जल संसाधन, नदी विकास और गंगा संरक्षण विभाग

कें द्रीय भूमि जल बोर्ड Department of Water Resources, राष्ट्रीय जल मिशन

River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation
Central Ground Water Board National Water Mission
जल शक्ति मंत्रालय
Ministry of Jal Shakti,
भारत सरकार
Government of India

SIMPLE AND PRACTICAL METHODS

OF ARTIFICIAL RECHARGE FOR
GROUNDWATER AUGMENTATION

HA T
W HO
FARIDABAD

W
JANUARY 2025

WHY
R E
HE
W
Note to Readers

4 This document serves as a basic guideline for artificial groundwater recharge. It is specifically
designed for individuals who may not be experts in groundwater science or artificial
recharge techniques.
4 While readers can refer to specific sections based on their needs, reading the entire
document is recommended for a comprehensive understanding and effective planning.
4 The information provided has been intentionally kept simple and concise to ensure
accessibility for all users. However, its applicability may vary depending on local site
conditions. Readers are encouraged to consult the referenced manuals and guidelines in this
document for additional details.
 CONTENTS

WhatisArtificial Recharge andwhyis it required? 01

Howto doArtificial Recharge in individual houses? 05

Canartificial recharge bedonein thepremises ofschools,offices, 11

commercial and residential complexes?

Howtodoartificial recharge atVillage andPanchayat level? 15

Whichartificial recharge systems are suitable for Urban areas? 21

Whatarethesuitable methodsfor waterconservation andartificial

25
recharge inagriculturalfields?

Canartificial recharge bedone in hillyareas? 27

Whatare some low-costinterventions forArtificial Recharge? 29

Whatare the possible impacts of artificial recharge ongroundwater

31
quality?

Whatshould beconsidered in thedesign andmaintenance of

35
recharge systems?
What is Artificial Recharge
and why is it required?

1
1. What is Artificial Recharge and why is it required?

Natural recharge is the process in which water from rainfall seeps downward from
the ground and is stored in aquifers.
The amount of water that can be
recharged naturally depends on the
slope of the land, the duration of
water retention, geographical
location, availability of rechargeable
area, etc. In many cases, adequate
recharge does not occur due to
unfavorable natural conditions. Natural recharge
Natural recharge
Human activities, urbanization and
concretisation result in reduction in
recharge-worthy area. Further, natural
recharge may not be sufficient to
compensate the increasing abstraction of
groundwater.
It is possible to increase recharge by
constructing suitable structures. This
process of increasing recharge is called
artificial recharge.
Artificial Recharge

Artificial recharge has the following benefits/advantages:

• Arrest decline in ground water levels.
• Enhance availability of ground water.
• Sustain drinking water sources.
• Improve yields of irrigation wells
• Increase recharge in urban areas which has decreased drastically due to
paving.
• Prevent urban flooding
• Improve ground water quality by dilution.
• Restrict sea-water ingress.

2
2. What are the various techniques or methods of Artificial Recharge?

Artificial recharge techniques can be broadly categorised into three categories

surface, sub surface and combination techniques.

i. Surface Techniques:
This is done by restricting surface
flow, impounding water on surface
or by spreading (also called
flooding). Major variants are
PercolationTanks, Check Dams,
Ditch and furrow system, Flooding
Surface Technique-Percolation Tank
and over Irrigation.

ii. Sub Surface Techniques:

This is done by putting water

directly to the aquifers and the
variants include Recharge pits,
Recharge shafts, recharge wells or
Injection wells etc.

Sub-Surface Technique: Recharge Pit

iii. Combination of Surface–Sub-
Surface Techniques:

The surface and sub-surface

techniques described above can also
be combined to get more out of the
recharge interventions. One such
example is a recharge well within a
percolation tank.

Combination Technique: Percolation Tank with

a recharge pit

3
3. Are there any detailed guidelines and manual available for artificial
recharge?
Yes, CGWB has prepared “Guide on Artificial Recharge to Groundwater” and
“Manual on Artificial Recharge to Groundwater” which has been placed in
CGWB website. The link of the same is provided below:

https://cgwb.gov.in/cgwbpnm/public/uploads/documents/1679997242339591060file.pdf
https://cgwb.gov.in/cgwbpnm/public/uploads/documents/16861384061006484074file.pdf

4
 How to do Artificial
Recharge in individual
houses?

5
1. What are most suitable structures for individual houses?
Rooftop Rain water harvesting structures are the most suitable structures for the
individual houses.

