There is no more fundamental substance to life on earth than water.
Three quarter of the Earth's surface is covered by either saltwater or
freshwater, yet millions face a daily struggle to access enough water
for survival. The effects of ongoing climate change have expanded the
water crisis to areas previously considered water secure. This book
addresses the role rainwater harvesting (rwh) can play in developing a
resilient water infrastructure that will prove adaptive to climate
change. The book features three sections. The first section presents the
concepts underpinning a new approach to water infrastructure. The term
"the worth of water" was developed to reflect the importance of the
social life of water. This encompasses all human relationships with
water including the social, cultural, hydrological, political, economic,
technical and spiritual. A technology portfolio showcasing the worth of
water from the Qanats of the ancient world to the modern Rain Cities is
presented. Other concepts discussed include the circular economy of
water and the concept of multiple waters for multiple users of multiple
qualities. Water and its properties are a function of its peculiar
molecular structure and this is illustrated in the book. Rainwater
harvesting is considered by the authors as containing an inherent
treatment train which functions as a complex water treatment system
providing physical, chemical and biological removal mechanisms. Part two
presents a new design methodology together with design templates and
worked examples for the hydraulic and economic analysis of rwh systems.
A state-of-the-art literature review of the potential health
implications of utilizing rwh is also presented. The final section of
the book discusses how rwh can play a vital role in contributing to
achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and to living within the
Planetary Boundaries.
