Traditional domestic rainwater harvesting systems: classification, sustainability challenges, and future perspectives

Abstract

Traditional domestic rainwater harvesting systems (RWHSs) are often at risk of being destroyed. The wide variety of traditional domestic RWHSs across the globe makes defining the sustainability challenges difficult. We conducted a literature review and created a classification system for traditional domestic RWHSs, and selected three representative RWHS types: water cellars, stepwells, and qanats. We then determined the sustainability challenges faced by each of the three RWHS types. In total, 20 challenges were identified and subsequently analyzed to establish: 1) the similarities and differences among the challenges faced by each RWHS type, 2) the most pressing challenges that need to be addressed, and 3) the research disciplines required to address each challenge. Most of the challenges require interdisciplinary cooperation and sociological investigation. Finally, two priorities for future research were identified. First, sustainability in terms of traditional domestic RWHSs must be defined and conceptual frameworks must be developed to help to integrate research from multiple disciplines. Second, preservation of the architecture or structural body of traditional domestic RWHSs should be prioritized.

Keywords

• traditional rainwater harvesting system
• qanat
• stepwell
• water cellar
• sustainability