Review on mechanism and technical measures of urban rainwater harvesting

Abstract

The urban water problem has become one of the most significant problems hindering sustainable urban development. Rainwater harvesting and utilization is a green solution to alleviate the urban water problem. However, existing urban rainwater management pays more attention to flood control and lacks systematic planning for rainwater harvesting in China. In this paper, the calculation methods of rainwater harvesting potential are investigated, and the difference of rainwater harvesting system between the traditional model and sponge model is compared based on the rainwater harvesting mechanism. In addition, the study progress of four representative rainwater harvesting measures (green roofs, bioretention ponds, infiltration wells, and rainwater tanks) is reviewed and four representative optimization tools are listed. Moreover, we summarized the challenge of rainwater harvesting and provided recommendations for future research on the rainwater harvesting system. This review aims to provide theoretical support for the comprehensive utilization of urban rainwater resources to promote the sustainable development of cities.