As a consequence, social unrest can then be avoided only by subsidies. The town is socially and entinancially heavily burdened. Another problem is that the spontaneous rainwater flow, mixed with wastewater in a heavy downpour, pollutes the river or lake once again and provides more problems for gaining potable water.
Scenario 3: As a result of climatic and geological conditions there is little potable water available; the resources are quickly exhausted. The possibilities for development by the town are therefore restricted. The cost of a long-distance water supply is prohibitive.
This paper examines possible applications of rainwater utilization and application in an urban context. In doing so, it examines some of the more available technologies for this purpose, and draws on Germany's experience in dealing with the related issues. As part of this discussion, variants of practice and boundary conditions of decentralization issues are raised.
Questions and demands
Centralized water systems have come up against various problems before. They are expensive, ecologically and socially disruptive, and can drain whole communities of entinancial and other resources. One of the ways in which water utilization and management is being considered recently is in terms of decentralization of functions. Decentralization of water services is coming to be seen as a preferable alternative to the previous types of centralized system. However, there are questions that need to be examined. Can decentralized measures be realized in towns too? What...
They can thus extend the scope of stormwater management with regard to drainage systems and offer a number of solutions or options for the challenges of water management. Combining such a system with an absorption area is significant if it means that the area can be smaller while maintaining the necessary drainage capacity. Furthermore, the sedimentation characteristics of rainwater utilization facilities can have a water purification effect that can complement the functions of an underground seepage area. Ecological aspects for public welfare and entinancial savings during operation must work to complement each other. The prerequisite for this is reliable, professional construction of any drainage concept and water recycling system with little maintenance.
Best results by decentralization
Decentralization is supported and fuelled by both technology and the need for governments to improve their services. The technology is such that even "tailor-made" concepts can now be realized. The aims of local town hydrology can be supported through the combination of rainwater utilization with planted roofs and draining into open waters. At a glance the special advantages of these measures are as follows:
