Evaluation of Rainwater Harvesting Systems for Drinking Water Quality in Iraq

Abstract

Rainwater harvesting is one of the solutions to avoid water loss in the future because it provides sufficient supply and is more economical when compared to other conventional types. The shortage of water supply become a concern due to the growing population as well as the environmental pollution. Rainwater harvesting is seen as the most accessible and easy-to-use resource for drinking and other domestic uses. The current study consists of two main parts; the first part is a hydrological study that includes studying the possibility of benefiting from the amount of rainfall and developing future plans to benefit from this collected water and how to manage it through the implementation of water harvesting technology by collecting rainwater from the roofs to provide part of the population's water needs instead of its wastage and loss. The second part is an environmental study that includes a study of evaluating the quality of water collected through the harvesting of rainwater technology and comparing it with World Health Organization (WHO) specifications for water-drinking purposes. Rainwater samples were analyzed in the environmental laboratory to compare with (WHO) World Health Organization specifications. Samples were obtained at, (28.3, 84.9, and 33.96) liters, respectively, where the average is (49.05) liters. The depths of rain were recorded in the measuring cylinder (5, 14.6, and 9) mm, respectively, where the average is (9.53) mm; the measurement is a negative indicator compared to the expected (26.15) mm. The variables identified (total hardness, calcium, nitrates, sulfates, chlorides, and dissolved substances). Furthermore, 33.33, 0.80, 35.67, 8.83, and 95.0) mg/L, respectively, while the pH (7.97) and conductivity (µs/cm 170.13) were within the specification and the Temperature (23.60℃) and turbidity 10.47 NTU)) It was not in conformity with the specification, as the specification refers to placing in heat (20℃) and turbidity (5 NTU). The current study discloses that the overall quality of water is quite satisfactory as per WHO specifications. The harvesting of rainwater system offers an adequate amount of water and energy savings through lower consumption. Furthermore, considering the cost of fixing and maintenance expenditures, the system is effective and economical. This current study provides the environmental benefits of rainwater harvesting and identifies its probable boundaries and its role in developing a more sustainable water resource management under climate change. This study contributes to improving adaptability strategies of rainwater harvesting for sustainable water resources management under changing climate.