Rainwater Harvesting for Reconstruction
Practical Action
Conclusion
The concept of RWH has been around for centuries, and comes in a wide variety of formats, from
simple buckets to large industrial-scale collection systems for developed world scenarios. In
developing countries, it can be of vital importance in helping to secure supplies of clean water, or
to irrigate tracts of land that have previously been arid and unusable.
Reconstruction processes are different for each post-disaster scenario, and there are several
factors which must be considered before deciding which RWH technologies might be appropriate;
these can include (but are not limited to) materials, labour, geography, climate and social
customs.
There are clear benefits to installing domestic RWH systems with permanent housing solutions,
allowing families to increase water security, with the possibility of combining practical treatment
technologies to ensure water is safe and clean for consumption. Basic storage and filter options
could be considered appropriate for transitional stages.
More large-scale installation such as harvesting dams require considerably more investment and
community involvement, but can lead to great improvements in the fertility of local land, which is
vital for food security. These solutions can be considered at an early stage in the reconstruction
process, with a view to implement them once the required infrastructure and investment is
attained.
The technologies covered in the brief highlight some of the options available, but there are several
other organisations developing solutions in the field, some of which are listed in the resources
below:
References and Further Reading
Practical Action Technical Briefs:
Brick Dome Water Tank
Building Small-Scale Water Harvesting Dams
Cement Mortar Jar
Ferro cement Pumpkin Tanks
Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater Harvesting in Uganda
Runoff Rainwater Harvesting
Sand Dams
The Sri Lankan Pumpkin Tank: A Case Study
Underground Rainwater Harvesting
Water Treatment during Reconstruction
References:
Burt, M. & Keiru, B. (2009), “Innovative rainwater harvesting techniques for emergencies:
Lessons from the field”: WEDC Reviewed Paper 196. URL
Davis. J & Lambert, R. (2002), “Engineering in Emergencies: A Practical Guide for Relief
Workers”: Practical Action Publishing, ISBN 9781853395215. URL
Gould, J. & Nissen-Petersen, E. (1999), “Rainwater Catchment Systems for Domestic Supply”:
Practical Action Publishing, URL
Rees, D. (2000), “Partially Below Ground (PBG) tank for rainwater storage”: Development
Technology Unit TR-RWH01, University of Warwick. URL
Thomas, T.H. (1997), “Guttering Design for Rainwater Harvesting”: Development Technology
Unit Working Paper no.50, University of Warwick. URL
UNHCR (2007), “Handbook for Emergencies”: The UN High Commissioner for Refugees. URL
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