Abstract
Background
CCAT volunteers are always busy and in need of a washstation for their new greenshed. There is an existing rainwater system with storage which is in good condition and used for summer watering, although this storage tank at the present time is reported to be exhausted before the end of summer. A second water supply and storage system will need to be designed for the greenshed. The water at present time drains behind the greenshed and runs into property drainage.
This could best be served using rainwater and the greenshed roof, which is a viable source for a rainwater catchment system.
Calculator V = R * A * k * e
V = (3.5 ft/yr)(96 sq ft)(.9)(7.48 gal/cu ft) = 2262 gallons / year
2250 gallons per year.
Objective
The objective is to redirect the 2250 gallons of water currently draining off the CCAT’s green shed into the property drainage system every year to a catchment system and a tool wash station. The overflow and wash station waste water can also be directed to useable outlets including a small marsh and property gardens.
Cost Estimate (not final)
| Item | Description | Price | Quantity | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Filter | Prevent large particulate matter | $20 | 1 | $20 |
| Tank | Water Bladder: holds 1057.53 gallons | $200 | 1 | $200 |
| Sink | Two basin kitchen sink | donated | 1 | $0 |
| Piping | PVC some donated by CCAT some being purchased | 4.86 | 10 | $48.60 |
| Marsh | Method to use overflow and waste water | donated | 1-2 | $0 |
| Total Cost | $268.60 | |||
Criteria
The basic Criteria of planning our rainwater catchment system is based around user friendliness and longevity of use. The system has to be easy to use and rugged enough to withstand the test of time. Other considerations such as, how easy the system can be modified, how much maintenance is required to keep the system running, and is the system aesthetically pleasing to the client, are being taken into account as well. All potential systems will be graded on the following scale and the system with the highest score is to be considered “most ideal” for the project at hand.
| Criteria | Weight (scale:1-10) | Constraints |
|---|---|---|
| Water Bladder | 10 | location |
| PVC | 6 | |
| Sink | 7 | |
| Ease of future modifications | 9 | Available location and budget |
| Ease of use | 8 | Is it versatile and simple |
| Self Sustaining | 7 | Is it self cleaning |
| Aesthetics | 4 | Is it camoflauged with the surroundings |
| Lifespan | 8 | Quality of materials and resistance to photodegradation |
Rough Timeline
Week 0 = Finals week May 20th
| Objectives | Relative Week |
| Test storage | Week 8 Mar 18th (Spring Break) |
| Install storage | Week 8 Mar 18th (Spring Break) |
| Build framing | Week 7 Mar 25th |
| Attach and test filter | Week 6 Apr 1st |
| Start collecting testing storage | Week 6 Apr 1st |
| Find overflow elevation/capacity | Week 5 Apr 8th |
| Place and start siphon | Week 5 Apr 8th |
| Connect overflow system | Week 5 Apr 8th |
| Connect sink & Test sink | Week 4 Apr 15th |
| Connect marsh to sink outlet | Week 4 Apr 22nd |
| System complete | Week 3 Apr 29th |
| Working system debugged or noted | Week 2 May 6th |
| Working whitepapers - specs/docs | Week 1 May 13th |
| Appropedia/report COMPLETE | Week 0 May 20th |
Piping Test (Temp for reporting/recording purposes)
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Construction
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Makinking sure the bag fits behind the shed
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Testing the water bag and making sure there are no leaks
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This is after digging out dirt for the bag to fit in and putting in gravel
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The sink
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Sink with pump that can connect to a hose
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Piping connecting from the sink to the marsh
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Piping continue to the marsh
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The final step for the flow of water is into the marsh
Design
Some notes:
- The system will consist of a first flush filter, storage, and transport to a wash sink below the container.
Testing Results
Next Steps
What still could be done...
Conclusion
Lessons Learned
What To Do Next Time
1. Have client define criteria or project. Get it written and signed off on so that all sides can not change contract/project as project continues.
2. If a client defines what they want done and interjects during construction how they want it done, we can break the contract or just let them do project.
3. I will not do contract work without a contract.
4. If a construction design changes mid or near end project, I will have the ability to change the compensation or timeline.
