Empirical performance assessment of a large building rainwater harvesting system in the UK

Ward, S; Memon, FA; Butler, D

Abstract

Despite a plethora of studies modelling the feasibility of the utilisation of rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems in particular contexts, there remains a significant gap in knowledge in relation to detailed empirical assessments of performance. Domestic systems have been investigated to a limited degree in the literature, including in the UK, but there are few recent longitudinal studies of larger non-domestic systems. This paper presents the results of a longitudinal empirical performance assessment of a non-domestic RWH system located in an office building in the UK. Results highlight that the average measured water saving efficiency of the office-based RWH system was 87% across an 8-month period, due to the system being over-sized for the eventual occupancy level. Consequently, a similar level of performance could have been achieved using a smaller-sized tank. Calculated cost savings resulted in a capital payback period of 10.5 years. These findings indicate that office-scale RWH systems potentially offer significant water and cost savings and that the importance of long-term monitoring of non-domestic RWH systems should be emphasized, in order to build confidence in RWH system performance.

Citation

Ward, S., Memon, F., & Butler, D. (2011, September). Empirical performance assessment of a large building rainwater harvesting system in the UK. Paper presented at 12th International Conference on Urban Drainage, Porto Alegre, Brazil

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: 12th International Conference on Urban Drainage
• Conference Location: Porto Alegre, Brazil
• Start Date: Sep 11, 2011
• End Date: Sep 15, 2011
• Acceptance Date: Sep 11, 2011
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: rainwater harvesting, empirical assessments of performance, efficiency, performance, cost savings
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/959203
• Additional Information: Title of Conference or Conference Proceedings : 12th International Conference on Urban Drainage