ORHOffshore Rainwater Harvesting
01

The Concept

What ORH explores

ORH examines whether rainfall in the near-shore offshore zone can be collected using floating or fixed surfaces. Rainfall lands on a gently sloped platform, drains toward a central point, and is transferred to shore through a low-pressure line. The system operates passively, using only natural rainfall and gravity, which keeps the concept intentionally simple and low-energy.

Conceptual ORH module with raised edges, sloped collection surface, central collection point and pipeline to shore
Conceptual illustration · Not to scaleIndicative module configuration. The platform design is not final.
  1. 01

    Offshore rainfall reaches the collection surface.

  2. 02

    A gently sloped platform directs the water inward.

  3. 03

    Water reaches a central collection point.

  4. 04

    A low-pressure line transfers it to shore.

Coastal meteorology

Why offshore rainfall is different

Around three-quarters of the world’s annual precipitation falls offshore. This rainfall is clean at the point of capture and shaped by coastal meteorology. ORH focuses on the first few kilometres from the coastline, where land-sea interactions create unique precipitation patterns that may offer practical opportunities for decentralised collection.

Conceptual coastal meteorology diagram showing enhanced near-shore rainfall and offshore rainwater harvesting modules
Conceptual illustration · Not to scaleCoastal meteorology and near-shore rainfall capture potential. Conceptual illustration.

System role

A complementary source

ORH is not intended to replace existing water infrastructure. Instead, it offers a supplementary, nature-based option, particularly in regions where freshwater availability is limited or variable, or where industries seek resilient, low-energy water sources.