Physical And Social Feasibility Study Of The Use Of Rainwater Harvesting System In The Housing Of Mazandaran Cities Based On Geographical Differences

In contrast to commonly held beliefs in the province of Mazandaran, , alterations in climate have exposed this particular region to the issue of water scarcity. This predicament has rendered it crucial to direct attention to the various methods of managing water, such as the collection of rainwater, within this province. From this vantage point, the objective of this publication is to meticulously scrutinize and evaluate the feasibility of implementing a comprehensive plan for rainwater collection in the residential areas of Larijan, Amol, and Noor, which are situated within the Mazandaran province, based on both physical and social capabilities.

This is an applied study carried out from 2017 to 2021 in three cities of Mazandaran. The research process is segmented into three distinct stages in accordance with the nature of the data. The researcher employed indirect observation to extract physical (architectural) data, which were subsequently prioritized by experts utilizing the Delphi method. As for the technical data pertaining to the various components of the rainwater harvesting system, they were derived from the statistical analysis of rainfall and catchment levels observed during the study period, in addition to the optimal capacity of the tank. In terms of the social dimension, the requisite data were gathered through a questionnaire devised by the researcher, followed by an analysis conducted using a one-sample T test.

The primary physical factors that have a significant impact on water management in housing within the Mazandaran province encompass various variables such as "Roof area," "Roof slope," "Area and yard dimensions," "Area slope," "Gutter," "Dimensions and proportions," and "Insulation details." Regarding the quantity of water, the optimal volume stands at 5981 liters in Larijan city, 8632 liters in Amol city, and 7533 liters in Nur city. Furthermore, from a social perspective, the findings indicate an above-average level of citizen participation across all three cities, which is attributed to the implementation of rainwater extraction systems.

In conclusion, the cities within the Mazandaran province exhibit both physical and social capacities for the implementation of rainwater harvesting systems in residential settings. However, it is important to acknowledge that the main hindrance in this endeavor is the limited institutional (management) capacity.