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A TECHNO-ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF A SUBURBAN RAINWATER HARVESTING SYSTEM
By capturing stormwater runoff and storing it in tanks for future use, rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems can play a key role in the sustainable use and conservation of aquatic resources, a defining goal of blue economy activities. RWH systems allow for low-impact decentralization of water supply infrastructure. This can reduce demands on centralized water supply systems, decrease energy usage for pumping and transport of treated water, and reduce a variety of other costs. RWH systems can also reduce stormwater runoff and associated erosion damage and transport of pollutants. The present study develops a techno-economic assessment (TEA) of a suburban rainwater harvesting system. A nonparametric bootstrapping model is developed and used to synthetically generate multiple realizations of rainfall, water supply and demand, and storage size and reliability outcomes, based on historical data on local temperature and precipitation. Required RWH system equipment is identified and priced. Estimates for reductions in stormwater runoff and water and energy usage at centralized supply systems are developed. The adaptability of the TEA approach developed in the present study can facilitate future analyses of the costs and benefits of the blue economy activity of developing suburban RWH systems in diverse settings.