Site selection and Storage System Design for RWH with artificial recharge based on hydro-geological and socio-economic consideration in qualitative and quantitative water-stressed areas of North 24 Parganas, India

Abstract

Rural households of North 24 Parganasare adversely affected by combined qualitative and quantitative water stress. An attempt is made to establish a relationship between RWH potential based on hydro-geological and socio-economic characteristics. Total 924 rural household data were collected through a rigorous socio-economic survey in four study blocks viz. Barasat II, Amdanga, Barrackpore II, and Basirhat I to assess the water insufficiency. Land-use and Land-cover study showed a rapid increase in the built-up area to the extent of 21.69%, 10.44%, and 4.08% for Barasat II, Amdanga, and Basirhat I blocks, respectively during (2010–2020). Over this period, water bodies were reduced by nearly 19% and 6% in Barasat II and Basirhat I, respectively. The upper aquifer within 40 to 60 m depth was suitable for artificial recharge from the fence diagram. Artificial recharge structures like percolation tank with recharge shaft were suggested (within 40 m depth) for Amdanga block, re-excavation (up to a depth of 3 mbgl) for Basirhat I block and recharge well or pit to be excavated up to(30, 10, and 10 to 20 m) for highly built-up areas of Amdanga, Barasat II and Barrckpore II, respectively. Water quality parameters viz. TDS, ammonia-N, and chloride were found reasonably safe for drinking purposes in the rain water samples. The storage tank's capacity was calculated as 6,000 litres for individual rural households, with 60 gm of bleaching powder estimated for a full tank. The suggested methods would help local authorities successfully execute the RWH schemes inwater-stressed areas.