Rainwater Collection amp; Utilization for Irrigation.ppt

Rainwater Collection Utilization for Irrigation Jeremy M. Mansell CID, CIC, CGIA, CLIA, ARCSA AP Senior Technical Trainer Alternative Water Sources Rainwater is water that falls on a roof or other hard, impervious non-pedestrian, non-vehicular surface and is captured, filtered and stored. Storm water is rainwater that has made contact with the ground, sidewalks, parking lots and other surfaces that can contribute contaminates. Gray water is untreated, non-industrial wastewater that has not come in to contact with sewerage. Gray water includes used water from bathtubs, showers, sinks and clothes washers. Black water is untreated sewerage that contains fecal matter and urine. Reclaimed water is water treated to domestic wastewater tertiary standards and suitable for non-potable uses. What is a Rainwater Harvesting System? Rainwater harvesting is the capture, diversion and storage of rainwater for a number of different purposes including, but not limited to, landscape irrigation. Rainwater harvesting also includes land-based systems with man-made landscape features to channel and concentrate rainwater in either storage basins or planted areas. Rainwater Uses Rainwater can be used for Potable water Drinking water Dish Washing Indoor non-potable water Laundry Sink/Shower Toilet Flushing Outdoor non-potable Car Washing IRRIGATION Rainwater Harvesting System Overview Why Harvest Rainwater? Water Power Savings 36 States in the US will experience some level of drought stress in 2010 Harvested rainwater provides a water source when ground water is unavailable or unacceptable Reduced Environmental Impact Flooding Storm water Damage Reduced Pollution Potential Fertilizers, Chemicals, Oils, and other pollutants are carried to storm drains, ending up in a surface water or ground water supply Money Savings The water is free – only cost for collection and use Reduces utility bills Plant Water Use Most plants respond favorably to a slightly lowered pH level Many gardeners find