Mon May 19 11:36:02 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewrite as a news article:

**Summary:**

Hyderabad has been experiencing rainfall, and experts are emphasizing the potential for rainwater harvesting to address the city’s declining groundwater levels. With sufficient rainfall, large structures can collect thousands of liters of water, enough for a family’s needs for several days. Groundwater levels in Hyderabad are critically low, particularly in areas surrounding the Outer Ring Road. Experts recommend using existing sumps for storage, ensuring roof cleanliness, and installing filters (costing around ₹3,500) or inline filters to remove debris. While setting up a RWH pit can cost around ₹15,000, the benefits extend beyond the monsoon season. Hyderabad is above its normal cumulative rainfall from June 1, 2024 to May 15, 2025.

**News Article:**

**Hyderabad Could Quench Thirst with Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting**

*Hyderabad, May 19, 2025* – Recent rainfall in Hyderabad has sparked renewed focus on the potential of rainwater harvesting to combat the city’s alarming decline in groundwater levels. Experts are urging residents and businesses to invest in rainwater harvesting systems, highlighting the significant volume of water that can be collected even from modest rainfall.

According to data from the Telangana Development Planning Society, areas like Golconda received 36.6 mm of rainfall on Friday, May 16th. This amount, experts say, is enough for a 100 square meter rooftop to collect approximately 2,000 litres of water. This could supply a family of four for at least three days, according to Kalpana Ramesh, founder of The Rainwater Project.

The need for water conservation is critical. Groundwater levels within the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) have plummeted from 11.40 meters below ground level (bgl) in 2018-19 to a concerning 8.98 meters bgl as of March 2025, with the water table in the red zone (below 20 metres bgl) surrounding the Outer Ring Road in areas like Malkajgiri, Bachupally, and Serilingampally.

Vishwanath Srikantahiah from Biome Environmental Trust suggests utilizing existing sumps meant for municipal water storage. “Ensure the roof is clean before rainfall is expected,” he advises. He also mentions the availability of filters, costing around ₹3,500, to remove debris.

Kalpana Ramesh added that inline filters can be fitted in rainwater pipes to further refine the collected water. “Rainfall isn’t just for the monsoon season,” she pointed out, suggesting that consistent implementation could provide a sustainable water source throughout the year. Hyderabad’s cumulative rainfall from June 1, 2024 to May 15, 2025 was 996.5 mm against normal 811.8 mm.

While the initial investment for a RWH pit (approximately ₹15,000) and maintaining it might seem high, contractors say it is well worth the investment in long-term water security.

Read More