Rainwater harvesting in the UK: Socio-technical theory and practice

There is currently a window of opportunity in the UK, with respect to promoting sustainable water management (SWM). Periods of alternating drought and flooding have brought water management issues to the fore of UK media coverage and policy development. Unchallenged reliance on the historic legacy of piped infrastructure is declining, as its resilience and adaptability in the face of climate change become increasingly questioned. Despite its prevalence in other countries and a recent surge in sales, rainwater harvesting (RWH) has yet to transition from niche to mainstream in the UK. This paper provides an overview of the development of a strategic framework for enabling RWH to transition from novel to mainstream, informed by a number of evidence bases and devised using insight gained through the application of a number of theories. Identified strategic areas for action include (i) Technical Relevance (product development); (ii) Social Receptivity (capacity building) and (ii) Institutional Commitment (support services).

► Considering a range of theories can complement the evidence base generating process.
► Applying a combination of theories to technical contexts highlighted complementarities.
► A socio-technical perspective was fundamental for assessing a RWH system transition.
► Mainstreaming UK RWH needs to consider enhancing 3 ‘aim’ and ‘action’ areas.
► Socio-technical policy-making approaches are required for water management in UK.