Introduction
One of the most vital supplies for a community’s existence is water. It significantly impacts the growth of communities, economies, and social activities. Water shortages become a pressing need in the community due to increasing urbanization, population surges, industrialization, and infrastructural advancements. Therefore, a system for stormwater conservation that might aid in resolving most of the water shortage concerns must be devised to have a contingency plan for water needs. In light of this, stormwater harvesting (SWH) is a method that allows rainwater to be collected, stored, and utilized in various ways (Anchan and Shiva 2). This project will present the SWH system as a feasibility study in enhancing sustainability within the community.
Initiative
Water sustainability has been declining rapidly in the community due to excessive usage resulting from overreliance on a single source. An SWH system might be crucial in such circumstances. The structure is illustrated in Fig. 1 and comprises several components designed to collect stormwater from catchment areas into storage tanks and then convey it through pipes (Anchan & Shiva, 2). To achieve an efficient pre-treatment approach, the reclaimed water is put through a water reuse process using various materials (Anchan and Shiva 2). Obtained water can be revived to usable requirements with further disinfection.
Benefits
The first and most evident advantage of stormwater collection is the savings it provides. By gathering and utilizing stormwater, businesses and households can reduce their dependence on municipal water supplies and lower their water costs (Gurmit). Additionally, SWH helps supply communal water demands since underground or surface water sources are sometimes unreliable or inadequate. Consequently, stormwater runoff can result in flooding, erosion, and water pollution; harvesting it can reduce runoff and have a positive impact on the environment.
- Economic. Lower water bills for consumers, potential cost savings on the infrastructure needed to manage stormwater (“Tool 1” 00:19:38-00:19:44), and higher property values in places that adopt sustainable water practices.
- Social. Strengthened local water supply, increased community resistance to water shortage, and increased knowledge of sustainable water management.
- Community. Increased community participation and involvement in water conservation measures foster a greater awareness of communal responsibility for the environment.
- Environmental. Decreased stormwater runoff pollution, protection of nearby habitats, and lessening the burden on freshwater supplies.
- Maintenance. Lower expenses for stormwater infrastructure upkeep, as the system is designed to require less maintenance.
Design Requirements
The size of the project’s fundamental design criteria is as follows:
- Tank as a storage system.
- Rooftop collecting system for collection.
- Pre-storage systems for treating.
- A supply network.
- Backflow prevention and system.
- The system control mechanisms.
- Establish a construction phasing plan.
- Conducting an external review procedure.
Construction Sequence
Preparing the Site
It is essential to consider catchment borders at this stage so that the system can be built in a location that facilitates the calculation of capture volumes, detection of site limits, and assessment of water quality. The land should have a thick soil structure and a moderate slope to collect enough runoff (Masoud et al. 17). Additionally, the system should ideally be placed away from setbacks where storage tank leaks might harm utility infrastructure.
Installation
Regarding the placement, the first step is to set up the gutters alongside the borders of the rooftops. Additionally, downspouts are periodically strategically placed along the gutters to effectively convey stormwater into the basement or surface storage tanks (Puckett). The filtration system must be installed between the storage tanks and the downspouts, which is another crucial stage. Furthermore, storage tanks in the designated area must be properly positioned, have a sturdy base, and be situated on a stable foundation. Finally, a conveyance system, like water pipelines, links the downspouts to the storage tanks.
Estimated Cost for the Project
The following can be used to debunk the estimate of the cost for a stormwater harvesting project in one home:
- Submersible pump, 2 HP
- A pair of 1200-gallon storage tanks
- An Inflow from a floating filter
- 1-pump controller
- An overflow siphon
- One tranquil inlet
- 1-a backup intake valve
- 1-Indicator for tank level
- Initial flush diverter
- Debris diverter for the 1-down spout
- One vent cap
- Bulkhead fittings 3-3″
- 4-1 bulkhead connectors
- Wye filters, 1-2
- 2-1-inch brass ball valves
- 2-1-inch brass ball valves
Total Material Cost: $4,000.
