A Proposed Study to efficiently utilize Rainwater as an Alternative Water Source in
PolytechnicUniversity of the Philippines using Rainwater-Harvesting Technologies
Location of the Project
The target location for this project is the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sta. Mesa Manila main campus. The proponents chose this location knowing that PUP has a wide roof surface that can accumulate large volume of rainwater and it will limit the runoff that would cause flooding.
Descriptive Definition of the Project
Rainwater harvesting is the process of accumulating and storing rainwater for on-site use instead of allowing it to turn off. It is the means of collecting and storing rain water in large, durable containers, usually, collecting from rooftop gutters. It provides an independent and free water supply that offers several ways the water can be used. Rainwater harvesting means to make optimum use of rainwater at the place where it falls; conserve it and not allow to drain away and cause floods elsewhere.
Component of Rainwater-Harvesting A rainwater harvesting system comprises components of various stage --- transporting rainwater through pipes or drains, filtration, and storage in tanks for reuse or recharge. The common components of rainwater harvesting system are the following: 1. Catchments The catchment of a rainwater harvesting system is the surface which directly receives the rainfall and provides water to the system. 2. Coarse Mesh At the roof to prevent the passage of debris. 3. Gutters Channels all around the end of a sloping roof to collect and transport rainwater to the storage tank. The size of the gutter should be according to the flow during the highest intensity rain. It is advisable to make them 10-15 percent oversized. Gutters need to be supported so they do not sag or fall off when loaded with water. 4. Conduits Conduits are pipelines or drains that carry rainwater from the catchment or rooftop area to the harvesting systems. 5. Filter The filter is used to remove suspended pollutants from rainwater collected over roof. A filter unit is a chamber filled with filtering media such as fibre, coarse sand, and gravel layers to remove debris before it enters the storage tanks.
Advantages of Rainwater-Harvesting: 1. Reduces the runoff which chokes storm drains and to avoid flooding. 2. Reduces water bills. Rainwater harvested will be used for various systems like for cleaning and maintenance purposes and toilet flushing. The result will be less water usage and cheaper bills. 3. Can be used for non-drinking purposes. 4. Reduces demand on ground water.
Project’s Objectives The objectives of this project include the following: To ensure the availability of water supply for sanitation purposes in PUP especially in dry seasons; To minimize water consumption expenditure; To reduce the amount of runoffs and limit the impact on the ground of large rainfalls in PUP; To promote public awareness of the usefulness of rainwater harvesting. To increase the sufficiency of water which the university community can use for emergencies.
Feasibility Criteria
Cost Benefits Rainwater harvesting presents many benefits for urban sustainability and it is emerging as a key strategy in order to cope with water scarcity in the cities. The following may be the result once the rainwater harvesting is implemented in Polytechnic University of the Philippines: To save the budget that the government has allotted for the water bill consumption of Polytechnic University of the Philippines. To reduce expenses incurred in using water commercial services. Having additional reserved water in the storage built in Polytechnic University of the Philippines which can be used for dry season. Lessen the reliance of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines to Maynilad and in case there are some water problems, the university will not be affected. The government can promote the project for areas with huge problems about water scarcity.
Socio-Economic Environment Lessen flooding in the common flooding areas near the PUP The government can promote the project for areas with huge problems about water scarcity People will realize and appreciate the uses of water and how can it be used for different purposes Easy source of water
Highlights of the Project
This study aims to solve the recurring problem of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines involving the lack of water supply. Any institution must have an adequate water supply to help maintain and cleanliness of the facilities. Currently, the supply of water in the university isnt enough to provide for the demand of the users. We believe that the Rainwater Harvesting Technology will help end this problem. The Rainwater Harvesting Technonolgy is an alternative water supply approach that captures, diverts and store rainwater for later use. It is fit for the large- scale landscape of the main building, of the PUP Mabini branch, thus ensuring a large amount of collected rainwater. Implementig the said harvesting technology will help minimize the expenses incurred by the university from using a commercial water service.
Outline Name Duration Start Date End
Number Date 1 Contracts 1.1 Supply Construction Agreement 1.2 Supply Contract Plan 1.3 Supply Contract Specifications 1.4 Supply Contract Site Plan 2 Document Review and Revision 2.1 Review and Finalize Plans 2.2 Review and Finalize Specification 2.3 Review and Finalize Site Plan 2.4 Print Construction Drawings 2.5 Approve Revised Plans 2.6 Approve Specifications 2.7 Approve Site Plan 3 Foundation 3.1 Layout Footings 3.2 Install Footings and Reinforcing 4 Installation of Rainwater Harvesting System 5 Rainwater Harvesting System Testing
When the construction of the Rainwater Harvesting Technology is finished, it is ready to
be used once the system has been tested. The operation pf the technology must be implemented and the maintenance of the equipment must be done regularly. Operation and maintenance should be a continuing process during the life of the equipment to ensure that all components of the Rainwater Harvesting Technology are functioning properly. Doing this will guarantee the good quality of the stored rainwater.
Project Summary
a. Technical Feasibility This section of the project will show the materials needed, specific technologies, atructure of the RWH technology and the costs that will be incurred.
b. Financial Feasibility The estimated budget of this project will be ____________. The budget consists of costs of equipment, labor costs, maintenance costs and construction costs. The source of the budget and finances is the government and the PUP.
c. Socio-Economic Feasibility. By using rainwater harvesting to supply water in PUP, it can reduce its dependence on main water. The cost to the community to supply main water services is becoming more expensive; rainwater falls for free, therefore it reduces water bills.
The rainwater harvesting project will also reduce the chance of flooding within the vicinity of PUP. t helps reduce the risk of flooding by collecting rainwater from the area in PUP, where most of the water accumulate.
With this project, the people will realize the importance of water and is a limited resource. When the government can see the good effects of the project in the PUP, it can promote the project to areas where water scarcity is most present. With the reserved water in PUP, it will store enough water sufficient for the people in the university to use. With the water harvesting technology, the source of water will be accessed easily.
d. Management and Organization Feasibility
The management of this project will be approved by the Vice President of Office Administration and maintained by the Building and Maintenance Department. The construction will be headed by an Engineer that will direct the flow of the project.
Definition of Terms Rainwater - Rainwater Harvesting - Rainwater Harvesting Technology - PUP - the beneficiary of the project and its community water commercial services -
