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===Rainwater Catchment basics - Overview===
===Rainwater Catchment basics - Overview===
Rainwater catchment uses water runoff, often by rooftops, in order to collect and store water for later use. Most widely used in places where water is not centralized. This technique of water catchment uses the water from a surface passing through a downspout to a filtration system. The filtration is usually composed of a strainer or mesh that collects large debris and keeps it from entering the system. The strainer must be cleaned periodically so that it is not clogged. In some larger models the water then is funneled to a first flush system in which debris is dropped out of the water that collects in the tank, this allows finer particulate matter from the system to be purified before entering a holding tank. Once the first flush is full the water is diverted to the main tank where it is kept until use. This tank is equipped with a spout or way to get the water to its intended location for use, as well as an overflow outlet so that the system does not back up. Over time the tank must be maintained and cleaned in order to have a properly working system. Water quality can be tested and is often improved with the use of a bottom bio-layer which can form naturally in the bottom of the tank.  <ref>This is an example of footnotes.</ref>
Rainwater catchment uses water runoff, often by rooftops, in order to collect and store water for later use. Most widely used in places where water is not centralized. This technique of water catchment uses the water from a surface passing through a downspout to a filtration system. The filtration is usually composed of a strainer or mesh that collects large debris and keeps it from entering the system. The strainer must be cleaned periodically so that it is not clogged. In some larger models the water then is funneled to a first flush system in which debris is dropped out of the water that collects in the tank, this allows finer particulate matter from the system to be purified before entering a holding tank. Once the first flush is full the water is diverted to the main tank where it is kept until use. This tank is equipped with a spout or way to get the water to its intended location for use, as well as an overflow outlet so that the system does not back up. Over time the tank must be maintained and cleaned in order to have a properly working system. Water quality can be tested and is often improved with the use of a bottom bio-layer which can form naturally in the bottom of the tank.  <ref>Schiller, E.J. and B. G. Latham 1987. A Comparison of Commonly Used Hydrologic Design Methods for Rainwater Collectors, Water Resources Development, 3. .</ref>


===CCAT Rainwater concerns===
===CCAT Rainwater concerns===

Revision as of 06:26, 10 February 2014

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Background

Humboldt State University’s Campus Center for Appropriate Technology (CCAT) was founded in 1978, a student run home maintained and run in a sustainable fashion, by the students of Humboldt State and members of the surrounding community. CCAT incorporates a wide variety of Appropriate Technologies. CCAT located near the redwood forest of Arcata, houses three full time students and employs 18 students part time.

Problem statement

CCAT is in need of a more convenient and efficient rainwater catchment system and usage of collected water. Water pressure is also lower than expected. A current system is in place and collects a large amount of water, being used for drip irrigation and is severely under utilized. The CCAT house has relatively new metal roofs and rain gutters (2009), which can’t be altered so improvements must be made to the tank itself, inlets, or outlets.

Literature Review

This is a review of the available literature pertinent to the comprehensive rainwater catchment system at CCAT.

Rainwater Catchment basics - Overview

Rainwater catchment uses water runoff, often by rooftops, in order to collect and store water for later use. Most widely used in places where water is not centralized. This technique of water catchment uses the water from a surface passing through a downspout to a filtration system. The filtration is usually composed of a strainer or mesh that collects large debris and keeps it from entering the system. The strainer must be cleaned periodically so that it is not clogged. In some larger models the water then is funneled to a first flush system in which debris is dropped out of the water that collects in the tank, this allows finer particulate matter from the system to be purified before entering a holding tank. Once the first flush is full the water is diverted to the main tank where it is kept until use. This tank is equipped with a spout or way to get the water to its intended location for use, as well as an overflow outlet so that the system does not back up. Over time the tank must be maintained and cleaned in order to have a properly working system. Water quality can be tested and is often improved with the use of a bottom bio-layer which can form naturally in the bottom of the tank. [1]

CCAT Rainwater concerns

Since the rainwater catchment system is already up and running at CCAT, the problems in focus are those moving forward with the improvement of the rainwater tank.Concerns topping the priority list include allocation of rainwater in the surrounding area of CCAT, gutter method of collection, pressure of water from the tank,and export water valve. .[2]

Types of Rainwater Catchment

There are multiple types of rainwater catchment systems available, ranging in price and use practicality. The most common types include rainwater barrels, multiple rainwater barrels, and large scale tanks. [3]

Single Barrel Catchment

Single barrel catchment is a relatively simple method that utilizes a roof with gutters and under any downspout a single barrel is placed to collect water. The barrel can be designed with a simple top filter to catch any varying level of sizable debris, however this method lacks the luxuries of the larger catchment systems. Unlike other systems, this has no settling tank or first flush for particulate matter to settle out of the stored water. This system has a valve in which water can be gathered from, as well as a overflow spout where excess water can flow freely. [4],

Multiple Barrel Catchment

Multiple barrel catchment is also a relatively simple system in which, like the single barrel catchment, a barrel is placed below a downspout to collect water however multiple barrels, depending on the desired amount of water are connected in a system using PVC piping near the bottom of the barrels. This allows the barrels to fill and drain at the same rate. This system also includes a valve on one or multiple barrels in which a hose or appliance can be attached and diverted to a desired location. This method also can use a filter to catch debris, multiple tanks also act as a settling tank, where one tank collects a majority of particulate matter leaving those further away from initial catch barrel cleaner.

Rainwater Tank with First Flush

A large rainwater tank is often used in this system, in which water from a roof is diverted through a basic filtration system. This system usually consists of a mesh filter over a bucket which doubles as a sediment drop out or settling tank. After passing through this tank water heads throuh piping to a first flush system to further purify the water entering the holding tank. Particulate matter, if any settles here and does not continue to the holding tank. After the first flush is full, the water starts to fill the tank where it is stored until use. This system uses a valve to divert water via hose to its desired location. water can be turned on and off through a multiple valve system in order to prevent leakage. This system can also use a motor in order to pressurize the water exiting the tank, or rely on the water wanting to exit the tank as pressure.

Designing interpretive materials

According to ______ interpretive materials for composting should include....

References

Template:Reflist

  1. Schiller, E.J. and B. G. Latham 1987. A Comparison of Commonly Used Hydrologic Design Methods for Rainwater Collectors, Water Resources Development, 3. .
  2. Another example of footnotes.
  3. This is an example of a named reference. You can use these named references to repeat citation content throughout the document.
  4. Dwayne Taylor, Jonathan . "Rainwater collection and distribution apparatus." United States Patents 1 (1998): 1-3. Print..
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