Life cycle assessment of rainwater harvesting systems for Brazilian semi‐arid households

Abstract

We assess and compare energy intensities in different setups of Rainwater Harvesting Systems (RHWS), in households located in Brazilian semi‐arid. Life cycle assessment was applied to verify the cumulative energy demand (CED) of systems with different catchment areas and reservoir volumes. The contribution of each component to the energy intensity was considered, as well the feedstock energy of the materials in final waste disposal. None of the evaluated systems were able to meet the total demand for water in a household due production limitations such as catchment area and precipitation. In all RWHS evaluated, the energy intensity was lower than municipality. Larger catchment areas increase productivity and reduce the energy intensity of the systems. Differently, increasing reservoir volume initially reduces energy intensity and reaches an optimal point around 1000–2500 L capacity. The construction phase had more intensity than the use phase.

Use of Analytic Hierarchy Process Method to Identify Potential Rainwater Harvesting Sites: Design and Financial Strategies in Taxco de Alarcón, Southern Mexico

“…One viable alternative is rainwater harvesting [12,13]. Harvested rainwater plays a crucial role in increasing water security, and it can provide safe water to be used for various purposes [14,15]. The implementation of rainwater harvesting systems (RHS) has spread rapidly around the world [16][17][18], given that they contribute to the social well-being of the population, especially those with limited or no access to water.…”