Potential for rain water capture in semi-arid urban areas

Abstract

The semi-arid region of Paraiba is devastated by extreme climatic conditions, in which the low index and the irregularity of the rains are factors of great negative impact for the development of the region. We found in rainwater collection systems, an important alternative for the region, which can increase the volume of water available to a municipality, for the same rainfall regime. Therefore, one of the main objectives of the study was to estimate the Potential Volumes of Rainwater Capture (VPC) for the urban area of ​​São João do Cariri. These volumes will be estimated based on the proposed use of the city's impermeable surfaces as rainwater catchment areas for non-potable purposes. Such an estimation is important for the adequate dimensioning of cisterns, in order to guarantee the supply of thenon-potablewater demands of the population during the dry season.