There is evidence that people have been harvesting rainwater since 4000BC. The Roman Empire developed an intricate infrastructure to direct water to be used for irrigation and sanitary purposes.... Show moreThere is evidence that people have been harvesting rainwater since 4000BC. The Roman Empire developed an intricate infrastructure to direct water to be used for irrigation and sanitary purposes. For the most part, modern society has abandoned the practice of harvesting rainwater because water sources have been plentiful and inexpensive. Residents have become accustom to turning on the tap and receiving potable water from their Municipal Authority or a free standing well. Essentially rainwater is undervalued and as such has not been given the priority it deserves. This circumstance is rapidly changing as fresh water is becoming more difficult to acquire. Municipalities are raising the price of water, adding regulations to restrict its use and promoting the rapid growth of investment in „green‟ lifestyle solutions. These actions are increasing public awareness of the need to reduce our “water footprint” and a willingness to invest in conservation systems. In urban settings, two-thirds of the water provided by municipalities goes to residential properties. In a typical single family home, 70 percent of the water used annually is used in toilets and outside the home for lawn irrigation, gardens, washing cars, swimming pools etc. These applications could successfully utilize non-potable water, if a reliable source existed for capturing and recycling it in a convenient and affordable way. This IPRO will develop and test a system targeted at homeowners for rainwater harvest. Show less
