and aquifer. The potential of additional storage and
capacity of aquifer to transmit the ground water in adjoining areas is also assessed
based on aquifer geometry. Infiltration rates of soils in the probable area of
submergence are to be determined through infiltration tests. Aquifer parameters of
water-bearing formations in the zone of influence may also be determined to assess
the recharge potential and number of feasible ground water structures in the area.
Periodic water level measurements along with ground water sampling for water
quality may be done before and after the construction of percolation tanks. Detailed
geological investigations may be carried out to study the nature and depth of
formation at the bund (dam) site for deciding the appropriate depth of cut off trench
(COT). This will help in reducing the visible seepage and also ensure safety and long
life of the structure. The depth of foundation and its treatment should be considered
on the basis of nature of formation while designing and constructing the dam wall and
waste weir.
6.2.2.5.3 Engineering Aspects: A percolation tank is essentially an earthen structure
with a masonry spill way. It should be designed with maximum capacity utilisation,
long life span, cost-effectiveness and optimum recharge to ground water in mind.
Storage capacity, waste weir, drainage arrangements and cut off trench (COT) are the
important features of percolation tank that need proper design. The overall design of
the percolation tank is similar to that of an earthen dam constructed for minor
irrigation.
Detailed topographical survey to demarcate the area of submergence in natural
depression and alignment of dam line in the valley is to be taken up prior to
construction of the structure. A number of sections along and across the drainage are
prepared and the best suitable site is identified. The land availability and possibility
of land acquisition is explored during the survey. The spillway site is demarcated and
is designed in such a way that it allows the flow of surplus water based on single day
maximum rainfall after the tank is filled to its maximum capacity. The depth of
foundation for masonry work of waste weir etc. is decided depending on the nature of
formation. Cut Off Trench (COT) is provided to minimize the seepage losses across

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the streambed. The depth of COT is generally 2-6 m below ground level depending
upon the subsurface strata. In order to avoid erosion of bund due to ripple action,
stone pitching is provided in the upstream direction up to High Flood Level (HFL).
The sources for availability of constructional material, especially clay and porous soil
for earthwork and stone rubble for pitching are to be identified.
a) Design of Storage Capacity: The storage capacity of a percolation tank may be
defined as the volume of water stored in the tank up to the Full Tank Level (FTL).
The storage capacity can be computed by using the contour plan of the water-spread
area of the tank. The total capacity of the tank will be the sum of the capacities
between successive contours. The smaller the contour interval, the more accurate the
capacity computation will be. The summation of all the volumes between successive
contours will be required for computing the storage capacity of the tank. When
contour plan is not available and only the area of the tank at FTL is known, then the
effective volume of the tank may be roughly computed as the area multiplied by onethird of the depth from FTL to the deep bed of the tank.
The tank is designed to ensure maximum utilisation of its capacity. A structure of
optimum capacity is the most cost effective. An under-utilized structure leads to
unproductive expenditure incurred on extra earthwork. The design of storage capacity
of a tank depends mainly upon the proper estimation of catchment yield, which is
calculated as,
Q = A * Strange's Coefficient
Where, Q is yield at site and A is area of the catchment.
Strange's coefficients for various amounts of monsoon rainfall for three categories of
catchments, i.e. good, average and bad are available from Strange's tables provided in
standard Hydrology text books. The rainfall data of 40-50 years, collected from the
nearest rain gauge station, may be used for design purposes. The percolation tanks
are to be designed for a realistic percentage of the yield of the catchment considering
the temporal distribution of monsoon rainfall. Another important consideration is the
fact that water stored in a percolation tank starts percolating immediately and the
terminal storage in the tank is not the cumulative storage from different spells of rain.
The concept of storage capacity of percolation ponds thus differs significantly from
that of an irrigation tank.
The catchment yield and basin configuration drawn from topographic surveys at site
determine the height of the percolation tank. The top of dam wall is normally kept 23 m wide. Upstream and downstream slopes of the dam wall are normally taken as
2.5:1 and 2:1 respectively as recommended in design manual for minor irrigation
tanks. The design particular of a typical percolation tank is shown in Fig.6.8 along
with all relevant details.
b) Design of Tank Bund: The tank bund, for all practical purposes, is a small-sized
earthen dam and its design and construction should be carried out in accordance with
the principles applicable to earthen dams.

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The bunds of a percolation pond may be of three types, i.e.
Type A: Homogeneous embankment type (Fig. 6.9(a))
Type B: Zoned Embankment Type (Fig. 6. 9(b))
Type C: Diaphragm Type (Fig. 6.9(c))
Tank bunds in India are mostly of Type A and are constructed with soils excavated
from pits in the immediate vicinity of the bund and transported to the bund.
The most commonly adopted standards used for fixing the dimensions of tank bunds,
particularly in South India are given in Table 6.5. In favourable soils such as gravels,
black loams etc., the side slopes of the bund may be kept at 0.5:1 for smaller tanks
with water depths not exceeding 2.50 m and 2:1 for larger tanks up to 5.0 m deep. In
light sandy or black clayey soils, on the other hand, the slopes may be kept between
2:1 or 2.5:1.
Table 6. 5 Common Dimensions of Bunds of Percolation Tanks
Sl.No
1
2
3
4

Maximum Water
Depth (m)
1.5 to 3.0
3.0 to 4.5
4.5 to 6.0
Over 6.0

Free Board
(m)
0.90
1.20
1.50
1.80

Width of Top of Bund

(m)
1.20
1.50
1.80
2.70

The upstream face of the tank bund is generally riveted with stone apron or riprap
(Fig.6.10) so as to protect it against erosion and if this is done, then the upstream
slope generally adopted is 1.5:1, even up to 6 m depth. For inferior soils or greater
depths, however, the riveted slope may be made flatter, say 2:1.
In this way, for average cases, a 1.5:1 slope will generally be adopted for upstream
face and 2:1 slope for downstream face.
This practice is contrary to the standard recommendations adopted in many countries
where the upstream slope, even when riveted, is kept flatter than the downstream
slope because of the soil being saturated. There are, however, thousands of tanks in
Tamil Nadu with slopes of 1.5:1 and failure by slipping of this slope is rare. Hence,
the prevailing practice can be easily adopted. In very small tanks and in cases where
the upstream slope is heavily riveted, upstream faces have been given 1:1 or even
steeper slopes in actual practice, but such steeper slopes are not recommended.
c) Waste/ Surplus Weir: The waste/surplus weirs are constructed for discharging the
excess water from the tank into the downstream channel after it is filled so as to avoid
the rise of water in the tank above the Maximum Water Level (MWL). The water will
start spilling over the crest of this escape weir as and when it rises above the FTL and
the discharging capacity of this weir will be so designed as to pass the full flood
discharge likely to enter the tank with a depth over the weir equal to the difference
between FTL and MWL.

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Fig.6.8 Design Aspects of a Typical Percolation Pond

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a)

Homogeneous Type

b)

Zoned Type

c)

Diaphragm Type
Fig. 6.9 Common Types of Bunds of Percolation Ponds

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Fig. 6.10. Upstream Revetment of Tank Bunds

Although the effective storage capacity of a percolation tank is limited by FTL, the
area submerged by the tank bund and revetment is dependent on MWL. Hence, in
order to restrict the dimensions of these, it is desirable to keep the difference between
FTL and MWL as small as possible. On the other hand, the smaller the difference, the
longer will be the surplus escape required in order to enable it to pass the given
discharge. Hence, the difference (H) between FTL and MWL is fixed on a
compromise basis in each particular project so as to obtain maximum economy and
efficiency. In small and medium sized tanks, the usual difference between FTL and
MWL is kept between 0.30 and 0.60 m and is rarely allowed to exceed 0.90 m.
Surplus weirs are similar to river weirs (i.e. Diversion weirs or anicuts) and are
classified into the following three general types
Type A: Masonry weirs with a vertical drop
Type B: Rock fill weirs with a sloping apron and
Type C: Masonry weirs with a sloping masonry apron (glacis)
i)

Masonry Weirs with Vertical Drop (Type A): A typical cross section of such a
weir is shown in Fig. 6.11(a). This weir consists of a horizontal floor and a
masonry crest with vertical or near-vertical downstream face. The raised masonry
crest does the maximum ponding of water but a part of it is usually carried out by

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shutters at the top of the crest. The shutters can be dropped down during floods
so as to reduce the afflux (the rise in the Maximum Flood Level (HFL) upstream
of the weir caused due to the construction of the weir) by increasing the
waterway opening. This type of weir is particularly suitable for hard clay and
consolidated gravel foundations. However, these weirs are fast becoming
obsolete and are being replaced by modern concrete weirs.
ii)

Rock-fill Weirs with Sloping Aprons (Type B): These weirs are also known as
Dry Stone Slope Weirs. A typical cross section of such a weir is shown in Fig.
6.11(b). It is the simplest type of construction and is suitable for fine sandy
foundations like those encountered in alluvial areas in North India. Such weirs
require huge quantities of stone and are economical only when stone is easily
available. The stability of such weirs is not amenable to theoretical treatment.
With the development of concrete glacis weirs, these weirs are also becoming
obsolete.

Fig. 6.11(a) A Typical Masonry Tank Weir with a Vertical Drop.

Fig. 6.11(b) A Typical Rock-filled Weir with Sloping Aprons.

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iii)

Modern Concrete Weirs with Sloping Downstream Glacis (Type C):

Weirs of this type are of recent origin and their design is based on modern
concepts of sub-surface flow. A typical cross-section of such a weir is shown
in Fig: 6.11(c). Sheet piles of sufficient depths are driven at the ends of
upstream and downstream floor. Sometimes, an intermediate pile line is also
provided. The hydraulic jump is formed on the downstream sloping glacis so
as to dissipate the energy of the flowing water.

Fig. 6.11(c) Typical Cross-section of a Modern Concrete Weir with Permeable

Foundation.
Besides these three important types of weirs, a combination of type A and type C may
also be used. In such weirs, a number of vertical steps are made instead of providing a
horizontal or sloping downstream apron. Such weirs are called Type D weirs or 'weirs
with stepped aprons' and is shown in Fig.6.11(d). A & D types are most commonly
used in percolation tanks.

Fig. 6.11(d) A Typical Stepped Apron Tank Weir

d) Design Aspects of Waste Weirs
i) Width of floors of Weirs: The widths of horizontal floors of type A and D
weirs from the foot of the drop wall to the downstream edge of the floor
should never be less than 2(D+H) where D is the height of the drop wall and H

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is the maximum water head over the wall. In major works, this width may be
increased to 3(D+H). The rough stone apron forming a talus below the last
curtain wall may be of varying widths depending on the nature of the soil,
velocity and probable quantity and intensity of annual runoff. It would
generally vary from 2.5(D+H) to 5(D+H) depending on local conditions.
ii) Length of Surplus weirs: In order to determine the length of surplus weirs,
it is necessary to determine the maximum flood discharge that may enter the
tank after it is filled up to full tank level. If the tank is an independent one, the
flood discharge can be estimated using Ryve's formula
Q = CM2/3
Where Q is the estimated flood discharge in cubic meters/second, M is the
area of the catchment in square kilometers and C is known as Ryves
coefficient usually ranging from 6.8 to 15 depending upon the topography of
the catchment and intensity of rainfall over the catchment. If the tank is part of
a group of tanks, the flood discharge likely to enter such a tank is calculated
using the formula
Q = CM2/3 - cm2/3
Where Q is the estimated flood discharge in cubic meters/second that is
likely to enter the tank in question, M is the combined catchment area of all
tanks above the surplus of the tank in square kilometers, m is the intercepted
catchment area in square kilometers by the upper tanks, C, Ryve's coefficient
varying from 6.8 to 15 and c, modified coefficient which generally varies
from 1/5 to 1/3 of C.
In case of catchments of less than two square kilometers, it is better to adopt
discharges obtained by calculating the runoff from the catchment with a
precipitation of 2.54 cm/hour (Equivalent to 1 Inch/Hour). The flood discharge
obtained from a catchment with 2.54 cm precipitation can be calculated from
the following formula:
Q = 7M2/3
Where Q is the discharge in cubic meters/second obtained due to a
precipitation of 2.54 cm/hr and M, the area of the catchment in square
kilometers.
After assessing the flood discharge and fixing the FTL and MWL with
reference to the storage requirements, the length of the surplus weir can be
calculated from the formula
Q = 2/3 Cd LH2 gH or 2.95Cd LH3/2, where
Q is the quantum of flood water in cubic meter/second to be discharged, L,
the length of the weir in meter, H, the head over the weir or the difference
between MWL and FTL in meters and Cd, the coefficient of discharge, which
varies depending upon the type of weir as given below in Table.6. 6.

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Table.6.6. Coefficient Discharge for Various Types of Weirs

Sl.
No
1
2
3
4

Type of weir

Weirs with crest width up to 1 m

- do- with width >1m
Rough Stone sloping escapes
Flush escapes

Value of
Cd
0.625
0.562
0.50
0.437

Reduced Formula for

Discharge per Meter
Length of Weir
1.84H2/3
1.66H2/3
1.48H2/3
1.29H2/3

iii) Scouring Depth: This is controlled by the type of formation and also on
discharge and is calculated by using following formula
D = 0.47 (Q / f) 1/3, where
D is depth of scouring in meter,
Q is maximum discharge in m3/sec. (silt factor)
f is coefficient of rugocity, which is taken as
f = 1.0 for hard rock
= 0.75 for soft rock
= 0.45 for gravel (Murrum)
= 0.30 for soil
e) Design of Water Cushion: Depth of water cushion is calculated by using
following formula.
D=c dx3 h
Where, D is depth of water column in m,
h is difference between level of water passing
over the weir and that of tail water (m)
d is vertical drop (m) and
c is a constant (coefficient of rugocity)
Length of water column (L) is calculated using following formula,
L=6 d
f) Design of Spill Channel: The Spill channel is designed on the basis of Maximum
flood discharge (Q), bed width (L), maximum flood lift (H) and bed slope. The area
of cross section (A) of waste weir is worked out as L * H (Sq m) and wetted perimeter
(P) is worked out as L + (H*D) in metres.
Hydraulic mean depth (R) is calculated as, R = A/P
Velocity (V) = (1/N) * R 2/3 x S (m/sec),
Where S is the slope and N is taken as 0.03
Capacity of discharge Q = A * V (m3 / sec)

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The section capable of discharging floods equal to Q value estimated is

adopted for the spill and approach channel.
g) Design of Cut off Trench (COT): A trench excavated below the ground surface
along the bund line is known as cut off trench (COT). The depth of excavation
depends upon the type of subsurface strata. A trial pit is excavated and dug wells and
stream sections are also studied to determine the maximum depth of COT. It is
recommended to dig COT down to the hard strata, or down to the depth equal to H
(height of water column), whichever is less. The COT is then filled up to the ground
by clayey soil. Clay is commonly used for filling. If COT of appropriate depth is not
provided, the chances of visible seepage losses from the structure become high.
h) Design of Hearting and Casing: Hearting is the impervious core of the
percolation tank bund, which is constructed of clayey material. The slopes of the
hearting are 1:1 both on upstream and downstream sides. Its height is up to the
highest flood level (HFL) of the dam. The hearting is covered with casing from all the
sides. The material used for casing should be porous and devoid of clay content.
i) Stone Pitching: Stone pitching is done on the upstream face of the bund to protect
the structure from erosion, which may be caused by the wave ripple action of water
stored in the tank. The pitching is done using boulder and stone pieces of 20-30 cm
size. It is done on the upstream side from bottom to the HFL. In some cases, strip
pitching is also done below the HFL for few meters.
j) Dam Drainage Arrangement: Longitudinal and cross drains are provided below
the bund in casing zone to drain out the water seeping into the structure during
different stages of filling to prevent formation of sludge around the structure. For
this, excavation is made down to 1m along the dam line beneath the casing zone.
Cross drains are also excavated to ultimately drain out the water of longitudinal
drains. These drains are filled with porous material in layered sequence of sand, and
gravel
Toe drains are constructed at the downstream of dam wall to drain out water away
from the structure.
k) Rock Toe: A rubble hump is normally provided over the ground surface on
downward side of the tank, to protect the dam from slippage and sliding of casing
zone.
6.2.2.6. Modification of Village Tanks as Recharge Structures
The existing village tanks, which are normally silted and damaged, can be modified to
serve as recharge structures. Unlike in the case of properly designed percolation tanks,
cut-off trenches or waste weirs are not provided for village tanks. Desilting of village
tanks together with proper provision of waste weirs and cut off trenches on the
upstream side can facilitate their use as recharge structures. As such tanks are
available in plenty in rural India, they could be converted into cost-effective structures
for augmenting ground water recharge with minor modifications.

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6.2.2.7 Stream Channel Modification / Augmentation
In areas where streams zigzag through wide valleys occupying only a small part of the
valley, the natural drainage channel can be modified with a view to increase the
infiltration by detaining stream flow and increasing the streambed area in contact with
water. For this, the channel is so modified that the flow gets spread over a wider area,
resulting in increased contact with the streambed. The methods commonly used
include a) widening, leveling, scarifying or construction of ditches in the stream
channel, b) construction of L shaped finger levees or hook levees in the river bed at
the end of high stream flow season and c) Low head check dams which allow flood
waters to pass over them safely.
Stream channel modification can be employed in areas having influent streams that
are mostly located in piedmont regions and areas with deep water table such as arid
and semi arid regions and in valley fill deposits. The structures constructed for stream
channel modification are generally temporary, are designed to augment ground water
recharge seasonally and are likely to be destroyed by floods. These methods are
commonly applied in alluvial areas, but can also be gainfully used in hard rock areas
where thin river alluvium overlies good phreatic aquifers or the rocks are extensively
weathered or fractured in and around the stream channel. Artificial recharge through
stream channel modifications could be made more effective if surface storage dams
exist upstream of the recharge sites as they facilitate controlled release of water.
6.2.3. Subsurface Techniques
Subsurface techniques aim at recharging deeper aquifers that are overlain by
impermeable layers, preventing the infiltration from surface sources to recharge them
under natural conditions. The most common methods used for recharging such deeper
aquifers are a) Injection wells or recharge wells, b) Recharge pits and shafts, c) Dug
well recharge, d) Borehole flooding and e) Recharge through natural openings and
cavities.
6.2.3.1 Injection Wells or Recharge Wells
Injection wells or recharge wells are structures similar to bore/tube wells but
constructed for augmenting the ground water storage in deeper aquifers through
supply of water either under gravity or under pressure. The aquifer to be replenished
is generally one with considerable desaturation due to overexploitation of ground
water. Artificial recharge of aquifers by injection wells can also be done in coastal
regions to arrest the ingress of seawater and to combat problems of land subsidence in
areas where confined aquifers are heavily pumped.
In alluvial areas, injection wells recharging a single aquifer or multiple aquifers can
be constructed in a manner similar to normal gravel packed pumping wells. However,
in case of recharge wells, cement sealing of the upper section of the wells is done to
prevent the injection pressure from causing leakage of water through the annular
space of the borehole and the well assembly. Schematics of a typical injection well in
alluvial terrain are shown in Fig.6.12. In hard rock areas, injection wells may not
require casing pipes and screens and an injection pipe with an opening against the
fractures to be recharged may be sufficient. However, properly designed injection

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wells with slotted pipes against the zones to be recharged may be required for
recharging multiple aquifer zones separated by impervious rocks.
The effectiveness of recharge through injection wells is limited by the physical
characteristics of the aquifers. Attempts to augment recharge may prove to be
counter-productive in cases where the aquifer material gets eroded due to the speed of
ground water flow, especially in unconsolidated or semi-consolidated aquifers.
Failure of confining layers may also occur if excessive pressure is applied while
injecting water. These may result in clogging and/or even collapse of the bore/tube
well.
6.2.3.1.1 Site Selection and Design Criteria
i)

ii)

iii)

iv)

v)

vi)

A proper understanding of the aquifer geometry is the most important

factor in implementation of successful recharge schemes through
injection or recharge wells. Detailed studies of the vertical and lateral
extents of the aquifer and its characteristics are necessary prerequisites
for such schemes. Grain size distribution of granular aquifers is
another important parameter in the case of sedimentary aquifers.
Recharge through injection wells increases chances of clogging of well
screens and aquifer material, resulting in decreased injection rates.
Clogging may be caused by suspended particles and air bubbles in the
source water, formation of chemical precipitates in the well, source
water or aquifer material, proliferation of bacteria in and around the
injection well and swelling and dispersion of clay in the aquifer being
recharged. Clogging may be minimized by proper treatment and
removal of suspended material from source water, chemical
stabilization and bacterial control. Using non-corrosive materials for
pipelines and well casings may minimize clogging by corrosion
products. Chlorination of source water prevents development of
bacterial growth. Acid treatment helps in removing calcium carbonate
precipitates from the gravel packs and aquifers. Periodic development
of wells through surging, swabbing and pumping can considerably
improve the efficiency and life of injection wells.
As clogging increases the well losses considerably, the efficiency of
injection wells should be taken as 40 to 60 percent as compared to
pumping wells of similar design in the same situation.
Adequate care should be taken to ensure that the water being used for
recharge is not contaminated. The water being recharged should be
compatible with the formation water to avoid any precipitation and
resultant clogging. The relative temperatures of source and formation
waters also affect the recharge rate.
For optimum benefits, it is advisable to have injection cum
pumping wells to be used both for ground water recharge and
extraction under favourable conditions.
The following considerations are important in the design of an
injection well
a) The permissible pressure head of hydraulic injection in terms of
water column may be worked out as 1.2 times the depth to the top

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b)

c)

d)

e)

f)

g)

h)

i)

of the confined aquifer, which represent the hydrofracturing

pressure of the confining layer. In consolidated strata, however,
this pressure is likely to be much higher. Injection of water at
pressures exceeding this limit can result in the rupture of the
confining layer.
The rate of recharge likely to be accepted by the aquifer may be
worked out on the basis of observed discharge-drawdown relation
of the existing pumping wells tapping the same aquifer. If the
aquifer parameters are known, the recharge rates may be worked
out from theoretical considerations using appropriate formulae.
However, it is always desirable to determine the actual intake rates
through injection/recharge tests in the wells.
The diameter of the conductor and casing pipes and the bore/tube
well are to be worked out from the rate of recharge estimated.
Usually, pipes with nominal diameters of 100mm, 150mm, 200mm
and 250mm can handle flows up to 50 Cum/hr, 150 Cu m/hr, 250
Cu m/hr and 400 Cu m/hr respectively.
In case the well is being proposed as an injection cum pumping
well, the well assembly should be so designed to accommodate
higher flows while pumping.
The inner diameter of the housing pipe has to be two nominal
diameters higher than the pump bowl size and the length of the
housing pipe should be adequate to accommodate seasonal and
long-term fluctuations, interference effects of surrounding wells in
addition to expected drawdown and desired pump submergence.
The casing material used for the well must be similar to the one
used for production wells and should have adequate tensile strength
and collapsing pressure. In case chemical treatment is anticipated
during development, the casing pipe and screens should be made of
corrosion-resistant material.
The recharge well should be designed to fully penetrate the aquifer
to avoid additional head losses due to partial penetration. In hard
rocks, the top casing should be adequate to cover the unconfined
zone.
Artificial gravel packs should be provided around screens in case
of screened wells in unconsolidated and semi-consolidated
formations. The gravel pack should be so designed to arrest the
inflow of aquifer particles into the well.
It is advisable to achieve exit velocity comparable to entrance
velocity recommended (0.03m/sec) for pumping wells to reduce
incrustation and corrosion by providing appropriate open area for
passage of water into the aquifer. The desired open area can be
achieved for a given thickness of aquifer by adjusting well casing
diameter and percent open area of the screen using the relation
Total area of the screen x Percent open area = Volume x Entrance
Velocity.

j) Injection wells may be designed to recharge a single aquifer or

multiple aquifers.

