Rainwater collection: by law or by citizen's decision, in the Municipality of Villa Victoria, State of Mexico

Introduction: rainwater harvesting and self-management of water are promising approaches to address water scarcity and limited access to safe drinking water. These approaches require the active participation of individuals and communities, fostering solidarity, cooperation and trust among them. At the same time, it is essential to be supported by government policies that promote and facilitate the implementation of rainwater harvesting systems and establish a sound regulatory basis for their safe and effective use. Methods: a mixed approach was used, combining the benefits of qualitative research with documentary reviews. This approach allowed us to examine and describe key aspects related to water self-management, social capital and the role of government policies in the implementation of rainwater harvesting, especially in the community of La Lupita in Lerma, State of Mexico. Results: this community has implemented traditional self-management strategies to cope with water scarcity, such as rainwater harvesting and the use of community reservoirs. However, challenges in water supply persist, especially during the dry season. Conclusions: it is necessary to promote integral solutions that combine rainwater harvesting with governmental actions and promote education on responsible water use

Design of optimal tank size for rainwater harvesting systems through use of a web application and geo-referenced rainfall patterns

Many innovative water conservation and reuse techniques are currently available and have proven highly effective for not only conserving water, but also reducing waste, and saving money. Identifying these options is a key concern for today’s environmental and process engineer as they can simplify regulatory requirements, reduce disposal and treatment costs, and conserve raw materials. This paper approaches water conservation technologies from a process perspective. A general process analysis approach is presented, followed by specific case studies from businesses in Texas and the border states of Mexico. Simple water conservation methods, such as the use of spring loaded or solenoid shut-off valves are discussed, as well as more advanced techniques such as automated process control, process water reuse, and rain water collection. In addition, methods to conserve water in cleaning and degreasing, electroplating, and coating operations are presented.