5. Require 24/7 or convenient access to materials and tools.
6. If there is a conflict in direction, we will not be in the middle. Let the two sides resolve their issues and come to the group with the final.
7. Request clear grading criteria for project.
8. If I have to provide free labor for a class project, pick an easy project or a non-promotional project (one that is not a display).
9. Do not allow those not being graded on the project to alter the project on their own forcing a redesign.
10. This project would be a better project for fall semester since it doesn't rain as much. Rain haults work! Also then in the spring when it rains all the time it would be great way to test the system!
Literature review
Books
1. This book shows the right and wrong ways to build a catchment system. Also shows the steps on how to build ferrocement water tank and maintenance on tanks. It also talks about the history of rainwater catchment.
Gould,John. Rainwater Catchment Systems For Domestic Supply Design, Construction and Implementation. Southampton Row,London: Intermediate Technology Publications, 1999.
2. Shows how to calculate the efficiency of water from the storage tanks to farms.
Bos,M.G.. On Irrigation Efficiencies. 19 ed. Wageningen,Netherlands: International Institute for Land Reclamaion and Improvement, 1974.
3. Case studies from around the world using different types of catchments and also measure sediment build up.
Schick,Asher. Channel Processes: Water, Sediment, Catchment Controls. Catena Supplement 5. West Germany: Catena Verlag, 1984.
4. Ball Redbook 17th edition Vol. 1 Multiple descriptions and ideas of utilizing space for irrigation systems. Beytes, Chris, and Debbie Hamrick. Ball redbook . 17th ed. Batavia, Ill.: Ball Pub., 2003.
5. Greenhouse Operation & Management 6th edition More examples and ideas for transporting small scale amounts of water. Nelson, Paul V.. Greenhouse operation & management . 6th ed. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Prentice Hall, 1998.
6. The Atmosphere an introduction to Meteorology Detailed information on interpreting weather patterns and atmospheric conditions. Lutgens, Fredrick K., and Edward J. Tarbuck. The Atmosphere an introduction to Meteorology. 10 ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007.
Peer Reviewed
1. Talks about different types of grey water (light grey water) . The benefits, nutrients that are good for irrigation. Or some effects on plants and what you should do to decrease risks.
"BC Green Building Code Greywater Recycling". (2007), http://www.llbc.leg.bc.ca/public/pubdocs/bcdocs/438927/lighthouse_research_on_greywater_recycling_oct_22_07_2_.pdf. (accessed February 10, 2011).
2. “Harvest the Rain” Article on rainwater catchment systems with multiple diagrams of filtration systems
Mother Earth News; Aug/Sep2003, Issue 199, p42, 7p, 2 Color Photographs, 3 Black and White Photographs, 3 Diagrams
3. Specifics towards maximizing the efficiency of a rain gutter drainage system. Arthur, S. "Recent and future advances in roof drainage design and performance." Building services engineering research & technology 26.4 (2005): 337-348.
Internet sites
1. Talks about where to put a marsh, how to build one and how it helps animals have habitats.
The Old House Web. "Backyard Wetlands: Mini-marshes Can Provide Benefits Of Natural Wetlands." http://www.oldhouseweb.com/gardening/backyard-wetlands-mini-marshes-can-provide-benefits-of-natural-wetlands.shtml (accessed 2/11/11).
2. Shows the process of how to install a sink outdoors
Ames, Daniel. "How to Add an Outdoor Sink." may 6, 2010.http://www.ehow.com/how_6299555_add-outdoor-sink.html (accessed 2/8/11).
3. An idea for Rubbermaid trash cans for a water storage. Seeing if people used them and if they liked them.
"Simply Discuss: Rubbermaid trash can for water storage?." 03/07/2007.http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?56309-rubbermaid-trash-can-for-water-storage (accessed 2/8/11).
4. Flexi tube connection and inlet connection. http://www.instructables.com/id/Elevated-Dual-Barrel-Rainwater-Collection-System/
5. Solar Powered system, an idea should we find ourselves with excess time. http://www.instructables.com/id/Green-Solar-Powered-Water-Barrel/
6. Modular Filtration and Storage system http://www.instructables.com/id/Rain-water-collection-filtration-storage-syste/