Government engineer shows way in harvesting rainwater

NORZAGARAY, Bulacan, Philippines  – Last year’s prolonged dry spell taught the general manager of the Angar River hydroelectric power plant here a valuable lesson in water conservation.

Today, he is preparing his 4,000-liter rainwater harvesting system with the onset of the rainy season.

“I had a hard time fetching water last year; I had backache,” recounted engineer Rodolfo German while showing the system he installed below the downspout of his roof, with 20 steel barrels each capable of storing 200 liters of rainwater.

The barrels stand on a steel frame about three feet above the ground. Beside them is a two-horsepower motor that pumps in piped water from the barrels into the house.

German said he spent P20,000 for the system which only needs some refinements before he can fully operate it.

At present, he said only five barrels are in use, but all 20 barrels will be utilized during the rainy season.

For years, German had been hearing about the rainwater harvesting system but did not really consider it seriously until last year when a long dry spell occurred.

The drought caused water elevation at the Angat Dam to drop to its record low of 156 meters above sea level, leaving parts of Metro Manila – and residents here like him – without water.