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TOPIC TWO
Rainwater Harvesting System
I. Content
2.1 What is Rainwater Harvesting System?
2.1.1 Introduction
2.1.2 Definitions
2.1.3 Future Development
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II. Student Expectation
Learning Unit Objective:
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2.1 What is Rainwater Harvesting System?
2.1.1 Introduction
(source: www.rainwaterharvesting.org/Urban/Howtoharvest.htm)
• Rooftops
• Paved and Unpaved Areas (Surface Runoff)
• Waterbodies
• Stormwater Drain
• Rooftops: If buildings with impervious roofs are already in place, the catchment area
is effectively available free of charge and they provide a supply at the point of
consumption.
• Paved and Unpaved Areas (Surface runoff): Landscapes, open fields, parks,
stormwater drains, roads and pavements and other open areas can be effectively used
to harvest the runoff. The main advantage in using ground as collecting surface is that
water can be collected from a larger area. This is particularly advantageous in areas of
low rainfall.
• Waterbodies: The potential of lakes, tanks and ponds to store rainwater is immense.
The harvested rainwater can not only be used to meet water requirements of the city,
it also recharges groundwater aquifers.
Source: http://wiki.answers.com
Rainwater harvesting, in its broadest sense, is a technology used for collecting and
storing rainwater from rooftops, land surfaces and rock catchments for human use; and it
utilizes simple methods such as jars and pots as well as engineered techniques for
collection and storage.
UN-HABITAT
Guide on Rainwater Harvesting
In scientific term, Rainwater harvesting refers to collection and storage of rainwater and
also other activities aimed at harvesting surface and groundwater, prevention of looses
through evaporation and seepage and all other hydrological studies and engineering
interventions, aimed at conservation and efficient utilization of the limited water
endowment of physiographic unit as a watershed.
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2.1.3 Future Development
Rainwater harvesting has been practiced for more than 4,000 years, owing to the
temporal and spatial variability of rainfall. It is an important water source in many areas
with significant rainfall but lacking any kind of conventional, centralized supply system.
It is also a good option in areas where good quality fresh surface water or groundwater is
lacking. The application of appropriate rainwater harvesting technology is important for
the utilization of rainwater as a water resource.
Furthermore, rainwater has a lot of potential as an alternative water resource for the
future because of its high quality. Research has proven that rainwater quality always
exceeds the surface water and comparable to ground water because it does not come in
contact with soil and rocks where it can dissolve salts and mineral which is harmful for
potable and non-potable uses.
Increasingly, there are many advances in rainwater harvesting technologies which are
now easily available for domestic as well as commercial use. Such technologies are
currently being utilized in urban areas from developing to developed nations.
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2.2 Principles of Design in Rainwater Harvesting System
In the process, the effect flood risks due to heavy rainfall can be alleviated as well as
saving energy by not using highly processed tap-water for non-potable use such as toilet
flushing.
A comprehensive rainwater harvesting system consists of six (6) key components (see
figure):
• catchment area
• gutter and downspout
• filtration system
• storage system
• delivery system and
• treatment (eg chlorine dosing or UV treatment, etc)
The storage tanks can be above ground, but for best water-quality under-ground storage is
recommended. Once stored, a suitable control system is then used supply the water to the
desired service using a durable electric pump.
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Figure 2.2: Components/Elements of Rainwater Harvesting System
(Source: www.eurojournals.com/ejsr_34_1_14.pdf)
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2.3 Descriptions of Rainwater Harvesting System
The five (5) basic elements of a rainwater harvesting system will be discussed here;
namely:
Collection systems can vary from simple types within a household to bigger systems
where a large catchment area contributes to an impounding reservoir from which water is
either gravitated or pumped to water treatment plants. The categorization of rainwater
harvesting systems depends on factors like the size and nature of the catchment areas and
whether the systems are in urban or rural settings. The systems can be categorized into:
• Material
Materials commonly used for roof catchment are corrugated aluminium and
galvanized iron, concrete, fibreglass shingles, tiles, slates, etc. Mud is used primarily
in rural areas. Bamboo roofs are least suitable because of possible health hazards.
The materials of catchment surfaces must be non-toxic and not contain substances
which impair water quality. For example, asbestos roofs should be avoided; also,
painting or coating of catchment surfaces should be avoided if possible.
If the use of paint or coating is unavoidable, only non-toxic paint or coating should be
used; lead, chromium, and zinc-based paints/coatings should be avoided. Similarly,
roofs with metallic paint or other coatings are not recommended as they may impart
tastes or colour to the collected water.
