A multicriteria decision analysis for selecting rainwater harvesting systems in rural areas: a tool for developing countries

Global water provision challenges have promoted decentralized water supply alternatives such as rainwater harvesting systems (RWHS). RWHS sustainability demands involve social, technical, and economic criteria in planning. Generally, in rural areas, water provision is more complex due to multiple uses of water, scattering of households, and low economies of scale. This research proposes a multicriteria tool for selecting RWHS in rural areas, considering social, technical, and economic criteria. The tool was developed by systematically identifying subcriteria and their hierarchization through the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), and a case study validation. Seven subcriteria were identified. The hierarchy of criteria was social (49.7%), technical (26.4%), and economic (23.9%). The tool involved: (i) users’ consultation about the perceived ease of use and availability of water sources other than rainwater; (ii) system dimensioning to establish supply size, maintenance requirements, and required water quality; and (iii) costs and benefits estimation. Tool validation in a rural area included the evaluation of the alternatives proposed: (a) alternative 1: potable domestic uses (PD) and non-potable (NPD); (b) alternative 2: PD and NPD, irrigation of crops and chicken farming for self-consumption; and alternative 3: PD and NPD and chicken farming for profit sale. The sensitivity analysis showed the tool’s consistency and robustness. Tool validation highlights the importance of integrating the three dimensions in selecting RWHS. The study provides a systematic methodology to assess and prioritize RWHS, appealing to policymakers, engineers, and practitioners facilitating water management and supply processes in rural areas. © The Author(s) 2024.