Process for Building Percolation Pits

Percolation pits, also called soak pits or recharge pits, are shallow excavations filled with gravel and sand that collect rainwater to allow it to seep into the ground, thereby recharging the groundwater. These pits act as a natural filter, reducing surface runoff, preventing waterlogging, and helping to raise the water table

Step 1

Collect stones of various sizes—both big and small—for the percolation pit.

Step 2

Transport the stones to the designated site where the pit will be constructed.

Step 3

Dig the pit to the required dimensions: 5 feet deep and 3 feet wide.

Challenge:

While digging, we often face interruptions from underlying stones and hard layers of soil that slow down the excavation.

Step 4

Line the pit with bricks placed systematically, leaving intentional gaps between them to allow water filtration.

Step 5

Once the brick lining is complete, add the smaller stones to fill the gaps and support the filtration process. Bigger stones are avoided at this stage because they tend to sink into the soil.

Step 6

Add the bigger stones over the layer of smaller stones.

Step 7

After filling the pit with stones, pour water into it to check how well it percolates.
Step 9: Step 10: Seal the periphery of the pit with the sand–cement mixture to stabilize the brick lining. The center is left filled with sand so that water can freely percolate through the pit.

Step 8

Construct gullies to channel water from places where it stagnates, accumulates, or goes to waste, ensuring it flows directly into the pit.

Step 9

Mix sand and cement to prepare the sealing material.

Step 10

Seal the periphery of the pit with the sand–cement mixture to stabilize the brick lining. The center is left filled with sand so that water can freely percolate through the pit.