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• Cistern
While the collection of rainwater by a single household may not be significant, the
impact of thousands or even millions of household rainwater storage tanks can
potentially be enormous.
The main components in a simple roof water collection system are the cistern itself,
the piping that leads to the cistern and the appurtenances within the cistern.
The materials and the degree of sophistication of the whole system largely depend on
the initial capital investment. Some cost effective systems involve cisterns made with
ferrocement, etc. In some cases, the harvested rainwater may be filtered. In other
cases, the rainwater may be disinfected.
When the systems are larger, the overall system can become a bit more complicated,
for example rainwater collection from the roofs and grounds of institutions, storage in
underground reservoirs, treatment and then use for non-potable applications.
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Figure 2.4: Roof Top Catchment
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c. Roof Water Collection Systems For High-Rise Buildings In Urbanized Areas
In high-rise buildings, roofs can be designed for catchment purposes and the collected
roof water can be kept in separate cisterns on the roofs for non-potable uses.
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d. Land Surface Catchments
Rainwater harvesting using ground or land surface catchment areas can be a simple
way of collecting rainwater. Compared to rooftop catchment techniques, ground
catchment techniques provide more opportunity for collecting water from a larger
surface area.
By retaining the flows (including flood flows) of small creeks and streams in small
storage reservoirs (on surface or underground) created by low cost dams, this
technology can meet water demands during dry periods.
There is a possibility of high rates of water loss due to infiltration into the ground,
and because of the often marginal quality of the water collected, this technique is
mainly suitable for storing water for agricultural purposes.
There are four(4) techniques available to increase surface runoff capacity, namely:
Constructed surfaces can also be used to collect and convey rainwater to storage tanks
or reservoirs.
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e. Collection of Stormwater in Urbanized Catchments
The surface runoff collected in stormwater ponds/reservoirs from urban areas is subject to
a wide variety of contaminants. Keeping these catchments clean is of primary importance,
and hence the cost of water pollution control can be considerable.
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2.3.2 Conveyance Systems
a. Conveyance Material
The pipes used for conveying rainwater, wherever possible, should be made of plastic,
PVC or other inert substance, as the pH of rainwater can be low (acidic) and may cause
corrosion and mobilization of metals in metal pipes.
The figure below shows a catchment system which is made up of a water catching
surface, a conveyance system to get the water to storage, a storage container, and a
method of redistribution (see below):
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b. Ensuring Clean Water From Storage Tank
When selecting a conveyance system, consideration should be given to the fact that when
it first starts to rain, dirt and debris from catchment surfaces and collection devices will
be washed into the conveyance systems (e.g. downpipes).
Relatively clean water will only be available sometime later in the storm. The first part of
each rainfall should be diverted from the storage tank.
There are two(2) possible options for selectively collecting clean water for the storage
tanks:
• Sediment trap
• First flush
c. Sediment Trap
Sediment trap is a common method which uses a tipping bucket to prevent the entry of
debris from the catchment surface into the tank.
d. First Flush
Installing a first flush (or foul flush) device is also useful to divert the initial batch of
rainwater away from the tank. A first flush diverter is a pipe that tees off the main line,
catches the first flush of water, and has a plug or trickle drain on the bottom.
Once this pipe fills up with the initial dirty water, the remaining water bypasses the pipe
and runs directly to the storage container.
The plug at the end of the first flush diverter should be removed and the pipe drained
after each rainfall event or, if there is a trickle tube, the water will slowly clear from the
tube.
If rainwater enters the tank at the manway or top hole, the end of the downspout should
be covered with screened basket (see figure below) which should be placed in the
manway entrance to reduce the amount of organic matter that enters the tank.
The screened basket or hardware cloth should be connected in a way that allows for easy
removal for cleaning out debris. Other options include roof washers that screen the water
prior to it entering the collection tank.
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2.3.3 Storage Tanks
Storage tanks for collected rainwater may be located either above or below the ground.
They may be constructed as a part of the building, or may be built as a separate unit
located some distance away from the building.
The design considerations vary according to the type of tank. Various types of rainwater
storage facilities can be found in practice.
Bamboo reinforced tanks are less successful because the bamboo may become infested
with termites, bacteria and fungus.
Figure 2.11: Large Polyethylene Water Storage Tanks In Various Shapes & Sizes
(Source: www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/U/UNP-0026/)
b. Contaminant in Tank
Precautions are required to prevent the entry of contaminants into storage tanks. The
main sources of external contamination are pollution from debris, bird and animal
droppings, and insects that enter the tank.
