Abstract

Since rainwater hasn’t been recognized as a valuable water resource in Japan it hasn’t been used to its full potential. Our main concern is the efficient rainwater collection. In the recent past people living in urban areas suffer from water shortage while occasional heavy rains cause flooding. A city's water supply usually depends on a far-away source.

One of the solutions to this problem is a rainwater utilization system using cisterns or seepage pits. These have been popularized gradually in Japan, mostly equipping public buildings. To make rainwater collection more standard individuals have to start using it as well. Therefore some local governments have established financial assistance program for people equipping their homes with rainwater collection systems.