This study investigated residential-scale rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems as a water supply strategy for whole developments. It envisions collecting rainwater from building roofs and routing it to a free-standing cistern on the same lot. Each building or building cluster would incorporate a self-contained water supply system, including all facilities required to filter/treat/disinfect the water to meet all water demands within and around the building(s). All buildings may be connected to a development-wide water system through a backup supply scheme to assure a continuous water supply during drought periods. This strategy may also include arrangements for all residential-scale facilities to be maintained collectively by a management entity.
Keywords: rainwater harvesting, residential-scale, self-contained water supply system, cistern