Potential of rainwater harvesting implementation in Malaysia from multiple economic impacts measures

Abstract

Rapid urbanization induced by population growth will face water shortages due to increase demand of water and it is expected to be more severe in the future. According to the National Water Resources Report 2000-2050 by the Economic Planning Unit, the demand for treated water would grow between 2% and 3.5% annually for Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, thus the major cities in Malaysia possibly will face a water crisis situation. It was also mentioned that in 2014, these cities will face an expected water deficit of 476 m/l/d when demand exceeds supply. Rainwater harvesting (RHW) is one of the promising, but challenging system and its approach into a building as an effective way to minimize the use of treated water can help to cope with water deficit. Due to limited knowledge and promotion on this system, the RWH practice is unpopular in this country despite the high total rainfall amount in Malaysia. A proper design with economic impact characteristic will significantly give good effect not only to a project, but also the opportunity it represents. This paper is to identify the importance of RWH system in sustainable development and its potential of utilization benefits for new development. The significant of RWH on environmental and economic impacts are also discussed.