Storage innovations: Methods for making rainwater harvesting more attractive

Rainwater harvesting methods are often used in the Carribean for obtaining water. However, such systems are costly, require much space and are sometimes visually unappealing. The most costly portion of a rainwater harvesting system is the storage facility or cistern. Based on designs which have been developed for the South Texas region, methods are suggested to help reduce cost and space requirements. Two methods are introduced in this paper : the manmade aquifer and the drumstick. The manmade aquifer is inexpensive. However, it is not appropriate where excavation space is limited. The drumstick offers smaller cost savings, but can be installed on sites which have restricted space requirements. Both alternatives are installed underground to avoid aesthetic problems.