ECONOMIC AND ECOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF RAINWATER RECLAMATION IN CITIES

Abstract

The aim of this paper was to investigate the economic and ecological benefi ts of rainwater utilization in urban areas. The case of Toruń. Conducted analysis has shown that in case of individual households which roof surface ranges from 100 to 150 m² there is no economic justifi cation for rainwater reclamation. With the exception of one variant, with the roof surface equal to 150 m² and annual sum of precipitation signifi cantly higher than the mean observed in Toruń. However, from the perspective of the whole city such projects may lead to signifi cant fi nancial and ecological benefi ts. It therefore seems essential for municipalities and environmental protection organizations to establish  special programs, fi nancially supporting such projects.