Application deadline: 15 May 2026
Rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems have become a cornerstone of modern sustainable water management, offering a practical response to growing pressures on freshwater resources, urban flooding, and climate driven rainfall variability. By harvesting and reusing rainwater for non potable purposes (such as toilet flushing, irrigation, and washing machines), these systems reduce demand on drinking water networks and help preserve groundwater and surface water bodies. Their relevance is global: countries like Germany, the UK, Spain, Japan, Australia, Brazil, and the US have integrated RWH into building codes, urban planning, or large scale demonstration projects.
From the Tokyo Dome’s 3000 m³ system to the Potsdamer Platz district in Berlin, and from mandatory installations in parts of Australia to municipal requirements in Spain, RWH has evolved from an ancient practice into a widely diffused, technologically advanced solution that supports circular water management and climate resilience.
Details
Course Content
1. Historical and conceptual foundations
2. Drivers, opportunities for rainwater harvesting in buildings, environmental and economic benefits, and key barriers.
3. System components and operation
4. Design and sizing methods
5. Regulation and technical standards
6. Global perspectives and international case studies.
Tutors
Carla Gamelas Reis
Study Programme
Degree in Environmental and Marine Technologies
ECTS
0
Contact hours
1.5
Full/partial course
Single Lecture
European Qualifications Framework (EQF)
EQF 6
Course ID
SL_CG2
Prerequisites
None
Further information
Teaching Methods
Lecture
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this lecture, students will be able to:
- Explain the historical evolution and contemporary relevance of rainwater harvesting (RWH), recognizing its role in sustainable water management and climate resilience
- Identify the main non-potable applications of harvested rainwater.
- Recognize the benefits and the technological and non-technological barriers to RWH implementation and discuss strategies to overcome them.
- Describe the key components of a building-scale RWH system, including the treatment stage.
- Compare different tank sizing methodologies and understand the parameters that influence storage volume and system performance.
- Interpret the European regulatory context, the national standard, and the limitations of current legislation.
- Analyze international examples of RWH adoption to understand how different countries integrate these systems into building codes and urban planning.
Assessment
None
Literature & Materials
Powerpoint Presentation
Please note
Please be aware of the course timezone provided in the course description. Converting the course times to your timezone may be necessary to ensure your availability.
