Rainwater Harvesting

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Why is the project relevant to you?

Public water supply is becoming more challenging, especially for businesses. This will get worse due to growth and climate change, and we will see more low flow events and droughts over the coming years. Water companies don't have to provide drinkable water to new commercial properties for non-domestic purposes, which may create a gap in supply. This project focuses on commercial properties, aiming to utilise large roofs, space for big tanks, and high demand for non-drinkable water in commercial buildings.

Key messages for Developers and infrastructure providers

Public buildings and retail sites have the potential to reduce demand on public water supply per square meter through rainwater harvesting because they have high occupancy and non-drinking water demand.

Call to action

Most collected rainwater can be used to reduce costs on public water supply or meet demand where water companies aren't able to. However, the study found that the potential of a non-domestic rainwater harvesting system is limited by capacity and the amount of rainfall.

Call to action

Although retrofitting rainwater harvesting is expensive, new developments could offset their water demands by installing these systems in existing buildings.

Call to action

Investing in rainwater harvesting, whether in new or existing buildings, would provide businesses with a more resilient water supply, with potential to support future growth. It also offers strong environmental credentials for individual businesses.

Call to action