Template:305 CCAT Rainwater Upgrade
Background
The rainwater catchment system at Humboldt State University’s Campus Center of Appropriate Technology was created in 2008 and revamped by an Engineering 305 group in 2014. However, the rainwater catchment system is currently not in commission due to several factors such as overflow issues and tank cleanliness which means perhaps redesigning the system. In order to update the current system it may mean resizing, labeling, gutter screens, testing, cleaning, and pumping parts. The Campus Center of Appropriate Technology is a learning center for students and community members to learn and share practices of sustainable living so it is valuable to showcase a rainwater catchment system. The rainwater catchment system will also allow for an emergency water source and decrease in a water bill for the Center.
Problem statement
The objective of this project is to recreate the rainwater catchment system through the use of recycled items and existing parts, in order to catch rainwater effectively.
Literature Review
Storage is usually the most expensive component of a rainwater system and often determines the type of filtration and pumping system. We provide a wide range of storage solutions from a 75-gallon consumer tank to custom-designed modular systems capable of storing millions of gallons to run large commercial or multi-family structures or irrigation systems.(1)
Conveyance The conveyance system of a rainwater catchment is what brings the water from the roof or catchment system into the water storage tank. The parts of conveyance consist of gutters, piping, first flush, screens and filters. For the purpose of this literature review, the piping will be emphasized. Different materials can be used for piping. The inexpensive option of PVC piping will be used for this project. PVC is a very durable plastic that does will not leach or corrode from contact with water. An important aspect of using PVC is the diameter. Wider diameters will cost more, making the smallest diameter possible beneficial to reduce cost.
Project Evaluation Criteria
The following Criteria will be used to assess the success of this project. These criteria were chosen based on the suggestions of the project coordinator as well as the diligent students who are working on the catchment system. The scale (1-10) represents the importance level of meeting the constraint of each listed criteria.
| Criteria | Constraints | Weight (1-10) |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | Meets or exceeds OSHA standards | |
| Aesthetics | Current aesthetic | |
| Maintainability | 1 year | |
| Usability | 10 foot radius of water usability | |
| Sustainability | 100% made up of reused materials | |
| Water Catchment percent | 95% caught to overflow | |
| Cost | CCAT budget 2018 | |
| Community access | Anyone can access the water | |
| Lifespan/ durability | 5 years durability |
Reference
1.) "RAINWATER STORAGE." Rainwater Harvesting - Storage. Accessed February 18, 2018. http://www.conservationtechnology.com/rainwater_storage.html.