AN American woman is conducting research on the feasibility of rainwater capture for potable and non-potable uses within Metro Cebu.
Sarah Hartman, a United States Fulbright scholar, is working with the University of San Carlos (USC) School of Engineering and the USC-Water Resources Center Foundation Inc. in monitoring rainwater quality at multiple locations throughout Cebu City during the northeast and southwest monsoon seasons.
Aside from this, she will also study existing data on rainfall quantity, air pollution and wind direction to see how these factors affect rainwater quality.
“The results of the study will be made available to the public, with the ultimate goal of encouraging local adoption of rainwater harvesting. My hope is that providing a thorough study of the technology, specifically in the context of Cebu, will strengthen the justification for rainwater harvesting,” Hartman said.
She described rainwater as a “free” natural resource, especially for a tropical country like the Philippines.
“Ultimately, what I hope to look at is how much of the rainwater can actually be used for drinking water. Through rainwater harvesting, we are capturing water that’s currently flooding our streets. I’m looking for potential partners to maximize the impact of my work,” Hartman added.
Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera has expressed his support on the research, saying it will help the City Government see which water conservation ordinances need to be strengthened or amended.
“Our rivers are getting narrower, and we have to restore our waterways. We may have to check the compliance of our water conservation ordinances, but how about its functionality? It may not be conducive and no longer affect the mitigation of runoff water anymore,” he said. RTF