Plastic Lining for Water Storage Structures

Abstract

Water is one of the most important natural resources and all forms of life are dependent on it. It is, therefore, very essential to properly conserve and manage this resource and regulate its use to obtain maximum benefits. Rainfall is the most important water resource, therefore, rainwater harvesting and its efficient utilization could be a viable alternative for successful farming in rain-fed areas of the country. Construction of farm ponds in individual farmer’s field or on community basis for harvesting of run-off water when it is in excess and recycling of stored water for irrigation and other proposes when there is deficiency of water is a very effective and efficient method of facing the challenge of water scarcity in rain fed areas. In India, traditional water harvesting structures either man-made or natural water storage structures are commonly used for drinking water supply, washing / bathing for human & animals, irrigating crops and raising the fish. These small water bodies also play an important role in improving the ecological system and help to maintain biological diversity. Thus, farm pond has been an integral part of farming system which stores water during rains and the same is used for giving life saving irrigation. Ponds are located on a variety of soil type, which exhibit a wide range of seepage characteristics. Seepage losses not only mean loss of useful water but it also leads to other problems such as trench in the embankments, water logging or increased salinity in the adjacent area. Seepage takes place at the bottom as well as sides of the farm pond. Further, seepage losses are higher in initial years of construction while it reduces slowly in one or two years due to normal siltation of clay particles coming along with the run-off water. Various sealant materials like cement, bentonite, brick lining, stone slab lining and polythene lining have been tried and found effective in reducing the seepage and percolation losses. To prevent the seepage and other losses from the water body, ponds should be lined with suitable material. With appropriate lining of ponds, the seepage loss could be minimized. Plastics can be used very effectively in lining the ponds. But, lining the ponds with plastics as a barrier material, sufficient care is required in selecting the proper material and lying of plastics material and saving it from the damage.