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RAINWATER 201:<br />The Next Level of Rainwater Harvesting<br />Brian Gregson<br />Rainwater Catchment Systems Accredited Professional<br />Tri-County Extension Services<br />Brooker Creek Preserve<br />February 2nd, 2011<br />

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Outline<br />INTRODUCTION<br />OVERVIEW<br />Why harvest rainwater?<br />Applications<br />DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS<br />ANATOMY 101<br />Potable vs. non-potable<br />Reliability<br />COST<br />REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Who we are<br />Irrigation Contractor: PCCLB 10280<br />Specializing in highly efficient water-conservation solutions<br />Drip/micro irrigation, landscape drainage<br />RAINWATER HARVESTING<br />FIRSTS:<br />ARCSA AP in State of FL<br />Permitted RHS in St. Pete<br />Potable RHS in St. Pete<br />Potable RHS in Tampa<br />Permitted greywater(??) in Tampa<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Why harvest rainwater?<br />Preserve potable water for drinking and indoor uses<br />Stormwater management<br />L.I.D.<br />Contribute to responsible growth<br />Larger volume = $$$$<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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The PROBLEM:<br />Population growth = greater demand on resources (power, water, etc)<br />Reduced reliance on “traditional” groundwater/surface water<br />Sinkholes??<br />Pollution??<br />Greater reliance on “innovative” water supplies (e.g. desalination)<br />RHS reduces demand on blended resources<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Rainwater Harvesting:A Sustainable Option<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />Source: www.stuckincustoms.com<br />

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Residential Home, <br />St. Petersburg, FL<br />CISTERN INFO<br />Size:<br />Water Source:<br />Use:<br />1,000 gallons<br />Rainwater<br />Irrigation<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />FIRST SYSTEM PERMITTED AND APPROVED IN ST. PETE!<br />

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Florida House Learning Center<br />Sarasota, FL<br />CISTERN INFO<br />Qty/Size:<br />Water Source:<br />Use:<br />Type:<br />Two 2,500 gallon cisterns<br />Rainwater<br />Flushing in water closets,<br />Irrigation, clothes washing<br /><ul><li>East cistern constructed of sprayed lightweight concrete (similar to swimming pools) with a fiberglass-coated liner and a metal roof. </li></ul>• West cistern constructed of concrete block reinforced with poured cores with a liner of flexible, waterproof, acrylic coating and a metal roof. <br />http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu/fhlc/flahousehome.shtml<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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LEED Elementary School Remodel, St. Petersburg, FL<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />Project Owner:<br />Project Type:<br />CISTERN INFO<br />Size:<br />Water Source:<br />Use:<br />Jordan Park Elementary<br />Institutional<br />2x 2,500 gallons<br />Rainwater<br />Toilet Flushing<br />RAINWATER SERVICES FIRST BELOW-GROUND<br />

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Residential – Potable (Laundry) St. Petersburg, FL<br />Project Owner:<br />Project Type:<br />CISTERN INFO<br />Size:<br />Water Source:<br />Use:<br />Private<br />Potable indoor use<br />2x 550 gallons<br />Rainwater<br />Toilets/Laundry<br />ST. PETE’S FIRST POTABLE SYSTEM<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Luxury Waterfront – Toilets/Irrigation; St. Petersburg,FL<br />Project Owner:<br />Project Type:<br />CISTERN INFO<br />Size:<br />Water Source:<br />Use:<br />Private<br />Non-Potable toilets<br />3x 850 gallons<br />Rainwater<br />Toilets/Irrigation<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Luxury “Off-the-Grid – All water usage; Tampa, FL<br />Project Owner:<br />Project Type:<br />CISTERN INFO<br />Size:<br />Water Source:<br />Use:<br />Private<br />Whole House Potable + Greywater<br />4x 1250 gallons<br />Rainwater<br />All applications + greywater tank for toilets<br />RAINWATER SERVICES MOST INNOVATIVE - HYBRID<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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What is rainwater harvesting?<br />Collecting rainwater<br />Storing rainwater<br />Using rainwater<br />Stormwater management<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Rainwater Characteristics<br />The natural water cycle is very efficient in screening out contaminants that are normally found in ground water and other sources. <br />Rainwater does not come in contact with the soil, and so it does not contain:<br />harmful bacteria<br />dissolved salts<br />minerals<br />heavy metals<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Possible Uses for Rainwater<br />Irrigation<br />Other Outdoor<br />Vehicle washing<br />Fountains<br />Swimming pool makeup<br />Industrial<br />Industrial processes instead of municipally treated water <br />Cooling tower makeup<br />Indoor<br />Toilet flushing<br />Potable<br />Drinking<br />Laundry<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />DISCUSSION SEED:<br />Ease watering restrictions when RHS used for the above??<br />

