ENHANCING AQUIFER SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH DECENTRALIZED RAINWATER HARVESTING SYSTEMS

Abstract

This study investigates the effectiveness of decentralized rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems in enhancing aquifer sustainability through a combination of field trials, hydrological simulations, and statistical analysis. The field trials were conducted in an urban watershed where decentralized RWH systems, including permeable pavements, bio-swales, and infiltration trenches, were integrated to promote groundwater recharge. The study sites were monitored over one year to assess changes in groundwater levels, with results showing a significant increase in groundwater levels, particularly at Site A, where a 20% improvement was observed. Hydrological simulations using the SWAT and MODFLOW models predicted similar positive impacts, demonstrating that the implementation of RWH systems could significantly enhance aquifer recharge. Infiltration rates varied across different techniques, with infiltration trenches showing the highest rate (30 mm/h), followed by permeable pavements (25 mm/h) and bio-swales (20 mm/h). These findings suggest that decentralized RWH systems, when combined with permeable infrastructure, offer a viable and cost-effective solution to address groundwater depletion and promote sustainable water management in urban areas. The study provides valuable insights for integrating RWH systems into urban planning to enhance aquifer sustainability and improve water security in water-scarce regions.