Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026
13:48
Design and Construction of an Urban Runoff Research Facility
Published on: August 8, 2014
Mandatory urban rainwater harvesting: learning from experience
Jeremy Gabe1, Sam Trowsdale, Diveshkumar Mistry
1Department of Property, The University of Auckland Business School, Auckland, New Zealand. j.gabe@auckland.ac.nz
Summary
Homeowners in Auckland found rainwater harvesting satisfaction grew with experience, highlighting the importance of social learning for integrated urban water management success.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Urban Water Management
- Social Science
Background:
- Rainwater harvesting is mandated in several New Zealand urban areas.
- Understanding end-user perspectives on costs and benefits is crucial for public acceptance.
- Urban rainwater infrastructure involves supply security, water quality, learning, and financial aspects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the end-user costs and benefits of rainwater harvesting.
- To explore factors influencing public acceptance of urban rainwater infrastructure.
- To understand the role of experience and social learning in user satisfaction.
Main Methods:
- Conducted semistructured interviews with 14 homeowners in northern Auckland.
- Focused on residents affected by rainwater harvesting regulations.
- Analyzed user experiences regarding supply security, water quality, learning, and costs.
Main Results:
- Homeowner satisfaction with rainwater harvesting increased over time with experience.
- Empirical knowledge significantly influences urban rainwater consumption for inexperienced users.
- Key aspects influencing acceptance include supply security, water quality, learning curve, and financial costs.
Conclusions:
- User satisfaction with rainwater harvesting is positively correlated with accumulated experience.
- Recognizing the social learning costs associated with new water management practices is vital.
- Effective regulation should support social learning to maximize benefits of integrated urban water management.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Design Example: Analyzing Capacity Contours for Flood Risk Assessment
Flood risk assessment involves careful planning and analysis to ensure the safety of communities near water retention structures. Capacity contours are a vital tool in this process, as they illustrate the potential spread of water at specific levels in a given area. In the context of building a bund across a small valley, these contours play a critical role in evaluating the safety of nearby residential areas.In this example, the bund is intended to store stormwater in the valley. The engineers...
01:26Design Example: Sustainability in Concrete Building
As the construction industry moves towards more eco-friendly practices, concrete's adaptability and its ability to incorporate sustainable features make it a key material in the drive towards greener building solutions.
There are multiple approaches to achieve sustainability in a commercial concrete building. For instance, construct a concrete parking area under the building, utilizing pervious concrete paver blocks in open areas to facilitate rainwater collection through an underground cistern.
There are multiple approaches to achieve sustainability in a commercial concrete building. For instance, construct a concrete parking area under the building, utilizing pervious concrete paver blocks in open areas to facilitate rainwater collection through an underground cistern.
01:27Design Example: Design of an Irrigation Channel
Trapezoidal channels are widely used in irrigation systems due to their cost-effectiveness and efficiency in conveying water. Trapezoidal channels feature a flat bottom and sloping sides, making them stable and easier to construct compared to other shapes. The bottom width and side slope ratio are determined based on the required flow capacity and site conditions. The side slope is kept gentle for unlined channels to prevent soil erosion.Hydraulic parameters in channel design include the flow...
02:41Responses to Drought and Flooding
Water plays a significant role in the life cycle of plants. However, insufficient or excess of water can be detrimental and pose a serious threat to plants.
01:25Design Example: Designing a Residential Plumbing System
The design of residential plumbing systems requires carefully evaluating water demand, flow rates, and pressure dynamics to ensure both efficiency and reliability. The nature of water flow within pipes is defined by its Reynolds number, which classifies flow as either laminar (smooth) or turbulent.
01:57Adaptations that Reduce Water Loss
Though evaporation from plant leaves drives transpiration, it also results in loss of water. Because water is critical for photosynthetic reactions and other cellular processes, evolutionary pressures on plants in different environments have driven the acquisition of adaptations that reduce water loss.