Template:305inprogress

Background

The Mattole Valley Community Center is looking to install a rainwater catchment system on site in Petrolia, California. The Mattole Board of Directors is interested in having a working rainwater catchment system to water a community garden and also to utilize the project for community outreach and education about the benefits of appropriate technology. This project is starting in January of 2012 and is projected to be finished by May 2012.

Problem statement

The objective of this project is to catch rainwater from the roof of the Mattole Valley Community Center in Petrolia. The water storage will help water and accommodate extra irrigation for a flower garden located on site. This project will be a demonstration for the local community and other organizations to learn about the benefits of rain water catchment, visually show the rain water catchment process, and along with the utilization of the instructions laid out on this Appropedia site other individuals will potentially be able to produce a system for their own usage.

Ideas for the future

Options to educate also include the creation of an instructional pamphlet or on site graphic image board that explains details on the project or how to make your own system.

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)
- Community Will be able to hook up to two inch fire hose from fire truck to supply extra water.
5
- Maintainability Must be easy to clean the filter and remove debris, no more than 2 hours maintenance per month
6
- Aesthetics Must be pleasing to the eye and look professional
7
Educational Aspect Must include an educational piece for community (something to explain or highlight the benefit or creation of a rainwater catchment system)
7
Safety & Placement Must not interfere with walking paths, stairwells, or people's heads!
8
Reproducability The structure could be reproduced by local builders
8
Usability Must sufficiently water the garden on site (with use of hose attachment)
9
Budget Must not exceed budget
9
Functionality Successfully captures and stores rainwater
10
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