Rain Gardens: A Way Forward to Dealing with Water Shortage Issues in Built Up Areas of Rawalpindi

Abstract

Pakistan is facing severe water crisis. It is suffering from worst climatic changes that has resulted in continuous decrease in underground water level. Water shortage problem has hit hard the big cities. As cities are growing and forests are being replaced rapidly due to urbanization, storm water run-off increment from impermeable surfaces, is becoming a problem. Rain gardens are simple, easy to implement, inexpensive and environmentally friendly solution to cater storm water problems in cities. Moreover, they conserve water hence increasing under-ground water level. Capturing rainwater by use of rain gardens and holding it until it is slowly absorbed by soil is quick and efficient way for increasing under-ground water table. This study helped to identify pattern of change in ground water table and rainfall pattern because of urbanization over a period in Rawalpindi region. The findings showed that ground water table has no link with increase or decrease in rainfall, however it is linked to consumption, as increased urbanization has increased water consumption resulting in lowering of water table. In such situation, rain garden is the best solution to store rain water and utilize it in the best possible way. Data collection comprised of a field survey through an especially formulated questionnaire. This survey helped in determining the perception of rain gardens among residents of water stressed communities, its benefits and prospects. Furthermore, the study was conducted in two water stressed societies of Rawalpindi city via an exploratory research design for which qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analyzed on perception, awareness and willingness to install rain gardens from residents, management of societies, experts and professionals. The residents 2 wanted incentives to install rain gardens initially and the management was of the view to embed rain gardens in housing design. Another part of this research was to determine the satisfaction of residents with already prevailing rain water management strategies. Majority of the residents were not satisfied as these strategies did not help in storing a lot of rain water for longer duration. Futuristic impact of the proposed rain water management strategy is discussed in this report along with recommendations for successful and continued implementation of rain gardens in the study area.