Analysis and evaluation of proposals for rainwater harvesting systems for non-consumptive use in the city of Cuenca, Ecuador

Abstract

Due to the current population increase, the demand for the use of natural resources is also increasing exponentially, one of them is drinking water, this resource is one of the vital elements for human beings and has become the most exploited and specifically underutilized in residential buildings. Currently, this vital element has been used in cleaning activities, irrigation of plants and other non-consumptive activities. The World Health Organization recommends that water consumption should be 100 liters/inhabitant/day to consider a sustainable society; however, in the city of Cuenca- Ecuador, consumption doubles the recommended limit. Studies show that this consumption can be reduced with the application of bioclimatic strategies, one of which is rainwater harvesting. Therefore, this research focuses on the analysis and proposal for rainwater harvesting to solve the underuse of potable water in residential buildings for non-consumptive use (laundry, garden irrigation, house cleaning and toilet flushing). Thus, for rainwater harvesting for domestic purposes, the roof surface is used, and this model is known as SCAPT. The research methodology is of an experimental type in that collection strategies and systems are proposed, analyzed, and evaluated. With these rainwater harvesting systems, more than 55 litres/inhab/day can be incorporated into the dwelling, thus contributing to the reduction and control of drinking water in residential buildings.