ISSUES AND CHALLENGES IN RAINWATER HARVESTING FOR POTENTIAL POTABLE AND NON-POTABLE WATER PRODUCTION

Abstract

This article reviews recent literatures on issues and challenges in rainwater harvesting and its potential application for potable and non-potable uses. Vast articles published between 1982 and 2019 were found, which some of them revealing concerns on various issues regarding the factors affecting the implementation of rainwater harvesting, in fulfilling the needs for rainwater as the alternative water resource. More research should be conducted in the future, in addressing the issues. While the practice of rainwater harvesting is back to track, the degree of its modern implementation varies greatly across the globe, and often relates with problems in maximizing the potential benefits and system efficacy. Future research should be more devoted to the understanding of technological and non-technological issues, as well as the factors effecting the quantity and quality of rainwater, to improve the rainwater harvesting system, therefore increase the system efficacy and community acceptance.