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Newsletter and Technical Publications
Rainwater Harvesting And Utilisation
An Environmentally Sound Approach for Sustainable
Urban Water Management: An Introductory Guide for Decision-Makers
What
is Necessary for Promotion and Further Development of Rainwater Utilisation?
A Systematic
Approach
Rainwater utilisation, together with water conservation and wastewater reclamation,
should be incorporated into municipal ordinances and regulations. Some standardisation
of materials, at least at regional level, may be desirable from a maintenance
and replacement point of view. It may be also appropriate to standardise the
design of the rainwater utilisation system, at least at the regional level.
Implementation
Policy
Various implementation policies should be established to make rainwater utilisation
and other measures a part of the social system. Leadership is very important
and local governments must take the initiative to promote the concept of water
resource independence and restoration of the natural hydrological cycle. Consideration
should be given to subsidising facilities for rainwater utilisation.
Technology
Development and training
Encouraging technology and human resources development to support rainwater
utilisation is very important. It is also important to promote the development
of efficient and affordable devices to conserve water, facilities to use rainwater
and devices to enhance the underground seepage of rainwater. Together with this,
there is a need to train specialists with a thorough grasp of these technologies
and devices.
Networking
To promote rainwater harvesting and utilisation as an environmentally sound
approach for sustainable urban water management, a network should be established
involving government administrators, citizens, architects, plumbers and representatives
of equipment manufacturers. It is essential to encourage regional exchanges
amongst public servants, citizens and industry representatives involved in rainwater
storage, seepage and use, as well as the conservation and reclamation of water.
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| Public awareness and education are essential to improve acceptance
and implementation of rainwater harvesting and utilisation. |
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