Rainwater harvesting, a green decentralized water-infrastructure system, is defined as rainwater and stormwater capture, storage and use for various purposes.  Rainwater harvesting can meet water demand in many sectors and at different scales: residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural uses. Noted benefits of rainwater harvesting systems are water conservation, groundwater and ecosystem preservation; urban water quality improvement; stormwater reduction; flood control; drought management; and firefighting. Modern rainwater harvesting systems are considered a major component of the water and energy nexus where using locally available rainwater reduces demand on energy intensive water utilities. From a food, energy, water nexus perspective, use of locally available rainwater can meet food security requirement in urban and suburban environments. 

At present, rainwater harvesting is emerging as a major alternative water source to surface and groundwater resources, and a major component of decentralized water infrastructure and green water-infrastructure systems. There is a significant need to compile information on innovations and challenges of rainwater harvesting systems and identifying research needs, which are primary objectives of this book.

This book will be a significant resource for researchers and graduate level teaching, and serve as a roadmap for water supply engineers and planners tackling water security and diverse water resources and water infrastructure portfolios.

Dr. Tamim Younos earned a doctoral degree in urban and environmental engineering from the University of Tokyo. His research and educational interests include sustainable water management and water and energy nexus in urban environments.  Dr. Younos has led and/or participated in numerous interdisciplinary water research and educational projects and advised students in various disciplines including engineering, environmental sciences, geosciences, biology, economics, geography and urban planning. He has authored/co-authored more than 160 publications, edited 11 books (including 8 books in Springer Series) on water science & management topics, and has offered numerous national and international seminars, lectures and workshops.  His recognitions include: American Water Resources Association (AWRA) Mary H. Marsh Medal for Exemplary Contributions to the Protection and Wise Use of the Nation’s Water Resources; American Rainwater Catchment System Association (ARCSA) Lifetime Achievement Award for Leadership; AWRA Icko Iben Award for Interdisciplinary Communication; AWRA Fellow Award; Fulbright Scholar Award; President, Universities Council on Water Resources (UCOWR); and Japan Society for Promotion of Science (JSPS) Award.

Dr. Tammy E. Parece is an Assistant Professor of Teaching with The Ohio State University, where she mainly teaches geospatial technology courses.  She has a Geospatial and Environmental Analysis PhD from Virginia Tech.  Her research includes the physical and social evaluations of urban areas for urban agriculture.  She has published several book chapters and journal articles, and presented many conference papers, related to urban agriculture.  Additionally, she specializes in geographic education, including geospatial technology courses.  Her publications include book chapters, journal articles, and several technical and laboratory manuals related to geospatial technology education.  She has taught numerous professional development workshops in geospatial technologies. Additionally, she taught at Colorado Mesa University, both traditional geography courses and geospatial technology courses, from 2016 - 2022, and developed their Geography Education and Outreach Program.

Dr. Juneseok Lee is a Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Manhattan University, specializing in Water Infrastructure Systems Analytics. His research has been supported by major grants from the National Science Foundation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, California Water Service Company, and Hewlett-Packard. He has co-authored or edited five books and published over 100 technical works in peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, and conference proceedings. Dr. Lee received Best Paper Awards from the American Water Works Association and the American Society of Civil Engineers in 2018, 2020, and 2022. He holds a Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Virginia Tech, is a licensed Professional Engineer in California, and is a board-certified Water Resources Engineer (BC.WRE) with the American Academy of Water Resources Engineers. Dr. Lee is also a Fellow of both the Environmental Water Resources Institute and the American Society of Civil Engineers.