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Fig.6.12 Schematics of a Typical Injection Well in Alluvial Terrain

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vii)

viii)

k) For pressure injection, conductor pipes of suitable diameter should

be used to reach the aquifer with an inflatable packer to be placed
around the pipe just above the screen. In a dual injection well, the
inflatable packer is a must.
Injection of water into the well should be started at rates below the preestimated injection rate, which is then progressively increased, taking
care to ensure that the pressure build-up remains below the permissible
limit. Once the maximum permissible injection rate is attained, the
well should be regularly monitored for injection rate, injection head
and quality of water.
The Specific Injection Capacity of the well, computed as the ratio of
the quantum of water applied to the head build-up in the well is
determined on commissioning a recharge well. The Specific Injection
Capacity of the well reduces with time due to clogging. When the
injection rate falls below accepted economic limits, the well is required
to be redeveloped.

6.2.3.2 Gravity Head Recharge Wells

In addition to specially designed injection wells, existing dug wells and tube/bore
wells may also be alternatively used as recharge wells, as and when source water
becomes available. In areas where considerable de-saturation of aquifers have already
taken place due to over-exploitation of ground water resources resulting in the drying
up of dug wells and lowering of piezometric heads in bore/tube wells, existing ground
water abstraction structures provide a cost-effective mechanism for artificial recharge
of the phreatic or deeper aquifer zones as the case may be. Schematics of a typical
system for artificial recharge through dug wells are shown in Fig.6.13.
6.2.3.2.1 Site Characteristics and Design Guidelines
i)

ii)

iii)

iv)

v)

In areas where excess surface water is available during rainy season

and the phreatic aquifers remain unsaturated, surface water can be
pumped into the dug wells for augmentation of ground water
resources.
Wells with higher yields before getting dried up due to the desaturation of aquifers should be selected for recharge as they prove to
be more suitable for ground water recharge when compared to lowyielding wells.
The recharge head available in gravity head recharge wells is the
elevation difference between the surface water level in the feeder
reservoir /tank and the elevation of water table or piezometric head.
The recharge rates in such cases are likely to be much less when
compared to pressure injection and will also keep on reducing with
build-up of the water table in the aquifer.
Pumping of wells during periods of non-availability of recharge water
helps in removing the silt that may enter the well during recharge.
However, more rigorous development may be essential in the case of
deep bore/tube wells
Care should be taken to ensure that the source water is adequately
filtered and disinfected when existing wells are being used for

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recharge. The recharge water should be guided through a pipe to the
bottom of well, below the water level to avoid scouring of bottom and
entrapment of air bubbles in the aquifer.

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Fig.6.13 Schematics of a Typical System for Artificial Recharge through Dug

Well.
6.2.3.3 Recharge Pits and Shafts
Recharge pits and shafts are artificial recharge structures commonly used for
recharging shallow phreatic aquifers, which are not in hydraulic connection with
surface water due to the presence of impermeable layers. They do not necessarily
penetrate or reach the unconfined aquifers like gravity head recharge wells and the
recharging water has to infiltrate through the vadose zone.
6.2.3.3.1 Recharge Pits: Recharge pits are normally excavated pits, which are
sufficiently deep to penetrate the low-permeability layers overlying the unconfined
aquifers (Fig.6.14). They are similar to recharge basins in principle, with the only
difference being that they are deeper and have restricted bottom area. In many such
structures, most of the infiltration occurs laterally through the walls of the pit as in
most layered sedimentary or alluvial material the lateral hydraulic conductivity is
considerably higher than the vertical hydraulic conductivity. Abandoned gravel quarry
pits or brick kiln quarry pits in alluvial areas and abandoned quarries in basaltic areas
can also be used as recharge pits wherever they are underlain by permeable horizons.
Nalah trench is a special case of recharge pit dug across a streambed. Ideal sites for
such trenches are influent stretches of streams. Contour trenches, which have been
described earlier also belongs to this category.
6.2.3.3.1.1 Site Characteristics and Design Guidelines
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)

v)
vi)

The recharging capacity of the pit increase with its area of cross section.
Hence, it is always advisable to construct as large a pit as possible.
The permeability of the underlying strata should be ascertained through
infiltration tests before taking up construction of recharge pits.
The side slopes of recharge pits should be 2:1 as steep slopes reduce
clogging and sedimentation on the walls of the pit.
Recharge pits may be used as ponds for storage and infiltration of water or
they may be back-filled with gravel sand filter material over a layer of
cobbles/boulders at the bottom. Even when the pits are to be used as ponds,
it is desirable to provide a thin layer of sand at the bottom to prevent the silt
from clogging permeable strata.
As in the case of water spreading techniques, the source water being used
for recharge should be as silt-free as possible.
The bottom area of the open pits and the top sand layer of filter-packed pits
may require periodic cleaning to ensure proper recharge. Recharge pits
located in flood-prone areas and on streambeds are likely to be effective for
short duration only due to heavy silting. Similar pits by the sides of

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vii)

streambeds are likely to be effective for longer periods.

In hard rock areas, streambed sections crossing weathered or fractured rocks
or sections along prominent lineaments or intersection of lineaments form
ideal locations for recharge pits.

Fig.6.14 Schematics of a Recharge Pit.

6.2.3.3.2 Recharge Shafts
Recharge Shafts are similar to recharge pits but are constructed to augment recharge
into phreatic aquifers where water levels are much deeper and the aquifer zones are
overlain by strata having low permeability (Fig.6.15). Further, they are much smaller
in cross section when compared to recharge pits. Detailed design particulars of a
recharge shaft are shown in Fig.6.16
6.2.3.3.2.1 Design Guidelines
i)

ii)
iii)
iv)

Recharge shafts may be dug manually in non-caving strata. For construction

of deeper shafts, drilling by direct rotary or reverse circulation may be
required.
The shafts may be about 2m in diameter at the bottom if manually dug. In
case of drilled shafts, the diameter may not exceed 1m.
The shaft should reach the permeable strata by penetrating the overlying low
permeable layer, but need not necessarily touch the water table.
Unlined shafts may be back-filled with an inverse filter, comprising
boulders/cobbles at the bottom, followed by gravel and sand. The upper
sand layer may be replaced periodically. Shafts getting clogged due to biotic
growth are difficult to be revitalized and may have to be abandoned.

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Fig.6.15 Schematics of Recharge Shafts

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Fig.6.16 Design Particulars of a Typical Recharge Shaft

v)

vi)

Deeper shafts constructed in caving strata may require lining or casing. In

such cases, the shafts need not be completely back-filled and a reverse

gravel-sand filter, a few meters thick, at the bottom of the shaft will suffice.
In such cases, the water from the source may be fed through a conductor
pipe reaching down to the filter pack.
The source water should be made as silt-free as possible before letting into
the shaft by providing suitable filters.

6.3 Indirect Methods

Indirect methods for artificial recharge to ground water does not involve direct supply
of water for recharging aquifers, but aim at recharging aquifers through indirect
means. The most common methods in this category are induced recharge from surface
water sources and aquifer modification techniques.
6.3.1 Induced Recharge
Induced recharge involves pumping water from an aquifer, which is hydraulically
connected with surface water to induce recharge to the ground water reservoir. Once
hydraulic connection gets established by the interception of the cone of depression
and the river recharge boundary, the surface water sources starts providing part of the
pumping yield (Fig.6.17). Induced recharge, under favorable hydrogeological
conditions, can be used for improving the quality of surface water resources due to its
passage through the aquifer material. Collector wells and infiltration galleries, used
for obtaining very large water supplies from riverbeds, lakebeds and waterlogged
areas also function on the principle of induced recharge.

Fig.6.17 Principle of Induced Recharge through Pumping of Wells near a Stream

a) Natural Flow Pattern b) Change in Flow Pattern Due to Pumping.

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In hard rock areas, abandoned buried channels often provide favorable sites for the
construction of structures for induced recharge. Check dams constructed in the river
channel upstream of the channel bifurcation can help in high infiltration to the
channel when wells located in the channels are pumped with high discharge for
prolonged periods.
6.3.1.1 Design Guidelines
i)

Quality of source water, hydraulic characteristics and thickness of aquifer

material, distance of the pumping wells from the river and their pumping
rates are the important factors controlling the design of schemes for induced
recharge.
ii)
For implementation of successful induced recharge schemes from stream
channels, pumping wells should be selected at sites where water in the
streams has sufficient velocity to prevent silt deposition.
iii)
Dredging of channel bottom in the vicinity of the existing pumping wells
may have to be carried our periodically to remove organic matter and
impervious fine material from the beds of the channel.
iv)
For wells constructed in unconfined alluvial strata for induced recharge, the
lower one-third of the wells may be screened to have optimum drawdowns.
In highly fractured consolidated rocks, dug wells penetrating the entire
thickness of the aquifer should be constructed with lining above the water
table zone and the curbing height well above the High Flow Level (HFL) of
the stream.
6.3.2 Aquifer Modification Techniques
These techniques modify the aquifer characteristics to increase its capacity to store
and transmit water through artificial means. The most important techniques under this
category are bore blasting techniques and hydrofracturing techniques. Though they
are yield augmentation techniques rather than artificial recharge structures, they are
also being considered as artificial recharge structures owing to the resultant increase
in the storage of ground water in the aquifers.
6.4 Combination Methods
Various combinations of surface and sub-surface recharge methods may be used in
conjunction under favorable hydrogeological conditions for optimum recharge of
ground water reservoirs. The selection of methods to be combined in such cases is
site-specific. Commonly adopted combination methods include a) recharge basins
with shafts, percolation ponds with recharge pits or shafts and induced recharge with
wells tapping multiple aquifers permitting water to flow from upper to lower aquifer
zones through the annular space between the walls and casing (connector wells) etc.
6.5 Ground Water Conservation Techniques
Ground water conservation techniques are intended to retain the ground water for
longer periods in the basin/watershed by arresting the sub-surface flow. The known
techniques of ground water conservation are a) Ground water dams / sub-surface
dykes / Underground Bandharas and b) Fracture sealing Cementation techniques.

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6.5.1 Sub-Surface Dykes / Ground Water Dams / Underground Bandharas
A sub-surface dyke / ground water dam is a sub-surface barrier constructed across a
stream channel for arresting/retarding the ground water flow and increase the ground
water storage. At favorable locations, such dams can also be constructed not only
across streams, but in large areas of the valley as well for conserving ground water.
Schematics of a typical sub-surface dyke are shown in Fig.6.18
6.5.1.1 Site Characteristics and Design Guidelines
i)

ii)

iii)

The primary objective of a sub-surface dyke is the creation of a subsurface

storage reservoir with suitable recharge conditions and low seepage losses.
Valley shapes and gradients are important considerations for site
identification.
Optimally, a valley should be well defined and wide with a very narrow outlet
(bottle necked). This reduces the cost of the structure and makes it possible to
have a comparatively large storage volume. This implies that the gradient of
the valley floor should not be steep since that would reduce the storage
volumes behind a dam of given height.
The limitations on depth of underground construction deem that the
unconfined aquifer should be within a shallow to moderate depth (down to 10
m bgl) and has a well-defined impermeable base layer. Such situations occur
in hard rock areas and shallow alluvial riverine deposits.

Fig.6.18 Schematics of a Subsurface Dyke in Basaltic Terrain.

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iv)

v)

vi)

vii)

viii)

ix)

x)

The dyke is ideally constructed across narrow ground water valleys, generally
not exceeding 150 to 200 m in width. On the basis of a thorough study of a
water table contour map of the area, a narrow ground water valley section
where the flow lines tend to converge from up-gradient direction, usually
coinciding with a surface drainage line should be identified. The requirement
of narrow flow section is usually fulfilled in watersheds in hard rock terrain
having rolling topography where relatively narrow depressions separate hard
rock spurs.
The drainage valley across which the subsurface dyke is constructed should
carry a seasonal stream that goes dry in winter and summer and the water table
should be located well below the riverbed, preferably throughout the year (The
stream should be preferably influent or may be effluent for a very limited
period during rainy season). The valley section should preferably have a
moderate gradient (less than 1%) so that the benefit spreads sufficiently in the
up-gradient direction.
The thickness of aquifer underlying the site should be adequate (more than 5
m) so that the quantity of ground water stored is commensurate with the effort
and investment. Normally, in hard rock watersheds, the drainage courses have
a limited thickness of alluvial deposits underlain by a weathered rock or
fractured aquifer, which in turn passes into consolidated unaltered aquitard.
This forms an ideal situation.
The sub-surface dyke directly benefits the up-gradient area and hence should
be located at a sufficient distance below the storage zone and areas benefiting
from such recharge. This implies construction of ground water conservation
structures in lower parts of the catchments but sufficiently upstream of
watershed outlet.
A sub-surface dyke may potentially deprive the downstream users the benefit
of ground water seepage, which they received under a natural flow regime.
Care should therefore be taken to see that a large number of users are not
located immediately downstream and those affected are duly compensated
through sharing of benefits. Care should also be taken to ensure that the water
levels in the upstream side of the dyke are deep enough not to cause any water
logging as a result of the dyke.
For construction of ground water dam/ sub-surface dykes, a trench should be
dug out across the ground water depression (streambed) from one bank to the
other. In case of hilly terrain in hard rocks, the length of the trench generally
may be less than 50 m. In more open terrain, the length may be usually less
than 200 m but occasionally even more. It should be wide enough at the
bottom to provide space for construction activity. In case of shallow trenches
down to 5 m depth, the width at the bottom should be 2 m. For deeper trenches
down to 15-20 m, deployment of mechanical equipment may be required. In
such cases, width of 5 m at the bottom is recommended. The side slopes
within alluvial strata should be 2:1 to make them stable. In case of more
consolidated substrata, the slope could be steeper. The width at the surface
should be planned accordingly.
The bottom of the trench should reach the base of the productive aquifer. In
case of hard rock terrain, below a limited thickness of alluvial fill, weathered
zone and underlying fractured aquifer may occur. The trench should be deep
enough to penetrate both highly weathered and fractured strata. In case of
more open terrain in consolidated or semi-consolidated strata, the alluvial

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xi)

xii)

xiii)

xiv)

thickness may be larger and the trench should end below the alluvial fill
deposit. In order to minimize or avoid problem of dewatering during
construction, the work should be taken up by the end of winter and completed
well before the onset of rains, as water table is at lower elevation in this
period.
The cut-out dyke could be either of stone or brick masonry or an impermeable
clay barrier. For ensuring total imperviousness, PVC sheets of 3000 PSI
tearing strength and 400 to 600 gauge or low density polyethylene film of 200
gauge is also used to cover the cut out dyke faces. In the case of relatively
shallow trenches within 5 m depth, where good impermeable clay is available
within an economic distance (3 km), the cut-out dyke could be entirely be
made of clay. In case good impermeable clay is not available, a stone masonry
wall of 0.45 metre thickness or a brick wall of 0.25 m thickness may be
constructed on a bed of concrete. Cement mortar of 1: 5 proportion and
cement pointing on both faces is considered adequate. In the case of very long
trenches, for economic considerations, it may be necessary to provide masonry
wall only in the central part of dyke and clay dyke suitably augmented by tar
felting, PVC sheet etc. on the sides.
In case of clay dykes, the width should be between 1.5 and 2m depending on
the quality of clay used. The construction should be in layers and each fresh
layer should be watered and compacted by plain sheet or sheep foot rollers of
1 to 2 ton capacity. In absence of roller, the clay should be manually
compacted by hand ramets. Where the core wall is a masonry structure, the
remaining open trench should be back-filled by impermeable clay. The
underground structures should be keyed into both the flanks of stream for one
meter length to prevent leakage from sides.
The top of the underground structures should be located between 1 to 1.5 m
below the streambed to permit overflow in high water table stage for flushing
of salinity of ground water stored behind the dyke. The alignment of the dyke
should be shown by fixing marker stones on the banks and whenever there is
change of alignment in between. Before back-filling the sub-surface trench,
piezometric tubes should be installed on both the faces of the dyke for
measuring water levels. Such piezometers should be located in the central part,
and in case of wider dykes at additional one or two locations.
Sites for construction of subsurface dykes have to be located in areas where
there is a great scarcity of water during the summer months or where there is
need for additional water for irrigation. Some emphasis also needs to be laid
on finding sites where land ownership conditions would make constructions
more feasible. Single ownership is ideal in the absence of which it has to be
implemented on a cooperative basis.

6.6. Suitability of Artificial Recharge Structures under Combinations of Factors

Based on the discussions regarding various artificial recharge methods and structures,
an attempt has been made to prescribe structures suitable for different slope
categories, aquifer types and amount of precipitation received.
A matrix (Table 6.7) has been developed for easy visualization of these combinations
and their possible variations. Three broad columns represent three distinct
hydrogeologic settings normally encountered in nature. Each of these columns is split

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further to represent areas based on the adequacy of rainfall received. Areas receiving
annual precipitation of less than 1000 mm and not having access to any surface inflow
source are taken as areas with limited source water availability.
Four different slope categories have been considered in the matrix, representing
runoff zone, piedmont zone, transition zone and storage zone. Indirectly, this
classification also takes into account the status of ground water flow in the aquifer.
Within each row the upper box represents the unconfined aquifers and the lower one
represents for the leaky confined and confined aquifers.
The matrix thus tries to separate out 48 different combinations, all of which may not
be relevant or suitable for effecting artificial recharge. Further, it is to be remembered
that in a natural situation there are smooth transitions of conditions stipulated from
one column or row to the other. Hence this tabulation will serve the purpose of
broadly identifying recommended method or structure. The final choice should be
governed by actual relevance of factors at a given site.

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Table 6.7 Artificial Recharge Structures Suitable Under Combination of Different Topographic Slopes, Hydrogeologic Groups and
Rainfall Distribution.
Hydrogeologic Group
Topographi
c slope
1
Steep Slope
(20 - 10%)
Runoff zone

Moderate
Slope
(10 to 5%)
Piedmont
zone

Consolidated
Adequate
2

Limited
3

Bench Terrace
Contour Trench

Gully Plug

Bench Terrace
Contour Trench
Gravity Head
Recharge Well*

Nalah Bunds
Contour Bunding
Percolation Tanks
Nalah Trench
Gravity Head
Recharge well*
Bore Blasting

Deep Gravity Head Recharge Well

Hydro fracturing
Fracture Seal Cementation

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Limited
5

Adequate
6

Limited
7

Aquifer
situation
Unconfined
/Confined
8

Gully Plug

Unconfined

Nalah Bund
Contour Bund
Percolation
Tanks
Nalah Trench
Gravity Head
Recharge Well

Ditch & Furrow

Recharge Basin
Pits & Shafts
Contour Trench
Gravity Head
Recharge Well

Recharge Basin
Pits* & Shafts*
Contour Trench
Gravity Head
Recharge Well

Unconfined

Semi Consolidated
Rainfall
Adequate
4
Bench Terrace
Contour Trench
Bench Terrace
Contour Trench
Gravity Head
Recharge Well*

Un-consolidated

Injection Well*
Recharge Shafts*

Confined

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Hydrogeologic Group
Topographic
slope

Consolidated

Semi Consolidated

Aquifer
situation

Un-consolidated

Rainfall
1

Moderate to
Gentle
Slope
(2 to 5%)
Transition
zone

Gentle Slope
(< 2%)
Storage Zone

Adequate
Limited
2
3
Nalah Bunds
Nalah Bunds
Contour Bunding
Contour Bunding
Percolation Tanks
Percolation Tanks
Recharge Pits
Recharge Pits
Ground Water Dams
Canal Irrigation*
Canal Irrigation*
Induced Recharge
Ground Water
Dams
Fracture Seal
cementation
Gravity Head Recharge Well*
Hydrofracturing
Deep Fracture Seal Cementation
Induced Recharge
Surface Irrigation
Recharge Basin
Recharge Basin
Recharge Pits
Recharge Pits
Gravity Head
Gravity Head
Recharge Wells
Recharge Wells
Gravity Head Recharge Wells (On
Lineaments or their intersections)

Adequate
4
Recharge Basin
Canal Irrigation*
Induced recharge
Stream Channel
Modification
Recharge Pits

Limited
5
Recharge Pits
Stream Channel
Modification

Recharge Shaft*
Gravity Head Recharge Wells*
Injection Wells*
Hydrofracturing
Recharge Pits
Flooding
Canal Irrigation*
Induced Recharge
Surface Spreading
Infiltration Gallery
Injection Wells

Adequate
6
Flooding
Recharge Basin
Stream Channel
Modification
Induced Recharge
Gravity Head
Recharge Well*
Canal Irrigation*

Limited
7
Stream Channel
Modification
Gravity Head Recharge
Well*
Ditch & Furrow
Recharge Basin*
Recharge Shaft*
Ground Water Dam (In
shallow alluvium)

Recharge Shafts*
Gravity Head Recharge Wells*
Injection Wells*
Flooding*
Surface Spreading*
Infiltration Gallery

Unconfined
Confined
8

Unconfined

Confined

Unconfined

Injection Wells
Connector Wells

Note: Rainfall is considered adequate if annual precipitation is more than 1000 mm.
* Indicate availability of source water supply through canals, trans-basin transfer or treated wastewater.
(Modified After: Manual on Artificial Recharge of Ground Water, CGWB (1994).

