An Investigation on Potential of Decentralized Rainwater harvesting for improving Sustainability of an urban residential area

Abstract

This study aims to identify the potential of rainwater harvesting on a neighborhood scale by doing qualitative and quantitative analysis. Small neighborhood of Samakhusi was selected as a good representative of compact residential urban area. Samakhusi lies in northern belt of Kathmandu valley where there is high infiltration rate for ground water recharge but also has water logged streets during rainy days and water scarcity during dry seasons. Based on a statistical analysis of the rainfall, the amount of rainwater that might be captured from roofs and ground surfaces was calculated. The standard data from the literature was used to calculate the potable water consumption of urban residential households. In this study, potential of rainwater in compact urban area for regenerating water sensitive urban development was evaluated. And also, a possibility of minimizing waste water from rainwater harvesting was evaluated. The study also examined case studies with success stories which reflects improved urban scenario through rainwater harvesting. Moreover, social perceptive from community, government institutions and technology providers on rainwater harvesting was also analyzed. Based on these qualitative and quantitative data, direct and indirect benefits were explored that helps to improve water sustainability and water sensitive planning of an urban residential area.