Investigation of Rainwater Harvesting Quality with the Application of the First Flush System

Rainwater harvesting is crucial for collecting and storing rainwater for various uses. However, improper management can have adverse environmental effects. Improper collection can lead to water clarity issues and mosquito breeding. A study was conducted at Surau Kampung Parit Karjo in Batu Pahat and the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Built Environment to investigate the quality of rainwater harvesting using the first flush system. The system uses a floating ball diverter to remove contaminants from rainwater before it is channelled into storage tanks. The results showed that the installation of a first flush system significantly improved rainwater quality by eliminating contaminants. The study also found that the physicochemical parameters align with class I standards, suggesting the potential use of rainwater as a drinking water supply. However, the study refrains from recommending it as drinking water due to the absence of bacteria-related parameters.