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7. ROOF TOP RAINWATER HARVESTING

Drinking water supply in urban areas is mostly from surface sources like natural or
impounded reservoirs and from ground water sources. As the population density and
usage levels are comparatively high in urban areas, Government agencies construct,
operate and maintain huge surface water dams and reservoirs for meeting their water
demands. These sources are planned and constructed to take care of the water
requirements of the population throughout the year. Ground water is in use in areas
where the surface water supplies are either not reaching or are not adequate.
In most of the rural areas, ground water is the major source of drinking water. In
earlier days, open wells and ponds that belonged to the community were the source of
drinking water supply. With the advent of bore well technology and progress made in
rural electrification, the scenario of rural water supply has considerably changed. The
traditional methods and practices have given way to hand pumps and power pump
schemes. Government organisations have given priority to provide protected water
supply to the villages through rural water supply schemes. Bore wells are drilled and
water from over-head tanks is distributed through supply mains. Statistics reveal that
more than 85% of rural water supply is from the ground water sources at present.
Indiscriminate exploitation of ground water and the decline in ground water levels
have rendered many bore wells dry either seasonally or through out the year. To
overcome such a situation, bore wells and tube wells are now being drilled to greater
depths, often tapping ground water from deep aquifers hitherto considered static.
Discharge of untreated effluents into surface water streams and lakes by industries has
resulted not only in contaminating the surface water resources, but also the ground
water bodies. In coastal areas, over exploitation of ground water has resulted in
seawater intrusion, rendering ground water sources saline in some areas.
Identification and promotion of simple, reliable and environmental friendly
technologies for augmentation of ground water resources are necessary to overcome
the above problems and to ensure the long-term sustainability of our precious ground
water resources. Reviving the traditional practices of rainwater harvesting along
scientific lines can go a long way in preventing a serious water crisis in the major part
of our country in the years to come.
7.1 Concept of Roof Top Rainwater Harvesting
The concept of rainwater harvesting involves tapping the rainwater where it falls. A
major portion of rainwater that falls on the earths surface runs off into streams and
rivers and finally into the sea. An average of 8-12 percent of the total rainfall recharge
only is considered to recharge the aquifers. The technique of rainwater harvesting
involves collecting the rain from localized catchment surfaces such as roofs, plain /
sloping surfaces etc., either for direct use or to augment the ground water resources
depending on local conditions. Construction of small barriers across small streams to
check and store the running water also can be considered as water harvesting.
Among various techniques of water harvesting, harvesting water from roof tops needs
special attention because of the following advantages:

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a) Roof top rainwater harvesting is one of the appropriate options for augmenting
ground water recharge/ storage in urban areas where natural recharge is
considerably reduced due to increased urban activities and not much land is
available for implementing any other artificial recharge measure. Roof top
rainwater harvesting can supplement the domestic requirements in rural areas as
well.
b) Rainwater runoff which otherwise flows through sewers and storm drains and is
wasted, can be harvested and utilized.
c) Rainwater is bacteriologically safe, free from organic matter and is soft in nature.
d) It helps in reducing the frequent drainage congestion and flooding during heavy
rains in urban areas where availability of open surfaces is limited and surface
runoff is quite high.
e) It improves the quality of ground water through dilution.
f) The harnessed rainwater can be utilized at the time of need.
g) The structures required for harvesting rainwater are simple, economical and ecofriendly.
h) Roof catchments are relatively cleaner and free from contamination compared to
the ground level catchments.
i) Losses from roof catchments are much less when compared to other catchments.
Collection of rainwater from roof tops for domestic needs is popular in some parts of
India. The simplest method of roof top rainwater harvesting is the collection of
rainwater in a large pot/vessel kept beneath the edge of the roof. The water thus
collected can meet the immediate domestic needs. Tanks made of iron sheets, cement
or bricks can also be used for storing water. In this method, water is collected from
roofs using drain pipes/gutters fixed to roof edge.
Though the practice of roof top rainwater harvesting is an age-old one, systematic
collection and storage of water to meet the drinking water needs has become popular
only recently. The popularity of this practice is limited by the costs involved in
collection of water by gutters/pipes and its storage in underground tanks made of iron
or brick. Use of Ferro-cement technology in construction and maintenance of storage
tanks has become popular in recent years as the strength and durability of ferrocement structures have been found to make the schemes cost-effective.
Rainwater harvesting practices vary widely in size, type of construction material used
and methods of collection and storage. Easy availability of know-how on systematic
and economic methods of construction will encourage the user households to adopt
this practice. There is also a need for creating awareness and for development of
simple techniques of construction/fabrication of the components of rainwater
harvesting system for popularising this technique as a potential alternative source of
drinking water, at least for part of the year.
7.2 Components of Roof Top Rainwater Harvesting System
In a typical domestic roof top rainwater harvesting system, rainwater from the roof is
collected in a storage vessel or tank for use during periods of scarcity. Such systems
are usually designed to support the drinking and cooking needs of the family and
comprise a roof, a storage tank and guttering to transport the water from the roof to
the storage tank. In addition, a first flush system to divert the dirty water, which

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contains debris, collected on the roof during non-rainy periods and a filter unit to
remove debris and contaminants before water enters the storage tank are also
provided. Therefore, a typical Roof top Rainwater Harvesting System (Fig.7.1)
comprises following components:
Roof catchment.
Drain pipes
Gutters
Down pipe
First flush pipe.
Filter unit
Storage tank.
Collection sump.
Pump unit

Fig. 7.1 A Typical Rainwater Harvesting System

Among the above components, storage tank and filter unit are the most expensive and
critical components. The capacity of the storage tank determines the cost of the
system as well as its reliability for assured water supply whereas the filter unit assures
the quality of the supplied water. Brief descriptions of each of the components are
given below:
7.2.1 Roof Catchment
The roof of the house is used as the catchment for collecting the rainwater. The style,
construction and material of the roof determine its suitability as a catchment. Roofs
made of corrugated iron sheet, asbestos sheet, tiles or concrete can be utilized as such
for harvesting rainwater. Thatched roofs, on the other hand, are not suitable as pieces
of roof material may be carried by water and may also impart some colour to water.

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7.2.2 Drain Pipes
The drain pipes of suitable size, made of PVC / Stoneware are provided in RCC
buildings to drain off the roof top water to the storm drains. They are provided as per
the building code requirements.
7.2.3 Gutters
Gutters are channels fixed to the edges of roof all around to collect and transport the
rainwater from the roof to the storage tank. Gutters can be prepared in rectangular
shapes (Fig.7.2) and semi-circular (Fig.7.3).

Fig. 7.2 Rectangular Gutter

Fig. 7.3 Semi-circular Gutter

Gutters are channels made of either plain Galvanized Iron sheets or cut PVC pipes or
split Bamboo. These channels are fixed to the roof ends to divert the rainwater into
the storage tank. Semi-circular or rectangular shaped channels can be made using GI
sheet. Cut PVC pipes and Bamboos will be semi-circular in shape. These channels
are made at the site of construction and fixed to the roof by using mild steel supports.
As the preparation of gutters from GI sheet involves cutting and bending the sheet to
the required size and shape, certain amount of skill is required. Gutters from PVC
pipes or bamboos are easily made. Use of locally available materials reduces the
overall cost of the system.
7.2.4 Down Pipe
Down pipe is the pipe that carries the rainwater from the gutters to the storage tank.
Down pipe is joined with the gutters at one end, whereas the other end is connected to
the filter unit of the storage tank as shown below (Fig.7.4). PVC or GI pipes of 50
mm to 75 mm (2 inch to 3 inch) diameter are commonly used for down pipe. In the
case of RCC buildings, drain pipes themselves serve as down pipes. They have to be
connected to a pipe to carry water to the storage tank.
The down pipe and first flush pipe can be of either GI or PVC material of diameter
7.5 cm. Joining of pipes will be easy if both are of same material.

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Fig. 7.4 Down Pipe

The orientation and arrangement of the down pipe depends on relative locations of
tank and roof. The shape of the roof and type of the roof also determine the
arrangement of down pipes. The most common type of down pipe arrangement is
shown in Fig.7.5.

Fig. 7.5 Most Common Arrangement of Down Pipe

7.2.5 First Flush Pipe
Debris, dirt and dust collect on the roofs during non-rainy periods. When the first
rains arrive, these unwanted materials will be washed into the storage tank. This
causes contamination of water collected in the storage tank, rendering it unfit for
drinking and cooking purposes.
A first flush system can be incorporated in the roof top rainwater harvesting systems
to dispose off the first flush water so that is does not enter the tank. There are two
such simple systems. One is based on a simple, manually operated arrangement,
whereby the down pipe is moved away from the tank inlet and replaced again once
the first flush water has been disposed. In another semi-automatic system, a separate
vertical pipe is fixed to the down pipe with a valve provided below the T junction
(Fig.7.6).

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Fig.7.6 First Flush Pipe

After the first rain is washed out through first flush pipe, the valve is closed to allow
the water to enter the down pipe and reach the storage tank.
7.2.6 Filtration of Water
7.2.6.1 Process of Filtration
Filtration forms the most important process in the purification of water. It usually
involves allowing water to pass through a filter media e.g. sand. Filtration essentially
involves removal of suspended and colloidal impurities present in water. Depending
on the type of filtration, the chemical characteristics of water may be altered and the
bacterial content may be considerably reduced. These effects take place due to various
processes such as mechanical straining, sedimentation, biological metabolism and
electrolytic changes.
Mechanical straining involves removal of suspended particles, which are unable to
pass through the voids of the filter media. Sedimentation of particles of impurities
occurs in the voids between sand grains in the filter unit. Such particles also adhere to
the sand grains due to i) presence of a gelatinous film or coating developed on sand
grains by previously trapped bacteria and colloidal matter and ii) physical attraction
between particles. Biological metabolism in filter units involves the formation of a
zoological jelly or film containing large colonies of bacteria around the sand grains,
which feed on the organic impurities in the water and convert them into harmless
compounds by complex biochemical reactions. Electrolytic changes involve the
neutralization of ionic charges of particles of suspended and dissolved impurities
when they come into contact with sand particles having opposite charge. When this
happens, they neutralize each other, which ultimately results in the alteration of
chemical characteristics of water.
7.2.6.2 Filter Sand
The sand being used for filter in roof top rainwater harvesting systems should be free
from clay, loam, vegetable matter, organic impurities etc. and should also be uniform
in nature and grain size. In place of sand, anthrafilt, made from anthracite (stonecoal) can also be used as filter medium. This material is found to possess many

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advantages such as low cost, high rate of infiltration and better efficiency. However,
as sand is readily available almost everywhere, the usual practice is to use it as filter
medium.
7.2.6.3 Classification of Filters
Filters are classified into two main categories viz. Slow sand filters and Rapid sand
filters based on the rate of filtration. They have also been categorised as gravity filters
and pressure filters depending on the forces aiding the process of filtration. Based on
these, filters can be classified into i) Slow Sand Filters, ii) Rapid Sand Filters (gravity
type) and iii) Pressure Filters.
i) Slow Sand Filters
A typical slow sand filter (Fig.7.7 & 7.8) consists of an enclosure tank, underdrainage system, base material, filter media (sand) and appurtenances.

Fig.7.7 Plan of a Slow Sand Filter

One of the major disadvantages of a slow sand filter is the requirement of
considerable space for its installation. This makes it uneconomical for places where
land is not available, or it is costly. This has led engineers and scientists to find out
means for increasing the rate of filtration. It is observed that rate of filtration can be
increased either by increasing the grain size of sand used as filter media so that
frictional resistance to water passing through it is reduced, or by allowing water to
pass under pressure through the filter media.
ii. Rapid Sand Filters (Gravity type)
Rapid sand filters have been developed to achieve increased filtration rates by
increasing the grain size of the filter media. These types of filters are preferred for
rainwater harvesting schemes implemented over larger areas

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Fig.7.8 Cross section of a Slow Sand Filter

Essential Parts
The layout of a typical rapid sand filter (gravity type) is shown in Fig. 7.9.

Fig. 7.9 Lay out of a Typical Rapid Sand Filter

The essential parts are the same as those of the slow sand filter, viz. Enclosure tank,
Under-drainage system, Base material, Filter media (sand) and appurtenances.

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Enclosure Tank: A watertight tank, either of masonry or concrete is used. The sides
and floor are coated with waterproof material. Depth of the tank is about 2.50 to 3.0
m. The surface area of a unit of rapid sand filter varies from 10 to 50 m2. The units are
arranged in series.
Under-Drainage System: There are various types of under-drainage systems, most of
which are patented by the manufacturers. Two of the common types of underdrainage systems are Perforated Pipe Systems and Pipe and Strainer Systems.
In a Perforated Pipe System, a number of lateral drains are attached to a central drain
or manifold (Fig. 7.10). The drains are usually made of cast iron. The lateral drains
are placed at distances of 15 to 30 cm. They are also provided with holes at the
bottom in such a way that the holes are at 30 with the vertical (Fig. 7.11). The holes
are about 10 mm in diameter and are sometimes staggered on either side instead of
being continuous. The holes are usually drilled with a centre to centre distance of 75
to 200 mm. Brass bushings are sometimes inserted in the holes to prevent rusting of
surface of holes. Concrete blocks, 40 to 50 mm thick, are placed on the floor of the
filter for supporting lateral drains.
Perforated Pipe Systems are economical and simple in operation. They, however,
require large quantities of about 700 litres of wash water per square metre of filter
area for washing purpose. The wash water for this high velocity wash is provided
from a wash water overhead tank as shown in Fig. 7.9.
Pipe and Strainer Systems also have a central drain or manifold with lateral drains
attached on either side (Fig.7.12). However, unlike in Perforated Pipe System,
strainers in this system are placed on lateral drain. A strainer (Fig.7.13) is a small pipe
of brass, closed at the top and having perforations on its surface. They are either
screwed or fixed on the lateral drains. In some cases, the strainers are fixed on the
central drain as well. Two lateral drains / strainers are normally placed at a distance of
15 cm from each other. It is desirable to place all the strainers at the same elevation.

Fig.7.10 Plan of Under-drainage System in a Rapid Sand Filter

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Fig.7.11 Plan of a Perforated Lateral Drain

In Pipe and Strainer Systems, compressed air is used for cleaning the filter, which
results in saving of wash water. It still requires about 250 litres of wash water per
minute per square metre of filter area for washing purpose. This process of washing is
known as low velocity wash.

Fig.7.12 Cross Section of Pipe and Strainer System

Fig. 7.13 Cross Section of a Strainer

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Under-Drainage System: The under-drainage system in Pipe and Strainer Systems
are designed in such a way that the ratio of length of lateral drain to its diameter does
not exceed 20 and the cross-sectional area of the central drain is about twice the crosssectional area of the lateral drains. Care should be taken to ensure that the total crosssectional area of the perforations is about 0.20 percent of the total filter area and the
cross-sectional area of a lateral is about two to four times the total cross-sectional area
of the perforations in it.
Base Material: Gravel is used as the base material, which is placed on the top of the
under-drainage system. The gravel being used should be clean and free from clay,
dust, silt and organic matter and should be durable, hard, round and strong. The
thickness of the layer of base material varies from 45 to 60 cm. It is usually graded
and laid in layers of 15 cm. The size of the gravel increases from top to bottom.
Filter Media (Sand): A layer of coarse sand, ranging in thickness from 60 to 90 cm
is placed above the gravel. The effective size of sand used varies from 0.35 to 0.60
mm and its uniformity coefficient is between 1.20 and 1.70, ensuring increased rate of
filtration on account of the increase in the void space between particles when
compared to slow sand filters.
Appurtenances: In addition to the usual appurtenances required in the case of slow
sand filters, the following special devices are to be provided in case of rapid sand
filters:
i) Air Compressors: The agitation of sand grains during washing of filters is
achieved by compressed air, water jet or mechanical rakes. When compressed
air is to be used, an air compressor of suitable capacity should be installed.
Generally, it should have the capacity of supplying compressed air at the rate
of 0.60 to 0.80 m3 per minute per square metre of filter area for 5 minutes. The
pressure of compressed air should be sufficient to overcome frictional
resistance in air pipes and water above the air distribution system. The
compressed air may be supplied through laterals or through a dedicated pipe
system.
ii) Wash water Troughs: The water used for washing the filters is collected
in wash water toughs or gutters, which are placed above sand bed level. The
troughs may be of cast-iron, concrete, steel or wrought iron. They are placed at
a distance of 130 to 180 cm from edge to edge. The bottom of the trough is
about 45 to 75 cm above the sand bed. For efficient working, the troughs
should be large enough and should be laid at a suitable slope.
iii) Rate Control Devices: There are various devices to control the rate of
flow of water, which may be fitted at the outlet of the filter. They work on the
principle of Venturi meter.
Cleaning of Filters: When water passes through the filter, there is head loss due to
frictional resistance. The difference in water levels in the filter and in the outlet pipe
provides an idea about the loss of head (Fig. 7.14). When the filter is clean, the head
loss is negligible (about 15 to 30 cm). It goes on increasing with time until the
frictional resistance offered by the filter media exceeds the static head of water above

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the sand bed, due to the deposition of suspended matter in the top layer. The lower
part of the filter media then acts more or less like a vacuum and water is sucked
through the filter media rather than getting filtered by passing through it. The fall of
liquid level in the piezometric tubes below the centre line of the under-drainage
system indicates negative head. The negative head thus formed tends to release
dissolved air and other gases present in the water, which sticks to the sand grains,
seriously impairing the functioning of the filter. In case of rapid sand filters, the
permissible loss of head is about 3.0 to 3.5 m and the permissible negative head is
about 120 cm. The filter is to be cleaned when this limit is reached.

Fig. 7.14 Loss of Head and Negative Head

Operational Problems: The most commonly encountered operational problems of
rapid sand filters are i) Mud balls and ii) Cracking of filters.
i) Mud balls: Mud balls are normally formed near the top of the filter media,
though it is not uncommon to have them distributed throughout the filter.
These are formed as a consequence of insufficient washing of sand grains
resulting in gelatinous film formed during filtration not being separated from
the sand grains during washing. They range in size from 25 to 50 mm and
seriously impair the functioning of the filter. Mud balls are broken and
removed using rakes or other suitable instruments. Cleaning of filters with
water at high velocity will also help in getting rid of the problem.
ii) Cracking of Filters: Shrinkage of fine material contained in the top layer of
the filter may result in the formation of cracks in the filter. Such cracks are
normally prominent near wall junctions. The damaged portion of the filter
media has to be replaced to get rid of this problem.

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Rate of Filtration: The main advantage of a rapid sand filter is its high rate of
filtration, which is about 3000 to 6000 litres per hour per square metre of filter area.
The high rate of filtration results in considerable saving of space for the installation of
filter.
Efficiency of Rapid Sand Filters
i) Bacterial Load: Rapid sand filters are less effective in the removal of
bacterial load when compared to slow sand filters. They are expected to
remove between 80 and 90 percent of bacterial load present in water.
ii) Colour: These filters are highly efficient in removal of colour and the
intensity of colour can be brought down below 10 on cobalt scale.
iii) Turbidity: Rapid sand filters are capable of removing turbidity to the
extent of 35 to 40 ppm. As water entering rapid sand filter is invariably given
treatment in coagulation/sedimentation tank, it normally has low turbidity to
begin with. The turbidity still present in water is easily brought down to
permissible limits by rapid sand filters.
Problem
Find the area of rapid sand filters required for a town having a population of 80,000
with an average demand of 200 litres per head per day.
Solution:
Maximum daily demand (Litres)
(assumed as 1.5 times average demand)

80,000 x 200 x 1.50

=
240, 00,000
2
Assuming rate of filtration as 5000 litres/hour/m of filter area,
Area of filter required (m2)
=
24000000/ (5000 x 24)
=
200
Assuming size of individual filter units as 8.00 m x 5.00 m, 6 such units, including
one as stand-by will be sufficient to cater to the water requirements of the town.
Comparison Between Slow and Rapid Sand Filters
Slow and rapid sand filters have their own advantages and disadvantages. A
comparative analysis of their relative merits and de-merits are shown in Table 7.1.
iii. Pressure Filters
In pressure filters, which are more or less similar to rapid sand filters, the filter is
enclosed in a container, through which water passes under pressures greater than the
atmospheric pressure. This pressure, varying from 3 to 7 kg/cm2, can be developed by
pumping.

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Table.7.1 Comparative Analysis of Merits and De-merits of Slow and Rapid
Sand Filters
Sl.
No

Particulars

Slow Sand Filters

Rapid Sand Filters (gravity

Type)

Size : 3 to 65 mm
Depth : 30 to 75 cm

Size : 3 to 40 mm
Depth : 60 to 90 cm

Not required

Essential

Large

Small

Base material
(Gravel)
Pre-treatment
(Sedimentation /
Coagulation)
Space requirements for
installation
Construction

Complicated

economy

Simple
High initial cost of land and
material

1
2
3

Efficiency

Filter media (sand)

Flexibility

Loss of head

10

Method of cleaning

11

Period of cleaning

12

Rate of filtration

13

Supervision

14

Suitability

Cheap and economical

Less efficient in the

removal of bacteria but
more efficient in the
removal of colour and
turbidity.
Effective size: 0.35 to
Effective size: 0.2 to
0.60mm
0.3mm
Uniformity coefficient: 1.2
Uniformity coefficient: 2 -3
1.7
Quite flexible for
Not flexible for meeting
reasonable fluctuations in
variations in demand
demand.
15 to 75 mm
3 to 3.5 m
Agitation and back
Scraping of top layer of 15
washing with or without
to 25 mm thickness. Long
the help of compressed air.
and laborious method
Short and speedy method.
1 to 3 months
2 to 3 days
100 to 200 lph/m2 of filter
3000 to 6000 lph/m2 of
area
filter area
Not essential
Essential
Filter can be constructed
Suitable for big cities
using local labour and
where land cost is high
material. Suitable for small
and variation in demand of
town and villages where
water is considerable.
land is cheap.
Very efficient in the
removal of bacteria but less
efficient in the removal of
colour and turbidity

Pressure filters are closed steel cylinders, either riveted or welded, with manholes
provided at the top for inspection. They may be or horizontal or vertical types. The
diameter of pressure filters varies from 3.50 to 8.0 mm.
Water mixed with the coagulant is directly pumped into the pressure filter through the
inlet and flocculation takes place inside the filter itself. In normal working condition,
all valves except those for raw water and filtered water are kept closed. The rate of
filtration is higher than that of rapid sand filters and is normally in the range of 6000
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to 15000 litre per hour per square metre of filter area. They are found to be less
efficient when compared to rapid sand filters.
Pressure filters can be cleaned by agitating sand grains using compressed air. The
valves for raw water and filtered water are closed and those for wash water and wash
water drain are kept open during the process. Frequency of cleaning is more for
pressure filters when compared to rapid sand filters. Automatic pressure filters are
also available now in the market in which washing of the filter is done automatically
at pre-determined intervals of time or loss of head.
Pressure filters are not suitable for public water supply projects, but can be installed
for colonies of houses, industrial plants, private estates, swimming pools, railway
stations etc.
d) Double Filtration
Double filtration, involving filtration of water twice, can be used for better results.
This can be achieved either by allowing water to pass through two or more slow or
rapid sand filters arranged in series, or by passing the water through a raid sand filter
before sending it to a slow sand filter. In practice, the latter alternative is most
commonly adopted to increase the filtration rate of an existing slow sand filter. The
rapid sand filter used in such a way is known as a roughing filter. Coarse materials
are used in the construction of roughing filters, resulting in rates of filtration as high
as 7000 litre per hour per square metre of filter area. They generally do not
necessarily require water pre-treated with coagulant. Double filtration is usually
adopted at places where there are constraints of land availability for construction of
slow sand filters. Installation of roughing filters practically doubles the capacity of
slow sand filters.
Screen filters or micro filters, which are readily available in the market, can also be
used for filtration. Silt and other contaminants present in the roof top rainwater can be
removed efficiently using these filters. The size of the filter can be decided based
upon roof top area and the rainfall amount.
Locally fabricated filters consisting of buckets or other containers filled with filter
media such as coarse sand, charcoal, coconut fiber, pebbles and gravels may also be
used to remove the debris and dirt form water that enters the tank in small scale
domestic roof top rainwater harvesting systems. The container is provided with a
perforated bottom to allow the passage of water. The filter unit is placed over the
storage tank. Another simple way of filtering the debris and dust particles in the water
is to use a fine cloth as filter media. The cloth, in 2 or 3 layers, can be tied to the top
of a bucket or vessel with perforation at the bottom.
7.2.7 Storage Tank
Storage tank is used to store the water that is collected from the Roof tops. Common
vessels used for small-scale water storage are plastic bowls, buckets, jerry cans, clay
of ceramic jars, cement jars, old oil drums etc. For storing larger quantities of water,
the system will usually require a bigger tank with sufficient strength and durability.

