The Gift of Pure Rainwater: A Lesson in Sustainability
My recent trip to India (Dec 2024) was an eye-opening experience in many ways—full of learning, delicious healthy food, reconnecting with old friends, and making many new ones. There are so many moments I’m excited to share from my travels, but one experience truly stood out to me, and I felt compelled to write about it.
One of the highlights of my journey was the opportunity to drink rainwater at the beautiful home of Mr. A.V. Murthy, a Gandhian who is deeply committed to sustainability. His approach to water conservation and purification was not only fascinating but also quite eye-opening. I can honestly say that drinking this rainwater was one of the most refreshing experiences I’ve had—and now that I’m back home, it’s hard to go back to the highly filtered RO or chlorinated tap water I’ve been used to. The difference is striking, and I find myself missing the purity of the rainwater.
A Thoughtful Approach to Water Collection
What makes the rainwater at Mr. Murthy’s home so special is the incredibly meticulous and mindful way in which it’s collected and treated. They don’t simply collect the first rain of the season, as that water is usually polluted from dust, pollutants, and airborne contaminants. Instead, they wait for the second rain of the season and collect it only after about an hour of rainfall, ensuring that the water is cleaner and more pure.
Their system is impressive—Mr. Murthy’s home is built to store up to 14,000 liters of rainwater. This is a considerable amount of water, but what’s even more remarkable is the natural filtration system they’ve set up to purify it. The water first passes through layers of sand, gravel, and then is filtered further with copper, silver, and charcoal before it reaches the tap. This system is completely natural, relying on the properties of these materials to purify the water. The walls of their storage tank are coated with calcium, and they redo this coating every year to prevent any buildup or contamination. It’s a comprehensive, self-sustaining system that ensures they always have access to clean, pure water.
Self-Sufficiency and Sustainability
What struck me most about this setup was that Mr. Murthy’s household is completely self-sufficient when it comes to water. They don’t rely on municipal water, which, as we all know, can often be poorly treated or contaminated. Instead, they rely on the purity of rainwater, filtered and stored with such care. This level of independence is not only impressive but also speaks to the power of sustainable living.
It’s truly inspiring to see how a thoughtful approach to something as basic as water—something we often take for granted—can make such a huge difference. Rainwater, when collected and purified in a mindful way, becomes an invaluable resource that can sustain a household without relying on external sources. I was amazed by how Mr. Murthy’s family has created and built their own system that not only keeps them healthy but also helps them stay independent from the water supplied by the city.
A Lesson in Sustainability
The experience really made me reflect on the value of water and how often we overlook its importance. When you see it being treated with such care and respect, it becomes something much more than just a daily resource—it becomes a symbol of sustainability and self-sufficiency. It’s easy to forget just how precious water is, especially in a world where it’s often readily available from the tap. But as I witnessed at Mr. Murthy’s home, it’s only when we start paying closer attention to how water is collected and purified that we realize just how much value it holds.
I can only hope that more people will adopt similar sustainable practices. It’s not just about reducing dependence on city water—it’s about respecting and protecting the environment while ensuring access to pure resources. Mr. Murthy’s system is a beautiful example of how even small, mindful steps can lead to big, positive changes in the way we live.
For me, drinking that pure, rainwater has left a lasting impression. Now, back home, I find myself constantly thinking about how water is treated and how we can all do our part to make our water usage more sustainable. It’s one of those rare experiences that reshapes your perspective on something as fundamental as water.
What a beautiful reminder that when we start paying attention to the simple things, like the water we drink, we can make a significant difference in how we live and what we leave behind for future generations.
