Rainwater Harvesting System

(DGB617)
2011/12 Semester 1 & 2

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Introduction
! What is Rainwater Harvesting &

Utilization?
! !

Decentralized, environmentally sound solution Alternative Technologies to Augment Freshwater Resources

Avoid environmental problems caused by conventional large scale projects using centralized approaches

Introduction
! Definition
!

Rainwater harvesting is a technology used for collecting and storing rainwater for human use.

! Rainwater Collection
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Rainwater is collected from rooftops, land surfaces or rock catchments using simple techniques such as jars and pots as well as engineered techniques.

Rainwater Harvesting System

! What is Rainwater Harvesting System?
!

The system collect rainwater from various catchment areas and store it in tanks for application such as irrigation.

Introduction
! Demand for Rainwater Harvesting
" " " "

practiced for more than 4,000 years owe to the temporal and spatial variability of rainfall important water source in areas with significant rainfall but lack centralized supply system good option in areas lacking in good quality fresh surface water or groundwater

! Rainwater Harvesting Technology

!

Application of appropriate rainwater harvesting technology is important for the utilization of rainwater as a water resource

Source of Rainwater - Water Cycle

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How Rainwater is Collected

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Rainwater Harvesting Outdoor Use

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Rainwater Harvesting Common Use

Typical Layout for Rainwater Harvesting Facilities

Rainwater Harvesting Facilities in Aceh Built by South Korean Students

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Rainwater Harvesting Facilities in Alor Supported by UNICEF

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Rainwater Harvesting System

Rainwater Harvesting System

Principle of Rainwater Harvesting

! Rainwater Harvesting Principles
! !

capture non-potable water at the point it falls a substitute for mains water in non-potable applications

alleviate the effect of heavy rainfall on floodrisk areas

saves energy by not using highly processed tapwater to flush toilets

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Rainwater Harvesting System

Main Components
Piping It is used to convey rain water from the catchment areas to the collection tank. Only approved type of pipe shall be used. Filter It is use to filter off foreign objects within the collected rain water Collection Tank It is usually a concrete tank which durable and require minimum maintenance. Overflow Pipe This is a feature incorporated into the tank. It is to release excessive rain water when the tank is full.

First Flush Key Component

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Rainwater Harvesting Components

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Types of Rainwater Harvesting Systems

! Design Considerations
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depends on size & nature of the catchment areas whether the systems are in urban or rural settings

! Types of Requirements
! !

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Simple roof water collection systems Larger systems for educational institutions, stadiums, airports and other facilities. Roof water collection systems for high-rise buildings in urbanized areas Land surface catchments Collection of storm-water in urbanized catchments
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Simple Roof Collection

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. Harvested rainwater may be filtered or disinfected.

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Large Systems

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 non21 potable applications.

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 (or ground floor) for nonpotable uses.
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Land Surface Catchments

Problem Possibility of high rates of water loss due to infiltration into the ground. Suitability Often marginal quality of the water collected mainly suitable for storing water for agricultural purposes.

By retaining the flows (including flood flows) of small creeks and streams in small storage reservoirs (on surface or underground) created by low 23 cost dams - this technology meet water demands during dry periods.

Storm-water In Urbanized Catchments

The surface runoff collected in storm-water 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.

These rain gardens have been set up by various councils to help filter stormwater before it enters drains and our rivers and creeks.
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Rainwater Harvesting System

! Benefits
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Reduce water consumption (Save $$) Promote water conservation Excellent source of water for landscape irrigation without chemical

! Limitations
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Limited and uncertainty of rain fall Can be costly to install depending on the size and complexity of the system (i.e. tank size, delivery system) Need skill workers to carry out maintenance work

END