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Different types of storage tanks feasible for storing roof top rainwater are given
below.
Storage tanks
RCC

Masonry

Ferro Cement

PVC

There are unlimited numbers of options for the construction of these tanks with
respect to the shape (cylindrical, rectangular and square), the size (capacity from
1,000 - 15,000 L. or even higher) and the material of construction (brick, stone,
cement bricks, Ferro-cement, concrete and reinforced cement concrete). For domestic
water needs, taking the economy and durability of tanks into consideration, ferrocement tanks of cylindrical shape in capacities ranging between 4,000 and 15,000 L
are most suitable. Brick, stone or cement brick may be used for capacities ranging
between 15,000 to 50,000 L. Cement concrete and reinforced cement concrete are
used for tank capacities exceeding 50,000 L
Storage tanks are usually constructed above ground level to facilitate easy detection of
structural problems/leaks, easy maintenance and cleaning and easy drawal of stored
water. They are provided with covers on the top to prevent contamination of water
from external sources. They are also provided with pipe fixtures at appropriate places
for drawing water, cleaning the tank and for disposal of excess water. They are called
tap or outlet, drain pipe and over flow pipe respectively. PVC or GI pipes of diameter
20 to 25 mm are generally used for the purpose.
7.2.7.1 Size of Storage Tanks for Rural Areas
Size of the storage tank needs to be carefully selected considering various factors such
as number of persons in the household, water use, duration of water scarcity, rainfall,
type and size of house roof and the status of existing water sources in the area. In
general, the period of water scarcity for domestic purposes is found to be in the range
of 90 days to 200 days depending upon the quantity and distribution of rainfall and
water sources existing in the area.
The water use of the household should first be studied, considering the local culture
and habits of the people influencing the water use. Availability of water at the
doorstep, as is the case with RRHS, is likely to increase the water use of the
household. This results in increase in required size of storage tank and its cost. It is
found that the per capita water use varies over a range of 3 litres to 10 litres per day.
A per capita water consumption of 5 litres per day for the domestic drinking and
cooking purposes is found optimum. Adding 20% towards additional water
requirement for visitors, festivals and wastage, a per capita water requirement of 6
litres per day may be considered for selecting the size of water storage tank.
The size of water storage tank may be determined using the following relation and
approximating to the nearest thousand:

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Size of Storage tank (in litres)

No. of persons in the household x

Period of water scarcity (in days) x
Per capita water requirement (in liters per
day)

The capacity of storage tank, which reflects the total household water requirement
during the period of water scarcity, need to be checked with the amount of water
available from house rooftop during rains. If the amount of water available from roof
is less than the required capacity of storage tank, then the household shall use the
water available from roof only for a part of the water scarcity period.
Water available from roof is obtained from the following relation:
Water available (in litres) =

Annual rainfall (in mm) x

Roof area (in sq.m) x
Runoff Coefficient

Area of a roof shall be measured as the area projected on a horizontal surface. For
practical purpose, it is measured on the ground surface and the area calculated as the
product of length and breadth.
The coefficient of runoff varies depending on the type of roof and indicates the
fraction of rainwater that can be collected from roof. Run-off coefficients for common
types of roofs are shown in Table 7.2.
Table.7.2 Runoff Coefficients of Common Types of Roofs
GI Sheet
Asbestos
Tiled
Concrete

0.9
0.8
0.75
0.7

Example
Selection of size for storage tank
No. of persons in the selected household (4 adults and 4 children)
Period of water scarcity for the domestic needs
Per capita water requirement
Annual average rainfall
Area of roof made of country tiles
Runoff coefficient for tiled roof
Size of storage tank (in litres) =

=8
= 120 days
= 6 L/day
= 1000 mm
= 20 sq. m
= 0.75

No. of persons in the household x

Period of water scarcity (in days) x
Per capita water requirement (in lt./day)
= 8 x 120 x 6
= 5,760 L
Say 6,000 L

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Check with water availability from roof top

Water available from roof top = Annual rainfall (in mm) X
Area of roof (in sq.m) X
Coefficient of runoff for the roof
= 1000 X 20 X 0.75 = 15000 liters
7.2.7.2 Size of Storage Tank for Urban Area
In urban areas covering major cities and towns where regular water supply is already
existing throughout the year, the size of the storage tank for harvesting roof top
rainwater can be decided as per the quantum of rainfall occurring in a single event.
For this, it is assumed that serious water scarcity days are not counted and collection
of roof top rainwater is voluntary/mandatory as an effort towards saving our natural
resources. Moreover, it is difficult to create enough storage space due to various
constraints. In such a situation, it is ideal to create the storage space to collect the
rainfall per spell and utilize the same before the next spell. In this case,
Water available from roof

= Annual rainfall (in mm) X Area of roof (in sq m) X

Runoff coefficient for the roof

Water available per spell of rainfall = Rainfall per spell X Area of roof (in sq m) X
Runoff coefficient for the roof
7.2.8 Collection Sump
A small pit is normally dug in the ground beneath the tap of the storage tank and
constructed in brick masonry to make a chamber, so that a vessel could be
conveniently placed beneath the tap for collecting water form the storage tank. A
small hole is left at the bottom of the chamber, to allow the excess water to drain-out
without stagnation. Size of collection pit shall be 60 cm x 60 cm x 60 cm.
7.2.9 Pump Unit
A hand pump or a power pump fitted to the storage sump facilitates lifting of water to
the user. The size of the pump has to be decided depending upon the consumption of
the stored water.
7.3 Data Requirements for Planning Rainwater Harvesting Systems
7.3.1 Amount of Rainfall (mm/year): The total amount of water available is the
product of total available rainfall and the surface area from which it is collected.
There is usually a runoff coefficient included in the computation to account for
evaporation and other losses. Mean annual rainfall data may be used for obtaining
rainfalls in an average year.
7.3.2 Rainfall Distribution: Rainfall pattern as well as the total rainfall determines
the feasibility of a rainwater harvesting system in an area. A climate where rainfall is
received regularly throughout the year will mean that the storage requirement and
hence the system costs will be correspondingly low. On the other hand, in areas which

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receive a major part of the annual rainfall during a couple of months, the water
collected during the rainy season has to be stored for as long as possible, requiring
huge storage tanks coupled with provision for treatment. In such cases, it may be
more economical to use rainwater to recharge ground water aquifers so that it can be
extracted at times of need. Long-term rainfall records are necessary to ascertain the
rainfall pattern.
7.3.3 Intensity of Rainfall: The maximum intensity of rainfall in mm/hr for a short
duration (normally 20 min) will decide the peak flow to be harvested by the roof top
rainwater harvesting system. The size of the gutter and diameter of down-take pipes
have to be estimated on the basis of the peak flow.
7.3.4 Surface Area: The scope of any roof top rainwater harvesting system is
restricted by the size of the roof forming the catchment. Other surfaces can also be
included to supplement the roof top catchment area wherever feasible. Accurate
estimate of total surface area of the catchment is a necessary prerequisite for planning
the scheme.
7.3.5 Storage Capacity: The storage tank is usually the most expensive component of
a rainwater harvesting system and hence, a careful analysis of storage requirements
against the cost has to be carried out prior to implementation of the scheme.
7.3.6 Daily Demand: This varies considerably from 10-15 litre per-capita per day
(lpcd) in some parts of the world to several hundred lpcd in some industrialized
countries. This will have obvious impacts on system specification.
7.3.7 Number of Users: This will greatly influence the requirements and design
specifications of the rainwater harvesting system.
7.3.8 Cost: Cost is a major factor in any rainwater-harvesting scheme.
7.3.9 Alternative Water Sources: Availability of alternative water sources can make
a significant difference to the usage pattern of the water collected using rainwater
harvesting systems. If a sustainable and safe ground water source is available within
economic distances, a rainwater harvesting system may provide a reliable supply of
water for a house/community for the majority of the year. On the other hand, where
rainwater is to be stored and used only for domestic use, the pattern of use will
depend on the quality of water.
7.3.10 Water management Strategy: A judicious water management strategy is
required for proper and optimum use of harvested water. In situations where there is
strong reliance on stored rainwater, there is need to control or manage the amount of
water being used so that it is available for a longer period.
7.4 Feasibility of Roof Top Rainwater Harvesting Systems
7.4.1 Urban Area
In Urban area, water is mainly required for domestic and related uses, and is mostly
drawn from surface water bodies, rivers, streams and/or ground water sources. Roof

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top rainwater harvesting is an ideal alternative in such areas. Appropriate storage
facilities can be created to store roof top rainwater depending on availability of space.
Rainwater harvesting in urban areas helps not only in meeting at least a part of the
water requirement but also prevents storm runoff and flooding of roads during heavy
rains. It also reduces the pumping costs and reduces the stress on ground water
resources.
7.4.2 Rural Area
In rural area, ponds, streams and wells have traditionally been used as sources of
water for drinking and other domestic uses. In recent years, bore wells with hand
pumps and small water supply schemes have almost replaced these traditional sources
of water. Yet, in many rural habitations, these sources have not been able to supply
water to the rural households round the year, due to various reasons. Domestic Roof
top Rainwater Harvesting System (RRHS) provides a viable solution to bridge the gap
between demand and supply of water in such areas, especially during periods of water
scarcity. Specifically, RRHS is applicable in:
Areas where traditional water sources like ponds, streams and wells dry up
during summer.
Areas with problems of ground water salinity such as coastal areas.
Areas where ground water has high concentration of harmful chemical
constituents such as fluoride, iron and arsenic.
Areas where water sources are contaminated due to pollution from various
sources.
The advantages of RRHS over conventional water supply systems in rural areas are:
It can provide a dependable, economical and durable source of water for
drinking and cooking purposes to the rural households, especially during
periods of water scarcity.
Water is made available at the doorstep of the house.
Easy access to the source of water improves the health and hygiene of family.
Time spent in fetching water from distant water sources is considerably
reduced. This generally being the responsibility of women, the time saved
could be productively used for themselves and their family.
Rainwater from roof top is free from contamination and pollution, and
generally found clean and potable.
Requires simple maintenance, which could be carried out by the users easily.
Construction and maintenance are simple and does not require sophisticated
tools or technology.
The planning of roof top rainwater harvesting systems in an area needs to be done in
terms of its technical suitability, social acceptance and economic viability.
7.5 Technical Suitability
Assessing technical suitability involves the study of factors which influence the need
and reliability of RRHS. Important considerations in this regard are described briefly
in the following sections.

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7.5.1 Existing Water Sources
Existing water source such as community wells, hand pumps, small water supply
schemes, ponds and streams shall be studied. The availability of water, its quality and
accessibility of these sources during different seasons of the year should be looked
into for determining the period for which water may be required from RRHS.
7.5.2 Roof Catchment
The type of roof determines the quality of water that is collected in the storage tank.
Among the commonly seen roof types in rural areas, concrete, tiled, asbestos sheet
and galvanized iron sheet are most suitable as roof catchments. The roof should be
away from big trees to avoid accumulation of leaf litter and bird droppings. Thatched
roofs are not suitable as roof catchments because the water collected from these roofs
gets brownish colour and carries pieces of roof material.
The slope and shape of the roof are also important in planning a roof top rain top
rainwater harvesting system. Water flows with high velocity on steep-sloped roofs,
causing overflow or wastage of water form gutters and filter. Gentle slopes in the
range of 10 to 30 degrees are most suitable for smooth flow of water into the storage
tank. Roofs having slope more than 30 degrees are to be avoided wherever possible.
The size of roof is another important factor which determines the amount of water
available for storage in the RRHS. Generally, a roof area of 15-20 square meters is
required for collecting sufficient water required for a household. Roof catchments of
lesser sizes could become a limiting factor in designing RRHS to the required
capacity.
7.5.3 Rainfall
Roof top rainwater harvesting systems collect rainwater from the roof catchments
during rainy days. Therefore, the amount and distribution of rainfall are major factors
influencing the dependability of such systems.
In India, a major part of the rainfall is received during monsoons. The southwest
monsoon reaches India in June and extends normally up to September. The northeast
monsoon extends from October to December. Kerala and north-eastern states benefit
from both the monsoons and hence receive rainfall extending over a period of 7-8
months. Rest of the country receives rains during southwest monsoon, except Tamil
Nadu, which receives comparatively more rains during northeast monsoon. The
rainfall is limited to 3-4 month in these regions. The average annual rainfall received
also varies across the country, from 200-250 mm in western Rajasthan to >3000 mm
in Kerala and north-eastern States.
The amount and period of rainfall at a given place are important factors that determine
the period for which water will be required from RRHS. For example, at places where
rainfall is received only during southwest monsoon (3-4 months), the period of water
requirement form RRHS could be longer than that of places in Kerala and northeastern States. Also, in low rainfall areas such as western Rajasthan and northern
Gujarat, roof size could become a limiting factor as households in these areas may

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require water for an extended dry period of 7-8 months. Here, traditional water
harvesting systems make use of open lands, adjacent to the house, as catchments areas
for domestic water harvesting systems.
7.5.4 Space
Among all the components of roof top rainwater harvesting systems, storage tank is
the component occupying most space, and hence the space required for the system
depends on the size of the storage tank. For a typical 10,000 litre tank, the minimum
space required is 3.0 x 3.0m. Therefore, assessment of availability of space adjacent
to the house shall be done giving due importance to the preferences of the household.
Storage tanks located near the roof reduce the cost of down pipes. The site should be
clean, hygienic and away from cattle sheds to avoid contamination of stored water.
7.6 Economic Viability
A typical domestic roof top rainwater harvesting system requires and investment of
about Rs.12,000/- to Rs.16,000/-, depending on the capacity of the storage tank. This
works out to Rs.2.34 to Rs.1.49 per litre of water stored. This is quite high when
compared to the free water available through government-sponsored schemes, where
community participation and labour are not required at the construction stage. Hence,
investment to this extent is a costly option and may be unaffordable to many rural
households. The cost of roof top rainwater harvesting systems could be brought down
to a certain extent by using local materials such as bamboo for gutters, down pipe and
first flush pipe. Contribution from users could be also be raised in terms of labour
and materials to meet a part of the investment.
It is advisable to have the user household themselves meet a sizeable portion of the
cost of RRHS to ensure its sustainability and replicability. This would also encourage
ownership and appropriate maintenance of the system at the level of households.
Extending soft loans repayable in easy instalments would be appropriate for this
purpose. The existing Government schemes, which finance women self-help groups in
rural areas such as the Rashtriya Mahila Kosh and NABARD self-help group
schemes, could be utilized for extending such loan facilities to the rural households.
7.7 Social Acceptance
7.7.1 Acceptance of Roof Water as Drinking Water
Colour, odour and taste are the three important considerations for people in choosing
sources of drinking water. Clean water without any odour and with a good taste is
usually preferred for dinking purpose. In case of water used for cooking, water
having lesser amounts of dissolved salts is preferred, because it consumes less time to
boil the food grains and vegetables. As the rainwater contains very little dissolved
salts and is almost free from pollutants, it tastes good and is suitable for drinking
and cooking purposes.
However, in roof top rainwater harvesting systems, water is collected in the storage
tank during rainy season and is drawn from the system only after other sources like
ponds, wells and hand pumps dry up or become inaccessible to the household. This

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means that the water collected in RRHS remains stored for a period of 3 to 6 months
before it is actually used. This makes water from RRHS not readily acceptable to
many people. Therefore, awareness and education programmes need to be organized
on the potability of water when the system is appropriately maintained. Peoples
perceptions need to be given due importance during such programmes, to enable them
to develop appropriate understanding of the system.
Domestic water use varies from place to place depending on the culture and habits of
people as well as availability of water. Water made available at the doorstep is likely
to increase the water usage. Increased water use would improve the cleanliness and
hygiene within the household as well as improve the health of the people. Yet, people
have to be educated to draw water in controlled quantities so that they could benefit
from the system throughout the period of water scarcity to which the system is
designed.
7.7.2 Willingness of Households to Participate
Domestic Roof top Rainwater Harvesting Systems are meant for meeting the water
needs of individual households and are constructed right at their doorstep. Hence,
proper care and maintenance of the system by the household is essential for a reliable
supply of good quality water.
Willingness of household to participate in planning, construction and maintenance of
such systems are very important for the success of the programme. The motivating
factors such as availability of sufficient water, economy and ease in maintenance,
ownership of the system etc., which encourages the people to participate should be
identified and proper orientation should be given.
7.7.3 Traditional Practices of Roof Water Collection
Collection of roof water on small scale from house roofs to meet the immediate
household needs is a traditional practice in some parts of India such as north-eastern
states, Rajasthan and eastern coastal areas of Tamil Nadu. Small vessels or drums are
used to collect and store water. Locally available bamboo is split and used as gutters.
Existence of such practices makes RRHS to meet long-term needs acceptable.
However, training and transfer of knowledge on systematic and economical
construction of these systems is required.
7.8 Water Quality and Health
Rainwater is often used for drinking and cooking and hence it is vital that the highest
possible quality standards are maintained. Rainwater, unfortunately, often does not
meet the World Health Organization (WHO) water quality guidelines. This does not
mean that the water is unsafe to drink. It has been found that a favourable user
perception of rainwater quality (not necessarily perfect water quality) makes an
enormous difference to the acceptance of RWH as a water supply option. Generally,
the chemical quality of rainwater will fall within the WHO guidelines and rarely
presents problems. There are two main issues when looking at the quality and health
aspects of domestic rainwater harvesting systems.

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7.8.1 Bacteriological Water Quality
Rainwater can become contaminated by faeces entering the tank from the catchment
area. It is advised that the catchment surface always be kept clean. Rainwater tanks
should be designed to protect the water from contamination by leaves, dust, insects,
vermin and other industrial or agricultural pollutants. Tanks should be located away
from trees, with good-fitting lids and kept in good condition. Incoming water should
be filtered or screened, or allowed to settle to take out foreign matter. Water, which is
relatively clean, on entry to the tank, will usually improve in quality if allowed to be
inside the tank for some time. Bacteria entering the tank will die off rapidly if the
water is relatively clean. Algae will grow inside a tank if sufficient sunlight is
available for photosynthesis. Keeping a tank dark and in a shady spot will prevent
algae growth and also keep the water cool. As already mentioned, there are a number
of ways of diverting the dirty first flush water away from the storage tank. The area
surrounding a RWH structure should be kept in good sanitary condition, fenced off to
prevent animals fouling the area or children playing around the tank. Any pools of
water gathering around the tank should be drained and filled.
7.8.2 Insect Vectors
There is a need to prevent insect vectors from breeding inside the tank. In areas where
malaria is prevalent, providing water tanks without any care for preventing insect
breeding can cause more problems than it solves. All tanks should be sealed to
prevent insects from entering. Mosquito-proof screens should be fitted to all openings.
Some practitioners recommend the use of 1 to 2 teaspoons of household kerosene in a
tank of water, which provides a film to prevent mosquitoes settling on the water.
7.8.3 Water Treatment
There are several simple methods of treatment for water to made suitable for drinking
Boiling water will kill any harmful bacteria which may be present
Adding chlorine in the right quantity (35ml of sodium hypochlorite per 1000
litres of water) will disinfect the water
Slow sand filtration will remove any harmful organisms.
A recently developed technique called SODIS (Solar Disinfections) utilises
plastic bottles, which are filled with water and placed in the sun for one full
day. The back of the bottle is painted black.
The reasons for variations in chemical constituents and bacteriological properties of
water from RRHS could be many, the most important ones of which are listed below:
Even though the water flows over the house roof for a short distance, it may
dissolve some chemicals deposited on the roof or the residues of chemical
reactions between the atmospheric gases and the roof material.
In general, rainwater is pure and free from contamination. However, the air
pollution from factories, industries, mining etc. does influence the chemical
quality of water vapour in the atmosphere. When this water vapour condenses and
comes in contact with the roof material, it may react and leave residue on the roof.
This phenomenon usually occurs over areas surrounding industries. The impact of
this pollution on the rainwater quality is not alarming, but needs attention.
Rainwater, while passing on the roof may carry the dust and debris resulting in
change in the quality of water.
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Organic matter from the bird droppings, rotten tree leaves, seeds and algae will be
dissolved and carried by the rainwater while flowing on the roof top. This may
also cause quality changes of water stored in the tank.
Breeding of mosquitoes or entry of insects through the openings of the tank such
as over flow pipe may affect the quality of water.
Chemical and bacteriological contamination of roof water during the collection and
storage processes can be prevented effectively by proper and regular maintenance of
the system. The users of the system need to be trained in various activities of
maintenance.
7.8.4 Analysis of Water Samples
As bacteriological contamination cannot be detected by the naked eye, it is necessary
to analyze the quality of water in laboratories by collecting few water samples from
storage tank. These tests help in verifying the presence of pathogenic bacteria.
7.8.5 Disinfecting Water
Disinfecting is the process of killing the disease-causing micro organisms present in
the water. This can be done either by boiling the water in a vessel before consuming
it or by dissolving bleaching power in required quantity to the water stored in the
tank.
For disinfecting using bleaching powder, the general dosage recommended is 10
milligrams of bleaching powder containing 25% of free chlorine per litre of water.
This meets the required standard of 2.5 milligrams of chlorine per litre of water.
After adding the bleaching power, the water shall be stirred thoroughly for even
distribution of the disinfectant. The water should be kept for about 30 minutes after
adding bleaching powder before it is ready for use. The quantity of bleaching power
to be added for different water depths in the storage tank is shown in Table 7.3.
Table- 7.3 Recommended Dosage of Bleaching Powder for disinfecting Water
Storage
Capacity of
tank (L)

Full Tank

5,000
6,000
7,000
8,000
9,000
10,000

50
60
70
80
90
100

Dosage of bleaching powder (in grams)

Tank three
Tank half
Tank one fourth
fourth (3/4) full
(1/2) full
(1/4) full

37.5
45
52.5
60
67.5
75

25
30
35
40
45
50

12.5
15
17.5
20
22.5
25

7.9 Ready Reconers for Design of Roof Top Rainwater Harvesting Systems
Ready reconers for computing the availability of rainwater for roof top rainwater
harvesting, for computing the peak flow from roofs and for determination of the size
of storage tanks are given in Table 7.4a, 7.4b and 7.4c respectively.

