Rainwater Harvesting for Indoor and Outdoor Uses
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Water Conservation Rainwater Harvesting course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
Aerial photograph is a technique used to determine the water spread area… #
Aerial photograph is a technique used to determine the water spread area of a given region, useful in Rainwater harvesting systems design.
Aqueduct is an artificial channel that conveys water from one loca… #
Aqueduct is an artificial channel that conveys water from one location to another, often used in large-scale water supply systems that can also incorporate Rainwater harvesting.
Aquifer is a geological formation that stores and transmits water ,… #
Aquifer is a geological formation that stores and transmits water, which can be recharged with Rainwater for use in various applications.
Artificial recharge is a technique used to replenish groundwater b… #
Artificial recharge is a technique used to replenish groundwater by injecting treated water into an aquifer, which can include Rainwater collected from various sources.
Atmospheric water is water that exists in the atmosphere , includin… #
Atmospheric water is water that exists in the atmosphere, including water vapor, clouds, and precipitation, which can be a source of Rainwater for harvesting.
Base flow is the portion of streamflow that comes from groundwa… #
Base flow is the portion of streamflow that comes from groundwater, which can be augmented by Rainwater harvesting and conservation efforts.
Best management practice is a technique or method used to manage water… #
Best management practice is a technique or method used to manage water resources, including Rainwater harvesting, in a way that minimizes environmental impact and maximizes efficiency.
Bioretention is a stormwater management technique that uses veg… #
Bioretention is a stormwater management technique that uses vegetation and soil to filter and treat runoff, often incorporating Rainwater harvesting systems.
Catchment is an area of land that drains water into a particular <… #
Catchment is an area of land that drains water into a particular point, such as a stream or lake, which can be used to collect Rainwater for harvesting.
Cistern is a container used to store water , often Rainwater … #
Cistern is a container used to store water, often Rainwater, for use in non-potable applications such as irrigation and toilet flushing.
Collection efficiency is the percentage of precipitation that is c… #
Collection efficiency is the percentage of precipitation that is collected by a Rainwater harvesting system, which can be affected by factors such as roof material and gutter design.
Conveyance loss is the amount of water lost during transportati… #
Conveyance loss is the amount of water lost during transportation from the source to the point of use, which can be minimized by using efficient piping systems in Rainwater harvesting.
Decentralized system is a type of water management system that inv… #
Decentralized system is a type of water management system that involves local collection, treatment, and use of water, often incorporating Rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse.
Demand management is a strategy used to manage water demand, inclu… #
Demand management is a strategy used to manage water demand, including conservation and efficient use of Rainwater and other water resources.
Detention pond is a structure used to detain stormwater run… #
Detention pond is a structure used to detain stormwater runoff, often used in conjunction with Rainwater harvesting systems to reduce peak flows and erosion.
Distributed system is a type of water management system that invol… #
Distributed system is a type of water management system that involves multiple collection points and distribution of water to various points of use, which can be used to collect and distribute Rainwater.
Drainage basin is an area of land that drains water into a particu… #
Drainage basin is an area of land that drains water into a particular point, such as a stream or lake, which can be used to collect Rainwater for harvesting.
Drought is a period of abnormally low precipitation , which… #
Drought is a period of abnormally low precipitation, which can be mitigated by using Rainwater harvesting and conservation strategies.
Dry pond is a type of stormwater management structure that… #
Dry pond is a type of stormwater management structure that is designed to dry out between storm events, often used in conjunction with Rainwater harvesting systems.
Ecosystem services are the benefits provided by natural ecosyst… #
Ecosystem services are the benefits provided by natural ecosystems, including water cycling, carbon sequestration, and habitat provision, which can be supported by Rainwater harvesting.
Efficient use is the use of water in a way that minimizes waste an… #
Efficient use is the use of water in a way that minimizes waste and maximizes benefits, which is a key principle of Rainwater harvesting and conservation.
Embodied energy is the amount of energy required to produce … #
Embodied energy is the amount of energy required to produce and transport a particular product or material, which can be reduced by using local and sustainable materials in Rainwater harvesting systems.
Energy efficiency is the use of energy in a way that minimizes waste</… #
Energy efficiency is the use of energy in a way that minimizes waste and maximizes benefits, which is important in Rainwater harvesting systems that use pumps and other energy-intensive equipment.
