Over-exploited ground water, growing demand and bad management have led to severe water shortage in Kathmandu, which is only bound to get worse. Melamchi is a mirage, so collecting falling rain is the only way out.

The idea is simple, just collect rain tha falls on your roof channel it through to a coarse mesh to filter debris, through a sand bed and store it. Excess water can be channelled to recharge the water table underground as your contribution to the public good.
Tyler McMahon and his team at One Planet Solution has installed 40 rainwater harvesting systems in Kathmandu offices and households this year alone. "The Valley receives most of its rain from June to September but most of it is wasted and goes down the drains, what we do is collect for their daily needs," explains McMahon.

Smart Pani, as McMahon calls his system has been installed in hotels, schools, and private firms and households across the Valley. With regular maintenance at minimal cost, most systems last for 15 to 20 years, making rain harvesting a smart investment.
Despite the system's potential to revolutionise the way we acquire water, people are deterred by the initial cost as well as unfounded fears about pollution. Raju Dangol, an experienced rainwater harvesting technician, is puzzled by the resistance. "I don't understand why Nepalis who spend thousands for tanker water are hesitant to invest on a long-lasting and effective system, after all it's not that they have a choice," he says.

Smart Paani is training more plumbers and bring skilled technicians to serve more customers. Says McMahon, "Although rain water harvesting alone isn't the answer to water scarcity, it is a part of the larger solution which includes recharging ground water regularly and making maximum use of water that falls from the sky."

For more information call 5521906

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