Proposal

Harvesting Rainwater

Summary Statement

Harvesting water has been a technique utilized for centuries. However, water used in irrigation today can become a very expensive task, depleting already limited resources. As a result, why not re-use rainwater? Rain barrels and underground catch basins are the two main systems used today. Rain barrels function by allowing rain water to collect in barrels, where they are filtered and sent to an irrigation or plumbing system. Catch basins are built below grade and the rainwater also runs to the catch basin and gets filtered. The rainwater can run into the catch basin either from the roof, or by finding a catchment area for the water to run through the soil to your catch basin.

Purpose

On the west coast of North America, where rain is more common than snow, the average household can collect up to 30,000 gallons of rainwater per year. The purpose of this research is to determine what rainwater system is best suited for each individual location, residence, or family.

image from greenwaveforever.com


Goals and Objectives

My goal is to find out which of the two systems is the most cost effective, environmentally friendly, and easiest to maintain for the average homeowner or landowner. Since there is a lot of dust and bacteria collected as the rain passes through the Earth’s atmosphere, I will also be researching the most effective way to filter the rainwater.



Methodology and Analytical Approach

I will begin by explaining how each system works and all the parts to the tanks, pumps and valves of the systems. I will help to understand how the water gets to the catchment areas to the irrigation system, or faucet. I will explain all the ways to filter the water since there is many ways that bacteria can get into the water such as the bacteria in the atmosphere and on your roof and gutters. I will compare the systems and find the more cost effecient, environmetally friendly, and more easily maintained.

image from watermaticltd.co.uk

Plans for Dissemination

Within the next year, I will be constantly researching my topic to answer the question on which of the two rainwater harvesting systems is more cost efficient, environmentally friendly, and easier to maintain. I will be updating and documenting my research on my blog and would love feedback.

image from constructionresources.com

Welcome to my blog. I am so excited to start blogging. I can't wait to hear your opinions. I am researching rainwater harvesting for irrigation and household plumbing. Feel free to leave any comments or concerns you may have. Thanks and have a fantastic day. Yehaaww.