Authors: Dimitrios Kakoulas, Spyros Golfinopoulos

Title: Water saving potential and financial benefit of rainwater harvesting system in Chios Island

Abstract

Rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems offer an alternative water source which can provide a supplementary water supply where the availability of water resources is a critical issue. The aim of this research is an analysis of the effectiveness of rainwater harvesting systems for domestic non potable uses, in Chios Island (Aegean, Greece), where water resources are limited. A simple water balance model was used to simulate the behavior of a rainwater tank and calculate the daily reticulated water savings. The analysis conducted on various scenarios based on rainwater tank capacity, catchment area and number of inhabitants. The performance of a rainwater collection system has been calculated over a period of seven years. In order to assess the investment risk associated with the application of the RWH system, the financial ratio of Payback period, PB was determined.