Emergency Rainwater Harvesting, Water Storage, and Distribution System for an Affordable Housing Development in Barbados

Background: To sustain both permanent residents and an intense tourism industry, Barbados overpumps its sole source of natural freshwater—the aquifer. Climate change is projected to increase both storm intensity and drought, further hampering groundwater recharge. These intense rainfalls quickly saturate topsoil and result in extensive surface run-off that causes flooding, erosion, sedimentation, and eutrophication. By providing more water for households and reducing aquifer withdrawal, rainwater harvesting has the potential to both mitigate water scarcity and reduce the amount of harmful run-off. However, rainwater harvesting is not currently practiced in Barbados. This paper proposes a hurricane-resistant rainwater harvest, storage, and distribution system to be implemented in an affordable housing community in St. Thomas, Barbados.Methods: In the creation of the distribution system design, social, economic and environmental concepts need to be considered. We first conducted a field survey within the neighbourhood to understand what the residents felt the local water supply lacked. Afterwards, we performed a detailed rainfall analysis to determine the amount of rainwater that can realistically be captured. Finally, we consulted with various academic experts, local industry members, and supply stores to determine an affordable design.Results: Our findings suggest that an initial household investment of $2790.90 BBD appears adequate to provide a system for rainwater harvesting, dual plumbing, and communal distribution which can withstand and utilize 1/50 years storms.Limitations: Given that rainwater harvesting is not currently practiced in Barbados, government initiatives are needed to encourage its development.Conclusion: Affordable rainwater harvesting, dual plumbing, and community distribution systems can be implemented to possibly reshape life in countries facing water scarcity.