Total Labor Cost: $3,500.
Total Costs: $7,500.
Project Life Cycle
The project’s life cycle typically takes approximately one year to complete. It can be broken down into various faces, as shown below:
- Concept (2 months). The community perceives rising water prices and a lack of water as problems during this era. They investigate the potential for non-potable applications of stormwater.
- Feasibility (6 months). An engineering company evaluates the possibility of stormwater runoff from the community’s rooftops and concludes that an SWH is both practical and affordable.
- Final Design and Permitting (10 months). The engineering company creates a thorough system, and the community secures the essential permissions from the local government.
- Procurement (1 month). The community acquires the necessary supplies, including filtration systems, storage tanks, and gutters and downspouts.
- Fabrication (3 months). The storage tanks and filtration units are fabricated and ready for installation.
- Installation (4 months). The SWH system is installed in conjunction with other community construction activities.
- Start-up and Testing (1 month). The system is thoroughly tested to ensure it operates efficiently and produces high-quality harvested water.
- Turnover for Operation (1 month). The system’s use and upkeep are covered in training for residents. Once the system is up and running, the neighborhood can use the collected stormwater for non-potable purposes, such as irrigation.
Challenges
Unpredictable Rainfall
Rainfall is unpredictable, and occasionally, there may be little or no rain, which might reduce the water supply. It is not advisable to rely solely on it to meet all your water needs in areas with limited rainfall. Stormwater collection is particularly suitable in areas with high rainfall (Maxwell-Gaines). When rain is erratic, stormwater harvesting can be essential for trapping the raindrops when they fall.
Initial High Cost
Depending on the size and sophistication of the system, the cost may be around $7,500 per family, and benefits cannot be realized until the system is operational. In a community setting, this means it will be more expensive. Depending on the quantity of rainfall and the system’s complexity, the investment can be returned in 10 to 15 years. Furthermore, maintaining an SWH system regularly can also be costly to some households.
Technical Skill During Installation
Technical problems with stormwater harvesting systems may arise if they are not properly installed and continuously serviced. Installing a rain barrel underneath a downspout may be fairly easy. However, stakeholders must consider constructing and collecting pipes from several downspouts and be concerned about establishing a larger storage tank to increase the system’s efficiency and efficacy (Maxwell-Gaines). In this instance, technical expertise and knowledge are very useful.
Conclusion
Stormwater harvesting is one backup solution for traditional water delivery methods. Success depends on several variables, including cost and sufficient rainfall. SWH, like other technology solutions, has advantages and disadvantages. However, it is essential to supply the community with sufficient, sustainable water. The cost calculation of an SWH system shows that the payback period may be lengthy. Thus, government incentives should support the program to encourage various sectors to improve their stormwater harvesting practices.
Works Cited
Anchan, Sanjith S., and H.C. Shiva Prasad. “Feasibility of Roof Top Rainwater Harvesting Potential – A Case Study of South Indian University.” Cleaner Engineering and Technology, vol. 4, 2021, pp. 1–12. Web.
Gurmit, Singh Arora. “Potential Benefits of Rainwater Harvesting, Including Cost Savings and Meeting Water Needs.” Times of India Blog, Times of India. 2023. Web.
Masoud, Jafari Shalamzari, et al. “Runoff Harvesting Site Suitability Analysis for Wildlife in Sub-Desert Regions.” Water, vol. 11, no. 9, 2019, pp. 1-23. Web.
Maxwell-Gaines, Chris. “What Are the Disadvantages of Rainwater Harvesting?” Innovative Water Solutions LLC. 2022. Web.
Puckett, Josh. “4 Quick Facts about Your Downspouts.” Patriot Gutters LLC. 2021. Web.
“Tool 1 Water Harvesting Assessment Presentation Default.” YouTube, uploaded by the University of Arizona, 2023. Web.