Technical and economic analysis of rainwater harvesting in farm buildings

This study assessed the capacity of rainwater harvesting, an alternative water conservation strategy, in animal enterprises with a total roof area of 5625.4 m² to fulfill the water requirements of the animals housed therein, alongside doing an economic analysis of the system. Results indicated that 2868 m3 of water harvesting is carried out annually from all building groups. While the annual water needs of ostrich houses are fully met, the water needs of hen houses can be met in all seasons except summer. In the case of cattle and sheep barns, the saving rate is lower due to the high-water requirement. The rainwater harvesting method achieves an annual economic gain of 86301 TL from the water fee. For the installation of the systems at the research center, there is an initial investment cost of 974556 TL. The payback period for the initial investment costs with the economic gain from the water fee is a process of 11.6 years.