Thread by @TheCounter

#THREAD - Millions of Americans—especially those living in rural areas—lack access to running water. Many pay to have water hauled to them, but it can be very expensive.
thecounter.org/ancient-rainwa…

One solution to this is rainwater harvesting, an ancient method of collecting rain from building surfaces and storing it for future use. The technology dates back at least to the dawn of agriculture.

Rainwater harvesting systems are used all over the world, including in China, which helps millions to make extra money through gardening, and India, where thousands of schools are outfitted rainwater catchment systems.

But despite its global reach and low-hanging benefits, rainwater harvesting hasn't been embraced in the U.S.—not because of legality and safety, but because of red tape and bureaucracy.

Governments profit from selling water. When people harvest rain and trim or terminate monthly water bills, they profit less. Water is important income for municipalities.

Other reasons for non-adoption include a lack of education about the technology and their potential benefits and a "yuck" factor about using rainwater for everyday use.

But as climate change brings deeper droughts and water becomes more difficult to obtain, rainwater harvest can be a part of the solution.

As the climate changes, local, state, or federal policy shifts might foster rainwater harvesting at scale, helping to make water more accessible and sustainable.
thecounter.org/ancient-rainwa…