1. What is rainwater harvesting?
Answer: Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting and storing rainwater for domestic use.
2. Why is rainwater harvesting essential in the Maldives?
Answer: In the Maldives, fresh groundwater is scarce, so rainwater harvesting provides a vital water source.
3. How do houses in the Maldives collect rainwater?
Answer: Houses have sloping roofs with gutters that channel rainwater into large tanks for storage.
4. What makes the water collected in the early rains unsuitable for storage?
Answer: The first rain is used to clean the roof and tank, as it contains dust and debris.
5. Why did the author’s school in the Maldives have plenty of water?
Answer: The large roof area at the school allowed it to collect more rainwater.
6. What does the author suggest about rainwater use in our country?
Answer: The author suggests that rainwater harvesting should be encouraged in families and schools to save water.
7. What are corrugated roofs, and why are they used?
Answer: Corrugated roofs have folds that help direct rainwater into gutters for collection.
8. How do gutters work in rainwater harvesting systems?
Answer: Gutters are installed at the roof’s edge to collect and direct rainwater into storage tanks.
9. Why is rainwater described as “sweet and pleasant”?
Answer: Rainwater is natural, clean, and refreshing, making it enjoyable to drink.
10. How is rainwater saved for later use in the Maldives?
Answer: Rainwater is stored in large cement tanks, often with taps that can be locked.
11. What role does the first rain play in the rainwater harvesting process?
Answer: The first rain is allowed to flow away to clean the collecting surface.
12. How does rainwater harvesting benefit the environment?
Answer: It reduces the demand on groundwater and helps conserve natural resources.
13. What was the author’s adventure with rainwater?
Answer: The author experienced rainwater collection both at home and later while teaching in the Maldives.
14. What does “thrilling experience” refer to in this lesson?
Answer: It refers to the excitement of collecting rainwater after a dry season.
15. Why should rainwater harvesting be implemented more widely?
Answer: It provides a sustainable water source and reduces the strain on other water supplies.
Long Questions
1. Explain why rainwater harvesting is crucial for the Maldives and how it is implemented.
Answer: Rainwater harvesting is essential in the Maldives due to the scarcity of fresh groundwater. Houses are designed with sloping, corrugated roofs, gutters, and large cement tanks to collect and store rainwater, ensuring an ongoing supply for daily needs.
2. Describe the author’s personal experience with rainwater harvesting and its significance.
Answer: The author recalls collecting rainwater with their family, especially after facing a water shortage. This experience continued when they witnessed advanced rainwater harvesting in the Maldives, highlighting its necessity in places with limited fresh water.
3. Why is it recommended to let the first rains of the season go to waste before collecting rainwater?
Answer: The first rainwater cleans dust and dirt from the roof and tanks, ensuring the stored water remains clean and suitable for use. This step is vital to maintain water quality for later collection and use.
4. How does rainwater harvesting help conserve water resources?
Answer: Rainwater harvesting conserves water by reducing reliance on groundwater and other sources. It provides a sustainable and eco-friendly way to meet household and community water needs, especially during dry spells.
5. What features make the rooftops in the Maldives suitable for rainwater harvesting?
Answer: Rooftops in the Maldives are sloping and made of corrugated iron, allowing rainwater to flow smoothly into gutters and be channeled into storage tanks. This setup maximizes rainwater collection for household use.
6. What message does the author want to convey about rainwater use in their own country?
Answer: The author encourages rainwater harvesting at home and school levels to prevent the wastage of rainwater and to ensure this valuable resource is available during times of scarcity, benefiting both people and the environment.
Leave a Reply