EnterpriseWorks/VITA (EWV) has received a five-year grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to analyze domestic rainwater harvesting systems throughout the world, conduct research to reduce the costs of water storage systems, and develop and test a market-based approach for the introduction of domestic rainwater harvesting systems to provide clean drinking water to areas in need.

EWV is currently engaged in the first stage of the project—a year-long, 20-country study of past usages of rainwater harvesting and development of new technological innovations for rainwater storage systems. This research and development period will allow EWV to learn more about the market’s needs and design a product to adequately meet them. During the second phase of the project, EWV will implement a pilot project to produce and market a prototype system in a selected region.

Rainwater harvesting could be a solution for some of the 1.1 billion people who do not have access to water for drinking and cooking. The term refers to the “harvesting” of rain by collecting its runoff from a structure and storing it in above or below-ground vessels. It provides good quality water in close proximity to a household and eliminates the need for costly distribution systems to remote areas.

Although the potential of rainwater harvesting has always been apparent, the technology has failed to gain popularity. Less than 1% of the world’s population takes full advantage of the technique. EnterpriseWorks/VITA plans to design an affordable system appropriate for low-income households that lack access to drinkable water, and to assess the degree to which a market based approach to domestic rainwater harvesting will facilitate access for those in need.

“Domestic rainwater harvesting may actually be the only alternative for improving water supply in some areas,” said Don Feil, President and CEO of EWV. “Tapping rain could have a positive impact on people who live in areas with even limited rainfall. This funding will help us to develop opportunities to provide access to safe water closer to people’s homes.”

The grant is being made by the Global Development Program of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The Global Development Program works with motivated partners to create opportunities for people to lift themselves out of poverty and hunger.

“We are pleased to fund this pioneering project,” said Louis Boorstin, Deputy Director for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Global Development Program at the Gates Foundation. “We see an opportunity to make domestic rainwater harvesting available to underserved populations on an affordable basis, reducing not only the risks of waterborne disease but also the physical and social burden on women and girls from hauling water over long distances.”