John Gould

Using every last drop: rainwater harvesting and utilization in Gansu Province, China

Rainwater harvesting (RWH) has been widely practised in China for centuries. The modernization and rapid spread of RWH and accompanied low-cost greenhouse and low rate irrigation (LORI) techniques since the late 1980s has helped to address water shortages and lift millions of families out of poverty in semi-arid provinces such as Gansu. The construction of terraces, contour bunds and micro-catchments has also contributed significantly to soil and water conservation, revegetation and ecological restoration of previously degraded land. This article provides an update on developments relating to a major RWH programme in Gansu Province, China, and follows three previous contributions published by the authors in Waterlines in 1995, 2000, and 2006. It also provides an overview of the book Every Last Drop: Rainwater Harvesting and Sustainable Technologies in Rural China, published by Practical Action in 2012

Rainwater catchment systems: reflections and prospects

Rainwater harvesting, one of the world’s most important ancient water supply techniques, is beginning to enjoy a resurgence in popularity. Could this ancient technique be part of the solution for the next century’s increasing water supply shortages?

Always the bridesmaid? Rainwater catchment systems in the spotlight

If rainwater utilization is so easy, cheap, and sustainable, why does the engineering establishment choose to promote other options? John Gould puts us in context, and explores the special significance of catchment systems for the twenty-first century.

Recent developments in rainwater catchment systems

Advances in techniques for rainwater collection and storage are making catchment systems more and more popular. This review highlights the successes and problems.