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[[Image:Nepal micro.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Nepalese farmer built his rainwater harvesting tank on a micro-financed loan. Photo: [http://www.rainfoundation.org/fileadmin/PublicSite/publications/IRC_symposium_nov.2010_Micro-credit_RainwaterHarvesting-Nepal.pdf RAIN document].]]
Rainwater harvesting receives a lot positive reviews as a sustainable alternative for water supply, but also has its share of negative reviews. The main comment is that rainwater harvesting is too expensive, especially for the rural poor. Initial investment costs are relatively high, since it is a decentralised and small scale water supply option. However, when looking at Life Cycle Costs (LCC) this image is not so negative: for example, rainwater harvesting tanks have an average life span of 20 years. Also, rainwater harvesting can lead to more income, better education and fewer health problems. But who is able and willing to pay the initial investment costs, in spite of the guarantees that LCCs are cheaper and the investment is worth the money?
==== Requirements & limitations ====