This research will present opportunities and limitations of rooftop rainwater harvesting within Glasgow Avenues Project area. Potential potable water savings will shed light on other environmental benefits, such as greenhouse gasses emissions and energy consumption. All findings of conducted research will be detailed within subsequent chapters of this paper.
Estimations predict that, due to current freshwater shortages, water will replace petroleum as the liquid gold of the 21st century. Even though some regions, such as Scotland, have an abundance of water, it can be argued that due to the trends of growing population, which inevitably leads to greater consumption, and the relentless increasing of the Earth's temperature, which translates into triggering more rapid evaporation rates, this situation may not be sustainable in the future. Supplying water leads to many environmental changes, such as decreasing groundwater levels in aquifers or air pollution from water collection, treatment and pumping over long distances. Air pollution significantly contributes to the global climate change, which in turn will intensify the water shortage problem. Rainwater harvesting as a capture, storage and supply of rainwater at the point of use may be a viable solution for these issues. Properly designed and supplied by renewable energy these systems may enhance the city’s resilience to climate change and help tackle environmental issues.
In urbanised areas, the least contaminated rainwater can be collected from the rooftops. Rainwater contamination impacts on the system's efficiency and longevity, which is important in financial and maintenance aspects. Rainwater collected at the building rooftop can be utilised for non-potable purposes within that building, and any excess water can be stored for future use during dry periods. No water treatment is required for such use of water; thus, energy is saved and carbon emissions reduced. In situ rainwater harvesting also precludes energy consumption for transportation. However, a certain amount of energy is needed for pumping rainwater from the main storage tank to the points of use.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
1.2 Importance of this study
1.3 Aim and objectives
1.4 Sample Methodology
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Rainwater harvesting
2.1.1. Rainwater harvesting from the rooftops
2.1.2 Roofs in the research area
2.1.3 Frequency use of the system
2.2 Components of a rooftop rainwater harvesting system
2.3. Rainwater harvesting systems
2.3.1 Gravity Feed Systems
2.3.2 Pump Feed Systems
2.4. Rainwater harvesting system to be considered for Glasgow Avenues Project area
2.5. Summary
3 METHODOLOGY
3.1 Theoretical study
3.2 Glasgow Avenues Project as a Case Study
3.3 Computer programs
3.3.1 Google Earth
3.3.2 Microsoft Excel
4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Water used by residents living in the study area
4.2 Water end-uses by residents in Glasgow
4.2.1 Based on Scottish Water emailed data
4.2.2 Based on the Scottish Government data
4.2.3 Total water end-uses
4.3 Rainfall data
4.3.1 Short-term analysis for 2010 (1 year)
4.3.2 Short-term analysis for 2011
4.3.3. Long-term analysis (10 years)
4.4 Rainfall catchment area
4.5 Potential potable water savings
4.5.1 Short-term potable water savings for 2010
4.5.2 Short-term potable water savings for 2011
4.5.3 Long-term potential (10 years)
4.5.4 Short- and long-term drinking water savings comparison
4.6 Potential operational carbon footprint reductions
4.6.1 Potential carbon footprint reductions in a short-term of 2010
4.6.2 Potential carbon footprint reductions in a short-term of 2011
4.6.3 Potential carbon footprint reductions in a long-term
4.6.4 Operational carbon footprint comparison
4.7 Discussion
5 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Summary of key findings
5.2 Recommendation for future research
5.3 Recommendation for future practice
Research Objectives and Key Themes
This research aims to determine whether implementing rooftop rainwater harvesting in the Glasgow Avenues Project area can significantly save potable water and reduce the associated carbon footprint. The study investigates local water consumption and rainfall data to evaluate the feasibility of utilizing harvested rainwater for non-potable household needs, such as toilet flushing and outdoor use.
- Feasibility of rooftop rainwater harvesting in urban environments.
- Estimation of potential potable water savings for residential areas.
- Assessment of operational energy consumption and carbon footprint reductions.
- Comparison of short-term (yearly) and long-term (10-year) harvesting performance.