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Table 7.4 Ready Reconers for Design of Roof Top Rainwater Harvesting Systems
a. Availability of Rainwater for Roof Top Rainwater Harvesting
Rainfall (mm)
100 200 300 400 500 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000
Roof top Area (Sq m)
Harvested water from Roof top (cu m)
20
1.6 3.2 4.8 6.4
8
9.6 12.8
16
19.2 22.4 25.6 28.8
32
30
2.4 4.8 7.2 9.6
12
14.4 19.2
24
28.8 33.6 38.4 43.2
48
40
3.2 6.4 9.6 12.8 16
19.2 25.6
32
38.4 44.8 51.2 57.6
64
50
4
8
12
16
20
24
32
40
48
56
64
72
80
60
4.8 9.6 14.4 19.2 24
28.8 38.4
48
57.6 67.2 76.8 86.4
96
70
5.6 11.2 16.8 22.4 28
33.6 44.8
56
67.2 78.4 89.6 100.8 112
80
6.4 12.8 19.2 25.6 32
38.4 51.2
64
76.8 89.6 102.4 115.2 128
90
7.2 14.4 21.6 28.8 36
43.2 57.6
72
86.4 100.8 115.2 129.6 144
100
8
16
24
32
40
48
64
80
96
112
128
144
160
150
12
24
36
48
60
72
96
120 144
168
192
216
240
200
16
32
48
64
80
96
128 160 192
224
256
288
320
250
20
40
60
80
100 128 160 200 240
280
320
360
400
300
24
48
72
96
120 160 192 240 288
336
384
432
480
400
32
64
96 128 160 192 256 320 384
448
512
576
640
500
40
80 120 160 200 240 320 400 480
560
640
720
800
1000
80 160 240 320 400 480 640 800 960 1120 1280 1440 1600
2000
160 320 480 640 800 960 1280 1600 1920 2240 2560 2880 3200
3000
240 480 720 960 1200 1440 1920 2400 2880 3360 3840 4320 4800

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b. Computation of Peak Flow from Roof
Rainfall Intensity
mm/hr for 20
min
Roof top area
sq m
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
100
200
500
1000

50
(min.)

100
(min.)

150
(min.)

200
(min.)

Peak flow in litres/s (lps)

0.28
0.42
0.56
0.69
0.83
0.97
1.11
1.39
2.78
6.95
13.92

0.56
0.83
1.11
1.39
1.67
1.94
2.22
2.78
5.56
13.89
27.78

0.83
1.25
1.67
2.08
2.50
2.92
3.33
4.17
8.33
20.83
41.67

1.11
1.67
2.22
2.78
3.33
3.89
4.44
5.55
11.11
27.78
55.55

c. Size of Storage Tank

(Depth of live storage above the outlet pipe = 1.4m)
Tank Capacity (in cum)
1.60
2.40
3.20
4.00
4.80
5.60
6.40
7.20
8.00
9.60
11.20
12.00
12.80
14.40
16.00
16.80
19.20
20.00

Diameter of Tank (in m)

1.21
1.48
1.71
1.91
2.09
2.26
2.41
2.56
2.70
2.95
3.19
3.30
3.41
3.62
3.81
3.91
4.18
4.26

Note: For rural areas, the diameter of tank may be limited to 3 m. The tank would be
adequate to meet the drinking water requirements of a family of 5 members for 6
months. For large storage, two or more tanks may be provided instead of a single
large tank.

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7.10 Computation of Flow through Half Section Gutters
Flow through channels of constant cross section is computed using the formula
Q=AxV
Where Q is the maximum carrying capacity of the channel, A is its area of cross
section and

V = c mi
c is the Chezys coefficient, which is dependent upon the nature of channel material.
The value of c for cemented or finished surfaces is 0.55.
m=

Area of cross section of flow

A
=
Wetted Perimeter
P

i = Slope of channel bed

Using the above formula, flows through half section gutters of different diameter
channels have been calculated by assuming 1: 1000 slope (Table 7.5).
Table 7.5 Flow through Half-Section Gutters of Channels of Different Diameter
Diameter of half channel gutter (mm)
100
150
200
250
300

Max. carrying capacity (Q) (lps)

1.08
2.97
6.10
10.67
16.82

7.11 Data Requirements for Design of Roof Top Rainwater Harvesting Systems
The summary data sheet showing the data requirements for design of a successful roof
top rainwater harvesting system is shown in Table 7.6
Table 7.6 Summary Data Sheet for Designing Rainwater Harvesting System
1. Type of buildings:
a. Residential
b. Commercial
c. Industrial
d. Park
c. Open Area
2. Layout plan of the building:
a. Roof top area
b. Paved area
c. Open area

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3. Water Availability
a. Rainfall (Data on daily basis for two years)
(if available)
b. Rain fall intensity
c. Number of rainy days
d. Height of roof
4. Water withdrawal:
a. Number of tube wells
b. Discharge
c. Number of hrs operated per day
5.Quality of source water:
6. Number and locations:
a. Tube wells
b. Bore wells
c. Hand pumps
7. Type of roof:
a. Flat roof
b. Sloping roof
8. Rainwater disposal system:
a. Drain pipes
i) Up to ground
ii) Above ground
b. If Sloping roof
i) Gutters
ii) Size of gutter
9. Type of drain pipes
a. G1
b. Cement
c. PVC
d. Others
10. Hydrogeological settings
a. Depth to water level
b. Geological formation water bearing
strata and water bearing formation
c. Type of soil
d. Depth of clay bands/clay
e. Depth of tube wells
f. Present discharge of tube wells
g. Assembly chart of tube wells
h. Hydraulic conductivity
i. Specific yield of aquifer
j. Storage capacity of aquifer
k. Ground water flow pattern
l. Thickness of soil cover
m. Infiltration rate of:
i) Soil
ii) Aquifer

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11. Any other information such as:
a. Problems due to submergence area and
location
b. Rainwater coming from adjoining area
c. Lack of storm water drains
d. Decline/failure of tube wells
e. Tube wells started giving saline or bad
quality of water.
7.12 Design Example
Problem:
A house has a sloping roof of G.I.sheet with an area of 50 sq m. The owner of the
house has a family of 5 members. Design a roof water harvesting system. The 10
year rainfall for the areas is as follows:
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Year 6
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10

320 mm
360 mm
311 mm
290 mm
330 mm
280 mm
335 mm
380 mm
355 mm
340 mm

The maximum rainfall intensity is 10 mm/hour. The lower edge of the roof is 3 m
above the ground.
Solution:

Arranging the rainfall in descending order, we get: 380, 355,340, 335, 330, 320, 311,
290, 280
The highest rainfall of 380 mm is equalled or exceeded only once in 10 years.
Therefore, its expected that the return period of this much rainfall is 1 in 10 years,
which is rare. On the other hand, the lowest rainfall of 280 mm is equalled or
exceeded in all the 10 years. Thus, this is the most reliable figure. So, the system
may be designed for this rainfall.
From Table 7.4a, for the roof area of 50 sq m and rainfall of 280 mm, the available
water works out as 11.2 cum or 11,200 litres
Allowing for a consumption of 10 lpcd, this water should be sufficient for 224 days or
at least 7 months. As houses are of low height in rural areas, height of the tank may
be limited to 1.6m with water storage up to 1.4m height.

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A tank of 3.2 m dia and 1.4m height should be adequate for storing the water.
However, an extra 0.2 m height may be provided to allow for fixing overflow pipe
and dead storage below the outlet (tap). Thus, a tank having 3.2 m diameter and 1.6m
height can be constructed for the purpose.
Size of Collector Channel (Gutter)
During heavy rains having intensity of 10 mm/hr or more, the runoff coefficient may
be taken as 0.9 (assuming a net loss of 10% of rainfall).
Assuming instant generation of run-off, the maximum rate of runoff from the roof on
either side from the roof area of 50 sq m is worked out as
Roof Area (m2) x Rainfall intensity (m/sec) x Runoff coefficient
= 50

10
0.9 1.25 10
(1000 60 60)

=0.125 lps.

Assuming the slope of the collector channel as 5 cm for 1 m, i.e. 1 in 200

Trial -1
Providing a collector channel of 0.1 m diameter
Cross sectional area of the channel (A)

= 0.003925 sq m

Perimeter (P)

= 0.157m

Hydraulic Mean depth (R)

= 0.003925 = 0.25m
0.157

For slope of 1 in 200 for the collector channel,

Velocity of flow (V)

= 0.24 m/sec

Discharge (Q)

= AX V
= 0.003925 x 0.24
= 0.000942 cum/sec

As the design discharge is only 0.000125 cum/sec, the channel is oversized and hence,
is not acceptable.
Trial-II

Considering a channel of 0.05 m diameter

Area (A)

= 0.00098 sq m

Perimeter (P)

= 0.0785 m

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Hydraulic Mean Depth, R

= 0.00098 = 0.0125m
0.0785

Velocity (V)

= 0.152 m/sec

Discharge (Q)

= AxV
= 0.00098 x 0.152
= 0.000148 cum/sec.

As this corresponds well with the designed discharge, this channel diameter is
acceptable.
The channel may be made of plain Galvanized Iron (G.I) sheet. Width of the G.I.sheet
required for channel is the perimeter of the channel
P = 0.0785 m = 78.5mm
Providing 25 mm extra for fixing with rafters / purlins,
Total width required = 78.5 + 25 = 103.5 mm
Say 104 mm

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8. IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Artificial recharge structures are constructed mostly with the objective of augmenting
ground water resources and/or to improve its quality. Assessment of impacts of the
artificial recharge schemes implemented is essential to assess the efficacy of
structures constructed for artificial recharge and helps in identification of costeffective recharge mechanisms for optimal recharge into the ground water system. It
also helps to make necessary modifications in site selection, design and construction
of structures in future.
Impact assessment may require monitoring of the recharge structure, ground water
regime, changes in pattern of water supply, cropping pattern, crop productivity and/or
water quality. In recent years, tracers such as Tritium, Rhodomine B, fluorescent dyes
and environmental isotopes are also being used for demarcating the area benefited by
artificial recharge structures.
The methodology of impact assessment is highly site-specific and can vary
considerably depending upon various factors such as hydrogeological set-up and
ground water utilization pattern. General guidelines for impact assessment of artificial
recharge structures are discussed briefly in the following sections.
8.1 Monitoring of Recharge Structures
Surface structures such as percolation ponds, check dams and cement plugs need to be
monitored at regular intervals to assess the actual storage created in the structures,
period of impounding, capacity utilization of the structure, rate of percolation and
siltation problems if any. Quantification of storage in the structures may require
setting up of monitoring devices within the structures. Devices such as gauges for
area-capacity analysis are commonly used in surface recharge structures. Daily
monitoring records are preferred for realistic assessment of storage created by
multiple fillings of the structures. Evaporation and seepage losses from the structures
are also to be accounted properly to evaluate the recharge efficiency of the structures.
In case of subsurface structures, the intake water supplied to the structures is
measured by suitable measuring devices. Appropriate measuring devices such as flow
meters and V notches can be used for measurement. Daily records of such
measurements help quantify the amount of water utilized for recharge purpose.
8.2 Water Level Monitoring
The objective of water level monitoring is to study the effect of artificial recharge on
the natural ground water system. The monitoring system should be designed
judiciously to monitor impact of individual structures which can further be extended
to monitor the impact of groups of such structures in the area where artificial recharge
is being done. Monitoring of water levels during the planning stage of artificial
recharge projects helps in assessment of the ground water conditions of the area and
helps in identification of the most suitable method for ground water augmentation. A
properly designed observation well network is used for understanding the ground
water flow pattern and the spatial and temporal changes in water levels/potentiometric
heads in the area.

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During the planning and feasibility study stage, the observation well network is
generally of low well density but spread over a large area with the primary aim of
defining the boundaries of the aquifer to be recharged and to know the hydraulic
characteristics of the natural ground water system. After identification of the feasible
artificial recharge structures, the observation well network is redefined in a smaller
area with greater well density.
For effective monitoring of the changes in the water levels due to artificial recharge,
the network should have observation wells near the center of the recharge facility, at a
sufficient distance from the recharge facility to observe composite effects and also
near the limits of hydrological boundaries. If the aquifer being recharged is overlain
by confining /semi-confining layers, piezometers should be installed to monitor the
water levels of overlying and underlying aquifers separately to study the effects in
both the aquifers. In cases where surface water bodies are hydraulically connected
with the aquifers being recharged, it is advisable to monitor the water level profiles of
both surface water and ground water.
Demarcation of the zone of influence of the artificial recharge structure is one of the
main objectives monitoring in the context of artificial recharge projects. The
following observations are generally associated with the area benefited by an artificial
recharge structure:
1. Well hydrographs in the area benefited will have a flat apex during the
period when there is water in the recharge structure (tank, pit etc.).
2. Wells located outside the zone of influence normally show an angular apex
during the period of recharge, whereas those situated within the zone of
influence have a flatter apex.
3. The recession limbs of well hydrographs close to a recharge structure
normally have gentle gradients as compared to those located far off.
4. Crops in the zone of influence are normally healthier when compared to
those outside the benefited area. Furthermore, crops with high water
requirements are more likely to be grown in the zone of influence.
5. Well yields in the zone of influence will normally be higher when
compared to those outside it. Wells in benefited zone may have more
sustainability in lean period than those located outside.
The behaviour of water table / piezometric head profile prepared from the data
collected from the observation well network over a period of time can clearly
establish the efficacy of the artificial recharge scheme. Answers to questions related
to the extent of the area benefited and the quantification of ground water
augmentation could also be worked out from such data. The study of fluctuation over
time for both surface and ground water levels in the same area may also indicate
whether the ground water augmentation is taking place as envisaged or not. In case
any deviation is observed, the reasons for the same could be identified and necessary
remedial measures taken up.
8.3 Water Quality Monitoring
A proper evaluation of potential water quality and aquifer quality problems associated
with artificial recharge is a key component of a ground water recharge scheme. The

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development of reliable pre-, operational and post-operational monitoring programs is
an integral part of the development of a successful ground water recharge scheme.
A reliable water quality monitoring system for an artificial recharge scheme will
involve i) Evaluation of existing water quality data, ii) pre-operational monitoring,
iii) operational monitoring and iv) post-operational monitoring.
8.3.1 Evaluation of Existing Water Quality Data
The first step that should be followed in evaluating the potential water quality
problems associated with a proposed ground water recharge project is to obtain
detailed information on the chemical characteristics of the proposed recharge waters.
A critical examination of the existing data on the waters that would be recharged to
the aquifer should be made to first determine their reliability and representativeness.
In case the available data is not considered to be reliable, collection and analysis of
source water samples may be done afresh.
8.3.2 Pre-operational Monitoring
The augmentation of recharge by surface waters and their associated contaminants
can greatly increase the potential for ground water quality problems due to the
increased hydraulic and contaminant loading. The characterization of ground water
quality is often not adequately done to properly evaluate potential ground water and
aquifer quality problems associated with a ground water recharge project. it is
important to properly assess how the variable parameters in sampling such as bore
hole volume purged and rate of purging before sampling influences the composition
of the samples. Chemical parameters of particular importance in reliably assessing
ground water quality samples are the redox conditions within the aquifer and the
presence of suspended solids in the samples. Because of the chemistry of ferrous and
ferric iron, small changes in the redox (oxidation reduction) characteristics of the
sample as a result of the introduction of oxygen into the sample during sampling can
drastically change the chemical characteristics of the samples. Hence, it is important
to maintain the oxygen concentrations in a sample collected from an aquifer the same
as that of the aquifer. Failure to do so could readily change the distribution between
dissolved and particulate forms of many trace contaminants of water quality concern.
The presence of suspended solids in a water sample from an aquifer is a clear
indication that the sampling well has been improperly constructed and developed and
/or the sampling procedure used, especially the purging, has been improperly done.
Aquifers typically do not contain large amounts of suspended material. Aquifer
samples that contain suspended material are unreliable to properly characterize
chemical characteristics of the ground waters within the aquifer at the point and time
of sampling.
It is also important that the sampling program for the ground water is properly
developed to reflect the site specific hydrogeology of various principal components of
the aquifer. Failure to do so could readily lead to erroneous conclusions concerning
the chemical characteristics of the aquifer waters and the chemical reactions that can
take place within the aquifer upon introduction of recharge waters to it. Depending on
the situation, at least one year and often several years of data may be needed to

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reliably characterize the aquatic system of interest. The best way to determine the
length of time necessary in pre-operational monitoring as well as the frequency of
monitoring a particular system is to examine the ability to predict the chemical
characteristics of the system prior to collecting the next set of samples. Once it
becomes clear that the characteristics of a particular recharge water source and aquifer
are predictable with a high degree of certainty based on past monitoring results, it
should then be possible to reduce the frequency and duration of pre-operational
monitoring. If, however, it is not possible to make these predictions reliably because
of the high variability in the systems, proceeding with the operation of the proposed
recharge project could be met with significant problems in detecting incipient water
quality problems before they adversely impact large parts of the aquifer.
8.3.3 Operational Monitoring
With the initiation of the recharge activities, a significant increase in the frequency of
sampling, especially near the point of recharge, should occur. Actually the operational
sampling program should be initiated several months before actual recharge starts in
order to evaluate the ability to conduct the monitoring program with the facilities and
personnel available. If the pre-operational monitoring program has been passive, then
it should, at the time of initiation of recharge, become an active program, where the
data is examined in detail as soon as it is available for the purpose of determining its
reliability and any potential problems that are developing with the recharge project. In
addition to chemical and microbiological measurements in the recharge waters as well
as within the aquifer, detailed monitoring of the hydraulic characteristics of the
injection / infiltration system should be conducted to determine the changes in the
hydraulic characteristics of the recharge system and the aquifer in the vicinity of the
recharge. In addition to monitoring the chemical contaminants in the recharge waters
as well as aquifer, consideration should be given to the contaminant transformation
products that might be formed in the recharge water. An area of particular concern in
the recharge waters is whether there is sufficient BOD in these waters to exhaust the
dissolved oxygen in the aquifer waters for those aquifer systems that are oxic prior to
initiation of recharge. Bore hole dissolved oxygen measurements should be made at
frequent intervals at various distances from the point of recharge in order to detect
incipient dissolved oxygen depletion that could lead to its exhaustion from the
recharge waters. Since, in general, except for nitrate-related issues, anoxic conditions
in aquifers tend to lead to poor water quality, care should be taken to prevent the
recharge waters from becoming anoxic within the aquifer. Failure to do so could
readily result in iron, manganese and hydrogen sulphide problems. If problems of this
type start to develop, it may be necessary to add dissolved oxygen either directly or
through the introduction of hydrogen peroxide, in the recharge waters in order to
prevent problems of this type from occurring.
Once the operational monitoring program data have become stabilized, i.e. are
predictable based on past monitoring results, then the frequency of operational and
post-operational monitoring can be decreased. This will likely take several years of
operation, however, for fairly constant composition recharge waters and fairly
homogeneous aquifer system with respect to its hydrogeologic and chemical
characteristics.

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Impact Assessment
The type of water quality monitoring programme depends on the specific problem
being studied, such as changes in ground water quality, effect of soil salination,
prevention of any contamination etc. The samples to be collected will also depend on
the purpose and are generally categorized into a) Indicative, b) Basic and c)
Comprehensive. Indicative samples are collected at 1 to 4 months intervals and are
used to ascertain the presence of recharged water in the aquifer. Basic samples are
taken at monthly intervals for wells already influenced by recharge to determine the
effect of recharge on ground water quality and the purification provided by flow
through the soil and aquifer system. Comprehensive samples are taken at intervals of
6 months to 1 year for observation wells and production wells to determine water
quality with respect to specific standards for intended water use.
8.3.4 Post-operational Monitoring
When groundwater recharge is terminated, it is important that the monitoring of the
aquifer be continued until the waters in the aquifer stabilize in composition. This will
normally take several years of monthly monitoring. This monitoring should continue
for quarterly intervals for several years.
8.4 Examples of Impact Assessment
Central Ground Water Board has taken up and completed a number of artificial
recharge studies throughout the country during 8th and 9th plan periods. The
methodology of impact assessment of artificial recharge schemes is explained with
the help of one of these schemes in which a percolation tank was constructed for
artificial recharge at Ichkheda in Maharashtra.
The site is located about 1.5 km Northwest of village Ichkheda and 3.5 km Northeast
of Adgaon. It has maximum storage capacity of 45 TCM and maximum submergence
area of 22500 m2 at F S L. Salient features of the tank are given in Table 8.1.
Unconfined aquifer consisting of talus and scree deposit (bazada) lies below the
submergence of tank. The soil cover is negligible in the tank bed and infiltration rate
of 20-30 cm/hour was observed. The soil moisture was less than 5 percent during pre
monsoon, 1995.
8.4.1 Catchment Characteristics
The tank has a catchment area of 0.96 km2. It was constructed across the local nala
which is a second order stream. Total length of the stream above the site is 3.6 km.
The drainage course is curvilinear with dendritic drainage pattern. The average
gradient of catchment is 40. The drainage density in the catchment is very low,
indicating highly porous and permeable nature of the substrata. The catchment
characteristics are presented in Table 8.1.
The hilly catchment covering 0.3 km2 area is occupied by basaltic flows and is
covered by teak and bamboo forest. Foothill catchment (0.66 km2) occupied by
bazada formations is partly cultivated by rain fed crops. There is no human settlement
or other storage structure in the catchment. Great Boundary Fault, passing across the
catchment, demarcates the contact of basalt and bazada formations.

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Impact Assessment
8.4.2 Hydrology
No river gauging station exists on the nalah. The nearest rain gauge station is situated
at Yawal. The rainfall data of 1951 to 1990 was used. The dependable monsoon
rainfall at 50% worked out as 676 mm (26.64). The yield per square mile as per
Stranges table is 7.0624 for 676 mm rainfall considering the catchment as bad. The
net yield at site is estimated as 73.89 Th M3. Based on the site conditions it was
proposed to fully utilise the catchment yield.
Table 8.1 Catchment Features of Ichkheda Percolation Tank
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------S.No.
Features
Particulars
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1.
Hilly catchment
0.30 Km2
Foothill catchment
0.66 Km2
2.
No. of Ist order streams
2
No. of IInd order stream
1
3.
Length of Ist order streams
0.7 km
Length of IInd order stream
2.9 km
4.
Bifurcation ratio
1:2
5.
Shape of the catchment
Elongated (N-S)
6.
Max. length of the catchment(L)
2.7 km
7.
Width of the catchment (W)
0.6 km
2
8.
Form factor (A/L )
0.13
9.
Circulatory ratio
0.17
10.
Elongation ratio
0.20
2
11.
Drainage density ( km / km )
3.8
12.
Relief ratio
0.068
13.
Slope of the streams in hill
200
Slope of the streams in foot hill
1.50
14.
Nature of catchment
Average
Clear over fall (COF) type of waste weir of 16 metres length and 1 m flood lift,
designed to discharge 27 m3 /second was provided on the left bank. Rehabilitation was
not required as no house or structure was submerged. Around 2.6 ha private
agricultural land was acquired for the construction work. The construction of tank was
completed in June, 1995 and since then it stored water every year.
8.4.3 Analysis of Efficiency
Monitoring of the tank was commenced on 24-6-95 and continued up to 1998. The
tank balance analysis with regard to the gross storage and percolation fraction etc.
were done for the entire period of impounding. The inflow into the tank as observed
during various periods was appropriately accounted. Evaporation losses were
calculated on daily basis and visible seepage was measured. Thus net percolation
amount contributing to the ground water recharge was calculated as per the procedure
discussed earlier.
A gauge of 6 metre height was installed and daily monitoring of tank level was done.
The contour plan of the tank submergence was prepared, immediately after the

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Impact Assessment
completion of construction, as shown in Fig. 8.1. The area-capacity curves were then
drawn showing the area of submergence in thousand sq m (ThM2) and storage
capacity in thousand cubic metre (TCM) with respect to gauge reading as shown in
Fig. 8.2.
The efficiency of the percolation tank in monsoon (June-Oct) and non-monsoon
(November onwards) of three years has been calculated in the range of 95-98% and
92 -95% respectively. The visible seepage were nil and evaporation losses were
ranging 2 - 5% in monsoon and 5 -8% in non-monsoon. Though the tank has
maximum storage capacity of 45 Th M3 at FSL, due to regular and repetitive filling
occurring during the monsoon and then its simultaneously percolation, the structure
could store much more quantity of water. The capacity utilisation of the tank,
considering multiple fillings, ranged between 140% to 344% as shown in Table 8.2.
The average percolation varied from 0.5 TCM/day in 1997-98 to 0.8 TCM/day in
1996-97.
Table 8.2 Efficiency and Capacity Utilisation of Ichkheda Percolation Tank
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------S. Period
N.
(Months)

Impounding
of water
(Days)

Gross Evapo.
Storage Losses
(Th M3)

Net
perco-lation
3
(Th M ) (Th M3)

Percolation Capacity
efficiency
Utilisation
(%)

(%)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1. June to
85
63.18
1.08
62.10
98.3
140
October, 95
------------------------------ Dried on October 26, 1995 -------------------------------------2. June to
135
143.30
4.06 139.24
97.2
318
October,96
Nov. 96 to
64
11.5
0.92
10.58
92.0
26
January 97
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------TOTAL (2) 199
154.80
4.98 150.82 97.4
344
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3. June to
139
82.9
3.94
78.96 95.2
184
October, 97
Nov.97
97
35.8
1.67 34.13 95.3
80
February 98
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------TOTAL (3)
236
118.7
5.61 113.09 95.3
264
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Net percolation is difference of column(4) and (5) i.e. (4)-(5)
Percolation efficiency is ratio of column (6) to (4) i.e. (6)/(4)as %
Capacity utilisation is ratio of column (4) to the maximum storage capacity
of tank at FSL i.e. 45 Th M3.

