Rainwater harvesting system for flat roofs studied and analyzed for households in the Casablanca City at risk of severe water shortage
摘要
The fight against climate change is no longer an optional issue. Casablanca, Morocco, faces an increasing risk of severe water shortages, necessitating innovative solutions to optimize water resources. This study evaluates the feasibility and efficiency of a Rainwater Harvesting System for Flat Roofs (RWHSFR) in urban households, focusing on water conservation for non-potable uses. The research analyzes 20 years of rainfall data (2001–2020) to assess variability, trends, and harvesting potential, revealing an average annual precipitation of 426 mm with a coefficient of variation of 36.5%. The system’s ability to collect rainwater was assessed based on a standard household requirement of 1499.4 l/month for non-potable uses. The results demonstrate that a single RWHSFR unit (9 m2) can cover up to 83.65% of the water demand for part of the non-potable domestic applications during the driest months (June, July and August). Storage capacity optimization indicates that a 5000 l tank is required per household, with scalable solutions for multi-unit buildings. Cost-effectiveness analysis reveals that installing five RWHSFR units reduces water expenses and achieves a shorter payback period. Sensitivity analysis shows that system viability is maintained despite fluctuations in material and labor costs, with a ± 20% variation affecting total expenses but not long-term feasibility. Moreover, the innovative waterproof polyester surface improves the runoff coefficient to 0.98, reducing the required collection surface by 29% compared to traditional concrete roofs. The study highlights RWHSFR’s potential to alleviate water stress in urban environments, demonstrating a scalable, cost-efficient, and sustainable approach for integrating rainwater harvesting into Casablanca’s residential infrastructure. Expanding this system to public buildings could further optimize water management, contributing to national sustainability goals.