Background
This project will be taking place at The Center for Appropriate Technology (CCAT) on the Humboldt State University campus. The 3 seeds team will be working with CCAT members to retrofit the main water catchment system to increase its storage capacity. Other possible projects that may take precedence include retrofitting the CCAT toilets using rain water that has been caught and adding more water storage to the front of the CCAT house gutters that currently do not collect from the roof
problem statement
The objective of this project is add more water storage for the excess amounts of rain water coming from the roof of the CCAT house. Retrofitting the current system to increase the amount of water collected and limiting any overflow and leaks.
The Team
- 3 SEEDS Djnoel97,Jamesfitzgerald,KingPig42
Additional Information
For more information on water catchment systems, click the link below:
To find out more about Humboldt State University's Campus Center for Appropriate Technology (CCAT), click the link below:
Literature Review
This is a review of the available literature pertinent to the a specific project.
Rainwater Catchment System
Paragraph on the basics. [1]
Overflow Concerns
Finding a solution for the excess water. Putting it to use or a way to drain it away from the area. Overflow for the front of CCAT is also a concern. Potential roof and gutters cleaned out and possible rain water catchment system.[2]
System Types
There are four possible systems that can be the focus of the project. They include the following: Upgrade the main storage system with additional storage and or any fixes needed. An addition of a natural water filtration system can be attached with additional storage, and a irrigation system that utilizes the overflow from the main tank. [3]
Main Storage
Already a working system. Overflow concerns. More storage needed. Possible sand,gravel,charcoal filtration system which would include additional storage. [4]
Filtration + Storage
Adding a sand, gravel, charcoal filtration system or bio sand filter that utilizes the overflow from the main storage tank. [3]
Main Tank Irrigation system
Irrigation Pressure: From "To Catch The Rain" by Lonny Grafman we know water pressure is 62.4 lb/ft2 or .433 psi/. They also recommend 15-25 psi for typical drip irrigation and 4-10 psi for an efficient appropriate tech designed system. The current CCAT rainwater tank holds water 1ft-6ft above the irrigation line. This means .433 psi -5.2 psi. This is likely not enough pressure to utilize the CCAT irrigation as it exists now. CCAT employees also confirmed the Irrigation system is not functional[1].
Roof & Gutter Cleaning
Potential roof and gutter cleaning for greenhouse side of CCAT house and overflow. Potential new system for this side of the house
Designing interpretive materials
According to ______ interpretive materials for a rainwater catchment system and or filtration system should include....
Books on Water Catchment
- Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond, Volume 1, 2nd Edition: Guiding Principles to Welcome Rain into Your Life and Landscape by Brad Lancaster ISBN 978-0977246434
- Lancaster ISBN 978-0977246410Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond (Vol. 2): Water-Harvesting Earthworks by Brad
- Water Storage: Tanks, Cisterns, Aquifers, and Ponds For Domestic Supply, Fire and Emergency Use by Art Ludwig ISBN 0-9643433-6-3
- To Catch the Rain