Rainwater harvesting is a method to capture and store rainwater for various uses. It is also used to recharge groundwater aquifers. It is a low-cost and eco-friendly technique for preserving every drop of water by guiding the rainwater to borewells, pits and wells. Rainwater harvesting increases water availability, checks the declining groundwater table, improves the quality of groundwater through the dilution of contaminants, like fluoride and nitrates, prevents soil erosion, and flooding and arrests saltwater intrusion in coastal areas if used to recharge aquifers.

Which of the following statement is correct about rainwater harvesting?

A- It increases water availability.

B- It improves the quality of groundwater by increasing the concentration of contaminants like fluoride and nitrates.

C- It checks the declining groundwater table.

D- It prevents soil erosion.

E- It arrests saltwater intrusion in coastal areas if used to recharge aquifers.

A, C, D and E

The correct answer is Option 2: A, C, D and E

• A. It increases water availability (Correct). Rainwater harvesting captures rainwater, making more water available.

• B. It improves the quality of groundwater by increasing the concentration of contaminants  (Incorrect). ➔ It actually reduces the concentration of contaminants like fluoride and nitrates through dilution, not increases.

• C. It checks the declining groundwater table (Correct). By recharging aquifers, it helps stop the groundwater table from falling.

• D. It prevents soil erosion (Correct). Proper management of rainwater flow helps in preventing soil erosion.

• E. It arrests saltwater intrusion in coastal areas if used to recharge aquifers  (Correct). Recharging groundwater reduces the risk of saltwater entering freshwater aquifers in coastal areas.