Rainwater reporting for toilet duty in Malaysia
While its uses are well known in rural areas where open jars on rooftops are the norm, urban Malaysia is just beginning to reap its benefits.
Lecturer Norhaiza Nordin of University College of Engineering and Technology in Kuantan said that proper use of rainwater under the Rain Water Management System could minimise erosion and flooding.
Norhaiza, who lectures in the institute's School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, said the system also decreased storm water run-off that picks up contaminants and degrades drains, streams, rivers and the ocean.
“Fifty-eight per cent of rainfall in Malaysia ends up as surface run-off, suggesting a strong case for employing systems that can end to such a wasted resource.”
She said the quality of rainwater had turned it into a viable water resource supplement as it often exceeded the quality of ground or surface water because it did not come in contact with soil, salts or minerals.
“Rainwater is also not subject to pollutants found in rivers and has hardness approaching zero, which reduces the quantity of soap needed for cleaning, compared with piped water.”
She said that with rainwater, there was no soap scum and hardness deposit, eliminating the need for a water softener.
“Water heaters and pipes will be free of deposits caused by hard water, increasing their durability.”
While there were reservations about using rainwater for drinking or cooking, she said that it was a practical choice for non-potable uses such as washing, gardening and toilet flushing systems.
“As only 10 per cent of public water supply is used for consumption, it is crucial that such waste of high-quality treated water must end to ease the strain on the water treatment system.”
Acknowledgement: This story by Kristina George was originally published in the New Strait Times on July 28, 2008.
Posted August 2008