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Impact Assessment

Fig. 8.1 Topographic Contours of Percolation Tank at Ichkheda.

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Impact Assessment

Fig. 8.2 Area-capacity Curve of Ichkheda Percolation Tank.

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Impact Assessment
8.4.4 Monitoring of Impact of Recharge
To demarcate the area of influence, water level data measured in a network of open
wells has been analyzed. The water level in the tank and hydrographs of 5 wells were
drawn as shown in Fig.8.3. It is observed that the hydrographs of wells located up to
1.5 km away from the percolation tank are showing nearly flat apex between August
to March. The rise in depth to water level of the wells commenced in the month of
July and attained the shallowest depth in September, whereas areas not influenced by
the percolation tank show shallowest water levels in November. The specific
observations and enquiries with the local farmers have also revealed that the impact of
this tank is visible up to 1.5 km downstream. The area of influence is estimated to be
about 80 ha. up to a distance of 1.5 km downstream of the structure (Fig. 8.4)).
The benefited area is cultivated with cash crops. Sugarcane is also grown in the area.
About 25 dug wells in this zone have been benefited due to artificial recharge from
this percolation tank. The farmers in the area have switched over to more water
intensive crops and new dug wells are being constructed which will bring more area
under ground water irrigation. The recharge from percolation tank has resulted in the
sustained yield of ground water during the summer. The rise in pre monsoon water
level up to 2 m was observed during 1996 and up to 6 m in 1997 with respect to 1995.
The increase in pumpage hours of dug wells by 2-3 hours per day during Rabi and 1-2
hours in summer was also observed. It is estimated that an additional recharge of
about 150 TCM can bring up to 30 ha of more area under assured irrigation during
Khariff and Rabi seasons, considering an average crop water requirement of 0.50
m/year.
8.4.5 Impact of Recharge on Chemical Quality of Ground Water
The impact of ground water recharge on the quality of ground water was also studied.
The chemical analysis of percolation tank water and water samples collected from 4
observation wells located within the area of tanks influence were used for the study.
The comparison of concentration of various elements present in the percolation tank
water, native and augmented ground water is shown in Table 8.3
A perusal of Table 8.3 indicates that
1. The pH of tank water is almost neutral (7.1). The overall quality of tank water is
superior to the ground water quality.
2. Concentration of all the elements in percolation tank is significantly less than
ground water except concentration of K+ and SO4= which is more in tank water.
3. The modification in the native ground water were positive as ground water in the
benefited command showed lesser concentration of all the elements except Ca ++
which is not significantly different in either cases.
4. The concentration of NO3 - is more in the tank water than the ground water
samples collected from the command of the tank.
The overall study indicates that the recharge from percolation tank has improved the
chemical quality of ground water in the benefit zone.

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Impact Assessment

Fig. 8.3 Correlation of Tank Level and Ground Water Levels in Observation Wells, Ichkheda Percolation Tank.

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Impact Assessment

Fig. 8.4 Area of Influence of Percolation Tank at Ichkheda.

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Impact Assessment
Table 8.3 Tank and Ground Water Quality, Ichkheda Percolation Tank
Augmented
Ground Water

7.1
250

Native
Ground
Water
8.6-8.7
610-670

TH as CaCO3 (mg/l)
Ca+ +
(mg/l)
++
Mg
(mg/l)
+
Na
(mg/l)
+
K
(mg/l)
=
(mg/l)
CO3
HCO3 (mg/l)

110
36
5
1.1
9
Nil
122

245-280
44-66
23-33
21-41
<1to 2
24-36
256-311

215-235
48-56
18-25
15-18
Nil-<1
18-24
238-268

Cl-

3
5
17

14-21
Tr-2
7-10

11-18
Nil-Tr
1-2

0.1

NA

NA

S.No.

Chemical
Constituents

Tank Water

1
2

PH
Ec at 25 0C ( S/cm)

3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

(mg/l)
(mg/l)
(mg/l)

11
12

SO4
NO3-

13

Fluoride (mg/l)

8.6
500-520

8.5 Impact Assessment of Schemes Completed by CGWB

Central Ground Water Board has implemented a number of pilot schemes for
popularisation of cost-effective technologies for artificial recharge of ground water
during the 8th and 9th Plan Periods. Various structures like check dams, percolation
ponds, recharge shafts and subsurface dykes were constructed in different
hydrogeological settings during these periods. Impact assessment of the schemes has
been carried out using direct/indirect methods. Results of the impact assessment of the
schemes are shown in Table. 8.4.

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Impact Assessment
Table 8.4 Results of Impact Assessment of Artificial Recharge Schemes
Implemented by Central Ground Water Board.
Sl.
No.

State /
Union
Territory

No. of
schemes for
which
impact
assessment
done

Artificial
Recharge
Structures

1.

Andhra
Pradesh

Percolation
Tanks

Check dams

Arunachal
Pradesh

3.

Assam

4.

Bihar

5.

Chandigarh

1
6.

Gujarat

Impact assessment

4500-5900 Cubic meter runoff

water recharged in one year

1000-1250 Cubic meter runoff

water recharged in one year
370 Cubic meter runoff
Combination
of recharge pits recharged in one year
and lateral
shafts
Roof Top
7000 cubic meter runoff water
Rainwater
harvested in one year
Harvesting
5500 Cubic meter runoff water
Roof Top
harvested in one year
Rainwater
Harvesting
4700 cubic meter runoff water
Roof Top
recharged in one year
Rainwater
Harvesting
1440-13,000 Cubic meter runoff
Roof Top
water recharged in one year
Rainwater
Harvesting
34.50 lakh cubic meter runoff
Rainwater
water recharged in one year
Harvesting
through Roof
Top &
Pavement
catchments
Recharge
9.50 lakh cubic meter rainwater
Trenches
runoff recharged in one year
11000-45000
runoff
water
Rainwater
recharged in one year
Harvesting
through Roof
Top &
Pavement
catchments

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Impact Assessment
Sl.
No.

State /
Union
Territory

No. of
schemes for
which
impact
assessment
done

7.

Haryana

8.

Himachal
Pradesh

9.

Jammu and
Kashmir

10.

Jharkhand

11.

Karnataka

12.

Kerala

Artificial
Recharge
Structures

Roof Top
Rainwater
Harvesting
Combination
of Recharge
shafts and
injection wells
Check dams

Roof Top
Rainwater
Harvesting
Roof Top
Rainwater
Harvesting
Combination
of Percolation
Tanks,
Watershed
Structures,
Recharge
wells, Roof
Top Rainwater
Harvesting
Sub-surface
Dyke

Recharge wells

3
1

Percolation
tanks
Tidal regulator

Check Dam

Manual on Artificial Recharge of Ground Water

Impact assessment

2350 Cubic meter runoff water

recharged in one year
3.50 lakh cubic meter runoff
water recharged in one year.
Declining rate reduced from
1.175 m/yr to 0.25 m/yr.
1.20-21.00 lakhs cubic meter
runoff water recharged in one
year.
300-1200 Cubic meter runoff
water harvested in one year
4500 cubic meter runoff water
recharged in one year.
2-3.5 m. rise in water levels and
9-16 ha area benefited from
percolation tanks
8.60 lakh cubic meter water
recharged through recharge well.
3-5 m rise in ground water levels
through watershed structures.
530 cubic meter recharged from
Roof Top Rainwater Harvesting.
Augmented 5000 Cubic meter of
ground water in upstream side
with 2 m rise in groundwater
levels.
2800 Cubic meter runoff water
recharged in one year
2000-15000 Cubic meter runoff
water recharged in one year
4000 Cubic meter runoff water
conserved and a difference of 1.5
m was observed in upstream and
downstream water level.
5,100 - 30,000 Cubic meter
runoff water recharged in one
year

148

Impact Assessment
Sl.
No.

State /
Union
Territory

No. of
schemes for
which
impact
assessment
done

13.

Lakshadweep

14.

Madhya
Pradesh

Maharashtr
a

Roof Top
Rainwater
Harvesting
Sub-surface
Dykes

Percolation
Tank

Roof Top
Rainwater
Harvesting
(1000 houses)
Combination
of sub-surface
dykes and
check dam
Roof Top
Rainwater
Harvesting
System
Combination
of Percolation
Tanks and
Check Dams.

15.

Artificial
Recharge
Structures

16.

Meghalaya

17.

Mizoram

18.

Nagaland

Percolation
tanks,
Recharge
Shaft, Dug
well Recharge.
Roof Top
Rainwater
Harvesting
Roof Top
Rainwater
Harvesting
Roof Top
Rainwater
Harvesting

Manual on Artificial Recharge of Ground Water

Impact assessment

300 Cubic meter rainwater

harvested in one year
Rise in water level in dug wells
in the range of 0.80-3.80 m and
6-12 m in hand pumps have been
observed.
Rise in ground water levels by 14 m. in command area
downstream of tank has been
observed.
More than 2 lakh cubic meter
runoff water recharged in one
year.
Rise in water levels in existing
tube wells in upstream area by
0.30 m to 2.00 m has been
observed.
196-280 cubic meter runoff
water recharged in one year

Benefited area
About 60 to 120 ha. per
Percolation Tank,
3 to 15 hectare per Check Dam
Water level rise Upton 1.5 m.

Benefited area 400-500 hectare

around the scheme.

6800 cubic meter runoff water

harvested in one year
50,000 cubic meter runoff water
harvested in one year
2,480 14,065 cubic meter
runoff water harvested in one
year

149

Impact Assessment
Sl.
No.

State /
Union
Territory

19.

NCT Delhi

No. of
schemes for
which
impact
assessment
done

Check dams

Roof Top
Rainwater
Harvesting
Rainwater
harvesting
through Roof
Top &
Pavement
catchments
Rainwater
harvesting
through Roof
Top &
Pavement
catchments
Renovation of
creeks & sub creeks,
Construction
of Control
Sluices and
recharge bore
wells

20.

Orissa

Artificial
Recharge
Structures

Manual on Artificial Recharge of Ground Water

Impact assessment

Water levels have risen unto

2.55 m in the vicinity of Check
Dams and area benefited is unto
30 hectare from each check dam
in JNU & IIT.
1.30-lakh cubic meter of
rainwater was recharged in one
year in Kushak Nala.
800 5000 Cubic meter runoff
water recharged in one year
8500 20,000 cubic meter
runoff water recharged in one
year

1,200 cubic meter runoff water

recharged in one year

Quantity of fresh water

impounded in 798119 cubic
metres and irrigation potential is
11000 has in a year.

150

Impact Assessment
Sl.
No.

State /
Union
Territory

21.

Punjab

No. of
schemes for
which impact
assessment
done

Roof Top
Rainwater
Harvesting
Recharge wells

Trenches

22.

Rajasthan

12

23.

Tamil
Nadu

Artificial
Recharge
Structures

1
7
1

24.

Uttar
Pradesh

25.

West
Bengal

Combination
of vertical
shafts,
injection wells
& recharge
trenches
Combination
of recharge
shafts and
injection wells
Check dams

Roof Top
Rainwater
Harvesting
Sub-surface
Barriers

Sub-surface
Dyke
Percolation
Tanks
Roof Top
Rainwater
Harvesting
Roof Top
Rainwater
Harvesting
Combination
of Farm Ponds,
Nala Bunds,
Sub-surface
Dykes
Sub-surface
Dykes

Manual on Artificial Recharge of Ground Water

Impact assessment

500 cubic meter runoff water

recharged in one year
9 15.50 lakhs cubic meter
runoff water recharged in one
year.
Average rise in water level unto
0.32-0.70 m has been observed.
Recharge of 1.70 lakh cubic
meter runoff water caused
average rise of 0.25 m. in ground
water levels around the scheme
area.
14,400 Cubic meter runoff water
recharged in one year.

88,000 Cubic meter runoff water

recharged in one year. Water
level rise - 0.65 m.
350-2800 Cubic meter runoff
water recharged in one year.
2000-11500 Cubic meter runoff
water recharged in one year.
Water level rise from 0.25 to
0.60 m.
39.25 ha. area benefited.
10,000-2,25,000 cu. m runoff
water recharged in one year.
3700 cubic meter runoff water
recharged in one year
350-23033 cubic meter runoff
water recharged in one year
Water level rise of 0.15 m.
observed.

Rise in water levels by 0.45 m.

observed

151

Economic Evaluation of Recharge Schemes

9. ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF RECHARGE SCHEMES

Economic viability is a critical parameter to be ascertained before taking a decision to
implement any artificial recharge scheme. The appraisal of economic viability has to
be carried out after taking into account all possible expenses including those for
investigation, source water (conveyance, treatment), construction of recharge
structures, operation and maintenance etc. All benefits should be appropriately
accounted for and assessed in order to decide the acceptability of the scheme as per its
priority in the overall scheme of development. Economic analysis of artificial
recharge projects aims at ascertaining their economic and financial viability.
9.1 Benefit Cost Analysis
It is important to carry out the Benefit Cost Analysis for all major public works before
a decision is taken on the allocation of funds. The Benefit Cost Analysis presents the
quantifiable efforts, environmental and social aspects of any public projects in money
terms.
The analysis of the financial benefits and costs requires expressing the cash flow
elements under the non-financial operations in comparable terms. Costs are related to
investments occurring during the lifetime of the project. However, benefits originate
from the productive use of the projects. Therefore, both costs and benefits are
expressed in quantitative terms and translated into monetary terms by using market
values of the inputs and outputs concerned. Actually, the costs and benefits occur at
different points of time. In order to make them comparable, it is customary to express
both in terms of their present value by applying the appropriate discounting factors.
After accounting both the costs and benefits against their market values, appropriate
criteria are applied to determine the profitability of the project.
The Benefit Cost analysis of the projects is sometimes also called Project Appraisal.
This Project Appraisal is done before the decision is taken to invest, whereas
evaluation sometimes is done to analyze the performance and effects of the project
after it has been executed.
The most important factors of project appraisal are Financial, Economic and Social
Benefit Cost Analysis next to Institutional, Environmental, and Social impact
assessments.
9.1.1 Financial Benefit Cost Analysis
The financial Benefit Cost analysis views any project from the point of view of the
INVESTOR. The analysis would suggest/indicate the investor whether it is
worthwhile to invest in the project in comparison of other investment opportunities.
In practice, the investor may be a private person, a non-government Organization, or a
government institution.
In evaluating the advantages of an investment opportunity, it is essential to give
proper weightages to two major aspects, i.e., Liquidity Analysis and Profitability
Analysis.

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Economic Evaluation of Recharge Schemes

The liquidity analysis would demonstrate whether, for the entire lifetime of the
project, receipts from equity capital and borrowing plus the annual income (Cash
inflows) will be sufficient to meet the obligations for payments to be made (Cash
outflows.)
Cash inflows, in this context, comprise the following elements.
i)
ii)
iii)

Investment funds, which may consist of equity capital or loans,

Loans and credit, during operation, and
Revenues from sales and subsidies.

On the other hand, Cash Outflows to be considered include

i)
ii)
iii)

Investments in fixed assets, working capital, pre-investment costs,

preparatory surveys etc.,
Interest, dividends and repayments and
Direct payments.

For the project to be economically viable, the profitability analysis should show that
various sources of finance involved would yield an acceptable financial return.
9.1.1.1 Measure for Profitability
This analysis becomes very crucial for identifying better opportunities for the
investor's money. A number of methods have been developed to measure the
profitability of investments. The commonly used methods are, i) Benefit Cost Ratio
(B/C) Ratio), ii) Net Present Value (NPV) and iii) Internal Rate of Return (IRR).
These methods are described below in brief.
a) Benefit Cost Ratio: The Benefit Cost (B-C) ratio, also known as Profitability
Index (PI) or Desirability Factor is being widely used in the initial stages of
project appraisal. It is defined as:

B-C Ratio =

Present value of total benefits

--------------------------------------Present value of total costs

If B-C ratio > 1, the project is considered to be attractive and profitable.

If B-C ratio <1, the project would not earn the inputs back and are thus not
recommended for execution.
Limitation:
Without more information such as net benefits of running costs, cost
escalation considered for gross benefits etc., the B C ratio is not well defined.
Hence, NPV and IRR should be considered in addition to B C ratio for proper
evaluation of projects.

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Economic Evaluation of Recharge Schemes

b) Net Present Value (NPV) : The Net Present Value is uniquely defined and
widely used in the selection of ground water development projects and
artificial recharge projects. It is defined as the difference between the present
value of total benefits and the present value of total costs. In this method, the
inflows and outflows expected in future are discounted for a change in the
value of money. Accordingly, cash flows expected in future years are
discounted and their values at the beginning of the project are arrived at.
Discounting presumes that money, like the other factors of production, has a
cost. Discounting is done at the interest rate, which is the cost of capital,
known as the discount rate. Interest rate and discount rate are practically the
same, the only difference being the point of view. Interest assumes looking
from the present to the future, whereas discounting look backwards from the
future to the present.
The net present value of investment proposal is computed as
n

t =

c ft
(1
k )

Where
cft = Cash flow occurring at the end of yeart,
n = Life of the project and
k = Cost of capital used as the discount rate.
If NPV> 0 (Positive), the project is considered to be profitable and will yield
more benefits than the investments.
The following example describes the procedure for calculation of NPV.
Assuming n as 5 years, k as 10%
Years
Net Cash flow
NPV =

0
-1000

1
200

2
200

3
250

4
350

5
400

-1000 0+ 200 1+ 200 2 + 250 3+ 350 4 + 400

(1+0.1) (1+0.1) (1+0.1) (1+0.1) (1+0.1) (1+0.1)5

= 22.1
Hence, the project can be accepted as the NPV is positive.
c) Internal Rate of Return (IRR): Though the NPV, which gives the net
present value in absolute terms and Benefit Cost ratio, which gives the ratio of
profit to cost consider the time value of money, neither of these methods
indicate the rate of return. The Internal Rate of Return is a measure of the
return on the investment that the project yields. It is the discount rate that
equates the present value of cash inflows with the present value of outflows of
the project. In other words, it is the discount rate that causes a projects net
present value to equal zero and profitability index to equal unity.

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It is represented by the rate 'r' such that,
n

cft
= 0 = NPV
t
(1+
r)
t= 1
Where,
cft = Cash flow for period t whether it be a net cash out flow or inflow.
N = Life of the project.
If the initial cash outlay or cost occurs at time '0', the above calculation cab be
expressed as,

Cf 0 =

Cf1
(1 r)1

Cf2
(1 r) 2

Cf3
Cf n
...........
3
(1 r)
(1 r) n

The rate 'r' discounts the stream of future cash flow through cf1cfn to equal
the initial outlay at time '0'
The accepted criteria generally employed for the IRR method are to compare
the IRR with the required rate of return known as "cut off rate. If IRR exceeds
the required rate, the project is acceptable.
The following example describes the procedure for calculation of IRR.
n = 5 years
Years
Net Cash flow

0
-1000

1
200

2
200

3
250

4
350

5
400

IRR is the value of 'r' which satisfies the equation NPV = 0.

1000

200 2 + 250 3 + 350 4 + 400 5

= 200 1 + (1+r)
(1+r) (1+r)
(1+r)
(1+r)

The value of 'r' is calculated by trial and error method

For r = 10%, NPV equals to
For r = 10.5%, NPV equals to

22
7.5

Therefore, IRR will be nearer to 10.5%

9.1.1.2 Interest and Inflation
In financial analysis the rate of interest to be used is the actual interest to be paid for
financing of the project. Generally, it is the market rate of interest or interest
foregone if the necessary funds are withdrawn from a bank account or other
investment opportunities.

