A Review of Rainwater Harvesting in Malaysia: Prospects and Challenges

Abstract

The mismatch between freshwater demand and its availability is a major problem that causes global water scarcity. The exploration and utilization of rainwater seem to be viable options for minimizing the aforementioned issue. This manuscript reviews the prospects and challenges of the rainwater harvesting system (RWHS) in Malaysia. Malaysia can be categorized as a country that has high annual rainfall, as well as high domestic water consumption. Thus, Malaysia is well positioned to harvest rainwater for both potable and non-potable uses. Although the RWH guidelines were issued in Malaysia in 1999, the implementation of RWHS as an alternative water resource is still very limited due to its long return on investment and poor public acceptance. Major future challenges on the implementation of RWHS in Malaysia are to achieve competitive cost, the wide application of commercial buildings, a cost effective treatment system, effective policy implementation, the application of green materials, public perception improvement, and reliable first flush technology. Some recommendations such as providing appropriate subsidies and limiting the use of piped water are necessary for implementing RWHS at wider scales.

An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Two Rainwater Harvesting Systems Located in Central Eastern Europe

“…When looking for alternative sources of water, special attention was paid to rainwater, which usually is characterized by a low degree of pollution, which does not require advanced cleaning processes [12][13][14]. This applies mainly to rainwater coming from areas located far from city centers and industrial plants, from which anthropogenic pollution emitted to the atmosphere can significantly affect the quality of atmospheric precipitation.…”

A Review of Roof and Pond Rainwater Harvesting System: The Design, Performance and Way Forward

“…In recent decades, water scarcity has become a global issue due to high water demand and depleting water availability [1]. Population growth, urbanization and industrialization have exerted tremendous pressures on water resources [2]. Furthermore, climate change has also exacerbated the decrease of water resources in many parts of the world, including the Mediterranean basin, Western United States and Southern Africa [3].…”

“…Therefore, the aims of this review paper are: (1) to review the types of RWHS design, its component and current performance in terms of rainwater quantity and quality as well as energy consumption; (2) to highlight the benefits and challenges in environmental, economic and social aspect of the RWHS application; and (3) to suggest the way forward in RWHS implementation and to identify the future potentials for PHS application.…”

Development of dual water supply using rooftop rainwater harvesting and groundwater systems

“…According to the recent studies which have been carried out on the rainwater quality in Malaysia, RWH has the potential to reduce cost and the usage of treated water as well as can be considered as one of the alternative for the water resources [8,9]. Although RWH is gaining much interest, the implementation has been limited due to several disadvantages such as seasonal variation and related cost [7,[10][11][12][13]. Recently, Hafizi Md Lani et al [13] concluded that Malaysia is well positioned to harvest rainwater and to be a saviour for the water shortage, but in some places or event, it cannot completely dependable source of water supply due to uneven rainfall distributions.…”

“…Although RWH is gaining much interest, the implementation has been limited due to several disadvantages such as seasonal variation and related cost [7,[10][11][12][13]. Recently, Hafizi Md Lani et al [13] concluded that Malaysia is well positioned to harvest rainwater and to be a saviour for the water shortage, but in some places or event, it cannot completely dependable source of water supply due to uneven rainfall distributions. As to support the RWH system, other natural resources can be considered.…”