Designing Rainwater Harvesting Systems Integrating Rainwater into Building Systems

Water conservation is one of the most effective sustainable design practices, yet few professionals know how to collect and use rainwater effectively. Rainwater Harvesting the first comprehensive book on designing rainwater harvesting systems. It provides practical guidelines for developing a rainwater harvesting strategy, taking into account climate, public policies, environmental impact, and end uses. Case studies are included throughout. Rainwater Harvesting is a valuable reference for architects, landscape architects, and site engineers.

CELESTE ALLEN NOVAK, FAIA, LEED AP, is a respected architect and principal at her Ann Arbor firm, Celeste Allen Novak Architect. She is widely published on sustainable design and rainwater harvesting. Her work on sustainable design and rainwater harvesting has appeared in Architectural Record and Green Source magazines.

G. EDWARD VAN GIESEN, MLA, ARCSA AP, is the National Sales Manager at BRAE/WATTS Rainwater Technologies. He brings real world experience as a designer and builder of countless rainwater systems. He is instrumental in the development of rainwater codes nationwide, and is an active participant with the ICC and IAPMO.

KATHY DeBUSK, PhD, PE, is an Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at Longwood University in Farmville, VA. Dr. DeBusk is an expert in the field of innovative rainwater harvesting design. Her research and consulting endeavors focus on the use of rainwater harvesting techniques to meet stormwater management goals.

Chapter One The Importance of Rainwater Harvesting

Water Capital

A Brief History of Centralized Water Systems

New Approach to Centralization  - Decentralized Rainwater Systems

Examples from Around the World

India

Germany

The United States

Policy Issues and Sustainability

Water And Energy Savings

Response To Drought Conditions

Privatization and Relocation

Valuing Water Resources

History and Early Codes

Source

Value and Water Rates

Return on Investment (ROI)

Challenges, Education and Paradigm Shifts

Stereotypes and Preconceptions

Standards, Codes, etc.

Water Quality

PARADIGM SHIFT

How To Read This Book:

_{Chapter 2} System Planning and Policies

Benefits That Drive Rainwater Harvesting Systems

Planning A System

Step 1: Identifying System Goals

Site analysis

Building Design and Programming

Sustainability and Technology

Step 2: Regulations, Codes and Standards

Important Terms and The Big Picture

Plumbing Codes

Complex interactions between Regulations and Codes

Stormwater Management Regulations

A Short History of the Clean Water Act

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program

Managing the Quantity of Stormwater Runoff

Using Rainwater Harvesting Systems to Meet Stormwater Regulations

Examples of Stormwater Management Programs that Incorporate Rainwater Harvesting

Tysons Corner, Virginia

State of North Carolina

Step 3: Incentive Programs and Rating Systems

Green Rating Systems

Step 4: Educating and Involving the Stakeholders in the Design Process

Step 5: Putting It All Together

Chapter 3 Water For Thirsty Buildings

Rainwater: Calculating Collection and Use

Step One: Creating A Water Audit

Step Two: Calculating Rainwater Supply

Example:

A. Collection Surface Area

B. RAINFALL

NOAA - Finding Annual and Monthly Data

HOW TO USE YOUR RAINWATER DATA

C. RUNOFF COEFFICIENT

Step Three: Calculating Demand

Examples: Building Sectors, Sizes and Demands

SMALL OFFICE: Ann Arbor, Michigan

Example: Schools in different climate regions

HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLE 1- School in Atlanta, Georgia

COMPARING THE RESULTS – NORTH, SOUTH, EAST, WEST, SOUTHWEST SCHOOL RAINWATER COLLECTION SYSTEMS.

Step Four: Cistern Sizing

Alternative Water Sources

Other Waste Water and Recirculated Water

Plumbing Design and The Myth Of Unlimited Water Supply

Thoughtful Planning Brings Success

Chapter 4 System Elements

Integrated Approach

Opportunities for an Integrated Approach

1. COLLECTION/CATCHMENT SURFACE (Roof or other)

2. CONVEYANCE (GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS)

Dry Conveyance and Wet Conveyance

Sizing and Numbers

Aesthetics/Functions/Budget

Conveyance Aesthetics

Conveyance Functions

Conveyance Budget

3. PRE-STORAGE FILTRATION / DEBRIS EXCLUSION

PRE-STORAGE FILTER TYPES AND APPLICATIONS

Downspout Filters

Centrifugal Filters

Cascading Debris Excluders

Other Pre-Storage Filtration Devices

MERGING THE GOALS OF RAINWATER AND STORMWATER

4. STORAGE

ABOVE GROUND TANKS

Summary of Recommendations For Above Ground Storage Tanks

BELOW GROUND TANKS

Typical Materials For Below Ground Tanks

Recommendations For Below Ground Storage

FACTORS TO CONSIDER

5-DISTRIBUTION

Integration, Thoughtful Planning and Continuing Education Are The Keys To Success

Chapter 5: Maintenance and Safety Water Quality of a Rainwater System

Sources of Pollutants

Fate and Transport of Pollutants in a Rainwater Harvesting System

Microbial Contamination

Addressing Water Quality for Various End Uses

First Flush

Water Testing Protocols

Utilizing a Back-Up Water Supply

Methods of Back-Up

Maintenance Considerations

Case Studies – Cautionary Tales and Pilot Projects for Potable Water Systems

Summary of Design Recommendations

Conclusion

Chapter 6: 21^st Century Interviews

Billy Kniffen

Dennis Lye Ph.D.

Chapter 7: Case Studies

Appendix A

Appendix B

Appendix C

Appendix D

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