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Feasibility of Rainwater Harvesting in Arid Environments

By Brianda Hernandez Rosales and NWAL

2023

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PART 5

Cost and Maintenance

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Outline of Videos – Six Part Series

  • Part 1: Introduction
  • Part 2: Rainwater Harvesting Equation
  • Part 3: AquaCrop Model
  • Part 4: Cultivable Area
  • Part 5: Cost and Maintenance
  • Part 6: Run-through Example – Northwestern Arizona

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Rainwater Harvesting System

Equipment and Materials:

  • Gutter System

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  • Rain Barrels or Cisterns

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  • Distribution System
    • Hydraulic pumps/gravity
    • Sprinkler system/drip irrigation

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  • Maintenance

Illustration created on BioRender

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Rainwater Harvesting System

Equipment and Materials:

  • Gutter System

​

  • Rain Barrels or Cisterns

​

  • Distribution System
    • Hydraulic pumps/gravity
    • Sprinkler system/drip irrigation

​

  • Maintenance

Illustration created on BioRender

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Rainwater Harvesting System

Equipment and Materials:

  • Gutter System

​

  • Rain Barrels or Cisterns

​

  • Distribution System
    • Hydraulic pumps/gravity
    • Sprinkler system/drip irrigation

​

  • Maintenance

Illustration created on BioRender

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Rainwater Harvesting System

Equipment and Materials:

  • Gutter System

​

  • Rain Barrels or Cisterns

​

  • Distribution System
    • Hydraulic pumps/gravity
    • Sprinkler system/drip irrigation

​

  • Maintenance

Illustration created on BioRender

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Rainwater Harvesting System

Equipment and Materials:

  • Gutter System

​

  • Rain Barrels or Cisterns

​

  • Distribution System
    • Hydraulic pumps/gravity
    • Sprinkler system/drip irrigation

​

  • Maintenance

Illustration created on BioRender

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GUTTER SYSTEMS

Gutters and downspouts channel rainwater from the roof to a cistern.

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Consider:

  • Size – Dependent on annual rainfall and desired harvesting volume (4 to 5-inch width)
  • Material – vinyl, plastic, aluminum, galvalume
  • Price – Dependent on material ($0 per foot - $12 per foot)
  • Additional – Gutter guards/leaf screens

Images: rainwaterharvesting.tamu.edu

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CISTERNS/RAINBARRELS

Cisterns allow for the concentration of rainwater in one place.

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Consider:

    • Size – based on the average rainwater that can be harvested during the established timeframe.

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    • Material – heavily depends on price, types (metal, Polyethylene, wood, bags, etc.), dark colored/opaque.

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    • Price – Dependent on size and material (avg. $100-11,0000).

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    • Additional – Structure to support cistern(s), first-flush diverters.

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Images: Innovative Water Solutions

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Distribution System

The distribution system moves water from the cistern to the point of use.

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Consider:

  • Type of Irrigation Desired – Sprinkler irrigation, gravity-fed irrigation (e.g., drip irrigation), surface irrigation.

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  • Price – Dependent on Irrigation system. Irrigation requiring pressure will need a hydraulic pump which is costlier than a gravity-fed irrigation systems (e.g., drip-irrigation) and surface irrigation.

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  • Additional – Piping, drip line, valves, irrigation timer, filters.

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Images: https://rainwaterharvesting.tamu.edu/

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Maintenance of Rainwater Harvesting System for Outdoor Water Use

  • Gutters should be kept free of leaves and other debris

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  • Cisterns should be opaque/dark colored or in shade to prevent algal growth

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  • Any PVC pipes should be painted for UV protection

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  • Chlorine tablets should be added periodically to reduce bacteria and algal growth. Filters should be changed periodically.

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  • System should be inspected regularly for leaks, algae, discoloration and odor

Image: www.gutterhelmet.com

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CISTERNS

www.rainharvestingsupplies.com

www.watercache.com

www.rainwaterharvesting.tamu.edu

RESOURCES

www.rainharvest.com

www.bluebarrelsystems.com

https://rainbank.info/

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Outline of Videos – Six Part Series

  • Part 1: Introduction
  • Part 2: Rainwater Harvesting Equation
  • Part 3: AquaCrop Model
  • Part 4: Cultivable Area
  • Part 5: Cost and Maintenance
  • Part 6: Run-through Example – Northwestern Arizona

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Questions about this project?�� Please Contact:

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