In Jamaica, our water resource is often mismanaged.  However rainwater harvesting can mitigate through the adoption of the following practices:

• Water catchment areas can be put in place on both public and private buildings
• Water collected should be stored in containers which are safe from pests and rodents
• Householders can store water in tanks for backyard gardening
• Water can be stored in black tanks for subsistence farming outside of the usual irrigated areas

Rainwater is also a good source of water in times of drought and can always be used to complement the normal water supply.  With respect to its use for drinking, it is to some extent healthier than chlorine and calcium based water from rivers, may also be treated for consumption.