Backwashing - Injection of Rainwater into open wells

Terry Thomas 2492013@gmail.com 2492013@gmail com http://in.linkedin.com/in/terrythomasindia

Background
The concept- Backwashing and its practice Works undertaken and outputs Outcomes Factors influencing outcomes F t i fl i t

World Bank- India Country level Development Marketplace 2004 selected PLANET Kerala to de o s a e innovative a d e a a o demonstrate o a e and creative ideas to improve rural services delivery in water and sanitation sector.

Idea / Triggering point

What if rainwater is directly fed into open wells ? Science says -Water column in the well is in equilibrium within the surrounding aquifer. aquifer If water is drawn from the well, it is replenished with flow from the surrounding, till equilibrium is restored. Hence will vice versa (of above) happens if rainwater is directly fed into the wells ? Storing rain water in the natural aquifer q Will excess water flow into the wells dilute and aid in formation of larger fresh water lens surrounding the wells.

What is Backwashing ?

Process in practice

Water storage capacity and quality is enhanced

Enriching fresh water zone

Is there enough rainwater for Backwashing?

For a roof area of 40 sq. meters with a sq meters, rainfall of 3000 mm, having 90% collection efficiency, provides108000 liters of water into the well. Considering average household demand at 350 liters per day during summer (6 months); withdrawal totals to 63000 liters of water only. Thus more supply of rainwater exist than demand.

What happens when rainwater enters into open wells directly ?

The rise in water level causes seepage into the surrounding aquifer thus replacing the existing high dissolved solids contained water with soft rainwater. y g Essentially, backwashing of well is a water exchange process Continuous process enables in the formation of a larger fresh water base with right physical qualities.

Community Innovation

Substituting PVC rainwater collection gutters with cement mortar strip, results 75% cost reduction. This gutter which is 4 inches high and 2 inches wide costs Rs. 30 per meter length.

Community Innovation

Existing over flow pipe from the Ferro cement y g tanks is simply extended into open well serving dual purpose. Scene from Kadalundi, Calicut

Outcomes
Changes in household water use profile Comparing summer 2004 and summer 2006
100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Drinking Cooking Domestic Cleaning Bathing Washing of Clothes

Before-2004 After -2006

As percentage of households surveyed

Before Backwashing -Range of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

Up to 500 ppm 40% 501-1000 ppm 5% 1001-2000 ppm >2000 ppm 15% 40%

Average TDS reading - 2,129 ppm

After Backwashing -Range of Total Dissolved Solids

Up to 500 ppm 85% 501-1000 ppm 10% 1001-2000 ppm 0% >2000 ppm 5%

Average TDS reading - 389 ppm

Financial cost
Type
Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Type 4

Roof type
Tiled house Flat terraced house Slope terraced house Thatched house

Cost Range
Rs. 1 200-2 000 Rs 1,200 2,000 Rs. 400-1,500 Rs. 1,000-2,500 Rs. 1,500 onwards

1US$ = Rs.45 Capital cost per household depend oo Roof type Distance between well and collection point.

What works and What does not work under Wh t context t k d What t t
There are 5 critical factors for the success Select right time for water harvest Adequate roof area in relation to water demand Soil type and texture in relation to aquifer Profile of the open well in relation to water table depth Proximity from external threats effecting freshwater zones formation and sustenance

Some cautions
1. 1 Backwashing is effective only for physical and chemical quality improvement. Hence well water is to be boiled before consumption. 2. Roofs needs to be kept clean and made rodent proof. 3. Open well chlorination especially after the rains is recommended. 4. Discard initial 2-3 showers 5. Sand filter for filtering the incoming water is not recommended, i t d a cloth or a mesh filt i d d instead l th h filter is needed before letting rainwater into wells.

Reference and further info:

http://www.planetkerala.org/downloads/Backwashing_English.pdf http://www.unescap.org/pdd/prs/ProjectActivities/Ongoing/Water/Kerala/Kerala.asp p p gp p j g g p http://www.hindu.com/2005/08/15/stories/2005081504610300.htm

Terry Thomas 2492013@gmail.com