2. What is Rooftop rainwater harvesting?

Roof Top Rainwater Harvesting is a method of harvesting Rain water from roof
areas and then directing it via gutters and pipes into storage tanks or recharging
the aquifers.

Basically, a rooftop rainwater harvesting system consists of the following

components
1: Rooftop catchment area
2: Drainpipes/gutters and downpipes
3: Mesh Filters
4: First Flush Arrangement
5: Wall Mounted Filter
1 6: Storage Tank
7: Artificial recharge pit with filter

3
2
2 1
4
4

5
7
6

Rooftop rainwater harvesting system

3. Do I need a special type of roof for rainwater harvesting?

All roofs can be used for rainwater harvesting. However, less absorbent and slopy
roofs are best for rainwater harvesting as they will generate more runoff. Tin
sheds, RCC roofs etc. are best for harvesting. As a roofing material asbestos is
not suitable for Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting.

6
4. Why do I need to install a wire mesh filter?
A mesh filter at the entry point of the drainpipe will
prevent leaves and other large objects from
entering the drainpipe. Avoid using very fine mesh
filters as it may cause waterlogging on the roof. Wire
Wire Mesh
Mesh Filter
filter

5. What are arrangements for first flush?

Dust, dry leaves etc may get
accumulated on the roof. Thus,
the first spell of rain is likely to
carry these dust and dry leaves
through the pipes. To avoid this
from entering the filtration unit,
it is recommended to use a first
flow diverter. This will facilitate
discarding (flushing) the first
rain laden with impurities. A
simple valve will serve the
purpose. By default, the valve
First flush setup
should be kept closed and it
should be opened after the first spell of rain washes the dust from the roof.
6. What is a Filter and What should be the design and dimensions of the
filter?
A filter is a device or structure that removes impurities, debris, and contaminants
from collected rainwater, ensuring clean water enters storage or recharge
structures, thereby preventing blockages and maintaining water quality.

7
Filters are mainly of two types
i) In situ Filter: An inverted filter, constructed on site is a pit dug and filled with
three layers: Pebbles (at bottom), followed by
Gravel (in middle) and then coarse/ fine sand (at
top) Water enters from top of filter media and
percolate down.
One can also install a screen to keep out pests and
mosquitoes.
In situ Filter
ii) Wall Mounted filters: Filters can also be
made with PVC pipes, where the
filtration material like pebbles,
gravel and sand are placed within
the PVC pipe. Such filters can be
placed horizontally as well as
vertically. These can be of different
types and of different capacity,
Wall Mounted filters
depending on the roof area. Various
types of filters are available in the market.

Accurate designs and assessment of accurate dimensions of the various

components of the recharge system will depend on local rainfall intensity and
local hydrogeological conditions. For the purpose of simplicity, following broad
dimensions are recommended

Size of the filtration unit can be of around 2 cubic m (2 m (length) X 1 m (width)

X 1 m (depth)). This size of a filtration unit is expected to be sufficient for a roof
area of 100 sq.m (1000 sq. feet).

8
7. Can I recharge using a borewell?
Both functional and abandoned borewell/tubewell/dugwell can be utilised for
artificial recharge to ground water. For recharging of wells which are in use, only
rooftop rainwater should be used after filtration and overland flow should not be
used for recharging these wells.

Abandoned wells can also be used for artificial recharge. However, while using
abandoned wells for recharging the following points may be taken into
consideration

• Wells that were initially productive, but have become defunct due to
decline in water level are the most suitable for artificial recharge
• Wells that are collapsed, but are partially filled can also act as recharge
structures
• Wells that are abandoned due to poor ground water quality should be
avoided
• A well that does not tap a potential aquifer cannot act as a recharge
structure
• Dug wells can be converted into recharge shafts by providing an inverted
filter at the bottom to arrest silt and improve the recharge rate.
• Even for recharging the abandoned borewells, the source water should be
clean and filtered before diverting to the borewell

8. Does this system require maintenance?

Yes, you should maintain the rooftop rainwater harvesting system by cleaning its
filter media once or twice in a year. If you have inverted filter media in pit then
remove top sand layer before every monsoon. Also, the roof area should also be
kept clean.

9
You can also refer and follow the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) developed
by Government of Haryana on maintenance of Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting
Structure.

(https://hwra.org.in/Content/Images/Guidelines%20for%20construction%20and%
20maintenance%20of%20Rooftop%20Rainwater%20Harvesting%20Structure
English.pdf)

9. How much rainwater can I collect from my roof?

The volume of water that can be harvested depends on amount of rainfall and the
catchment type. Entire rain falling on the roof cannot be harvested as some might
get lost due to processes like evaporation. Typically, 80% of the water falling on
a roof can be harvested.

