Rain Water Harvesting
Rain water is a free source of nearly pure water. It can be used to supply drinkable (potable) water and non-potable water. For non-potable uses, like watering landscapes, it is ready for use as it falls from the sky.
For centuries the world has relied upon rainwater harvesting to supply water for household, landscape, and agricultural uses. Before city water systems were developed rainwater was collected (mostly from roofs) and stored in cisterns or storage tanks.
Today, many parts of the world, including Hawaii and the entire continent of Australia, promote rainwater as the principal means of supplying household water. On many Caribbean islands where rainwater is the most viable water supply option, public buildings, homes, and resorts all collect rainwater to supply their needs. In Hong Kong, rainwater is collected from skyscrapers to supply water needs.
If we all contribute in collecting rainwater, we aim for both a better environment as well as economical benefits.
For information on rainwater-collection see: http://www.gdrc.org/uem/water/rainwater/introduction.html
