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Integrated Water Resource Management: Rethinking the Contribution of Rainwater Harvesting

Author

Listed:
  • Zhe Huang

    (School of Law, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China)

  • Esther Laurentine Nya

    (Faculty of Art, Letter and Social Sciences, University of Maroua, Maroua P.O. Box 644, Cameroon)

  • Mohammad Azizur Rahman

    (Technovative Solutions, Manchester Science Park, Manchester M15 6JJ, UK)

  • Tulinave Burton Mwamila

    (Department of Water Supply and Irrigation Engineering, Water Institute, Dar es Salaam P.O. Box 35059, Tanzania)

  • Viet Cao

    (Faculty of Natural Sciences, Hung Vuong University, Phu Tho 35120, Vietnam)

  • Willis Gwenzi

    (Biosystems and Environmental Engineering Research Group, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, University of Zimbabwe, Mt. Pleasant, Harare P.O. Box MP167, Zimbabwe)

  • Chicgoua Noubactep

    (Centre for Modern Indian Studies (CeMIS), Universität Göttingen, D-37073 Göttingen, Germany
    Applied Geology, University of Göttingen, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany
    Faculty of Health Sciences, Campus of Banekane, Université des Montagnes, Bangangté P.O. Box 208, Cameroon
    School of Material Energy Water and Environmental Science (MEWES), Department of Water Environmental Science and Engineering (WESE), The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha P.O. Box 447, Tanzania)

Abstract

Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is generally perceived as a promising cost-effective alternative water resource for potable and non-potable uses (water augmentation) and for reducing flood risks. The performance of RWH systems has been evaluated for various purposes over the past few decades. These systems certainly provide economic, environmental, and technological benefits of water uses. However, regarding RWH just as an effective alternative water supply to deal with the water scarcity is a mistake. The present communication advocates for a systematic RWH and partial infiltration wherever and whenever rain falls. By doing so, the detrimental effects of flooding are reduced, groundwater is recharged, water for agriculture and livestock is stored, and conventional water sources are saved. In other words, RWH should be at the heart of water management worldwide. The realization of this goal is easy even under low-resource situations, as infiltration pits and small dams can be constructed with local skills and materials.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhe Huang & Esther Laurentine Nya & Mohammad Azizur Rahman & Tulinave Burton Mwamila & Viet Cao & Willis Gwenzi & Chicgoua Noubactep, 2021. "Integrated Water Resource Management: Rethinking the Contribution of Rainwater Harvesting," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-9, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:15:p:8338-:d:601711
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Nandi, Santosh & Gonela, Vinay, 2022. "Rainwater harvesting for domestic use: A systematic review and outlook from the utility policy and management perspectives," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).
    2. Zhe Huang & Esther Laurentine Nya & Viet Cao & Willis Gwenzi & Mohammad Azizur Rahman & Chicgoua Noubactep, 2021. "Universal Access to Safe Drinking Water: Escaping the Traps of Non-Frugal Technologies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-15, August.
    3. Puppala, Harish & Ahuja, Jaya & Tamvada, Jagannadha Pawan & Peddinti, Pranav R T, 2023. "New technology adoption in rural areas of emerging economies: The case of rainwater harvesting systems in India," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 196(C).
    4. Tariq Judeh & Isam Shahrour & Fadi Comair, 2022. "Smart Rainwater Harvesting for Sustainable Potable Water Supply in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-22, July.
    5. Alisson Lopes Rodrigues & Lineu Neiva Rodrigues & Guilherme Fernandes Marques & Pedro Manuel Villa, 2023. "Simulation Model to Assess the Water Dynamics in Small Reservoirs," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 37(5), pages 2019-2038, March.

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