JR Project
JR Project
JR Project
To design and build a prototype for collecting, filtering, storing, and distributing rainwater.
To design and construct a filtration chamber for the rainwater.
To perform a rainwater analysis for physical, chemical, and bacteriological properties.
To assess the viability of the filtration chamber.
Rainwater harvesting systems can be simple or complex, and typically consist of a catchment
area to collect the water, a conduit to transport the water to a storage tank, and a storage tank or
reservoir to hold the water for future use. The water must also be treated and filtered to maintain
its quality. Rainwater harvesting reduces dependence on primary sources of drinking water and
may benefit individual households if water usage is metered.
Water treatment can be divided into three categories: purification for domestic use, treatment for
specialized industrial applications, and treatment of wastewater for release or reuse (Manahan,
2011). The primary treatment typically involves sedimentation to remove floating and settled
materials from wastewater. Advanced primary treatment involves adding chemicals to enhance
the removal of suspended solids and dissolved solids (Metcalf and Eddy, 2003). The type and
degree of treatment required depend on the end use of the water. For example, cooling water may
require minimal treatment, while boiler feed water must remove corrosive substances and scale-
forming solutes, and water used in food processing must be free of pathogens and toxic
substances. Effective water treatment at minimal cost is critical for industrial use (Manahan,
2011).
RAINWATER HARVESTING SYSTEM: QUALITY AND IMPACT ON PUBLIC HEALTH
Rainwater harvesting is a low impact development practice that can be used as a primary or
secondary water source and is used in both rural and urban areas (Tamimi, 2016). It can relieve
pressure on public water supply systems and promote better public practices. The level of
adaptation of rainwater harvesting varies depending on the level of public awareness and
support, including legislative, technical, and financial support. The WHO recommends using
rainwater harvesting as a safe source of drinking water after proper treatment.
DESIGN OF STORAGE TANK
The volume of the storage tank can be determined by the following factors:
1.Number of persons in the household - The greater the number of persons, the greater the
storage capacity required to achieve efficiency of fewer people under the same roof area
2.Per capita water requirement – This varies from household to household based on habits and
from season to season. Consumption rate has an impact on the storage system design as well as
the duration to which stored rainwater can last.
3.Average annual rainfall
4.Period of water scarcity – A part from the total rainfall, the pattern of the rainfall – whether
evenly distributed through the year or concentrated in certain periods will determine storage
requirement. The more distributed the pattern, the lesser the size.
5.Type and size of the catchment – Type of roofing material determines the selection of the
runoff coefficient for designs. Size could be assessed by measuring the area cover by the
catchment i.e. the length and horizontal width. The larger the catchment, the larger the size of the
required tank.
6. Water usage patterns – Knowing when water is needed the most will impact the size of the tank.
If peak usage occurs during dry months, larger storage tanks are needed.
7. Quality of stored water – If stored water is going to be used for drinking, a larger tank may be
needed to allow for adequate treatment before use.
8. Cost considerations – Budget is a crucial factor in determining the size of the tank. Larger tanks
are more expensive to construct and maintain, but they allow for more stored water and longer
periods between refilling.
The shape of the storage tank also affects its efficiency. Round or cylindrical tanks have a
smaller surface area-to-volume ratio and are more cost-effective to construct. Rectangular or
square tanks are better for limited spaces but have a larger surface area-to-volume ratio, which
increases evaporation and algae growth.
Finally, the material used to construct the tank is also important. Concrete and brick tanks are
durable but expensive, while plastic tanks are lighter and less expensive but have a shorter
lifespan. Choosing the right material depends on the intended use and budget.