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Sometimes, if the funds allotted for the project are offered at an interest rate that
deviates from the market rate in positive or negative way, the actual (annual) costs of
interest and repayments have to be taken into account.
For all practical purposes, the base of the profitability analysis of any project should
be an assumption of constant prices. But it is nearly impossible to control the
inflation as such, and the assumption of constant prices is only justified as long as the
relative value of inputs and outputs does not change over time.
9.1.1.3 Uncertainties and Sensitivities
The uncertainties involved in the calculation of benefits and costs should be minimal
so that the outcome of any Benefit Cost analysis is realistic and not over-optimistic.
However, these variables could be related to the level of costs and incurrence of cost.
In order to avoid too low a cost, it is customary to include a contingency allowance of
20-25%. An extended construction period will decrease the present value of costs.
The quantitative assessments of benefits in some cases are fairly accurate but are not
that easy in most of them. They vary widely depending on the efficiency of the future
operator or the actual value of the benefits remaining far below the expectations. As
an example, some of the irrigation projects or artificial ground water recharge
schemes in which the peoples/ farmers participation is not adequate may yield
benefits below expectations. An extended construction period will decrease the
present value of benefits.
To verify the effect of the changed conditions, it is recommended to carry out a
sensitivity analysis so that information regarding the level and time of occurrence of
critical data of benefits and costs vary.
9.1.2. Economic Benefit Cost Analysis
The main component of economic benefit cost analysis is to evaluate the resources in
a national context. The analysis views it from the national point of view such that the
benefits add to the national economy.
There are certain aspects, which are to be fully understood for such analyses to be
correct and realistic. The effects of the projects such as external effects, valuation of
benefits and costs, labor wages and perfect completion are to be studied in detail.
Though these effects constitute a cost or benefit to the society, they are not reflected
in the project's financial receipts or in expenditures. In addition to this, some aspects
of ecological damage and pollution of soil, water or air may have to be taken into
account in the analysis. It follows that the valuation inputs and outputs of the project
differ in financial and economic analysis. Hence, it is customary to introduce certain
conversion factors to transform financial prices into economic prices.
9.1.2.1 Conversion Factors
The financial analysis simply uses the market prices of inputs and outputs whereas in
economic analysis, the prices that express the real scarcity of the inputs and outputs
have to be used. Some conversion factors are required to transform financial prices

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into economic prices. These factors are derived according to the commodity and the
region of operation. In many cases, however, it is neither possible nor practical to use
specific standard conversion factors.
9.1.2.2 Capital and Interest
The valuation of capital in terms of the rate of interest or the rate of discount
constitutes the economists interest for evaluating any project proposals. Sometimes,
it becomes beyond the limits of the planner to determine the economic rate of interest
(accounting rate of interest). In fact, a responsible government agency should
determine the rate of interest to be used in the economic analysis in such a way that it
helps in adopting a uniform rate for all projects and the results of the analysis
comparable.
9.1.2.3 Economic Appraisal
The economical appraisal of any ground water development/recharge project is
critical as the benefits are not only indirect but also time-consuming. Certain
guidelines for economic appraisal are summarized below:
a. The inputs and outputs should be distinguished as tradables and nontradables.
b. The assumption always is that the project under consideration will not
change the price of the output.
c. Compared to the calculation in financial prices, some adjustments have to
be made by applying appropriate conversion factors converting financial
prices into economic prices.
d. The economic analysis should not only consider the effects for the
producer, but also for the user.
e. Labor and wages under skilled and unskilled categories have a special
significance in the valuation for economic analysis. The real contribution
to the economy probably varies by region, type of labor and season.
Hence, an extensive labor market survey is required for proper analysis.
f. Although the computational part of the appraisal is rather straightforward,
the essential purpose of the exercise is to ensure that the project has a
positive effect on the efficient application of national resources.
g. The outcome of the economic appraisal of a development project is
decisive for the acceptance of the project.
h. If the project is acceptable from the economic point of view but not from
the financial, it implies that the project will contribute to an efficient
application for national resources with additional requirement of financial
support.
i. If the project yields attractive returns to the Government but does not make
a contribution to the efficient use of national resources, it requires
additional policy measures to rectify the situation.
9.1.3 Social Benefit Cost Analysis
The financial and economic benefit cost analyses are concerned mainly with the
profitability of investments and on the efficient use of national resources. However, it

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is to be borne in mind that not only the growth of the wealth and welfare, but who
gets the benefit out of it is also equally important.
Sometimes, a ground water development/recharge project may have excellent
financial and economic returns but the benefits are distributed to only a small group of
people who are already relatively well-off. In such cases, social justice has not
occurred. In other words, not only the growth but the distribution of benefits is
important. This is the essence of Social Benefit Cost analysis.
The task becomes easy if the impact of the development project on the distribution of
welfare and the proper beneficiaries are identified. Social Benefit Cost analysis is,
thus, a part of the project appraisal and is always pursued by major International
Financing Agencies.
It should be realized that any project, validated on the basis of social welfare
considerations would have a definite recognized price. Hence, as a marker, the project
preferred on the basis of social point of view will not be identical to that which is
preferred from an economic point of view.
9.2 Socio-economic and Financial Appraisal of Artificial Recharge Schemes
The economic and institutional aspects of artificial recharge ground water are
important but somewhat elusive. Experiences with full-scale artificial recharge
operations of ground water in India are still limited and, as a consequence, the cost
information on such operations is incomplete. The available data in certain
hydrogeological environs, where recharge experiments are initiated and are in
progress, suggests that the costs of ground water recharge vary substantially. These
costs are a function of availability of source water, conveyance facilities, civil
constructions, land acquisition, and ground water pumping and monitoring.
Apart from the purely technical aspects of ground water utilization, the economical
and institutional problems may ultimately prove more critical in determining the
efficiency of the artificial recharge projects. Although literature on the economics of
ground water deals with specific problems of ground water management, there are
certain common principles, which have to be taken care of for assessment of costs and
benefits.
9.2.1 User Cost
The change in storage of ground water at any time is simply the difference between
the recharge rate and extraction rate. It is also to be noted that the effective use of
ground water is attained when the difference between benefits and costs is maximized
in positive direction over time. In fact, the water pumped in the current period results
in lowered water table in future periods. Therefore, the incremental cost of pumping
from thus lowered level has to be accounted for, and is called the user cost. Under
deteriorated conditions of lowered water levels, the overall pumping should be carried
over to the point where the benefits from the last unit of water exceed the extraction
cost plus the user cost. Similarly, if the ground water levels rise by any other
mechanism developed through certain artificial recharge methods, the extraction cost
becomes minimized over a time with no user cost. Hence, the change in the user cost

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over a time is dependent upon the discount rate and the effects of ground water
storage on pumping costs.
9.2.2 Steady State Pumping Condition
In certain circumstances, over-exploitation of ground water may be optimal and
efficient from economic point of view. This becomes true in cases where the total
benefits generated through excessive ground water development are much more or
quite high relative to total costs. At this juncture, the over-exploitation may be fully
justified from an economic perspective. Of course, it is evident that the over draft
conditions could not be continued indefinitely.
In some situations, the ground water level will be lowered until a point is reached at
which the costs of extraction are greater than the benefits generated from various uses
to which the water has been put. At this point, it is not economical to abstract ground
water at rates greater than the recharge rate. Thus, the relative magnitude of costs of
pumping and benefits ensure that only the annual recharge is being extracted. This
means that the long-term pumping rates should not exceed long term recharge rates
for a given aquifer. This ultimate hydrologic condition is referred to as the Steady
State (i.e., the difference between the recharge rate and the extraction rate equals zero)
9.2.3 Artificial Recharge Component
For obtaining the economics of artificial recharge of ground water, an artificial
recharge component is to be included in the analysis. Additionally, the source water
cost and the benefits of use must be also be accounted for. It is essential to establish
whether supplemental sources of water should be used for ground water recharge or
for direct use. It is economically not viable if the price charged for ground water is
less than the marginal cost of recharge. Further, the selection of appropriate artificial
recharge structure suitable for the existing hydrogeological environment of the
proposed area is a must. Otherwise, the benefit cost analysis and other economic
measures for ground water use and management are likely to yield negative results.
The principles mentioned above guide the socio-economic and financial analysis of
projects for artificial recharge to ground water. A step by step description of inputs
and outputs are shown below for developing benefit cost analysis of recharge projects.
Under this, it is necessary to highlight some of the inputs, specially the recharge
inputs for some proposed artificial recharge structures, for better appraisal of the
benefits.
9.2.4 Recharge Potential of Some Artificial Recharge Structures
Various artificial recharge experiments carried out by different organizations in India
have established the feasibility of the methods in unconfined, semi-confined and
confined aquifer systems. However, economic considerations make some particular
methods viable in a particular area or for a particular aquifer. Consequently, it is
possible to estimate upper limits of quantities of recharge through each artificial
recharge structure based on studies carried out in different hydrogeological set-ups.
Some of the typical recharge estimates are given below in general form with field
examples from alluvial unconfined/semi confined aquifer systems.

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9.2.4.1 Check Dam & Percolation Tank
i)
ii)

Average water spread area

Seepage Rate

= 'a' Hectares
= 'b' Cu m/sec/million sq m of wetted
perimeter

iii)

Inflow and storage period

= 'c' Days

iv)

Quantity of induced recharge in MCM

a X 10 X b X 3600 X 24 X c
106 x 106

= P MCM

As a case example, assuming the water spread area of each check dam/percolation
tank as 10 hectares, inflow and storage period of 100 days, monsoon seepage rate as
2.6 cu m/sec/million sq m of wetted perimeter and considering 4 to 5 floods during
the rainy season, surface water recharge of nearly 2.25 MCM through each structure
could be considered as realistic. Further, by construction of recharge tube well in the
storage area, increase in the quantum of recharge could be ensured.
9.2.4.2 Spreading Channel
i)

ii)
iii)

Total wetted perimeter for full length

of spreading channel
= 'a' million Sq m
a. Seepage Rate
= 'b' Cu m/sec/million sq m of wetted
perimeter
Availability of water in Channel
= 'c' days.
Quantity of induced recharge in M Cu m
a x 10x b x 3600x 24 x c
=

106 x 106

= q M Cu m

As a case example, considering the length of spreading channel as 10 km with bottom

width of 3 m and top width of 5 m with 1:1 slope, the total wetted perimeter for full
10 km length of spreading channel works out to 0.085 million Sq m. Further,
assuming the seepage rate of 10 cu m/sec/million Sq m of wetted perimeter and
availability of recharge water for nearly 100 days in a year, it is estimated that a
recharge of nearly 5 MCM/yr could be made into the aquifer system.
9.2.4.3 Recharge Tube well
i.
ii.
iii.

Injection recharge rate

= 'a' lps
Number of days of recharge = 'b' days
Quantity of recharge in MCM
=

a x 86.4 x b
106

= R MCM

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Considering the injection rate of 5 lps, nearly 0.15 MCM of water could be artificially
recharged through each injection well in a year.
9.2.4.4 Underground Dams /Subsurface Dykes
Considering a cut-off at 9m and area of effective sub-surface storage of 100 hectares
in up-stream of each under ground check dam, the specific yield of river bed as 20%
and 4 to 5 wet spells during the rainy period of 100 days, it is expected that through
each underground dam with 2 recharge tube wells, about 1.0 MCM ('S' MCM) of
surface water could be artificially recharged into the aquifer system.
For any programme of artificial recharge to ground water, the above unit recharges
estimated for each method should be multiplied by the proposed number of units
under each category such that the total cumulative input to the ground water would be
quantified. This information is vital for the financial, economic and social benefit
analysis.
9.2.5 Financial Outlay
For arriving at the cost outlay for the artificial recharge projects, it is essential to
identify the mechanism through which the whole process occurs. It is not only the
costs of the structures of the proposed measures but also certain relevant costs
involved in pre and post project studies which are essential to be included in the total
costs. Costs involved for the investigative techniques such as Hydrogeological,
Hydrometeorological, Hydrological, Geophysical and Geochemical studies for
identifying suitable locations/areas for implementing artificial recharge schemes
should be included. If possible, financial assistance should be provided to organize
small pilot study projects before undertaking any major projects.
It is also necessary to take environmental aspects into consideration and, hence,
financial support should be provided to the afforestation works in the vicinity of the
project area. This attempt will enhance the ground water recharge, reduce soil erosion
and improve the health of the watershed.
Watershed management through soil management and water conservation methods
provides an enhanced ground water recharge into the flow system. Therefore, it is
recommended that appropriate fund allocation for watershed management should be
provided.
Monitoring of the ground water regime for assessing the sustainability of the project
objectives and benefits requires certain committed funds. The funds may be utilized
for procuring instruments, setting up of laboratories, research and development etc.
The summarized details of Cost Outlay of artificial recharge projects are given below:
a. Cost of pre-investigative Studies
Rs. CR1
b. Cost of afforestation works
Rs. CR2
c. Cost of watershed management works
Rs. CR3
d. Cost of construction of the suggested measures
Rs. CR4
e. Cost of monitoring ground water regime
Rs. CR5
----------Total cost of project
Rs. CR

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9.2.6 Benefits of Suggested Measures
As mentioned earlier, the present day trend of over exploitation of ground water has
resulted in faster depletion of water levels. As a result, the users have to periodically
replace/repair the pumps and in many cases re-drill tube wells. This phenomenon,
which has now become common in many parts of the country results in very high
operational costs toward ground water development over a period of time.
Augmentation of ground water resources in such areas will not only help in bringing
up or in stabilizing of water levels but will also reduce the user's financial
commitments toward the replacement of pumps or re-drilling of tube wells.
Since artificial recharge of ground water is a time-consuming process, the benefits
would be felt only over a period of time and will mostly be of indirect nature, as the
measures adopted are mainly oriented towards protecting and improving the natural
ground water environment.
It is fair to assume that once the aquifer system is augmented with additional recharge
component, the institutional finance for ground water development will be available
to the users. The indirect benefits, which are economical as well as social, could be
summarized as below:
a. Control over further depletion of ground water levels, obviating the need
for replacement of high head pumping machinery.
b. Sustained abstraction of ground water ensures long term irrigation,
manifold increase of agricultural area and economic cropping patterns.
c. Minimization of frequency of re-drilling of tube wells over time
d. Changes in the energy consumption scenario due to rise/ stabilization of
water levels.
e. Restoration of well irrigation in areas where wells have gone dry.
f. Provision of drinking water facilities in habitations hitherto having no such
sources
g. Increase in employment potential by using local labor either skilled or
semi-skilled.
h. Increase in per-capita income of the local people resulting in better living
standards. People's participation in the development work enhances the
benefits.
i. Restoration of institutional finance not available earlier for construction of
wells / tube wells in overexploited areas.
j. Environmental improvements helping in reduction of pollution hazards.
9.2.7 Financial Appraisal of the Benefits
It is slightly elusive to view the indirect benefits in real financial terms. In order to
have a near-realistic assessment, the financial amounts are shown in general form
below.
i)

Considering 'Z' MCM of additional recharge to ground water which

otherwise goes as surface Runoff, its total value even at a rate of Rs.
0.1 per 1 m3 works out to rupees 'R1.'

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ii)

iii)

iv)

v)

vi)

vii)

The replacement of pumps, say every 5 years for about 100 tube wells
per year result in saving of Rupees 'R2' per year (Cost of the pump
around Rs. 7,500).
On an average, 100 tube wells are re-drilled every year. The annual
savings on this account are expected to be nearly Rupees 'R3' (Average
cost would be around Rs.1,75,000 per well in alluvial area).
Considering the electrical energy saving of 500 KW per tube well per
year, the total savings for 'X' number will be of the order of 500 x 'X'
KW. Even if valued at the rate of Rs. 1.0 per KW, the total annual
saving could be of the order of nearly Rupees 'R4'.
Considering a surplus ground water potential of 'Z1' MCM through the
above measures after meeting the existing abstraction, an additional
irrigation potential of nearly Z1 MCM x h hectare = H hectares (1
MCM irrigates 100 to 150 hectares under normal cropping pattern) is
created.
Considering an average return at the rate of 'r' Rupees per hectare
under the existing cropping pattern, the additional income from
agricultural return is likely to be H x r = 'R5' Rupees (one Hectare
yields an average annual return of Rs. 15,000 under existing cropping
pattern).
The financial benefits are summarized below for assessing the benefit
cost ratio of measures for artificial recharge to ground water (Table
9.1)

Table 9.1 Summarized Financial Benefits of Artificial Recharge Schemes

a.
b.
c.

Cost of surface water which goes as runoff

Savings against pump replacements
Savings against re-drilling of tube wells

Rs.
Rs.
Rs.

R1
R2
R3

d.
e.
f.

Savings in electrical energy consumption

Income form additional agricultural production
Total financial benefits

Rs. R4
Rs. R5
Rs. BR

9.2.8 Profitability Analysis

The benefit cost ratio is the ratio of present value of total benefits to the present value
of total costs. This ratio expression can be slightly enlarged to suit the ground water
recharge projects, which are mainly financed by State or Central Government
Departments. In most such projects, the returns to the Government are minimal when
compared to investment of capital on other projects.
Therefore, it is assumed that the annual benefits of 'BR' Rupees will offset the capital
cost investment of Rupees 'CR' in a tolerable period of say 'Y' years. Application of
this criterion is essential to determine the profitability of the project. For working out
a B/C ratio, it is customary to take the ratio of total benefits to the Annual Cost of
expenditure (in Rupees 'AR') for the ground water development projects.

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This annual cost of expenditure includes i) Interest loss at the market rate of the total
cost, ii) Maintenance & Repair charges at the feasible percentage rate of the total cost
iii) Depreciation of civil works at the rate permissible, and iv) Some miscellaneous
expenditure at a reasonable percentage of the total cost.
The above approach is detailed below for the estimation of B/C Ratio (Table 9.2)
Table 9.2 Computation of Annual Cost of Expenditure
A. Annual Total Benefits

Rs.

BR

B. Cost of the Total Project

C. Annual Expenditure
a) Interest loss n say 10%
b) M & R charges say 2.5%
c) Depreciation of civil works n say 5%
d) Miscellaneous expenditure n say 1%

Rs.

CR

Rs.
AR1
Rs.
AR2
Rs.
AR3
Rs.
AR4
---------------------Rs.
AR

Total:
Therefore, The Overall Benefit Cost Ratio =

BR
AR

If the B/C ratio is greater than 1, the project is considered to be attractive. As most of
the ground water recharge projects belong to social obligatory type of expenditure
on the part of Government, weightage towards the B/C Ratio should be viewed with
less priority
9.3 Case Study
Conservation of water through artificial recharge is often the only alternative in
drought- prone areas. Construction of percolation tanks is practiced in Maharashtra to
conserve and recharge the ground water in drought prone areas of the State.
A detailed study of 7 percolation tanks in parts of Baramati taluka of Pune District
covering an area of 66 Sq.km with an average storage capacity of 0.13 MCM was
taken up for financial analysis to see whether they are cost effective or not.
Based on the study, Dr. S.S.Rao of NABARD has concluded that the financing of
percolation tanks is not economically viable without any subsidy from Government.
The tanks not only serve for recharging the ground water but also serve as community
tanks, are environment friendly and help control soil erosion. Therefore, it was
recommended based on the study that a minimum 75% of subsidy should be allowed
for construction of tanks. Similarly, 30% of subsidy should be allowed for the
construction of wells and for the costs of pump sets. The summarized results of the
case study given below indicate the required percentage of subsidy for keeping the
project cost effective and viable (Table 9.3).

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Table 9.3 Summarized Results of Case Study
Sl.
No
.
1.
2.
3.

4.

Indicator

B/C ratio at 15%

discounted rate
RR at 15% discount
Water rate in Rs/Cu m

Repayment Schedule %
of repayment to net
incremental income
1st year
2nd to 9th year
10th to 15th year

Subsidy
Nil
Well (30%)
P.Set (30%)
0.50

Subsidy for
Tank (50%)
Well (30%)
P.Set (30%)
0.82

Subsidy for Tank

(75%)

0.38
3.66

9.11
1.71

19.49
1.60
1.08
Estt. & OM Tank
(100% subsidised)

182.50
237.30
221.70

96.40
126.10
115.20

57.30
76.10
65.20

1.16

As seen from above, the scheme is not financially viable unless the Government
provides a subsidy of at least 75% for tank and 30% for well and pump sets and also
provide the charges for maintenance and establishment of tank during its construction
and subsequent maintenance.
A formatted example on financial analysis of an artificial recharge Scheme is given
below for a better understanding of the computational procedures (Table 9.4).

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Table 9.4 Format with an Example of Financial Analysis of Artificial Recharge
scheme.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

1.
2.

3.

4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

A) Scheme Information
Type of scheme
Location
Capacity of percolation tank
Total irrigated area prior to scheme
Additional irrigated area after scheme
Additional ground water structures after scheme
Life of the scheme
B) Investment Information
Construction cost of AR scheme @
Rs. 9,000/1000 cu m
Cost of 6 Nos. additional wells @ Rs.22,500/well
Cost of 6 nos. of pump sets (5 HP) @
Rs. 12,100 per set
Total cost of investment
Government subsidy on construction cost of
percolation tank (75%)
Government subsidy on wells and pump sets
(30%)
Cost of investment after subsidy
Year wise cost of investment and income in
percentage
Cost:
Income:
Recurring Cost:
C) Financial Information
Interest rate on loan
Repayment period for
Tank and wells
Pump sets
Recovery of instalments
First year
Second year
Discharge from Pump sets, 6 nos, @ 5 lps
Running cost of pump sets (Electricity)
Replacement of pump sets
Residual value of pump sets at the end of 9th year
Establishment charges @ 1% of cost of
percolation tank
O&M of percolation Tank @ 2% of cost of
Percolation tank
Land revenue (Rs/ha)
a) Pre A.R.Scheme
b) Post A.R. Scheme

Manual on Artificial Recharge of Ground Water

Percolation tank.
Baramati
Taluka,
District.
0.13 MCM
12 ha.
10 ha.
6 wells with pump sets
15 years

Pune

Rs.12,48,000
Rs.1,35,000
Rs.72,600
Rs. 14,55,600
Rs. 9,36,000
Rs. 62,280
Rs. 4,57,320
0 yr
100
0
0

1st yr
0
50
50

2 to 15th yr
0
100
100

11.5%
15 years
9 years
Interest
Capital-interest
30 lps
Rs. 11.19/hr.
10 years
30%
Rs. 12,480
Rs. 24,960

Rs. 80
Rs. 133

166

Economic Evaluation of Recharge Schemes

D. Comparison of Cropping Pattern, Yield, Cost of Cultivation and Rate of Crops for Pre and Post Period of Construction of
Percolation Pond.
Cropping
Pattern
Hyb. cotton
Hyb. Maize
Jawar
Groundnut
Wheat
Gram
Total

Irrigation
in ha.
Pre
2
1
5
4
0
0
12

Post
2
2
4
4
4
6
22

Depth
of Irr.
(m)

No.
of
Irr.

0.90
0.45
0.22
0.15
0.45
0.20

10
6
5
6
6
4

Yield Qtls
/ha
Pre
Post
8
19
20
30
10
27
5
17
0
25
0
15

Manual on Artificial Recharge of Ground Water

Total Yield
Pre
16
20
50
20
0
0

Post
38
60
108
68
100
90

Cost of
cult./ha
Pre
4000
1500
1000
2500
0
0

Post
5002
2500
2330
4854
3644
3414

Income
Rs/qtl.
750
300
205
800
350
500

Gross

Income

Pre
12000
6000
10250
16000
0
0
44250

Post
28500
18000
22140
54400
35000
45000
203040

Gross cost of
cultivation.
Pre
8000
1500
5000
10000
0
0
24500

Post
10004
5000
9320
19416
14576
20484
78800

Net income
(Rs)
Pre
4000
4500
5250
6000
0
0
19750

Post
18496
13000
12820
34984
20424
24516
124240

Water
Req.(cu
m)

No. of
pumping
hours

18000
9000
8800
6000
18000
1200
718000

167
83
81
56
167
111
665

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Economic Evaluation of Recharge Schemes

E. Calculation of Incremental Income and Recurring Costs.

Sl.No
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Particulars
Cost of cultivation
Interest on 75% of cultivation cost
@ 11.5%
Land Revenue @ Rs 80/ha(pre)
and @ Rs. 133 (post)
Running Costs of Pump Sets @
Rs. 11.19/hr
Total Cost
Gross Income
Net Income
Net Incremental Income (B-A)
Recurring Cost (Pre Cost-Post
Cost) x 75% (25% of expenditure
is expected to be incurred by the
farmer)

Rs.
Rs.

Pre
24,500.00
2,113.13

Rs.
Rs.

Post
78,800.00
6,796.00

Rs.

960.00

Rs.

1,596.00

Rs.

7,441.00

Rs.
Rs.
Rs.

94,633.00
2,03,040.00
1,08,406.50
(B)
91,729.63
50,295.28

Nil
Rs.
Rs.
Rs.

27,573.13
44,250.00
16,676.87
(A)
-

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Rs.
Rs.