- Identification of the most energy-efficient rainwater harvesting system configurations.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 Background
Rainwater harvesting is known as collection, storage and use of the rainfall. Collection can be done before rain reaches the ground (rooftop collection), or from the surface runoff. It is an ancient concept utilized to provide water resources for potable and non-potable uses, as well as agriculture (Sisuru Sendanayake, 2016). Rainwater harvesting has been practised for thousands of years during seasonal rain events as a way of water preservation for future uses. Collected rainwater was usually stored in natural basins or man-made cisterns (Heather Kinkade-Levario, 2007).
The amount of rainwater available for harvested highly depends on the rainfall intensity within the area, catchment area size and surface type (Rani Devi et al., 2012). Additionally, surroundings of the catchment area, its location, temperature and evaporation rate are also important. Rainwater reuse seems to be appropriate for arid regions of the World, where water resources are scarce. Although, cooler places with higher rainfall can also benefit from this technology. Water savings as the main reason for rainwater harvesting can also lead to other benefits.
Summary of Chapters
1. INTRODUCTION: This chapter introduces the historical context and importance of rainwater harvesting, defines the research aim and objectives, and outlines the applied methodology.
2. LITERATURE REVIEW: This chapter reviews the principles of rainwater harvesting, examines the components and types of systems, and discusses their applicability to the Glasgow Avenues Project.
3 METHODOLOGY: This chapter details the mixed-methods approach, including the use of software tools like Google Earth for surface surveying and Microsoft Excel for statistical analysis of water usage and rainfall.
4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: This chapter presents the quantitative analysis of collected data regarding water consumption, rainfall patterns, potential potable water savings, and the resulting impacts on carbon footprint.
5 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: This chapter summarizes the key findings regarding the effectiveness of rainwater harvesting and provides recommendations for future research and practice in urban areas.
Keywords
Rainwater harvesting, Glasgow Avenues Project, Potable water savings, Carbon footprint reduction, Rooftop catchment, Non-potable water, Water consumption, Rainfall analysis, Renewable energy, Sustainable drainage, Urban water management, Water scarcity, Energy efficiency, Runoff coefficient, Water end-use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this dissertation?
The dissertation examines the potential for rooftop rainwater harvesting in the Glasgow Avenues Project area to save potable water and reduce carbon emissions associated with water supply.
What are the key thematic areas addressed in this study?
The work covers rainwater harvesting technology, analysis of local rainfall and water consumption data, system design, energy intensity of water supply, and environmental impact assessments.
What is the core research question?
The study asks whether rainwater harvesting within the Glasgow Avenues Project area can effectively lead to potable water savings and a reduction in the carbon footprint as a non-potable water resource.
What scientific methods were employed?
The author used a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative literature review with quantitative analysis using computer software (Google Earth for spatial data and Microsoft Excel for mathematical calculations).
What is discussed in the main body of the work?
The main sections cover literature review, research methodology, detailed results regarding water savings, an analysis of carbon footprint implications, and the identification of optimal system configurations.
Which keywords best characterize this research?
Key terms include rainwater harvesting, Glasgow Avenues, potable water savings, carbon footprint, rooftop catchment, and sustainable water management.
How does the project account for varying weather conditions?
The research compares short-term yearly data from 2010 (a dry year) and 2011 (a wet year) against a 10-year long-term analysis to demonstrate system reliability across different climate scenarios.
Why is the "Indirect Gravity Feed" system highlighted?
It was selected as the most efficient solution because it optimizes pump operation, using gravity for final delivery to households, thereby minimizing energy consumption and wear on the equipment.
What conclusion does the author draw about carbon footprints?
The author concludes that while rainwater harvesting saves water, it is not necessarily carbon-neutral unless supplied by renewable energy, recommending the use of "Green Tariffs" to achieve environmental benefits.
- Quote paper
- Anna Treder (Author), 2020, Can rainwater harvesting within Glasgow Avenues Project area lead to potable water savings and carbon footprint reduction?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/968778
