In the Mumbai area where Chetan Surendji lives, one well previously supplied water to three houses. However, as new housing was built, the wells deepened, and residents faced water shortages during the summer.
The well, which was initially 30 feet deep, later reached 80–100 feet. Although Chetan's own well was deeper—100 feet—deeper boreholes led to salinization and deterioration of water quality.
He noted: 'When the well was only 30 feet deep, the water was very tasty. But as the depth increased, the water started to taste salty.' That is when he decided to take action.
Chetan studied ways to reduce salinity levels and discovered that collecting rainwater could help raise the groundwater level. Since his 50-year-old house could not be heavily renovated, he developed a solution that bypassed these limitations.
He connected his house roof to a 30-foot deep well via a pipe, directing rainwater into it. Additionally, he constructed a percolation pit, allowing water from the roof to seep into the ground. Then, he found another source: he connected his air conditioner's outlet to this well, supplying about 25–30 liters of water daily during the summer after preliminary filtration.
Two pipes also divert rainwater from undeveloped areas near the house directly into the ground instead of sending it to the drainage system. Thanks to this groundwater replenishment system, he managed to avoid using chemicals in the garden.
Chetan managed to minimize costs by using pipes and fittings already at home. Besides installing the well, major installation costs were not required, making the idea practical. He explains: 'But after installing the rainwater collector, even the old well was replenished and now has water year-round.'
The system allowed the revival of a well that had previously become useless. Water supply was restored to two neighboring wells, and nearby springs that had dried up previously began to flow again. He added: 'Today we see streams of crystal-clear water, like a small stream in our yard.'
Now his garden grows papaya, coconut, mango, currant, jamun, vegetables, and flowering plants. Thanks to the replenishment system, the plants receive enough moisture even in the summer. On the terrace, climbing plants and trees create a mini-forest, which, according to him, was intended to provide natural and green shade protection for the building and help protect against summer heat.
Chetan considers rainwater the best source. He shares advice: 'If you cannot spend a lot of money, store the water running off your roof in a small reservoir. It is a simple but effective way to collect rain.'