Total water that can be harvested in a season or the entire year, can be estimated
using the formula given below.

Water available from roof (liters) = Rainfall (in mm) X Area of roof (in sq.m) X
0.8 (runoff coefficient)

Rainfall measurements provided by India Meteorological Department (IMD) can

be used (mausam.imd.gov.in/responsive/rainfallinformation_swd.php?msg=M)

10
 Can artificial recharge be
done in schools, offices,
commercial and residential
complexes?

11
1. What would be the most suitable structures for offices, schools,
residential and commercial complexes?
The following three types of artificial recharge structures are most suitable for
offices, schools, residential complexes and commercial establishments.

Artificial Artificial Harvesting

recharge by recharge by of roof
rooftop rain harvesting water in
water overland tanks
harvesting flow

Artificial recharge through Roof top Rain water Harvesting

1. As per details given in the previous section.
2. The dimensions of the recharge structure will be defined according to
the size of the roofs.
3. Water collected from multiple rooftops can be connected to a single
recharge system.
4. As described in the previous section, mesh filters and inverted filters
can be used.
5. Generally, recharge structures are of following types:

Recharge Rechage Trench Trench with Borewell

Borewell/Shaft

12
Artificial Recharge by harvesting overland flow

• Water flowing over open areas including paved areas, lawns etc can be
diverted through drains to the recharge structure

• A filter (as described in the previous section) must be used before putting
the harvested water to the recharge structure.
• Water collected from the open area is likely to have large silt load so it is
advisable to use a silt trap or a desilting chamber before water is allowed
to enter the filter. An indicate design is given below
1m 2m
Inflow
Overflow Recharge Overflow
Inflow Shaft with
Recharge
Chamber
Desilting
Filter
Desilting Shaft 2m

2m
Chamber with Filter

Desiltation Chamber and Recharge Desiltation Chamber and Recharge

Shaft with Filter - Plan View Shaft with Filter – Cross Section

• Recharge shafts, trenches, shallow recharge wells or their combinations

can be constructed
• Since overland flow is likely to contain contaminants, it is advisable that
the depth of the recharge structure should not go below local ground water
level. For Example: if the ground water level is at 10 m below ground, the
depth of the recharge structure (shaft or borewell) should be 3 to 5 m above
the ground water level.

13
 An Artificial Recharge System (Desilting Chamber, Filters and Recharge Borewell) in Faridabad

Roof top rainwater harvesting for building premises in hilly area

• Artificial Recharge may not feasible or
an effective option in hilly areas where
slope is high and where aquifers may
not be able to retain recharge.
• In such areas, it may be more effective
to filter and store the rainwater and use
it for the purposes it is suitable for. Roof Top Rainwater Harvesting
• Ready-made filters and Storage tanks
available in the market can also be used.

2. Whether artificial recharge will have an adverse impact on the

foundations of nearby structures?
Artificial Recharge to Groundwater is advisable in areas where the depth to
groundwater level after the rainy season (post monsoon) is more than 3 m bgl.
Otherwise, there will be a rise in the groundwater levels and may lead to water
logged situation which is likely to damage foundations.

14
How to do artificial recharge
at Village and Panchayat
Level?

15
1. Which are the most suitable artificial recharge structures for my
village?
Suitability of recharge structures depend
mostly on the slope and geology of an area.
Ideally, a watershed approach should be
followed for a village or a group of villages.

At different slope levels, the following

recharge structures and their variants are Watershed
recommended

• In high slope areas, embankments like

gully plugs, gabion structures, rock fill
dams etc. can be constructed with narrow
drainage channels

• In areas with intermediate slopes, check

dams etc. can be constructed with drainage

• Percolation tanks can also be constructed

where water can be spread over a larger
area.

• As mentioned in the previous section,

recharge pits, recharge shafts etc. can be
constructed in office/school premises and
private houses.

• Towards the mouth of the watershed, sub-

surface dams can be constructed to
conserve baseflow.

16
Gully plugs: Built within eroded channels
or gullies to slow down or stop water flow,
prevent further erosion, and encourage
water infiltration. Gully plugs can be made
of locally available materials like rocks,
sandbags or soil.

Gabion Structures: Boulders held

together with steel wire are placed across
small streams to serve as a bund.

Rockfill Dams (RFD)/Earthen Dams:

Small barriers across small nalas using rock
or earth materials.