Sometimes, human, animal and other environmental contaminants, which happen to fall
into tanks, can cause contamination.
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c. Enclosed Tank
Open containers are not recommended for storing water for drinking purposes. A solid
and secure cover is required to avoid breeding of mosquitoes, to prevent insects and
rodents from entering the tank, and to keep out sunlight to prevent the growth of algae
inside the tank.
The extraction system (e.g., taps/faucets, pumps) must not contaminate the stored water.
Taps/faucets should be installed at least 10 cm above the base of the tank as this allows
any debris entering the tank to settle on the bottom, where if it remains undisturbed, will
not affect the quality of the water.
Rainwater pipes must be permanently marked in such a way that there is no risk of
confusing them with drinking water pipes. Taps must also be clearly labeled for the user
both in the local language and in clear graphic images.
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2.3.5 General Treatment
Treatment of stored rainwater only makes sense if it is done properly and if hygienic
collection and use of the water will ensure it does not suffer from re-contamination.
There are several types of treatment possible. The most common being:
• chlorination
• boiling
• filtration and
• exposure to ultraviolet or natural sunlight
a. Chlorination
• Chlorine Tablets
Chlorine tablets are easily available in the market. One tablet of 0.5 g is enough to
disinfect 20 litres (a bucketful) of water.
b. Boiling
Boiling is a very effective method of purification and very simple to carry out.
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c. Exposure to Sunlight
• Direct Sunlight
This can also be used to kill many of the harmful bacteria in water by exposing it
in clear glass or plastic bottles for several hours (minimum 6 hours, see SODIS)
Although feasible in some circumstances, the water must be clear, the weather
fine and the water cooled overnight before consumption.
Solar disinfection method (SODIS) uses sun's ultra-violet (UV) radiation to improve
the microbiological quality of drinking water. It has been proven that synergies
induced by radiation and thermal treatment have a significant effect on the die-off
rate of microorganisms. The processes involved are indicated in the illustration.
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Figure 2.12b: SODIS for Drinking Water
(Source: www.matternetwork.com/images/Matter/sodis_lg.jpg)
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2.4 Benefits & Limitations
a. Users
• The systems can be both owner and utility operated and managed.
• Rainwater harvesting systems can provide water at or near the point where water is
needed or used
• Rainwater harvesting technologies are flexible and can be built to meet almost any
requirements. Construction, operation, and maintenance are not labour intensive.
• Users of rainwater are usually the owners who operate and manage the catchment
system, hence, they are more likely to exercise water conservation because they know
how much water is in storage and they will try to prevent the storage tank from drying
up.
• Rainwater is relatively clean and the quality is usually acceptable for many purposes
with little or even no treatment.
• It uses simple technologies that are inexpensive and easy to maintain
• It is easy to handle, flexible and can be modular in nature, allowing expansion,
reconfiguration, or relocation
• Saves money by reducing the volume of water purchased from public systems
• Saves money by extending the life of plumbing fixtures and appliances
• Avoid interrupted service from centralized water systems or overuse of water from a
well
b. Government
• Rainwater harvesting can co-exist with and provide a good supplement to other water
sources and utility systems, thus relieving pressure on other water sources.
• Provides a water supply buffer for use in times of emergency or breakdown of the
public water supply systems, particularly during natural disasters.
• Reduce the burden for new investment to replace the ageing systems and adding the
water supply infrastructures
• Potentially avoid the cost of accessing public water systems when it is not
economically feasible
• Reduce construction cost in each development because it can be easily retrofitted to
an existing structure or built during new construction
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c. Environment
• Rainwater collected using existing structures (i.e., rooftops, parking lots, playgrounds,
parks, ponds, flood plains, etc.), has few negative environmental impacts compared to
other technologies for water resources development.
• Reduce storm drainage load and flooding in city streets.
• The physical and chemical properties of rainwater are usually superior to sources of
groundwater that may have been subjected to contamination.
