A Reliability Analysis of a Rainfall Harvesting System in Southern Italy

Abstract

Abstract:Rainwater harvesting (RWH) may be an effective alternative water supply solution in regions affected by water scarcity. It has recently become a particularly important option in arid and semi-arid areas (like Mediterranean basins), mostly because of its many benefits and affordable costs. This study provides an analysis of the reliability of using a rainwater harvesting system to supply water for toilet flushing and garden irrigation purposes, with reference to a single-family home in a residential area of Sicily (Southern Italy). A flushing water demand pattern was evaluated using water consumption data collected from a sample of residential customers during an extended measurement campaign. A daily water balance simulation of the rainwater storage tank was performed, and the yield-after-spillage algorithm was used to define the tank release rule. The model's performance was evaluated using rainfall data from more than 100 different sites located throughout the Sicilian territory. This regional analysis provided annual reliability curves for the system as a function of mean annual precipitation, which have practical applications in this area of study. The uncertainty related to the regional model predictions was also assessed. A cost-benefit analysis highlighted that the implementation of a rainwater harvesting system in Sicily can provide environmental and economic advantages over traditional water supply methods. In particular, the regional analysis identified areas where the application of this system would be most effective.

Recent Advances in Modelling and Implementation of Rainwater Harvesting Systems towards Sustainable Development

“…Development of design curves for the RWH system assists wider application of the RWH system in a region without the need of at-site data analysis as demonstrated by Sámano-Romero et al [46] and Liuzzo et al [48]. The feasibility and benefits of implementing the RWH system is likely to be underestimated if only monetary benefit is considered [50].…”

“…In another RWH system regionalization study, Liuzzo et al [48] assessed the reliability of using RWH system to provide water for toilet flushing and garden irrigation for a typical single-family home scenario in Sicily, Italy. Data on water consumption was collected and a daily water balance model was developed, and the model performance was evaluated using rainfall data over 100 stations in Sicily.…”

Exploring Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting Potential for Food Production in Urban Areas

“…Though a set of benefits are associated with RWHs, some barriers need to be considered. The reliability of the systems depend directly either on their characteristics or on the environment, making the water quantity variable in space and time [35]. Pollution, roof material, and environmental conditions may affect the quality of water collected with potential health risks for users that can be minimized with proper maintenance of the system [67].…”

Roof Rainwater Harvesting in Central Mexico: Uses, Benefits, and Factors of Adoption

“…Other important benefits are the water quality in places with pollution (natural or anthropogenic), the savings, and the economic advantages because of the reduction in the amount of water purchased from public systems, among others [10]. Thus, an open section to allow the respondents' description of the benefits and disadvantages derived from the use of RWHS was considered in the questionnaire.…”