Check Dams: Small, low-height

masonry/concrete dams built across
streams having gentle slope. Check dam
with recharge shafts and wells can also be
constructed with certain modification to
recharge deeper aquifers where shallow
formations are impermeable or clayey.

Percolation Tanks and Ponds: are

designed for water conservation and
groundwater recharge. They capture
rainwater/run off/storm water, allowing it
to percolate into the soil and recharge
groundwater. Percolation tanks with
recharge shafts and wells can also be
constructed where shallow formations are
impermeable or clayey.

17
Sub-Surface Dykes/Barriers (SSD/SSB): Similar to a bund constructed on
surface to restrict surface flow, sub-surface dykes (or subsurface dams or sub-
surface barriers) are constructed below the ground surface to restrict sub-surface
flow or baseflow.

Sub-Surface Dyke Illustration Sub-Surface Dyke

2. What are the combination Techniques and what are their advantages?
The combination techniques include employing both surface and sub surface
methods of artificial recharge. For example, recharge shafts can be constructed
within a check dam/percolation tank. Such combinations help in increasing rate
of recharge and also in recharging deeper aquifers.

Percolation tank with Recharge shaft

18
3. How to convert a Village Tanks to a Recharge Structures
Existing village tanks, often silted and damaged, can be modified for groundwater
recharge. By desilting and constructing recharge shafts within the tanks, these
tanks can serve as effective recharge structures. It is to be kept in mind that the
tanks should be kept clean to avoid contamination of groundwater.

4. What measures are essential for effective Operation and Maintenance

(O & M) of Artificial Recharge structures?
Regular desilting, cleaning and repairs are required to prevent clogging and
deterioration of the structures and to maintain recharge efficiency. Ensure that the
source water is of adequate quality to prevent contamination of the aquifers.
Recharge structures including ponds and tanks are to be kept clean, filters are to
be cleaned periodically to prevent contamination of groundwater

5. Which areas are not suitable for Artificial Recharge?

Following areas may not be suitable for artificial recharge:

• Areas with depth to water levels less than 3 m (in post monsoon Period)
below ground level should be avoided as it may cause water logging.
However, harvested rainwater in these areas can be stored in storage tanks,
if required.
• Artificial Recharge through techniques other than surface spreading should
be avoided in regions with industrial, chemical, or hazardous waste as they
may contaminate the aquifers.
• Artificial Recharge through techniques other than surface spreading should
be avoided in regions covered with limestones. Because of the presence of
solution cavities, contaminated water may get directly (without moving
through the intervening soil layer) added to groundwater. This may result
in contamination.

19
20
Which artificial recharge
systems are suitable for
Cities/Urban areas?

21
1. What types of artificial recharge systems are useful for cities/urban
areas?

• Pervious/perforated pavements can be used in pathways, parking areas etc.

• Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting in households is the most effective way for water
conservation/artificial recharge in the urban areas. Please refer details in the previous
chapters
• Techniques recommended for building premises of residential societies, schools etc
as described in the previous sections are also suitable for urban areas.
• Artificial Recharge in urban area can also help in mitigating urban flooding
• Following variants can also be considered.

• Pervious pavements can be • Construction of new ponds • Construction of shallow

used in open spaces or paths or restoration/rejuevnation recharge pits with filters in
of old ponds parks.

• Recharge borewells with • Small barriers to restrict

filters within the shaft in water flow and recharge in • Flood water can be used
parks. parks. for recharge

22
Simultaneous solution to waterlogging and decline in water level – Case
Study from Faridabad

Following are the Findings of a DST sponsored research project for co-
solving urban flooding and ground water decline implemented by Water
Centre of Manav Rachna International Institute for Research and Studies

• Nearly 20 square kilometers along both sides of National Highway 19 in

Faridabad City Area was found to be vulnerable to urban waterlogging.

• Four sites were selected for a pilot study within this area to construct and
test the aquifer storage and recovery system.

• Local newspapers and resident welfare associations have reported that water
logging is no longer persistent and their domestic reverse osmosis water
filters are working more effectively due to the improvements in
groundwater quality.

• Analysis of groundwater samples of nearby production wells found no

presence of heavy metals or toxic constituents.

------Source: Mukherjee, A (2024), Down To Earth, October 2024 issue

23
24
 What are the suitable
methods for water
conservation and artificial
recharge in agricultural
fields?

25
1. What are the most appropriate methods to recharge/conserve
groundwater in farms/agricultural areas?

