The MARVI approach

The MARVI 4-S Strategy

Sense, Store, Share, Sustain — four steps a village takes to understand and manage the groundwater it shares.

Sense

Measure groundwater levels, rainfall, water quality and recharge structures with simple field tools. Farmers, Bhujal Jaankaars and local citizens regularly measure groundwater levels, rainfall and other local water conditions to build a shared understanding of their groundwater system. Upload observations to OurWater and turn repeated measurements into understandable trends.

Store

Capture and recharge more water locally. Communities identify practical ways to improve groundwater recharge, including farm-scale and community recharge interventions, such as pits, ponds, check-dams suited to local conditions.

Share groundwater more fairly and efficiently. Communities explore cooperative approaches to groundwater use, including sharing groundwater between farmers, so more people benefit from available water. Also, share learning and experiences with others for a better groundwater future in the region.

Sustain

Use groundwater within its long-term limits. Monitoring, recharge and collective decision-making help communities balance groundwater use with replenishment and protect the resource for the future.