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Water Use Focus<br />Indoor Outdoor<br />Note: Different design criteria, regulations, costs, and health concerns will apply for systems other than those intended strictly for landscape irrigation.<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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What are important uses to offset? <br />Q:<br />A:<br />Irrigation.<br />In some parts of Florida, irrigation can account for over 50% of a single family’s water use!<br />Percentage can rise higher during dry early summer months!<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Water Use Focus- SF Outdoor<br />Maximum Average Month- May<br />250 gallons/day/account (g/d/a)<br />140-170 g/d/a indoor<br />Approximately 100 g/d/a outdoor(40%)<br />Varies by Location/Age of home/irrigation system (south Hillsborough 305 g/d/a, St. Pete 158 g/d/a)<br />Irrigation use 1500-2500 gallons/irrigation<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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What are important uses to offset? <br />Q:<br />A:<br />Non-potable (e.g. toilets)<br />Up to 20 gallons per person per day or more<br />Other: car washing, pool filling, etc…<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Water Use Focus- Indoor(w/out conserving fixtures)<br />Typical fixtures<br />Water-saving fixtures<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Water Use Offset - SUMMARY<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />Two biggest usages: <br />NON-POTABLE<br />Irrigation: Easiest to control/adjust<br />Toilets: Don’t stop using them, please, but…<br />Rainwater<br />Grey(ay)-water<br />OFFSET Non-potable uses to make a substantial water-savings contribution <br />

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What are important uses to offset? <br />Q:<br />A:<br />Potable<br />Simplified plumbing<br />Health/safety is #1<br />Reliability<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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General Considerations:POTABLE APPLICATIONS<br />HEALTH<br />HEALTH<br />Treatment<br />Testing<br />RELIABILITY<br />Alternate source (if available?)<br />SERVICEABILITY<br />Accessibility<br />Replaceable/serviceable components<br />REGULATORY<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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What is another important application? <br />Q:<br />A:<br />Stormwater Management<br />Low Impact Development<br />Reduce non point source runoff<br />Groundwater recharge<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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anatomy of a Rainwater Harvesting System<br />

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System Anatomy<br />Rain<br />The ON button!<br />Catchment Area<br />(roof)<br />Conveyance<br />(gutters/downspouts)<br />Pretreatment<br />(screen filters, first-flush)<br />Storage<br />(cistern)<br />Treatment & Distribution<br />Source: Harvesting Water for Landscape Use by Patricia H. Waterfall, p. 34 Original diagram was modified for this application.<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Catchment<br />Roof acts as the catchment area<br />Size <br />Determines harvesting potential<br />Surface material<br />Determines quality<br />The slicker, the better<br />For potable, metal is preferred<br />Courtesy: ARCSA<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Conveyance & Pretreatment<br />Water quality is determined by what is conveyed into the storage tank(s)<br />Roof surface debris<br />Twigs and leaves<br />Dust<br />Bird droppings<br />Other debris<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Conveyance & Pre-treatment<br />Leaf Guards<br />First line of defense<br />Screened rain heads<br />Finer, pre-tank protection<br />http://9p-enterprises.com/LSpics.aspx<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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First Flush Devices<br />Downspout (wall-mounted) <br />Underground<br />http://www.rainharvesting.com/<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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First Flush Devices<br />Prevents initial volume (“first-flush”) of roof runoff from entering storage tanks.<br />After a rainfall event, the “dirty” water is released through a slow-release valve, to reset for the next rainfall.<br />10-50 gallons per 1000 sf roof area<br />Optional for irrigation only if contaminant load is minimal<br />http://www.rainharvesting.com/<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Cistern Anatomy<br />Lid or manway<br />Secured tightly to avoid entrance by children and animals.<br />Vent<br />Use fine mesh screen to keep mosquitoes out<br />Overflow<br />Inlet<br />Max Water Level<br />Use flap valve or other methods to keep insects and animals out<br />From downspouts<br />Turbulence calming device (optional)<br />To prevent remixing of sediment<br />Storage<br />Floating Suction Filter<br />(cistern)<br />Outlet<br />Tank Pad<br />To distribution<br />Source: Rainwater Harvesting Planning and Installation Manual, January 2009, Figure 12.5. Original diagram was modified for this application.<br />Anaerobic / Sediment<br />Drain<br />pacia<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Distribution<br />Select appropriate pump/pressure tank for water demand<br />Connect to disinfected indoor supply and/or irrigation system<br />Makeup water supply (if available) for low-water and/or poor water quality conditions<br />Backflow prevention!!!<br />Backflow prevention!!!<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Major Distribution Components:RELIABILITY<br /><ul><li>Pump

