Simulation of a rainwater harvesting system for public agencies: the case of the university city professor José Aloísio de Campos

Abstract

Since the current global water crisis, which affects several countries worldwide, there has been a need to develop several sustainable practices as solutions to environmental impacts and, among these, the activities related to water use and reuse stand out. In view of this scenario, the use of rainwater by public bodies, such as educational institutions, for less noble purposes is essential to reduce the consumption of water from public supply sources. The purpose of this study is to simulate a rainwater harvesting system for the University City Professor José Aloísio de Campos, headquarters of the Federal University of Sergipe, in order to assess the economic potential of implementing such a system to reduce water supply consumption and costs. The methodology consisted of a survey of the total water demand in classroom buildings, sizing of reservoirs according to ABNT/NBR 15527:2007, and use of Netuno software to simulate the referred economic potential with the proper project particularities. The simulations performed show a reduction in potable water consumption with the use of rainwater, and indicate that the implementation of the system produces significant savings in the water bill, with the possibility of financial return in up to 11 years. Thus, it was found that the use of rainwater harvesting is a potentially viable technology.