People for Rainwater/Rain Library

Rainwater Utilization Around the World

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1.Hawaii (USA)

Rainwater is used on Oahu Island in the suburbs of Waikiki. In this area there are many luxury residences and over 100 of them use rainwater. One of the houses has a 30 ton wooden tank and the owner of this house has been using water from this tank as drinking water for the last 20 years. He also heats rainwater and uses it in his outside bath (also made of wood).


To the south of Oahu is the Island of Hawaii (the Big Island as it's known locally). On this island, too, rainwater has been used in daily life for a long time. The place we stayed (My Island B&B) had 2 rainwater tanks made from Redwood. One of the tanks with a capacity of about 50 tons had been in service for 120 years. The other one, capacity 20 tons, was 60 years old. They both looked like they were in good condition and would see many more years service yet.

2. Australia

Ranger's Office On Kangaroo Island, in southern Australia, rainwater is a very precious resource. At this Ranger's Office, rainwater is collected from the roof. Not only that, the solar panel on the roof also generates electricity. (Rainwater storage containers can be seen in the distance)		Regular houses also use rainwater Rainwater is collected from the roof, stored and used.