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Nomogram-Based Rainwater Harvesting Design for a Sustainable Residential Water Supply

Author

Listed:
  • Roberto Magini

    (Department of Civil, Building and Environmental Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00184 Rome, Italy)

  • Maria Valenti Ben Moussa

    (Department of Civil, Building and Environmental Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00184 Rome, Italy)

  • Davide Luciano De Luca

    (Department of Civil, Building and Environmental Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00184 Rome, Italy)

Abstract

Water scarcity is a critical issue exacerbated by climate change, urbanization, and population growth, particularly in regions with insufficient water infrastructure. Rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems offer a sustainable solution to mitigate water shortages by collecting and storing rainwater for non-potable uses. This study focuses on the design, efficiency, and reliability of RWH systems in residential environments, with an emphasis on optimizing the sizing of storage volumes and collection areas. Using a behavioural simulation model, we generate nomograms that facilitate the design of RWH systems by analyzing the interactions among storage capacity, collection area, rainfall patterns, and water demand. Specifically, this paper evaluates the effectiveness of RWH systems through efficiency and reliability metrics such as water savings, mains reliance, overflow discharge, and system reliability. The proposed procedure integrates stochastic rainfall and water demand data, including a detailed analysis of toilet usage, in order to simulate the performance of RWH systems across different time scales. Case studies in Italy and Denmark are used to assess the influence of climatic differences on system performance. The findings provide a comprehensive methodology for RWH system design, and offer valuable insights into improving a sustainable water management strategy.

Suggested Citation

  • Roberto Magini & Maria Valenti Ben Moussa & Davide Luciano De Luca, 2025. "Nomogram-Based Rainwater Harvesting Design for a Sustainable Residential Water Supply," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-22, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:13:p:5801-:d:1686011
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Campisano, Alberto & Modica, Carlo, 2012. "Optimal sizing of storage tanks for domestic rainwater harvesting in Sicily," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 63(C), pages 9-16.
    2. Monzur Alam Imteaz & Vassiliki Boulomytis, 2022. "Improvement of Rainwater Harvesting Analysis Through an Hourly Timestep Model in Comparison with a Daily Timestep Model," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 36(8), pages 2611-2622, June.
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