Spatial Analysis of Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting Potential: A Vision Toward Water Sustainability at University of Tripoli

Abstract

Water scarcity has emerged as a global crisis affecting nations worldwide. Driven by escalating water demand, rapid population growth, and climate change—which poses a severe threat to existing water resources—countries are actively seeking effective, sustainable solutions and alternative water supplies. Among the most prominent of these solutions is rainwater harvesting, which alleviates pressure on groundwater reserves, mitigates flood risks, and enhances resilience to climate variability. This study was conducted to quantify the potential volume of harvestable rainwater from the rooftops of buildings at the University of Tripoli (Campus A). Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques, the total rooftop surface area was delineated and calculated at 138,903.5 m.2Based on monthly and annual precipitation datasets from the National Meteorological Center, alongside granular data from eight specific rainfall events recorded by the Faculty of Agriculture meteorological station, the results indicate that capturing these eight storm events alone yields a collectable water capacity of 13,273.5 m3 over just eight days of precipitation. The study concludes that adopting this technology is essential as a sustainable water management strategy. Modern rainwater harvesting transcends simple collection in storage barrels; it encompasses engineered systems tailored to site conditions, operational water demands, and environmental goals. Such systems reduce water waste, resolve rooftop pooling and wall-seepage issues that lead to structural degradation, and contribute to resource recharge.