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[[File:RAINWATER HARVESTING TANK 550x550.jpg|thumb|Large cistern being installed underground]]

[[File:RAINWATER HARVESTING TANK 550x550.jpg|thumb|Large cistern being installed underground]]

[[File:RWH Tree.PNG|thumb|Conceptual image of an underground cistern being used for irrigation of nearby vegetation on site.]]

[[File:RWH Tree.PNG|thumb|Conceptual image of an underground cistern being used for irrigation of nearby vegetation on site.]]

Adequately sizing rainwater harvesting systems is critical to optimizing their operation because under-sizing results in systems that are unable to provide sufficient, reliable sources of water while oversizing increases the capital costs incurred and poses potential water quality risks if stored water remains unused for long periods of time. In a recent research literature review, Semaan et al. (2020) identified sizing for water storage as most important for system optimization, yet found that sizing for cost is a more frequently implemented optimization approach. They note several sizing and optimization approaches and tools are available globally. <ref>Semaan, M., Day, S.D., Garvin, M., Ramakrishnan, N., Pearce, A. 2020. Optimal sizing of rainwater harvesting systems for domestic water usages: A systematic literature review. Resources, Conservation & Recycling: X 6 (2020) 100033. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590289X20300049?via%3Dihub </ref>     

In a recent international research literature review on urban rainwater harvesting systems, Campisano et al. (2017) note that degree of implementation and design choices are strongly influenced by economic constraints (need for low cost, easy to retrofit systems) and government regulations (need for policies, standards and guidelines that ensure system efficacy and improve community acceptance), and that systems tend to be designed for water conservation alone, without considering co-benefits like helping to achieve stormwater management objectives. <ref> Campisano, A., Butler, D., Ward, S., Burns, M.J., Friedler, E., DeBusk, K., Fisher-Jeffes, L.N., Ghisi, E., Rahman, A., Furumai, H., Han, M. 2017. Urban rainwater harvesting systems: Research, implementation and future perspectives. Water Research. 115 (2017) 195-209. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0043135417301483?via%3Dihub </ref>  Adequately sizing rainwater harvesting systems is critical to optimizing their operation because under-sizing results in systems that are unable to provide sufficient, reliable sources of water while oversizing increases the capital costs incurred and poses potential water quality risks if stored water remains unused for long periods of time. In a recent research literature review, Semaan et al. (2020) identified sizing for water storage as most important for system optimization, yet found that sizing for cost is a more frequently implemented optimization approach. They note several sizing and optimization approaches and tools are available globally. <ref>Semaan, M., Day, S.D., Garvin, M., Ramakrishnan, N., Pearce, A. 2020. Optimal sizing of rainwater harvesting systems for domestic water usages: A systematic literature review. Resources, Conservation & Recycling: X 6 (2020) 100033. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590289X20300049?via%3Dihub </ref>     

   

   

Follow the link below for detailed guidance on approaches to sizing rainwater harvesting systems in Ontario. <br>

Follow the link below for detailed guidance on approaches to sizing rainwater harvesting systems in Ontario. <br>