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Make-up valve

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Backflow prevention</li></ul>www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Distribution:EXAMPLE<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Treatment<br />Water quality must meet appropriate standards for intended application<br />Example: Indoor potable = NSF 53 (cysts) + NSF 55A (UV) = VERY COMPLEX<br />Example: Indoor non-potable (toilets) = greywater dye injection = VERY COMPLEX<br />IRRIGATION= MINIMAL TREATMENT<br />Particulate/sediment removal<br />Similar to well-water supplies<br />Subject to local regulations<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Treatment: POTABLE<br />Treatment processes<br />Sediment/filtration<br />2 or more stage + carbon<br />NSF 53 = cyst removal<br />Disinfection<br />NSF 55A = UV treatment of surface water<br />Other disinfection options:<br />Chlorine, Ozone, RO, etc…<br />All Rainwater Services potable systems meet NSF 53 and 55A <br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Treatment: POTABLE<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Disinfection & Treatment:EXAMPLE<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Disinfection & Treatment:EXAMPLE<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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DOLLARS & CENTS<br />

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Initial Investment Issues<br />Rule of Thumb<br />Cistern to Installation Cost Ratio<br />60:40<br />WERF User’s Guide to the BMP and LID Whole Life Cost Models, 2009<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Initial Investment Issues<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Cost for Cistern<br />Based on Table 6.1 of the Texas Manual on Rainwater Harvesting, 2005<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Estimated Costs for System<br />The Texas Manual on Rainwater Harvesting, 3rd Edition, Table 6.1 and WERF User’s Guide to the BMP and LID Whole Life Cost Models, 2009<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Maintenance Responsibilities<br />Check for debris in tank<br />Tank should be cleaned out about once a year<br />Inspect gutters and downspouts regularly<br />Remove debris<br />First flush bypass<br />Check drain holes are clear for proper function<br />Inspect downspout seals and entrances<br />Check for leaks<br />Similar maintenance to well systems<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Sizing & Reliability<br />

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Sizing and Reliability Objectives<br />How to calculate rainfall capture potential<br />Determining water use demand<br />Passive irrigation<br />How to insure the right water quality in your tank<br />Determining if the water supply is reliable<br />Resources for further investigation<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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System Sizing<br />Q:<br />A:<br />DEMAND!<br />What dictates size of storage?<br />Captured water potential?<br />Water demand?<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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System sizing<br />There are many methods for sizing a system<br />Method considered today:<br />Demand Method<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Step 1:<br />Rainfall Capture Potential<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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How much can be collected?<br />Variables & Formula<br />Rainfall Capture Potential<br />NOTE:<br />A conversion factor is needed in order to convert inches and square feet into gallons!<br />(discussed in the next few slides)<br />A x R = G<br />A = Catchment Area of building (square feet)<br />R= Rainfall (inches)<br />G= Total volume of Collected Rainwater (Gallons)<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Size of Catchment Area<br />Basic Area Calculations<br />Get catchment area by:<br />A*= length x width <br /> = catchment area<br />The Texas Manual on Rain Water Harvesting, 3rd Edition, page 29<br />*NOTE It is the “footprint” of the roof that matters.<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Rainfall Data<br />Use rainfall data by month<br />R = inches of rainfall (by month)<br />Sources for rainfall data:<br />http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/online/ccd/nrmlprcp.html<br />http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/data/wmdbweb/rainfall_data_summaries.php<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Amount of Rainfall<br />Use this:<br />Rule of Thumb<br />Approximately one inch of rain falling on one square foot of area = 0.623 gallons<br />1 square foot<br />1” inch<br />Converts inches of rain X square foot -> gallons<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Remember this number:<br />0.623<br />This number is the conversion factor from:<br />It can also be used for calculating irrigation water use.<br />inch X square foot -> gallons<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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EXAMPLE<br />For a 2000 square foot roof:<br />G = A X R X0.623<br />= 2000 ft2x 2 in x 0.623<br />G= 2,492 gallons<br />rainfall<br />conversion factor<br />area<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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System Efficiency<br /><ul><li>100% of rain is NOT collected</li></ul>Assume about 80% is captured<br />So, use<br />evaporation<br />←<br />Rule of Thumb<br />0.5 gallons<br />(instead of 0.623 gallons)<br />←<br />spillage<br />←<br />first flush<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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EXAMPLE<br />Assuming 80% is captured, a 2000 square foot roof:<br />G = A X R X0.5<br />= 2000 ft2x 2 in x 0.5<br />G= 2,000 gallons<br />conversion factor<br />with 80% efficiency<br />area<br />rainfall<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Step 2:<br />Water Use Demand<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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How much is used?<br />Variables & Formula<br />Irrigation Demand Calculations<br />A x ET x0.623= G<br />A = Area to be irrigated (SF)<br />ET= Evapotranspiration rate<br />0.623= conversion factor<br />G= Total amount of anticipated usage (Gallons)<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Indoor Use Demand Calculations<br />gpcd x #persons= G<br />gpcd= gallons per person per day used indoors<br />G= total amount of anticipated usage (Gallons)<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Water Source Reliability <br />To what degree is rainwater reliable as a main source of water supply?<br />Rainwater varies from year to year<br />http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/data/wmdbweb/rainfall_data_summaries.php<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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More than enough rain<br />Not enough rain<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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More than enough rain<br />Not enough rain<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Deficit<br />Surplus<br />* Based on a 2,000 sq. ft. catchment area , 500 sq. ft. of turf, with adjusted rainfall quantities.<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Sizing by Irrigation Need<br />Deficit = 600 gallons +/-<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Advice on Size of Storage<br />Adjust anticipated irrigation use when choosing a smaller tank<br />Compromise on cistern size<br />Start small. You can always add a second cistern later.<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Other Irrigation Use Related Options<br />Use Passive Irrigation<br />Minimize size of turf<br />Reduce to 1/3 of existing size<br />Rain Gardens<br />Drip Irrigation<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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red tape<br />

