The Potential of RainWater Harvesting Systems in Europe – Current State of Art and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Water scarcity and climate change led to changes in water management, especially in urban areas. RainWater Harvesting (RWH) is a promising technique that allows the collection and reuse of rainwater, as well as protecting sewage systems from overload. This article reviews the current state of RWH in Europe, including advantages, implementation, potential efficiency, usage requirements, quality, and treatment processes. The main findings include the importance of RWH as a sustainable water management technique, the historical background and renewed interest in RWH systems in recent years, the positive impact of RWH on reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, the versatility of rainwater usage, and the potential cost savings and benefits in various regions. RWH systems are gaining popularity in Europe, particularly in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Climate change and precipitation patterns affect rainwater availability and quality. RWH can be used for various purposes, including drinking, but requires proper purification for health safety. It is also being implemented in new locations like airports and large buildings. RWH systems have a high potential to overcome undesired results of climate change. Among that, numerous aspects still need to be considered in the future that allow the application of RWH systems on a larger scale.

Pollutant Removal Efficiency in a Rainwater Treatment System in Roztocze National Park (Poland)

“…The current state of the art and future perspectives for rainwater harvesting systems in Europe were presented in the paper by Wartalska et al [10], whereas Dalman et al [11] and Jin et al [12] showed the costs and benefits of this subject. On the other hand, de Sá Silva et al [13] presented a review of the environmental, economic, and social aspects of the use of the rainwater harvesting systems.…”

“…The advantages of rainwater collection systems have been discussed in detail by Morey et al [24], Yawalkar et al [25], and Ertop et al [26]. Those authors have noted that rainwater can be utilised (1) as an additional source of water where demand is high but water from other sources is scarce, (2) to protect water resources, (3) to reduce the consumption of surface and groundwater resources, (4) to produce safe drinking water in the process of purification, (5) for watering plants and landscaping, and (6) to reduce unproductive outflow of water through rivers into the seas and oceans; at the same time, rainwater utilisation systems are (6) simple, easy to maintain, and cheap to operate, (8) can be used anywhere, regardless of the terrain, geology, or land development pattern, (9) can be used on-site in households or public utility facilities, (10) can improve the water management system, and (11) can protect urban areas from flooding and reduce the severity of floods during heavy rainfall. It has also been demonstrated that excess rainwater can be diverted and captured for groundwater recharge.…”