How rainwater harvesting is useful to recover water scarcity and importance of rainwater harvesting in future?
The direct capture, storage, and use of rainwater, called rainwater harvesting (RWH), is the oldest water conservation method practiced by ancient civilizations for over 4,000 years. This method is used in many communities, especially those located far from municipal drinking water supplies, where population and water availability are not proportional. RWH continues to be among the most simple and low-cost means of water supply, employing technologies that are generally easy to install and maintain.
Rainwater harvesting will be important solution in developing nations in the future because it has the following advantages
v Relatively cheap materials can be used for construction of containers and collecting surfaces
* An available natural resource that should not simply wasted;
* Construction methods are relatively simple;
* Low maintenance costs and requirements;
* Collected rainwater can be consumed without treatment, if a clean collecting surface has been used;
* Provides supply of safe water close to homes, schools or clinics, encourages increased consumption, reduces the time women and children spend collecting water, reduces back strain or injuries from carrying heavy water containers;
* The quality of rainwater is high, especially in developing country (where the level of industrialization is very low and the occurrence of acidic rain is minimal);
* No energy costs are needed to run the system
In our recent contributing chapter to the UNESCO GWSI series, we tried to answer this question in the urban context.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/376644758_Exploring_the_Contribution_f_Rooftop_Rainwater_Harvesting_as_an_Integral_Component_of_the_Urban_Water_Mix
But nonetheless, the application of RWH extends to small and even medium scale agriculture, helps in decentralising systems and increasing resilience as evidenced across East Africa.
Dear Rk, water scarcity demands innovative solutions. Rainwater harvesting, a traditional method, offers a sustainable option. But what about regions with diverse climates?
My research explores non-conventional atmospheric water harvesting in Central Eurasia. This goes beyond rainwater collection, investigating technologies like air-to-water systems and artificial glaciers.
The study analyzes their suitability across Kazakhstan, considering climate, cost-effectiveness, and long-term viability. The findings reveal several commercially available technologies can be effective solutions, particularly in rural areas.
Why read my research?
Explores water harvesting beyond arid regions.
Identifies cost-effective solutions for diverse climates.
Valuable for scientists, policymakers, and anyone interested in sustainable water management.
Read more & explore the technologies accessible at: Article Mapping non-conventional atmospheric drinking- water harvest...
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