Rainwater Harvesting

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Why is the project relevant to you?

Collecting and using rainwater in situ could help reduce the demand on public water supplies. While it might not seem appealing for individual properties, this project aimed to show the benefits of widespread use, which would need to be supported by policies. With increasing pressure on water supplies for businesses, alternative sources like rainwater may become more important in the coming years.

Key messages for Water industry

The project found that the amount of existing demand for public water supply saved was similar in both summer and winter. This might change our understanding of the effectiveness of rainwater harvesting during drier months.

Call to action

If all commercial buildings used rainwater harvesting, it could save about 23% (17,600 megalitres) of water each year in the Oxford to Cambridge area. While this is unlikely to happen, it shows the potential benefits.

Call to action

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

Call to action

Installing rainwater harvesting systems won't reduce the number of public water supply connections needed, because buildings will still need some drinkable water and backup supply.

Call to action