In rural Moldova, limited access to reliable water continues to affect daily life, particularly in educational institutions where sanitation is essential for children’s health and safety. In Bilicenii Vechi Village, a pilot initiative is transforming rainwater into a sustainable resource, demonstrating how practical and climate-resilient solutions can strengthen communities facing chronic water shortages.
The project “Rainwater as an Alternative Source of Water in Moldova” is implemented by Caritas Czech Republic in partnership with the Administration of Bilicenii Vechi Village. The initiative is financially supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic through the Czech Challenge Fund, responding to persistent water scarcity in rural educational institutions and offering a practical, sustainable alternative to unreliable centralized water systems.
Water Scarcity in Daily Kindergarten Life
The kindergarten “Albinuța” in Bilicenii Vechi serves 110 children, operating five days a week for nine hours a day. Like many rural public buildings, it depends on an outdated water supply network that frequently fails during daytime hours due to low water pressure. In response, a 30 m³ metallic tank had previously been installed to store water overnight for use during the day, allowing the kindergarten to function but leaving it exposed to ongoing supply risks and rising costs.
As water shortages became more frequent and environmental concerns grew, local authorities and Caritas Czech Republic began exploring whether rainwater could become part of the solution.
From Concept to Implementation
The project began with a technical assessment of the kindergarten building, confirming that rainwater harvesting could be safely and effectively implemented. This was followed by the development of a technical design adapted to national regulations and local conditions. Due to the innovative nature of the system and the need to align it with existing legal and technical frameworks, the implementation process took longer than initially planned.
Construction of the system was completed in December 2025, following all required authorizations and quality controls. An underground rainwater storage cistern was installed beneath the kindergarten grounds and connected to a system designed to collect and store rainwater for technical use.
To ensure immediate demonstration and practical application, the system was connected to one toilet and equipped with an access point inside the building, illustrating how rainwater can supplement the existing water supply.
Sharing Experience and Encouraging Replication
The launch of the system was combined with a national conference held in Bilicenii Vechi, bringing together mayors, local officials, representatives of public institutions, and community members from across Moldova. Hosting the event at the pilot site allowed participants to see the system in operation and discuss how similar solutions could be adapted to their own communities.
As part of the project, a practical guide on rainwater harvesting systems was developed and shared with participants. The guide provides clear explanations of system components, implementation steps, and maintenance requirements, supporting municipalities interested in adopting similar approaches.
A Step Toward Sustainable and Resilient Communities
The Bilicenii Vechi pilot demonstrates that rainwater harvesting can be a viable and effective solution for rural public institutions in Moldova. By improving water security for children and promoting the responsible use of natural resources, the project contributes to environmental sustainability, climate adaptation, and more resilient local services.
What began as a single pilot in a village kindergarten now offers a pathway for other communities seeking practical responses to water scarcity and climate challenges.
