Roof Rainwater Harvesting in Central Mexico: Uses, Benefits, and Factors of Adoption

Abstract

This study was carried out in rural communities in the state of Guanajuato, in central Mexico. A questionnaire was directly applied to users of rainwater (RW) to identify the uses, water consumption, and perception towards RW and traditional supply sources, for the purpose of evaluating the relevance of RW in different situations as an alternative supply, as well as the factors that affect the adoption and use of this source. RW turned out to be the users’ main water source, and functions as a tool to increase the knowledge and perception of the rainy season and other factors. The respondents identified at least one benefit from the use of RW; the most important benefits were the watering of plants and gardens, avoiding the purchase of water from tank trucks, avoiding the need to fetch water, among others. In the localities studied, where the traditional water supply is either deficient or totally lacking, the use and acceptance of RW has increased. Economic support and training to install systems were key factors for those systems’ installation in the communities. These findings may assist future projects to promote the use of RW harvesting at the domestic level and increase the water supply.