Stormwater harvesting

Stormwater harvesting or stormwater reuse is the collection, accumulation, treatment or purification, and storing of stormwater for its eventual reuse. It differs from rainwater harvesting as the runoff is collected from drains or creeks, rather than roofs.[1][2] It can also include other catchment areas from man made surfaces, such as roads, or other urban environments such as parks, gardens and playing fields.

A main challenge stormwater harvesting poses is the removal of pollutants in order to make this water available for reuse. Stormwater harvesting is practiced across the United States in Texas and other States as a way to address rising demands as populations rise. Internationally, Australia has been a country also active in stormwater harvesting.[3]

Water that comes in contact with impervious surfaces becomes polluted and is denominated surface runoff. As the water travels more distance over impervious surfaces it collects an increasing amount of pollutants.

Concerns

Major concerns in new projects for stormwater harvesting include cost effectiveness as well as quality, quantity, and reliability of the reclamation, as well as existing water management infrastructure and soil characteristics.[3] Some project cost estimates have produced results for stormwater being around twice as expensive factoring operating cost per unit versus of potable water alternatives.[3] However, other benefits include reducing soil erosion and reducing demands on local aquifers, as well as reduction of pollution into local waterways.[3]

Ground catchment system

Systems

Ground catchments systems channel water from a prepared catchment area into storage. Generally they are only considered in areas where rainwater is very scarce and other sources of water are not available. If properly designed, ground catchment systems can collect large quantities of rainwater.

See also

References

  1. ↑ http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/stormwater/managestormwatera06137.pdf page 10
  2. ↑ "Rainwater harvesting 2012". 2012. Archived from the original on 2013-06-06. Retrieved 2012. Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Stormwater Harvest Guidance Document for Texas Water Development Board (2010)" (PDF). www.twdb.texas.gov. pp. 1–1, 2–3, 2–24, 2–28. Retrieved 2017-08-26.

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