Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects
Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
This study seeks to quantify the potential amount of rainwater that could be harvested from Western Kentucky University’s main campus roof spaces and to evaluate the potential environmental and economic value of such an initiative in light of the global water crisis. Roof areas and historic rainfall data were used to enumerate the potential quantity of water averted by the selected buildings. Limited literature exists on the potential for rainwater harvesting in reducing quantity of surface runoff and what that means for stormwater management, so an evaluation was performed on the implications these installations could have specifically for WKU’s stormwater management plan. It is predicted that the installation of these cisterns can significantly reduce dependence on potable water, thereby alleviating some of the environmental stress accrued through municipal water treatment. It was found that significant water savings can be achieved, but the economic cost of installation is less than desirable.
Advisor(s) or Committee Chair
Mrs. Christian Ryan-Downing
Disciplines
Biology
Recommended Citation
McCloughan, Ashley C., "Rainwater Harvesting: Examining the Potential of Rainfall Collection as a Stormwater Best Management Practice and a Supplement to Municipal Water at WKU" (2013). Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects. Paper 395.
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/395