Socio-economic acceptance of rooftop rainwater harvesting – A case study

Abstract

AbstractWater resources, previously considered as free and abundant, are now becoming scarce, which will potentially affect human welfare. Urban areas experience increased water demands directly proportional to the rate of urbanisation, causing a stress on water sources. Rooftop rainwater harvesting in cities and towns is an effective tool for recharging depleting aquifers and for meeting the demand for water. Indian national and state governments have framed rules and policies supporting installation of rainwater harvesting structures, but implementation of these requires the acceptance and willingness of people. The present study explores the awareness about rooftop rainwater harvesting systems, attitudes towards them and their acceptance among the people of Dehradun, India. The results indicate that rooftop rainwater harvesting is acceptable to the people but the government needs to provide supportive implementation plans.Keywords:: urbanisationrooftoprainwater harvestingawarenessattitudewillingness to invest AcknowledgementsWe would like to thank the College of Management and Economic Studies, UPES, Dehradun, for encouraging us to carry out this study and the respondents who took part in this survey. We also acknowledge the comments and suggestions of three anonymous reviewers who reviewed an earlier version of this paper.