Comparative Study of Household-Scale Rainwater Harvesting Systems in Indonesia and South Korea: A Case Study of Mojoagung and Jeju
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64780/jeims.v1i2.6Keywords:
Economic Efficiency, Household Scale, Infiltration, Rainwater Harvesting, South KoreaAbstract
Rainwater harvesting (RWH) has gained attention as a sustainable alternative to address clean water scarcity in urban and peri-urban settings. This study presents a comparative analysis of household-scale RWH systems implemented in two distinct geographical and climatic contexts: Mojoagung District in Indonesia and Jeju City in South Korea. Both locations experience seasonal water stress but differ significantly in infrastructure development, rainfall distribution, and policy frameworks. A qualitative comparative method was employed using secondary data derived from prior engineering case studies. The Indonesian system incorporates rooftop runoff capture, multi-layer filtration using silica sand, activated carbon, and zeolite, as well as groundwater recharge through infiltration wells. In contrast, the South Korean system is designed for non-potable uses, focusing on storage efficiency and economic return, with a cost-benefit analysis conducted via Net Present Value (NPV) calculation. The findings indicate that the Indonesian RWH system effectively neutralizes acidic rainwater by increasing the pH from 5.37 to 7.50, meeting potable water standards. The system also contributes to local aquifer recharge. Meanwhile, the Korean system achieves a 67.75% efficiency rate in reducing municipal water demand, with a projected monthly cost saving of up to 30,000 KRW and an NPV of 17,190 KRW by month 35. This comparative study highlights the importance of tailoring RWH designs to specific environmental and socio-economic conditions, offering valuable insights for future integrated water resource planning.
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