The 10th International Conference on Rainwater Catchment Systems, held in Mannheim, Germany from September 10-14, 2001, aims to foster connections across various domains of rainwater harvesting. It seeks to bridge rural and urban applications, share experiences between industrialized and less industrialized countries, and integrate agricultural and domestic uses. Following the previous conference in Petrolina, Brazil, participants expressed a desire for the next gathering to take place in Europe, which, despite its leadership in household rainwater usage, has never hosted such an event. This conference presents a unique chance to leverage European expertise and explore new cooperative avenues. The event is part of the broader International Rainwater Days, featuring forums, practical demonstrations, exhibitions, and excursions, providing diverse insights into rainwater harvesting's potential. Since the last conference, there has been a significant surge in global interest and implementation of rainwater systems, reflected in the enthusiastic response to the conference. The numerous contributions of papers and posters offer a glimpse into the rich discussions anticipated during the event.