Erosion is the process of soil or rock being worn away by <… #
Erosion is the process of soil or rock being worn away by water or wind, which can be reduced by using Rainwater harvesting and conservation strategies.
Evapotranspiration is the process by which plants release water… #
Evapotranspiration is the process by which plants release water vapor into the atmosphere, which can be affected by Rainwater harvesting and irrigation practices.
Flood is an overflow of water that can cause damage to p… #
Flood is an overflow of water that can cause damage to property and infrastructure, which can be mitigated by using Rainwater harvesting and stormwater management strategies.
Flow rate is the amount of water that flows through a particular <… #
Flow rate is the amount of water that flows through a particular point in a given time, which is an important consideration in Rainwater harvesting system design.
Flux is the rate at which water moves through a particular area… #
Flux is the rate at which water moves through a particular area or volume, which can be affected by Rainwater harvesting and irrigation practices.
Gabion is a structure made of rock or stone used to stab… #
Gabion is a structure made of rock or stone used to stabilize soil or slopes, which can be used in Rainwater harvesting systems to reduce erosion.
Graywater is wastewater generated from domestic activities such as… #
Graywater is wastewater generated from domestic activities such as showers and sinks, which can be reused in Rainwater harvesting systems for irrigation and other non-potable purposes.
Green infrastructure is a type of infrastructure that uses natu… #
Green infrastructure is a type of infrastructure that uses natural or semi-natural systems to manage water and other environmental resources, which can include Rainwater harvesting systems.
Groundwater is water stored beneath the Earth 's surface in aqui… #
Groundwater is water stored beneath the Earth's surface in aquifers and soil, which can be recharged with Rainwater collected from various sources.
Hydrologic cycle is the process by which water moves through the <… #
Hydrologic cycle is the process by which water moves through the environment, including evaporation, condensation, and precipitation, which is the basis for Rainwater harvesting.
Impervious surface is a surface that does not allow water to in… #
Impervious surface is a surface that does not allow water to infiltrate, such as asphalt or concrete, which can increase runoff and reduce Rainwater harvesting potential.
Infiltration is the process by which water moves from the surfa… #
Infiltration is the process by which water moves from the surface into the soil or underlying rock, which is an important consideration in Rainwater harvesting system design.
Inflow is the amount of water that flows into a particular syst… #
Inflow is the amount of water that flows into a particular system or area, which can be affected by Rainwater harvesting and irrigation practices.
Irrigation is the application of water to crops or land<… #
Irrigation is the application of water to crops or land to support plant growth, which can be done using Rainwater collected from various sources.
Leachate is liquid that has percolated through soil or w… #
Leachate is liquid that has percolated through soil or waste and can contain contaminants, which can be a concern in Rainwater harvesting systems that use infiltration basins.
Low #
impact development is a type of development that aims to minimize environmental impact by using green infrastructure and sustainable practices, which can include Rainwater harvesting systems.
Microclimate is a local climate condition that differs from the <i… #
Microclimate is a local climate condition that differs from the surrounding area, which can be affected by Rainwater harvesting and irrigation practices.
Moisture is the amount of water present in the air or so… #
Moisture is the amount of water present in the air or soil, which can be affected by Rainwater harvesting and irrigation practices.
Non #
potable is water that is not suitable for drinking, which can include Rainwater collected from roofs and other surfaces.
Peak flow is the maximum flow rate of water in a given t… #
Peak flow is the maximum flow rate of water in a given time, which can be reduced by using Rainwater harvesting and stormwater management strategies.
Percolation is the process by which water moves through soil</i… #
Percolation is the process by which water moves through soil or rock, which is an important consideration in Rainwater harvesting system design.
Pervious surface is a surface that allows water to infiltrate</… #
Pervious surface is a surface that allows water to infiltrate, such as grass or soil, which can increase Rainwater harvesting potential.
pH is a measure of the acidity or basicity of water ,… #
pH is a measure of the acidity or basicity of water, which can be affected by Rainwater harvesting and treatment practices.
Precipitation is water that falls to the Earth 's surface, includin… #
Precipitation is water that falls to the Earth's surface, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail, which is the primary source of Rainwater for harvesting.
Recharge is the process by which water is added to an aquifer</… #
Recharge is the process by which water is added to an aquifer or soil, which can be done using Rainwater collected from various sources.
Reclaimed water is water that has been treated and reused f… #
Reclaimed water is water that has been treated and reused for non-potable purposes, which can include Rainwater collected from roofs and other surfaces.