• Rainfed agricultural fields are one of the most effective sources of natural
recharge.

• If it is not harmful to the crops, raising the heights of the levees by a few
inches will allow impounding of more amount of water there by increasing
the volume of water being recharged.

• Since water in agriculture fields may contain fertiliser and pesticide

residues, artificial recharge techniques like recharge pits, recharge shafts or
recharge borewells should not be
used in agriculture fields.

• Water Conservation structures like

farm ponds are small water bodies
built in or near agricultural fields
to store rainwater for various uses
Farm Pond
like irrigation, aquaculture etc.

• Laser Levelling and Water

efficient techniques like drip
irrigation, sprinkler irrigation etc.
should be used to reduce water
use in irrigation.
Sprinkler Irrigation

26
Can Artificial Recharge be
done in hilly areas?

27
1. What measures should be adopted for artificial recharge/rainwater
harvesting in hilly areas?

Following are the most suitable interventions in high slope hilly regions

Bench Terrace is a structure built on Contour Trenches are shallow

sloped terrains. Benches are levelled excavations dug along contour lines and
"steps" or "benches" carved into the raised embankments along contour of a
slope. This design effectively slows slope respectively. They hold the run off
down water movement, increases water for longer periods, retard erosion of
retention, conserves soil moisture and slope, stabilize slopes, increase soil
retards erosion. moisture and vegetation along the slopes.

Roof top rainwater harvesting and Spring Management requires

storge for direct uses are most suitable in identifying the recharge areas of a spring,
hilly region. Rainwater can be collected and constructing structures like gully
from rooftops of buildings and channeled plugs, contour trenches, recharge pits,
to storage tanks for domestic use. etc to capture runoff and allow it to
percolate into the ground, effectively
replenishing the spring source.

28
 What are some
low-cost interventions for
artificial recharge?

29
1. Can functional and defunct borewells/dug wells be used for groundwater
recharge?

Functional and defunct wells can be effectively utilized for artificial recharge,
without the need for additional investment in new structures.
While using operational wells for artificial recharge only rooftop rainwater should
be used after filtration. Overland flow should not be put into wells that are
currently in use.
Abandoned wells can also be used for artificial recharge. However, while using
abandoned wells for recharging the following points may be taken into
consideration

• Wells that were initially productive, but have become defunct due to
decline in water level are the most suitable for artificial recharge
• Wells that are collapsed, but are partially
filled can also act as recharge structures
• Wells that are abandoned due to poor
ground water quality should be avoided
• A well that does not tap a potential aquifer
cannot act as a recharge structure Use of unused borewells for
groundwater recharge
• Dug wells can be converted into recharge
structure by providing an inverted filter at the bottom.
• While using abandoned borewells for recharge source water should be
clean and should be filtered before diverting to the borewell
2. How to make low-cost filters for artificial recharge structures?

• Locally available sand and stone chips can

be used to fill the filter pit.
• Drums/Barrels can be used instead of
constructing masonry walls within the
recharge pits. Use of drums in recharge pits

30
 What are the
possible impacts of artificial
recharge on groundwater
quality?

31
1. Can artificial recharge cause groundwater contamination?

Yes, if proper precautions are not taken, artificial recharge can cause ground
water contamination.

• What measures should be considered to prevent contamination of

groundwater during recharge?

• The poor-quality water as source water should not be used for artificial
recharge.
• Asbestos as a roofing material is not suitable for rooftop rain water
harvesting.
• In case of rooftop rainwater harvesting systems, run-off generated from the
first spell of rain should be avoided as it is likely to contain impurities.
• Filters should be used and it should be cleaned periodically.
• Artificial recharge system should be cleaned regularly.
• Since overland flow is likely to contain contaminants, it is advisable that
the depth of the recharge structure should not go below local ground water
level. For Example: if the ground water level is at 10 m below ground, the
depth of the recharge structure (shaft or borewell) should be 3 to 5 m above
the ground water level.
• Except surface spreading technique, no other artificial recharge techniques
should be used in areas with industrial, chemical or hazardous waste as
they may contaminate the aquifers.
• In areas underlain by limestones, artificial recharge should not be done
through techniques other than surface spreading. Due to the presence of
soluble cavities, contaminated water may seep directly into groundwater
(without moving through the soil layer). This may result in contamination
of groundwater.

32
 • Since water from agricultural fields may contain fertilizer and pesticide
residues, artificial recharge techniques such as recharge pits, recharge
shafts or recharge borewells should not be used in agricultural fields.

