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<br />De~ign & Maintenance of Rainwater Harvesting <br />Systems <br /> <br />· Introduction: Rainwater may contain biological, physical or aesthetic <br />contaminants. System maintenance is the fIrst & best step to attaining <br />clean water. However, rainwater should not be consumed unless <br />appropriate purification & testing are utilized. The following rainwater <br />harvesting system design & maintenance procedures should be applied <br />to nonpotable & potable systems alike. Additional requirements for potable systems are <br />outlined at the end. <br />· If foliage overhangs roof, roof surface, gutters and system components <br />should be cleaned regularly & designed to reduce debris and animal <br />droppings from entering cistern. Clean all surfaces including gutters <br />and downspouts bi-annually or as needed keeping them free of debris and <br />blockages. Also check the piping network periodically for leaks, bulges & breaks. <br />· Chemical roof cleaners should be avoided altogether as the chemicals degrade <br />collected water and nearby water bodies. Some powdered biodegradable soaps <br />may be neutral enough to use as moss removers for roofs. <br />· Light should be prevented from entering the cistern to avoid <br />algae buildup. Likewise, clear or transparent water tanks should <br />be avoided. <br />· Because high water temperatures are harmful to plant & aquatic <br />life and may increase the likelihood of human infection, shade <br />should be provided for cisterns. <br />. Some type of filtration of water before it enters the cistern is <br />advised. Ideally, test your water to determine the type required. The <br />filtration & purification used should be appropriate for the water use. <br />A first flush device, roof washer, coarse filter, particulate filter, <br />microbiological or other filters are options. Inspect this device <br />regularly to ensure proper functioning. Clean sediment, debris and <br />leaves from fl1trationscreens or device every 3 to 6 months or as needed. A sophisticated & <br />expensive filter (like pictured left) mayor may not be necessary. <br />· All openings should be covered with wire or nylon meshing to prevent insect breeding and <br />eliminate animal or human entry. Efforts must be taken to ensure child safety around open <br />water stora e devices. <br /> <br />Rainwater Harvesting Policy <br /> <br /> <br />c(D <br />..~ <br />/./ .~/ I i <br />l,f,4iJt8 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />· An air vent (shown at left) is advised & may be necessary <br />to allow air to escape as water enters the system. This is <br />required if the system is water &/or air tight. <br />. Water tap or spigot (at right) should be at least 3-4 inches <br />from the bottom of the tank. This <br />prevents accumulated sediments from <br />entering water supply line. <br />· Inspect and clean the cistern of <br />sedimentation and other buildup using a clean out valve, tap or other <br />access. (This step is easiest to do at the end of the dry season.) Inspect <br /> <br /> <br />Tammie Stark, M.A. @ <br /> <br />Page 5 of 8 <br /> <br />5/312006 11 :53:57 AM <br />