Modelling and sustainable management of rainwater harvesting in urban systems

Resumo

This dissertation developed a model to evaluate technical, economic and environmental aspects of rainwater harvesting systems for domestic urban use. Different types of housing (semi-detached house and apartment house) and different systems (one single-house, apartment building and neighborhood) were analyzed. Then, scenarios of economic and environmental viability were found and specific sub-models were developed for use in the direct evaluation of a wide range of climatic conditions, prices and quality of mains water in different urban scales. The dissertation is prepared into five main parts and eight chapters. Part I. INTRODUCTION and METHODOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK APPLIED Part I is divided into two chapters. Chapter 1 introduces the general work presenting a comprehensive framework of water resources and their importance in the cities. This chapter includes the supply and renewability of water resources in some countries of the world, and the urban water demands and trends of future urban growth. Also it is shown a relationship of domestic consumption of mains water and the relationship between water and energy. Finally, the motivations and the objectives that led to this dissertation are presented. Chapter 2 presents the general methodology that was developed, giving a special emphasis on system modelling, economic analysis and environmental assessment. In addition, this chapter includes the systems and case studies included in the research and validation carried on the main model developed. Part II. MODELLING RAINWATER HARVESTING SYSTEMS Part II includes the Chapter 3. This chapter presents in detail the development of a simulation model of RWH systems, and its benchmarking against other existing softwares. This software is called Plugrisost as an acronym for pluvials, grey and sustainability. In addition, the chapter describes the determinants factors that led to its creation and the new features included to facilitate the comprehensive assessment of rainwater harvesting. Part III. SOCIAL ASPECTS, POTENTIAL SUPPLY AND ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF RAINWATER IN URBAN AREAS Part III is composed of two chapters. Chapter 4 presents a study of the potential of rainwater harvesting in countries in process of development taking as a case study in Colombia. Additionally, this study shows that some socioeconomic aspects may influence the potential to capture rainwater. Chapter 5 discusses the potential environmental impacts in the context of new neighborhoods in developing countries, taking as a case study in Colombia. This chapter presents models that can be applied in rapid environmental assessments in these scenarios. Part IV. MAIN FACTORS IN THE ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS Part IV is composed of two chapters. Chapter 6 analyzes the economic and financial viability and environmental impact of RWH systems taking as a case study in Spain. Models to asses economically and environmentally these systems are developed. Also, the determinants that affect these assessments are exposed. Chapter 7 is focused on analyzing the potential effect of water network quality in the economic and environmental analysis of RWH systems. Hardness of the water is the parameter analyzed over a broad range of urban conditions and different systems. Part V. CONCLUSIONS AND NEXT STEPS Part IV is composed of one chapter. Chapter 8 presents the overall findings of the dissertation in accordance with the stated objectives. It is also included future researches that may continue to be developed in RWH systems.