National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan

All these factors lead to the search for new alternative sources, such as wastewater treatment and rainwater harvesting. Rainwater collection and storage has both environmental and economic benefits, especially in water-scarce areas. Properly stored and treated rainwater is a reliable source of water in such situations.

In order to manage water resources as efficiently as possible, it is necessary to study water quality, proper distribution, and control of water metering. The quality of rainwater is primarily affected by urbanization, various pollutants, and transboundary pollution. Natural rainwater is slightly acidic and has an average pH of 5.7. Rainwater can become more acidic in areas where the atmosphere contains highly soluble acid gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide (both produced by transportation, industrial processes, and fossil fuel extraction).

Studies show that the total acidity in the selected samples ranges from 4 mg/l to 12 mg/l (on average 6 mg/l). This allows rainwater to be used for various purposes.

Rainwater is widely used in foreign countries. In particular, Australia, India, Brazil, Singapore, and the USA have many years of experience in collecting and using rainwater. In these countries, many households, businesses, and government organizations use rainwater.

Rainwater can be used for various purposes, such as irrigation, drinking, fishing, animal husbandry, household services, swimming, and construction. Filtered and purified rainwater can be used for non-drinking household needs, such as cooling systems, industrial processes, sewerage, washing, and cleaning. It also helps to save water. In addition, rainwater harvesting serves as an additional source of water for livestock during dry periods.