Modeling Rainwater Capture in Northeast Brazil

What is it about?

The Brazilian government has invested heavily in rainwater capture systems to provide drinking water to rural communities in Brazil.'s dry northeastern region. We build a mathematical model of a rainwater capture system. Using daily rainfall data from stations throughout the region, we show that during the driest years these rainwater capture systems do not provide as much water to their users as hoped.

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Why is it important?

This work highlights the need for continued investment in drinking water sources in this region. Although these systems perform well during wet years, this is also when other traditional water sources (such as small rivers and ponds) are available. When these sources dry up during the driest years, reliance on rainwater capture is greatest. Since rainwater capture is not sufficient during the driest years, alternative forms of water storage or delivery are needed to supply rural communities.

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