The Potential of RainWater Harvesting Systems in Europe – Current State of Art and Future Perspectives

• Published in: Water resources management 2024-09, Vol.38 (12), p.4657-4683
• Main Authors: Wartalska, Katarzyna, Grzegorzek, Martyna, Bełcik, Maciej, Wdowikowski, Marcin, Kolanek, Agnieszka, Niemierka, Elżbieta, Jadwiszczak, Piotr, Kaźmierczak, Bartosz
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Airports; Ammonium nitrogen; Atmospheric Sciences; Civil Engineering; Climate change; Earth and Environmental Science; Earth Sciences; Emissions; Energy consumption; Environment; Geotechnical Engineering & Applied Earth Sciences; Greenhouse gases; Harvesting; Hydrogeology; Hydrology/Water Resources; Rain; Rain water; Rainwater recovery systems; Sewage; Sewer systems; Sustainability management; Urban areas; Water harvesting; Water management; Water purification; Water scarcity
• ISSN: 0920-4741; 1573-1650
• DOI: 10.1007/s11269-024-03882-0

Water scarcity and climate change led to changes in water management, especially in urban areas. RainWater Harvesting (RWH) is a promising technique that allows the collection and reuse of rainwater, as well as protecting sewage systems from overload. This article reviews the current state of RWH in Europe, including advantages, implementation, potential efficiency, usage requirements, quality, and treatment processes. The main findings include the importance of RWH as a sustainable water management technique, the historical background and renewed interest in RWH systems in recent years, the positive impact of RWH on reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, the versatility of rainwater usage, and the potential cost savings and benefits in various regions. RWH systems are gaining popularity in Europe, particularly in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Climate change and precipitation patterns affect rainwater availability and quality. RWH can be used for various purposes, including drinking, but requires proper purification for health safety. It is also being implemented in new locations like airports and large buildings. RWH systems have a high potential to overcome undesired results of climate change. Among that, numerous aspects still need to be considered in the future that allow the application of RWH systems on a larger scale.