2. Can kitchen/toilet wastewater be used for groundwater recharge?

No, because it will lead to groundwater contamination, pose risks to health and
environment, reduce the inherent recharge capacity and pose challenges for
regulatory measures.

3. Can artificial recharge help in improving groundwater quality?

Yes, artificial recharge can dilute concentrations of existing contaminants in the

aquifer, leading to improved water quality.

4. Can treated water be used for artificial recharge?

Treated waste water can be used for artificial recharge provided, it meets the
quality standards. In general, treated waste water is not recommended for
recharge using methods other than surface spreading.
• South Western Region, CGWB.
• The study found that the treated water is most probably not contributing to any
contamination of surface and ground water in HN Valley Project. However, in
KC Valley Project are, treated water is the likely source of bacteriological
contamination of surface water and ground water in the area.

33
34
What should be considered
in the design and
maintenance of recharge
systems?

35
1. What points should be kept in mind during design and maintenance
of recharge system?

Following points are required to be considered for designing, construction and

maintenance of rainwater harvesting and artificial recharge structures:

 Capacity Calculation: Design the recharge pit or well based on roof

catchment area, average rainfall. This ensures that the system can store the
volume of water generated during peak rainfall. For details the users can
refer to the manual on artificial recharge of ground water:
https://cgwb.gov.in/cgwbpnm/public/uploads/documents/1679997242339
591060file.pdf

 Depth and Diameter: For recharge wells or shafts, the depth should be

sufficient to reach permeable layers, while the diameter should be based on

volume of water and site conditions.

 Multiple Structures (if required): In areas with heavy rainfall or large

rooftops, consider constructing multiple recharge structures to distribute

the water load and maximize efficiency.

 Gutters and Pipes: Use durable, corrosion-resistant materials (e.g., PVC

or galvanized iron) for gutters and downpipes to channel water from the
roof to the storage tank/harvesting pit.

 Prevent Water Logging: Artificial Recharge Structures are not

recommended in areas where water levels are shallower than 3m (below

ground level) in post-monsoon period. Rainwater storage structures can be
constructed in these areas.

36
 Roof Material: Ensure the rooftop material is non-toxic and suitable for

water collection. Avoid roofs with hazardous materials like asbestos.

 Periodic Inspection: Regularly inspect the entire system, including the

rooftop, gutters, filters, and storage tank, for damage or clogging.

 First Flush Device: Install a first flush system to divert the initial rainwater

from rooftops, which may contain impurities.

 Mesh Filters: Install mesh filters on the gutter ends to prevent debris like

leaves, twigs, and dirt from entering the pipes.

 Desilting and Filtration: Install desilting and filter system to remove

suspended solids and debris from rain water before entering the recharge
structure. Use materials like sand, pebble, and gravel as filtration layers.
Ready-made filters available in the market can also be used.

Filter Recharge Bore Well Recharge Bore Well

 Avoiding Contamination: Ensure the recharge pit or well is located away

from septic tanks, soak pits, and contaminated areas. Ensure that
contaminated water does not flow into the structure. Refer to the guidelines
for prevention of contamination given in the previous section.

 Cleaning: Clean storage tanks and pipes annually before the monsoon

season to ensure water quality is not compromised. Clean the roof (or the

37
 lawn, paved area etc as the case may be) regularly to remove dust, leaves,
and other contaminants that can affect water quality. Clean and replace
filter materials periodically to prevent clogging and maintain percolation
efficiency.

 Depth of recharge structure when overland flow is used as recharge

source: Since overland flow is likely to contain contaminants, it is

advisable that the depth of the recharge structure should not go below local
ground water level. For Example: if the ground water level is at 10 m below
ground, the depth of the recharge structure (shaft or borewell) should be 3
to 5 m above the ground water level.

Recharge Pond Recharge Pond

Recharge Borewell

 Use of only surface flooding Technique in industrial areas, areas

covered with limestone, and agricultural areas:

o Artificial Recharge through techniques other than surface spreading should

be avoided in regions with industrial, chemical, or hazardous waste as they
may contaminate the aquifers.
o Artificial Recharge through other than surface spreading technique should
be avoided in regions covered with limestones. Because of the presence of
solution cavities, contaminated water may get directly (without moving
through the intervening soil layer) added to groundwater. This may result
in contamination.

38
o Since water in agriculture fields may contain fertiliser and pesticide
residues, artificial recharge techniques like recharge pits, recharge shafts
or recharge borewells should not be used in agriculture fields.

Recharge Pond Recharge Pond

39