Analysis of adaptation determinants of domestic rainwater harvesting systems (DRWHs) in Golestan Province, Iran

Most residences of the northern parts of Golestan Province, have historically used rooftop rainwater for drinking. Its adoption rate and continued use have declined in recent years for various reasons. Based on a survey of 380 cases, this research attempted to identify what factors are contributing to the adoption of these systems. The results demonstrated that the adoption changes in response to five factors: access to water, existence of specialized organizational sector, previous experience, direct observation and integration into the domestic distribution system, with the odds ratios of 10.5, 2.16, 0.12, 2.7, and 4 respectively (Psafety packages, such as chlorine stock solutions or modernization of equipment. Modernization of these systems could also help remove the concern over the integration of these systems into the domestic water distribution piping. Lack of experience and less frequent contact with these systems have also resulted in low level DRWHs adoption. It appears mass media and non-governmental organizations could also facilitate improving these two factors. Results of this study could inform decision making to better encourage the use of DRWHs in Golestan Province.