Water in Nepal is not scarce in absolute terms, and most areas receive about 1 500 mm of precipitation each year, while certain areas may receive up to 5 000 mm. However, many parts of the country still experience water shortages, in particular during the pre-monsoon season (March to May). A sufficient and safe drinking water supply throughout the year is essential for Nepalese rural households. However, communities located higher in the mid hill region do not have access to water either because systems are too expensive or impracticable due to lack of electricity. In this context, rooftop rainwater harvesting provides a local source of water for drinking or kitchen garden irrigation in many areas where conventional water supply systems cannot be provided. This has significant impacts on health and livelihood improvement in rural households.