Discussion of important requirements of successful rainwater harvesting systems. Includes examples of "lessons learned" from numerous interesting and innovative rainwater systems installed in Florida over 5 years.
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Successful rwh in fl 050112
1. SUCCESSFUL RAINWATER
HARVESTING SYSTEMS
Lessons Learned Capturing Water in Florida
BRIAN GREGSON
Rainwater Catchment Systems
Accredited Professional
Florida Water Resources Conference
Orlando, FL
May 1st, 2012
3. Who we are
Irrigation Contractor: PCCLB 10280
Like to play in dirt
Specializing in highly efficient water-
conservation solutions
Drip/micro irrigation, landscape drainage
RAINWATER HARVESTING
FIRSTS:
ARCSA AP in State of FL
Permitted RHS in St. Pete
Potable RHS in St. Pete
Potable RHS in Tampa
Permitted greywater(??) in Tampa
LEARNED FROM TRIAL & ERROR…
www.rainwaterservices.com
4. What is rainwater harvesting?
Collecting rainwater
Storing rainwater
Using rainwater
Stormwater management
www.rainwaterservices.com
5. Why harvest rainwater?
Preserve potable water for
drinking and indoor uses
Stormwater management
L.I.D.
Contribute to responsible
growth
Larger volume = greater
$AVINGS & SAVINGS
www.rainwaterservices.com
7. RWH System Anatomy
Rain
The ON button!
Catchment Area Conveyance
(roof) (gutters/downspouts)
Pretreatment
(screen filters, first-flush)
Storage Treatment &
(cistern)
Distribution
Source: Harvesting Water for Landscape Use by Patricia H.
Waterfall, p. 34 Original diagram was modified for this application.
www.rainwaterservices.com
8. Catchment
Roof acts as the catchment
area
Size
Determines harvesting
potential
Surface material
Courtesy: ARCSA
Determines quality
The slicker, the better
For potable, metal is
preferred
www.rainwaterservices.com
9. Conveyance & Pretreatment
Water quality is determined
by what is conveyed into
the storage tank(s)
Roof surface debris
Twigs and leaves
Dust
Bird droppings
Other debris
www.rainwaterservices.com
10. Conveyance & Pre-treatment
Leaf Guards
First line of defense
Screened rain heads
Finer, pre-tank protection
http://9p-enterprises.com/LSpics.aspx
www.rainwaterservices.com
12. Cistern Anatomy
Lid or manway
Secured tightly to avoid entrance
by children and animals. Vent
Use fine mesh screen to
keep mosquitoes out
Inlet Overflow
Max Water Level Use flap valve or other
From downspouts
methods to keep insects
and animals out
Turbulence calming Storage
device (optional) (cistern) Floating
To prevent remixing of Suction Filter
sediment
Outlet
Tank Pad To distribution
Anaerobic / Sediment
Drain
pacia
Source: Rainwater Harvesting Planning and Installation Manual, January
2009, Figure 12.5. Original diagram was modified for this application.
www.rainwaterservices.com
13. Distribution
Select appropriate
pump/pressure tank for water
demand
Connect to disinfected indoor
supply and/or irrigation system
Makeup water supply (if
available) for low-water and/or
poor water quality conditions
Backflow prevention!!!
Backflow prevention!!!
www.rainwaterservices.com
19. Maintenance Responsibilities
Check for debris in tank
Tank should be cleaned out about
once a year
Inspect gutters and downspouts
regularly
Remove debris
First flush bypass
Check drain holes are clear for
proper function
Inspect downspout seals and
entrances
Check for leaks
Service pumps and filters as
needed
Similar maintenance to well
systems or pools
www.rainwaterservices.com
21. Initial Investment Issues
Rule of Thumb
Cistern to Installation Cost Ratio
60:40
WERF User’s Guide to the BMP and LID Whole Life Cost Models, 2009
www.rainwaterservices.com
27. Residential Home,
St. Petersburg, FL
CISTERN
INFO
Size: 1,000 gallons
Water Source: Rainwater
Use: Irrigation
FIRST SYSTEM PERMITTED AND
APPROVED IN ST. PETE!
LESSONS LEARNED:
•Design
•Proper sizing
•Debris screening
•Conveyance
www.rainwaterservices.com
28. LEED Elementary School
Remodel, St. Petersburg, FL
Project Owner: Jordan Park Elementary
Project Type: Institutional
CISTERN INFO
Size: 2x 2,500 gallons
Water Source: Rainwater
Use: Toilet Flushing
LESSONS LEARNED:
•Play nice with others!
•Engineers. Collaborators, Building officials
•Toilet-flushing (non-potable) code complexities!
•Build according to plan
www.rainwaterservices.com
29. Residential – Potable (Laundry)
St. Petersburg, FL
Project Owner: Private
Project Type: Potable indoor use
CISTERN INFO
Size: 2x 550 gallons
Water Source: Rainwater
Use: Toilets/Laundry
ST. PETE’S FIRST POTABLE SYSTEM
LESSONS LEARNED:
•Education!
•Backflow concerns
•Building code complexities
www.rainwaterservices.com
30. Luxury Waterfront –
Toilets/Irrigation; St. Petersburg,FL
Project Owner: Private
Project Type: Non-Potable toilets
CISTERN INFO
Size: 3x 850 gallons
Water Source: Rainwater
Use: Toilets/Irrigation
LESSONS LEARNED:
•Drainage!
•Don’t rely on others
•Complex controls
www.rainwaterservices.com
31. Luxury “Off-the-Grid – All water
usage; Tampa, FL
Project Owner: Private
Project Type: Whole House Potable + Greywater
CISTERN INFO
Size: 4x 1250 gallons
Water Source: Rainwater
Use: All applications + greywater tank for
toilets
RAINWATER SERVICES MOSTINNOVATIVE - HYBRID
LESSONS LEARNED:
•Utilization of unique architectural space
•Controls (a common theme)
•Greywater codes
•Importance of first-flush
www.rainwaterservices.com
32. Apartment Complex – Irrigation;
Orlando, FL
Project Owner: Private
Project Type: Multifamily Irrigation
CISTERN INFO
Size: 1x 1300 gallons, underground
Water Source: Rainwater
Use: Irrigation + City Backup
LESSONS LEARNED:
•How to work in scorching Florida heat!
•Understand geology
•Underground = unknown!!
www.rainwaterservices.com
33. Waterfront - Potable;
Pinellas County, FL
Project Owner: Private
Project Type: Whole House Potable
CISTERN INFO
Size: 2x 3000 gallons
Water Source: Rainwater
Use: All applications
JOB SITE ACCESSIBILITY!!!!
LESSONS LEARNED:
•Wear swimsuit to all jobsites!
•Streamline controls
•Permits aren’t always enough
www.rainwaterservices.com