Abstract:
Scarcity of water for human needs i§
prevalent throughout the world today. Thus,
many methods are being suggested to
increase water supply; one alternative being
rainwater harvesting. Rainwater harvesting is
an ancient technique more popular worldwide
because of its effectiveness. Sri Lanka has a
long history associated with rainwater
harvesting. The recorded history of hydraulic
civilization dates back to 5th century BC. Large
number of reservoirs, tanks, dilapidated
irrigation structures and inscriptions stand
testimony to a dynamic hydraulic civilization.
To date, traditional techniques are
implemented island wide, especially in rural
areas with the new name of rainwater
harvesting. However, to date there is very few
rainwater harvesting systems implemented in
urban buildings. There is a need to develop
rainwater harvesting systems for urban
buildings as a solution for water scarcity and
high utility bills in urban buildings. Thus, this
study aims to explore and identify rainwater
harvesting systems in urban areas and identify
factors that affect an effective rainwater
harvesting system. Comprehensive literature
review was conducted for data collection and
professionals from both private and public
sector involved with rainwater harvesting
were interviewed for views on urban
rainwater harvesting. The study revealed
technical, economical, environmental and
operational factors that influence design and
implementation of an effective rainwater
harvesting system. It enabled to explore the
current status of urban rainwater harvesting,
highlighting strengths and weakness of
identified factors for successful
implementation of an urban rainwater
harvesting system in Sri Lanka.