168

Economic Evaluation of Recharge Schemes

F) Cash Flow Statement

Particular
Initial Investment
Recurring Cost
Total Cost
Benefits
Residual Value
Total Income
Net Income

YEARS
7
8

457320
0
457320
0

0
25148
25148
79395

0
50295
50295
158790

0
50295
50295
158790

0
50295
50295
158790

0
50295
50295
158790

0
50295
50295
158790

0
50295
50295
158790

0
50295
50295
158790

0
457320

79395
54247

158790
108495

158790
108495

158790
108495

158790
108495

158790
108495

158790
108495

180570
130275

Manual on Artificial Recharge of Ground Water

10

11

12

13

14

72600
50295
122895
158790
21780
158790
35895

0
50295
50295
158790

0
50295
50295
158790

0
50295
50295
158790

0
50295
50295
158790

0
50295
50295
158790

158790
108495

158790
108495

158790
108495

158790
108495

158790
108495

15
50295
50295
158790
21780
180570
130275

169

Economic Evaluation of Recharge Schemes

G) Summary of Economic Analysis
1. Discount Rate
2. Net Present Cost (NPC)
3. Net Present Income (NPI)
4. Net Present Value (NPV)
5. BCR (NPV/NPC)
6. IRR % when NPV=0

:
:
:
:
:
:

15%
649994
755072
105078
1.16
19.49

H) Repayment Schedule
Investments
Details

Bank Loan
(Rs)

Pump set (Elec.)

Cost of A.R. Pro.
Cost of Wells
Total
% of Repayment
to Net
Incremental
Income

50,820
3,12,000
94,500
4,57,320

Ist Year
(Int. only)
(Rs)
5,844
35,880
10,868
52,592

2nd to 9th year

(Cap +Int)

10th to 15th
year
(Cap + Int)

10,052
45,873
13,894
69,819

45,873
13,894
59,767

76.10

65.20

57.30

I) Estimation of Economic Water Rate

1. Equated Instalment
2. Annual Energy Cost for 665
hrs @ Rs. 11.19/hr
3. Establishment Charges 1% of
Tank Cost
4. O&M of Tank 2% of Tank Cost
5. Total Annual Cost
6. Discharge (cu m/hr)
7. Water Rate/cu m
8. Total Annual cost with 100%
Subsidy on Estt. And O&M
of Tank
9. Water Rate/cu m

Rs.

69,819

Rs.

7,441

:
:
:
:
:

Rs.
Rs.
Rs.
Rs.

12,480
24,960
1,14,700
71,800
1.60

:
:

Rs.
Rs.

77,260
1.08

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Operation and Maintenance

10. OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

Periodic maintenance of artificial recharge structures is essential because infiltration
capacity reduces rapidly as a result of silting, chemical precipitation and accumulation
of organic matter. In case of surface spreading structures, annual maintenance consists
of scraping the infiltration surfaces to remove accumulated silt and organic matter. In
the case of injection wells, periodic maintenance of the system consists of pumping
and /or flushing with a mildly acidic solution to remove encrusting chemical
precipitates and bacterial growths on the well screens. The intervals between periodic
cleanings can be extended by converting injection wells into dual purpose wells.
However, in the case of spreading structures constructed with an overflow or outlet
mechanism, annual desilting is a must. Structural maintenance is normally carried out
either by government agencies or through initiatives of stakeholders.
Success of artificial recharge schemes and related developmental activities primarily
depend on the cooperation of the community and hence, should be managed at the
local level. From a basin management perspective, the division of a basin into many
micro-catchments is, hence, an essential recognition of the community role. The
success of implementation and optimal utilisation of the schemes depend on
participation and active contribution of the public.
Several issues are to be considered in the operation and maintenance of artificial
recharge structures. These have been categorised as issues of high concern and
moderate concern (ASCE, 2001). Safety, optimisation techniques and programs, value
of wet-dry cycles, frequency of pond cleaning and condition of filters attached to the
structures fall under issues of high concern, whereas security issues and rising ground
water levels are among those of moderate concern in this regard.
10.1 Operational Data Requirements
Realistic estimates of the quantum of water entering and leaving the recharge
area/basin/sub-basin are essential for assessing the volume of water that is recharged.
Stream gauging stations in streams are needed if natural flows or a combination of
natural flow and imported water are being recharged. In case the entire water being
recharged is imported, suitable devices should be used to measure the inflow into the
structure. The accounting of a system that has both surface and sub-surface recharge
structures should also include devices to measure precipitation and
evapotranspiration, which should be added to the inflow and outflow respectively.
Initial measurements should be of sufficient frequency to determine how each of the
parameters being measured varies with time. Once the variation is determined, a
schedule that provides accuracy and economy can be set, which should integrate all
the data being measured for optimizing data collection costs.
The data that should be measured for a recharge system include but are not limited to
the following:
Flow rate, duration and quality of source water.
Inflow and outflow rates, duration and quality of inflow and outflow into and
out of each unit of the recharge system.
Recharge rates versus time for each unit and for the system as a whole.

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Operation and Maintenance

Depth to water and quality of ground water in the area being recharged and
adjacent areas.
Power usage by individual units and for the system as a whole.
Depth to water in the recharge structures versus time ( in case of surface
structures)
Thickness and composition of surface clogging layer when the structure is dry
(in case of surface structures).
Pressure versus time ( in case of pressure injection)
Depth to water in recharge well versus time in case of gravity head recharge
wells.
Precipitation and evaporation from surface ponds.
Temperature of water at inflow and outflow locations.
Time, rate and volume of pumping for each structure and for the system as a
whole.
The data mentioned above helps fine-tune the recharge facility and provides the basis
for corrections in case of problems. Periodic tests of pump efficiency, sampling of
water quality and ground water level measurements should also be made and recorded
on a defined schedule.
Measurement of any flows that pass downstream of the last recharge structure is
needed if the total recharge from the operation is to be assessed. The volume of water
passing the downstream gauging station, adjusted for precipitation and evaporation
can be subtracted from the measured inflow volume to determine the quantum of
water recharged.
10.1.1 Water Level Measurement
Measurement of ground water level in the aquifer, also known as static water level
or potentiometric head is very important in artificial recharge schemes. Water levels
have to be measured after a sufficient time has elapsed since stoppage of pumping or
recharge to allow the water level to become stabilized and the drawdown/mounding
effects to be minimized. Measurement of water levels in wells adjacent to a surface
or subsurface recharge structure are also important as they help determine the shape
and rate of growth of the recharge mound.
10.1.2 Water Quality Measurement
Complete water quality sampling and testing of a recharge scheme including source
and aquifer should be done initially to determine the suitability of water for the
intended use. The testing will provide a basis for the design of any other water quality
treatment facilities that may be needed. After implementation of the scheme, periodic
water quality assessment should be made. Proper training should be imparted to the
personnel involved to ensure that the samples are not contaminated during collection
and transportation.
10.2 Preventive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance of artificial recharge structures implies a periodic action
taken to forestall major repair or replacement of its components. It may be drying up

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Operation and Maintenance

and scarifying of recharge ponds, periodic pumping of recharge wells, or regular
application of lubricants / protective substances to the mechanical parts or
replacement of minor parts that are subject to deterioration or repeated failure. It also
involves regular observation and recording of the behaviour of both static and
dynamic components of the system to detect changes in their inherent condition that
indicates the need for unscheduled maintenance. These include reduction in the
recharge rates, temperature of mechanical parts or rate of settlement.
10.2.1 Maintenance of Surface Recharge Structures
Artificial recharge structures such as percolation ponds and check dams are examples
of wet/dry cycle operation (ASTE, 2001) in which the structures get filled up one or
more times during monsoon and remain dry during the summer season. These
structures can be maintained by removing the silt deposited at the bottom of the
structure periodically. The optimal amount of cleaning would remove the
accumulation of surface material that has reduced the recharge capacity of the
structure.
10.3 Potential Problems
The Problems normally encountered in recharge projects are mainly related to the
source water available for recharge, which generally require some sort of treatment
before use in recharge installations. They are also related to the changes in the soil
structure and the biological phenomena, which take place when infiltration begins, to
the changes of land ownership and legal aspects.
10.3.1 Suspended Material
A major requirement for waters that are to be used in recharge projects is that they
should be silt-free. Silt may be defined as the content of un-dissolved solid matter,
usually measured in mg/l, which settles in stagnant water having velocities not
exceeding 0.1 m/hr. This definition comprises a large variety of materials such as
clay particles, organic matter and fine particles of calcite. The silt content of river
water depends upon the type of soils in the area of run-off, the vegetative cover of this
area, its topographic slopes, meteorological characteristics prevailing in its catchment
and intensity of rainfall.
Suspended matter may clog the soil in two different ways. Near the surface, the
interstices of the soil may be filled up and a layer of mud may be deposited on the
surface. On the other hand, they may penetrate deeper into the soil and accumulate
there. A layer of mud is formed on the surface by particles, the settling velocity of
which exceed infiltration velocities. Smaller suspended particles are filtered out in the
uppermost layer of the soil. The filtration process is governed not only my mechanical
factors, but it seems to be strongly influenced by electro-chemical surface forces.
Still finer particles, especially very fine grains of montmorillonite clay, are carried
further into the soil. Observations in spreading grounds composed of medium-grained
dune sands, showed that these particles become lodged at depths ranging from 10 to
20 m below the surface, and some of these particles are carried even deeper. Semipervious layers situated deep below the sand filter out even those particles and
become progressively clogged.

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Operation and Maintenance

Methods to prevent or minimize the clogging effect by suspended matter can be

classified into the following broad groups:
(a)
(b)

(c)
(d)

Periodical removing of the mud cake and scraping of the surface layer
Installation of a filter on the surface, the permeability of which is lower
than that of the natural strata (the filter must be removed and replaced
periodically)
Addition of organic matter or chemicals to the uppermost layer
Cultivation of certain plant-covers, notably certain kinds of grass

Scraping of the surface layer is effective only in coarse-grained soils. In soils

composed mainly of sand, repeated compaction by heavy machinery may easily
nullify any benefit gained from scraping. Various chemicals and organic matter have
been used to restore infiltration capacities. These include gypsum, various organic
compounds, cotton-gin trash and alfalfa (grown while the pond is still wet and then
spaded under). The growth of a permanent grass-cover has proved to be an effective
method for maintaining infiltration capacities, but it is difficult to select a grass which
grows under a given climatic and soil condition and is able to withstand alternate
periods of flooding and drying.
Clogging by biological activity depends upon the mineralogical and organic
composition of the water and basin floor and upon the grain-size and permeability of
the soil. The only feasible method of treatment developed so far consists in
thoroughly drying the ground under the basin. Experiences seem to indicate that short
periods of operation (about one month), followed by drying, are more effective than
prolonged periods of operation, even if they are followed by a prolonged and most
thorough period of drying during the hot summer.
Clogging and consequent destruction of bore holes may occur as a result of erosion of
the aquifer. If velocities of flow are too high, fine sand and particles from local clay
layers may be dragged outward into the aquifer and clog it or even cause collapse of
the well. The common-sense precautions against these mishaps in semi-consolidated
aquifers are to keep injection rates somewhat below the rate of proved safe continuous
pumping and to avoid frequent sudden changes of the injection rate, which may cause
vibrations. Experience has shown that no deterioration of the aquifer occurs if these
reasonable precautions are taken.
Air bubbles, which are sucked into the well through the injection pipe, cause violent
vibrations when they finally escape upwards. The possibility of air seepage must
therefore be completely eliminated. The only certain way to achieve this is to design
and operate the installation so that positive pressures (exceeding atmospheric
pressure) are maintained everywhere in the injection pipe, even if this entails a
reduction of injection rates.
Bore holes are much more prone to silting than spreading grounds. No acceptable
standard of turbidity can be given. Clarity of the Water should conform to the
standards of good drinking water. Clogging of the bore hole wall by bacterial growth
may occur, even if water of potable standard is injected. Even when chlorination at

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Operation and Maintenance

the well-head carried out, the wells may still require periodic re-development by
mechanical means and pumping.
10.3.2 Environmental Problems
A number of environmental problems may stem from artificial recharge schemes.
Such projects usually have to be carried out in the vicinity of densely populated and
industrial areas, where large quantities of water are needed. The close vicinity of
spreading-grounds to population centers often creates various kinds of problems. In
particular, it is well known that stagnant water serves as a breeding ground for
mosquitoes, flies and a variety of other biological nuisances. The best remedy is to
operate parts of spreading-grounds in sequence, so that water remains in each part for
a shorter period than the larvae stage of the insect's life-cycle. This remedy may,
however, lead to unrealistically large land requirements.
Other types of damages can also be generated by such projects. Artificial recharge is
a procedure designed to raise ground water levels, which, under certain
circumstances, can cause substantial damage such as inundation of basement of
buildings. Damages may also be claimed if the recharged water is of interior quality
to that previously enjoyed by nearby well-owners. Such might be the case where
saline water, originating from treated sewerage effluent, is recharged into a freshwater
aquifer. In such instances, more water is made available, say, for irrigation, but the
practice may simultaneously create a deterioration of water used for drinking
purposes.
There is no general solution for such problems. Each case has to be studied
independently, taking into account the physical, economic, human and legal aspects.
There is no doubt, however, that in most cases the overall benefits of such projects in
water-short areas largely transcend the drawbacks.
10.3.3 Water Quality Problems
Various chemical processes such as adsorption, ion-exchange, oxidation and
dissolution are expected to occur during the process of artificial recharge. Adsorption
processes can occur at several levels from precipitated flocs to individual ion
adsorption. Iron oxyhydroxide and organic flocs are particularly sticky substances and
usually get adsorbed on aquifer particles and reduce the amount of water that can
move through the aquifer. Acidification can be attempted to recover some
permeability.
Ion-Exchange is significant if the aquifer water is brackish to saline. The clay
particles typically have Sodium in exchange positions and these sodium ions are
stable in high TDS conditions. Artificial recharge results in a reduction in TDS due to
injection of lower TDS water and this increase reaction between dissolved ions in
ground water. Calcium will replace the sodium in the exchange position, converting
the clay to calcium rich clay. This exchange destabilizes the attached clay particles
and allows them to move into the pore spaces of the aquifer, causing plugging.
Most aquifers are under either moderately oxidizing or reducing environments.
Artificial recharge process with recharge water of more oxidizing nature than the

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Operation and Maintenance

ground water will destabilize the equilibrium of native ground water oxidation
reduction conditions and cause chemical reactions to occur. Siderite (Iron
Carbonate), Pyrite and Marcasite are the most susceptible to oxidation by recharge
water. Depending upon how much of these minerals are present in the aquifer, the
plugging of pores by iron oxyhydroxide flocs takes place. This plays a major role in
areas where the pollutants get release and mobilized in an aquifer.
Solubility is a complex process that can involve several phases. Formation of calcite
due to chemical reaction can be considered as an example. Carbon-dioxide
participates in macrobiotic reactions and depending on PH, carbonic acid, bicarbonate
and carbonate form in sequence with increasing pH. Finally, with sufficiently high
calcium and carbonate concentrations, Calcite precipitates.
10.4 Physical, Biological and Chemical Compatibility of Water
Artificial recharge through injection wells can be effectively achieved if the recharge
water is chemically and physically compatible with the native ground water. If the
recharge water has similar chemical and physical characteristics, it will mix with the
ground water without producing any undesirable effect in the aquifer media. It is
impractical to determine whether the two waters are compatible by using only the few
known factors and also it will be difficult to monitor the physicochemical
environment in the aquifer system which is subjected to stress and strain through
artificial recharge.
10.4.1 Physical Compatibility
i) Temperature
Two physical properties that relate to the compatibility of the recharge water and
native ground water are viscosity and density. Viscosity and density are inversely
proportional to temperature. If the injected water is colder than the native ground
water, the injected water tends to settle towards the bottom owing to its greater
density and viscosity. Cold water has greater viscosity and therefore moves through
the interstices of an aquifer less freely than warm water. Thus, if the temperature of
water in an aquifer is reduced, the effective permeability of the aquifer also gets
reduced.
ii) Suspended Material
The presence of small amounts of suspended material in recharge water will seriously
affect the performance of an injection well and the aquifer materials adjacent to the
well. The degree of clogging depends not only upon the amount of sediment but also
upon the composition of the sediment, the size of the particles, the composition of the
aquifer materials and interstitial space in the aquifer. The effect of clogging in an
injection well can be recognized by observing the injection rate and water level in the
injection well. Clogging due to silt entry into the injection well causes a steady
increase in the head.
In order to minimize the entry of silt in the recharge well, effective filtration of
surface water through slow-sand filter is generally followed. Depending upon the

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Operation and Maintenance

turbidity level of surface water, two-stage filtration can be adopted if required with a
rapid filtration stage followed with slow filtration. It is necessary to monitor the
turbidity of recharge water periodically. During the recharge process, if the records of
water level and injection rate indicate clogging, it is necessary to surge (back flush)
the injection well with heavy discharge pumps for a short duration. Surging helps in
the removal of silt settled in the well section and in the aquifer zones adjacent to the
well. If the recharge process is continued without surging, the suspended particles
may enter into the interior part of the aquifer and it would be difficult to remove the
particles settled in the interstices. It is advisable to do the surging periodically,
irrespective of any indications of clogging.
iii) Air
Air introduced into a well during recharge may affect the permeability of the aquifer
through both physical and chemical processes. The air bubbles occupy the space in
the interstices, thereby reducing the effective porosity and block the movement of
water. The bubbles are normally tightly held on to the aquifer materials by molecular
attraction and get diffused very slowly. In fresh water used for injection, the ratio of
dissolved oxygen, nitrogen and other atmospheric gases is virtually constant at normal
water temperature, unless the oxygen content is reduced or increased by biological
activity. Clogging by air bubbles is easily recognized by a sharp increase in injection
well water level immediately after recharge operations start. The air clogging is easily
seen by formation of air foaming when the injection operation is stopped. Physical
entrapment of air in the recharge well can be minimized by carrying the injection pipe
some distance below the static water level in the well. Surging operations may help in
removing some air clogging near the well screen.
10.4.2 Biological Compatibility
Biological suitability of the recharge water is also an important factor controlling
effective artificial recharge. Pathogenic bacteria can render a ground water unfit as a
source of drinking water. Other harmless bacteria species may lead to coloring of
ground water and cause unpleasant taste and odour. Bacteria in a suspended matter
multiply rapidly when their food supply is abundant. When they enter the recharge
well along with recharge water and multiply in the well screen openings or in the
gravel pack, resulting in clogging or reduction in intake rate. In the case of
bacteriological clogging, the rise in injection head reaches its maximum value after
some days only. When biodegradable matter is present in the injection water, a
complete sealing of the well may occur within one or two weeks. Pre-treatment
through slow sand filtration of injected water and chlorination may prevent the growth
of bacteria in an injection well. Maintaining a residual chlorine level of 1-2 mg/l in
the injection well is recommended for minimising the biological clogging.
10.4.3 Chemical Compatibility
Bore hole injection operations encounter difficulties when the recharge water reacts
with the native ground water or with the aquifer material. The reaction may lead to
formation of insoluble deposits in the pore spaces, hindering the ground water
movement. Three reaction stages over time and space may be distinguished:

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Operation and Maintenance

i)

ii)

iii)

At the very beginning of the recharge process, the native ground water is
displaced by the recharge water. During the initial phase of recharge
experiment, a mixed zone (a zone containing recharge and native ground
water) is expected to form and in this zone, the reactions may take place.
This is particularly disadvantageous with well injection, where in the
immediate vicinity of the well a small reduction in pore space appreciably
increases flow resistance. Formation of mixed zone cannot be prevented,
but it is possible to prevent the formation of a mixed zone in the near
vicinity of the well by injecting an amount of non-reactive water, which
effects deposition at a distance sufficiently away from the well so that the
intake capacity of the well is not affected.
With passage of time, all the native ground water in the aquifer is replaced
by recharge water. Reactions are now only possible between recharged
water and aquifer matrix. Mostly, the reactions may result in an increase of
the mineral content of recharged water.
During the recovery of recharged water from the wells, the abstracted
water from the recharge well will, in the initial stages, be very close to
injected water in quality. With passage of time, extraction will be a
mixture of recharge water and native ground water. As a result of
incompatibility of recharge water and native ground water, blocking of the
formation will again take place around the wells used for abstraction.

10.5 Maintenance of Roof Top Rainwater Harvesting System

Maintenance of roof top rainwater harvesting system (RRHS) is simple and costs
little. As the entire system is household-based, it becomes one of the assets of the
household and hence could be maintained best by the users themselves. It requires
continuous care and maintenance just as any other asset in the household. In fact,
maintenance of RRHS should get priority over other household assets, as it ensures
the good health of all people in the household. Cleanliness of surroundings as well as
the system including its various components such as roof, gutters, filtration unit and
the storage tank, will ensure supply of water of potable quality throughout the water
scarcity period for the drinking and cooking purposes of the household.
10.5.1 Tips for Maintenance of the RRHS
Always keep the surroundings of the tank clean and hygienic
Remove algae from the roof tiles and asbestos sheets before the monsoon
Drain the tank completely and clean the inside of the tank thoroughly before the
monsoon
Clean the water channels (gutters) often during rainy season and definitely before
the first monsoon rain
Avoid first 15 or 20 minutes of rainfall depending on the intensity of rain. Use the
first flush arrangement to drain off this first rainwater.
Change the filter media every rainy season
Cover all inlet and outlet pipes with closely knit nylon net or fine cloth or cap
during non-rainy season to avoid entry of insects, worms and mosquitoes
Withdraw water from the system at the rate of 5 litres/head/day. This will ensure
availability of water throughout the water scarcity period.

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Operation and Maintenance

Leakage or cracks in the storage tank should be immediately attended to. This will
obviate the need for major repairs caused by propagation of cracks.
Heavy loads should not be applied on the lid.
Water should not be allowed to stagnate in the collection pit
The tap should have lock system to prevent pilferage or wastage of water
The filter material should be washed thoroughly before replacing in the filter
bucket
In coastal areas, the outer side of the tank may be painted with corrosion-resistant
paint at least once in 3 years and in other areas lime (Calcium Carbonate) based
whitewash may be applied regularly.
People may be educated by providing the above tips for maintenance of the system
through pictures, handouts and wall posters. The implementing agency should visit
the structures as follow-up to monitor and motivate the users in proper maintenance of
the systems. There could be informal group discussions among the users on the
maintenance aspects of the Roof Top Rainwater Harvesting Systems.
As a precautionary and preventive measure, the water from the storage tank may also
be tested for the presence of disease causing micro organisms. This task may be taken
up by the implementing agency as an immediate follow up of the construction of the
systems. This helps the agency to find out the users attention to the maintenance of
the system as well as necessary awareness to be given on various maintenance
aspects.

Manual on Artificial Recharge of Ground Water

179

Acknowledgements

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The group of scientists who compiled this Manual on Artificial Recharge to Ground
Water wish to place on record their sincere thanks to Shri.B.M.Jha, Chairman, Central
Ground Water Board for his keen interest in this work and for his inspiring guidance.
They are also thankful to Dr. Saleem Romani,Chairman (Retd.), Central Ground
Water Board, under whose tenure the group was constituted for his guidance and
support.
This manual has been compiled from various sources in the form of books, reports,
manuals, electronic documents on the web and individual contributions from a
number of scientists. Thanks are due to all of them.
A number of officers and officials of Central Ground Water Board have assisted the
group at various levels during the preparation of this manual and the group gratefully
acknowledge all of them.

Manual on Artificial Recharge of Ground Water

180

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