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4 Overview of Water Harvesting Techniques
The three main categories of water harvesting include microcatchment harvesting,
macrocatchment/floodwater harvesting and groundwater harvesting (Oweis et al.
1999 ; Prinz 2002 ; Mekdaschi and Liniger 2013 ) and are practiced in many water-
scarce areas of the world. Within these three main categories there are numerous
techniques that have been developed to match local conditions and need which
could be adapted to benefit people in other water-scarce areas. Each category has its
own subset of techniques and methods that can be used to maximize the benefits
(Fig. 2 ).
4.1 Rooftop Water Harvesting
Harvesting of rainwater can be from roofs of private, public or commercial build-
ings (e.g. greenhouses, schools). Rooftop WH are getting more and more popular in
both developed and emerging economy countries to secure /improve water supply
for domestic use such as sanitation or garden irrigation (Mekdaschi and Liniger
2013 ). Rooftop due to small surface area (catchment area) and high runoff
Fig. 2 Water Harvesting Techniques
A. Yazar and A. Ali