Recycling is the process of collecting and treating wast… #
Recycling is the process of collecting and treating waste water for reuse, which can include Rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse.
Retention pond is a structure used to retain stormwater run… #
Retention pond is a structure used to retain stormwater runoff, often used in conjunction with Rainwater harvesting systems to reduce peak flows and erosion.
Return flow is the amount of water that flows back into a particul… #
Return flow is the amount of water that flows back into a particular system or area, which can be affected by Rainwater harvesting and irrigation practices.
Runoff is the flow of water that occurs when the soil is <b… #
Runoff is the flow of water that occurs when the soil is saturated and can no longer absorb water, which can be reduced by using Rainwater harvesting and conservation strategies.
Sediment is material that settles to the bottom of a body o… #
Sediment is material that settles to the bottom of a body of water, which can be a concern in Rainwater harvesting systems that use infiltration basins.
Sedimentation is the process by which particles settle to the b… #
Sedimentation is the process by which particles settle to the bottom of a container or body of water, which can be used to treat Rainwater collected from various sources.
Soil moisture is the amount of water present in the soil , w… #
Soil moisture is the amount of water present in the soil, which can be affected by Rainwater harvesting and irrigation practices.
Sprinkler is a device used to distribute water over a parti… #
Sprinkler is a device used to distribute water over a particular area, often used in irrigation systems that use Rainwater collected from various sources.
Stormwater is water that flows over the land or through storm</… #
Stormwater is water that flows over the land or through storm drains during or after a storm, which can be collected and used in Rainwater harvesting systems.
Stream is a natural flowing body of water , which can… #
Stream is a natural flowing body of water, which can be affected by Rainwater harvesting and conservation strategies.
Subsurface flow is the movement of water through the soil o… #
Subsurface flow is the movement of water through the soil or underlying rock, which can be an important consideration in Rainwater harvesting system design.
Surface water is water that flows over the land or is stored in <i… #
Surface water is water that flows over the land or is stored in lakes, rivers, and wetlands, which can be collected and used in Rainwater harvesting systems.
Sustainable is a practice or system that can be maintained over <i… #
Sustainable is a practice or system that can be maintained over time without degrading the environment, which is a key principle of Rainwater harvesting and conservation.
Transpiration is the process by which plants release water … #
Transpiration is the process by which plants release water vapor into the atmosphere, which can be affected by Rainwater harvesting and irrigation practices.
Turbidity is the measure of the clarity of water , which can… #
Turbidity is the measure of the clarity of water, which can be affected by Rainwater harvesting and treatment practices.
Urbanization is the process of development and growth of <b… #
Urbanization is the process of development and growth of cities and towns, which can increase stormwater runoff and reduce Rainwater harvesting potential.
Watershed is an area of land that drains water into a parti… #
Watershed is an area of land that drains water into a particular point, such as a stream or lake, which can be used to collect Rainwater for harvesting.
Water balance is the accounting of water inputs and outputs … #
Water balance is the accounting of water inputs and outputs for a particular area or system, which can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of Rainwater harvesting systems.
Water conservation is the practice of using water efficiently</… #
Water conservation is the practice of using water efficiently and effectively, which is a key principle of Rainwater harvesting and sustainable water management.
Water cycle is the process by which water moves through the env… #
Water cycle is the process by which water moves through the environment, including evaporation, condensation, and precipitation, which is the basis for Rainwater harvesting.
Water quality is the measure of the physical , chemical , and… #
Water quality is the measure of the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of water, which can be affected by Rainwater harvesting and treatment practices.
Water reuse is the practice of using treated wastewater for… #
Water reuse is the practice of using treated wastewater for non-potable purposes, which can include Rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse.
Water table is the level below which the soil is saturated … #
Water table is the level below which the soil is saturated with water, which can be affected by Rainwater harvesting and irrigation practices.
Watershed management is the practice of managing water resources w… #
Watershed management is the practice of managing water resources within a particular watershed, which can include Rainwater harvesting and conservation strategies.
Weather is the state of the atmosphere at a particular place</i… #
Weather is the state of the atmosphere at a particular place and time, which can affect Rainwater harvesting and irrigation practices.
Wetland is an area of land that is saturated with water<… #
Wetland is an area of land that is saturated with water, which can be an important consideration in Rainwater harvesting system design.