Main externalities associated with stormwater harvesting - Existing study details

Abstract

This dataset is one of seven datasets that analyses a water supply option in terms of externalities (positive and negative effects that are not taken into account directly in market-place transactions). The water service option covered in this dataset is stormwater harvesting, which generally involves the collection of stormwater from drains, creeks or ponds; temporary storage in small dams or tanks; treatment to remove contaminants; and finally distribution to users. Related datasets cover desalination, dams, wastewater recycling, groundwater, greywater, and rainwater tanks. Each dataset identifies the social, environmental and economic impacts associated with the option in general and for each stage in its life cycle. Stages generally comprise the collection, storage, treatment, distribution of water and, finally, the decommissioning of the water supply option. The externalities were identified by an extensive survey of existing research and literature in water-related studies and through technical analysis of the option characteristics and technologies. The literature is vast and, at times, contradictory. The data is intended to provide an overview of the externalities that must be considered in the externality evaluation process, and does not provide not definitive values for option impacts as externality impacts will be site-specific.