• By capturing rainwater, we reduce the abundant amount of rainwater that goes to the
drainage and avoiding the floods phenomena
• We can significantly reduce our reliance on water storage dam. This will avoids
ecological damage to the area which has to be submerged to build the dam
• Rainwater is superior for landscape use and plants thrive on rainwater well rather than
other sources that might have chemical compounds that polluted them and soils. This
is because rainwater forces salts down and away from root zone when it percolates
into the soil
• Increase soil moisture levels for urban greenery
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2.4.2 Main Limitations
• The catchment area and storage capacity of a system are relatively small. There is a
great variation in weather. During a prolonged drought, the storage tank may dry up
• Maintenance of rainwater harvesting systems, and the quality of collected water, can
be difficult for users
• Extensive development of rainwater harvesting systems may reduce the income of
public water systems
• Rainwater harvesting systems are often not part of the building code and lack clear
guidelines for users/developers to follow
• Rainwater utilization has not been recognized as an alternative of water supply
system by the public sector. Governments typically do not include rainwater
utilization in their water management policies, and citizens do not demand rainwater
utilization in their communities
• Rainwater storage tanks may be a hazard to children who play around it
• Rainwater storage tanks may take up valuable space
• Some development costs of larger rainwater catchment system may be too high if the
costs are not shared with other systems as part of a multi-purpose network
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2.5 Operations and Maintenance Management
a. Facilities Management
Facility operations and maintenance (O&M) is the heart of facilities management (FM).
An effective O&M program has the end result of extending the useful life of any physical
facility which includes plant, machinery, buildings, and services in good operating order.
The FM department of the organization oversees the O&M of the following activities:
The functions of operations and maintenance may be separated with each under a
different supervisor. This is in view that maintenance is frequently viewed as a service
provider or a subcontracted work while accordingly operations sees itself as the customer
of maintenance.
As such, maintenance work needs management through good maintenance planning and
scheduling.
b. Maintenance Plan
• breakdown maintenance (occurs and need repair when equipment fails to function)
• preventive maintenance (is implemented before problem is evident)
• corrective maintenance (is scheduled to correct specific problems in plant systems)
c. Maintenance Schedule
Scheduling is the process of turning the maintenance plan or strategy, the production and
operation requirements, and the improvement plans of the business, into a list of work to
be performed by certain dates and times using the available resources.
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2.5.2 Specific Maintenance Plan
Methods to protect rainwater quality include appropriate system design, sound operation
and maintenance and use of first flush devices and treatment:
• Good system design, operation and maintenance are generally the simplest and most
effective means of protecting water quality.
The best initial step to protecting water quality is to ensure good system design. Water
quality will generally improve during storage provided sunlight and living organisms are
excluded from the tank and fresh inflows do not stir up any sediment. The design should
include:
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c. Maintenance For Normal Weather Condition
(Source: www.rainwaterharvesting.org/urban/Maintenance.htm)
• Regular inspection and cleaning of catchment, gutters, filters and tanks reduce the
likelihood of contamination.
• Avoid mixing water from other sources with that in the rainwater storage tank.
• Just before the arrival of monsoon, the rooftop/catchment area has to be cleaned
properly
• The roof outlet on the terrace should be covered with a mesh to prevent entry of leafs
or other solid waste into the system
• The filter materials have to be either replaced or washed properly before the monsoon
• The diversion valve has to be opened for the first 5 to 10 minutes of rain to dispose of
the polluted first flush
• All polluted water should be taken away from the recharge structures
• The depth of bores (of recharge structures) shall be finalized depending on the actual
site condition
i. Land Catchment
In the case of land surface catchments, care is required to avoid damage and
contamination by people and animals. If required, these surfaces should be fenced to
prevent the entry of people and animals.
Large cracks in the paved catchment due to soil movement, earthquakes or exposure
to the elements should be repaired immediately.
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Maintenance typically consists of the removal of dirt, leaves and other accumulated
materials. Such cleaning should take place annually before the start of the major
rainfall season.
ii. Roof Catchment
Roofs should also be free from over-hanging trees since birds and animals in the trees
may defecate on the roof.
A coarse inlet filter is also desirable for excluding coarse debris, dirt, leaves, and
other solid materials.
The storage tank should be checked and cleaned periodically. All tanks need cleaning
and their designs should allow for thorough scrubbing of the inner walls and floors.
A sloped bottom and the provision of a sump and a drain are useful for collection and
discharge of settled grit and sediment. An entrance hole is required for easy access for
cleaning.
Dividing tanks into two sections or dual tanks can facilitate cleaning.
Cracks in the storage tanks can create major problems and should be repaired
immediately.
v. Extraction System
Periodic maintenance should also be carried out on any pumps used to lift water to
selected areas in the house or building.
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2.5.3 Scheduled Maintenance
Maintenance
SN System Component Activities
Frequency
1 Collection Roof Catchment Inspection Daily
Land Catchment Inspection Daily
Inspection Weekly
Filtration Media Remove debris Monthly
Replace filters Annually
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