THE call by Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan to developers to find means to harvest rainwater for residential use is timely.

Malaysia is blessed with rainfall and to let this water run off is a waste. With more roads and built-up areas, rainwater is no longer being absorbed and is instead drained into rivers. This large amount of water is not only wasted but also a cause of flash floods.

There are many ways to use this water. Other countries have introduced methods that we can adopt here. The ministry should not just appeal to housing developers to address this but instead, take the initiative to study suitable schemes and make them mandatory.

One fantastic scheme is seen in many Australian cities. Instead of drains, gravel-filled trenches have been built along roads and in front of houses to allow rainwater and other run-off water to seep into the earth below. This increases the supply of ground water.

Of course, sewage should not be allowed to seep into it and citizens must not throw dirty water (from domestic use) onto road surfaces or these trenches.

Another idea is to build retaining ponds in housing estates to act as catchment pools for rainwater that runs off from drains and the roadside.

These pools can cool down an area as well as be a source of recreation for residents. If the pools are filtered, it would be possible to have a clean body of water.

To remove toxic materials, suitable water plants can be grown and fish bred to rid them of vectors.

Each house should have a rainwater tank placed underground to save space. Such tanks must be equipped with pumps to enable residents to use them to water their plants or wash their cars.

Excess water during downpours can seep into the ground to add to the water table. If larger tanks are built, they can be linked to the piping system. When there is not enough rainwater, a household can still function using piped water. When there is enough rainwater, the pipe water will be automatically turned off.

These are some simple ideas and with the financial crunch families are facing, any amount of money they can save on their water bills will help.

VICTOR CHEW, Ipoh

Source: NST – August 1, 2008