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Regulatory Consideration<br />Engineering, engineering, engineering<br />Building codes<br />Graywater (for non-potable)<br />Plumbing<br />Electrical<br />Health Departments<br />Local<br />State<br />EPA: Guidelines for surface water treatment<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Regulatory Considerations:ENGINEERING<br />Plumbing<br />Makeup water controls<br />Treatment<br />Backflow prevention<br />Civil<br />Stormwater drainage<br />Electrical<br />Makeup water controls<br />Distribution/treatment components<br />RHS is relatively new/misunderstood. Few guidelines/codes/laws exist. Those that do aren’t necessarily clear. To ensure all building codes and building department concerns are met, <br />MUST HAVE QUALITY ENGINEERING!<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Regulatory Considerations:BUILDING CODES<br />Classification of rainwater leads to confusion<br />IPC does not directly address rainwater, which leads to confusion and misunderstanding<br />Too often, rainwater is considered as “graywater” for lack of a better definition<br />Graywater = “waste discharged from lavatories, bathtubs, showers, clothes washers, and laundry trays.” (IPC 2006; Appendix C: C101.9)<br />Rainwater is not graywater!!<br />Rainwater IS surface water<br />Surface water is suitable water supply (Florida Building Code 2007: Plumbing Code; Section 202)<br />Stormwater drainage<br />Too often overlooked/afterthought<br />Vertical and horizontal leaders must be sized appropriately (FBC 2007: Plumbing Code; Section 1106)<br />Tampa Bay 100 year rainfall event = 5” <br />What flows into tanks must flow out at same rate<br />All downspouts lead to a common point. Total flow rate is cumulative.<br />When in doubt, scale up the overflow<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Regulatory Considerations:HEALTH DEPARTMENTS<br />Classification:<br />Surface water private water supplies<br />For private water supplies, no state code requiring water quality sampling exists<br />However, recommended to test with same frequency as public well and/or surface water systems<br />Rainwater Services tests new potable systems for bacteria, lead and nitrates upon installation and as needed thereafter <br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Regulatory Consideration:EPA<br />Defines surface water<br />Rainwater harvested in cisterns falls under the surface water definition<br /> Manual for Individual and Non-community Water Supply Systems<br /> United States EPA, Office of Water<br />Provides standards for drinking water contaminants<br />http://www.epa.gov/safewater/standards.html<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Summary<br />Harvested rainwater is a viable and practical water supply to offset a number of uses<br />For potable applications, strict attention must be paid to health, reliability & regulatory concerns<br />An effective system begins with proper design<br />Finished product must meet recognized standards for intended application<br />Fail-safe reliability (redundancy) should be considered<br />Design and construction is a collaborative effort involving various trades, engineers and building officials<br />Education is key to widespread adoption of rainwater harvesting codes, regulation and guidelines<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Many thanks…<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />

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Trade Talk Discount<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />HELP IMPROVE OUR WEBSITE!<br />Visit http://rainwaterservices.com<br />Search: “Fatboy”<br />Add to cart<br />Discount Code: BROOKER-CREEK<br />I’LL HELP INSTALL!<br />10% off everything else, unlimited!!<br /><ul><li>Tank only, excludes pump, fittings, labor, etc

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Excludes tax + S/H</li></li></ul><li>Questions?<br />Brian Gregson<br />brian@rainwaterservices.com<br />@RainwaterServices<br />@RWServices<br />http://www.slideshare.net/RWServices<br />www.rainwaterservices.com<br />