Rainwater Harvesting

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Why is the project relevant to you?

Pressure on our freshwater system and environment is increasing, with more media attention on watercourses and protected areas like chalk streams. Population growth, economic development, and extreme weather are straining water resources, especially in the South East of England. This research project explored whether rainwater harvesting in commercial properties could reduce non-household water demand, abstraction, and treatment. We focused on the impact of large-scale implementation across local and regional areas.

Key messages for Environmental practitioners

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.

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Thinking about the various benefits of rainwater harvesting, like reducing storm overflows, makes investing in retrofitting these systems more appealing.

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

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New commercial properties are often suitable for rainwater harvesting because they usually have large roofs, space for storage tanks, and a demand for non-drinkable water.

Call to action