For centuries, the people of Gansu, China, utilized what little rainwater there was, fetched water from several kilometres away or relied on government rationing.
| Title | A lifeblood transfusion : Gansu's new rainwater catchment systems |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 1995 |
| Authors | Zhu, Q, Wu, F |
| Pagination | p. 5-7: 3 photogr. |
| Date Published | 1995-01-01 |
| Keywords | china gansu province, cisterns, demonstration projects, ground catchment, irrigation, programmes, rainfall, rainwater harvesting, rainwater storage, roof catchment, rural areas, safe water supply, water quality |
| Abstract | For centuries, the people of Gansu, China, utilized what little rainwater there was, fetched water from several kilometres away or relied on government rationing. This article describes the new rainwater catchment system implementation programme begun in Gansu province in 1991. It first summarizes the problems in Gansu of limited rainfall, the only potential water resource in the area; the inefficiency of present catchment methods; and the water-quality problems in underground storage tanks. The article outlines a research project testing the effectiveness of various materials used to line surfaces for both roof and ground catchment of rainwater. Concrete slabs on soil surfaces and cement tiles on roofing proved the most effective. Modifications to underground storage tanks to improve water quality are also described. Once the effectiveness of the new rainwater harvesting techniques had been demonstrated, the programme has grown to encompass many villages. Benefits of the new system include better living conditions, cleaner environment, and freedom, especially for women, from fetching water from far away. The article ends with a description of pilot rainwater irrigation systems for use in rural areas. |
| Custom 1 | 213.0, 822 |
