Harvesting and utilising the rainwater harvesting that falls across a city can reduce the pressure on water local reserves and catchments, while at the same time enabling stormwater runoff and providing water for human use. This practice is not new, it has long been used in many parts of the world.

Cities can introduce various water saving infrastructure solutions that harvest rainwater, from roofs, paved and unpaved areas, parks, and other buildings—either to use it or to replenish local aquifers. Reworking city-wide master plans that promote policy alignment is vital, as well as the involvement and cooperation of the communities vital for implementation. Cities can also incentivise their citizens to capture and reuse rainwater through subsidy schemes. This in turn can reduce costs for the city in maintaining the local water system.