Should we value rain harvesting more in Türkiye for mitigating precipitation extremes

Abstract

Mitigating precipitation extremes is a major issue due to destructive global warming and climate change. Heavy rainfall and drought have posed a threat to human life and ecology. That said, new strategies and new action plans are needed at local and global levels through needed cooperation from different stakeholders to handle the possible risks associated with precipitation extremes. Türkiye has become one of the most vulnerable countries involved in climate change due to its geographical location, rapid urbanization, and deforestation. Many forests have been destroyed to make room for agriculture and animal grazing as well as for manufacturing and construction. The impact has caused complications in landscapes. Precipitation extremes, such as heavy rainfalls and drought, are posing a big threat for many cities in Türkiye. In this line, the present study aims to explore potential benefits of rain harvesting in mitigating precipitation extremes by overviewing regulatory and legislative actions of rainwater harvesting worldwide and an interview based survey. The results of the study showed that Türkiye has several problems with infrastructure to mitigate precipitation extremes, such as shortcomings in capacity and old water management systems, unseparated water collection and sewage systems and lack of green infrastructure. In addition to urbanization, expansion in industry and tourism may cause water availability. RWH promises several benefits thanks to its cost effectiveness and contribution to water storage. The study also showed many authorities around globe try to boost RWH use by either stipulating RWH or encouraging through incentives and save a large amount of water with different projects.