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Our research for our project was an interview and annotated articles. Our interview results show that more people want to prevent flooding in the halls. One article stated multiple methods of water conservation. BBC news also stated we could use other ways to stop flooding. For example, water barrels, cisterns, downspout diversion, and landscaping. Also, we can use metal barriers, concrete walls, or planting more trees to soak up the water.

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Student, teachers, and other adults will use this

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Floods interrupts people’s routes to their next class

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People can be late

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Shoes get wet along with socks

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Flooding is time-consuming for janitors

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Runoff from gutters collected in barrel to use on plants

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Students will get wet with the water coming off of the roof.

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They are soaked in their classes for the reminder of the day.

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When it rains at the lunch tables water drips through the covers

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The girls locker room will smell bad when it rains because the rain goes in the trash.

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Broadly there are two ways of harvesting rainwater

1. Surface runoff harvesting

2. Roof top rainwater harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is the collection and storage of rainwater for reuse on-site, rather than allowing it to run off. These stored waters are used for various purposes such as gardening, irrigation etc. Various methods of rainwater harvesting are described in this section.

1. Surface runoff harvesting

In urban area rainwater flows away as surface runoff. This runoff could be caught and used for recharging aquifers by adopting appropriate methods.

2. Rooftop rainwater harvesting

It is a system of catching rainwater where it falls. In rooftop harvesting, the roof becomes the catchments, and the rainwater is collected from the roof of the house/building. It can either be stored in a tank or diverted to artificial recharge system. This method is less expensive and very effective and if implemented properly helps in augmenting the groundwater level of the area.

Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting System

Components of the Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting

The illustrative design of the basic components of roof top rainwater harvesting system is given in the typical schematic diagram shown in Fig 1.
Fig 1: Components of Rainwater Harvesting
The system mainly constitutes of following sub components:

Catchments

The surface that receives rainfall directly is the catchment of rainwater harvesting system. It may be terrace, courtyard, or paved or unpaved open ground. The terrace may be flat RCC/stone roof or sloping roof. Therefore the catchment is the area, which actually contributes rainwater to the harvesting system.

Transportation

Rainwater from rooftop should be carried through down take water pipes or drains to storage/harvesting system. Water pipes should be UV resistant (ISI HDPE/PVC pipes) of required capacity. Water from sloping roofs could be caught through gutters and down take pipe. At terraces, mouth of the each drain should have wire mesh to restrict floating material.

First Flush

First flush is a device used to flush off the water received in first shower. The first shower of rains needs to be flushed-off to avoid contaminating storable/rechargeable water by the probable contaminants of the atmosphere and the catchment roof. It will also help in cleaning of silt and other material deposited on roof during dry seasons Provisions of first rain separator should be made at outlet of each drainpipe.

Filter

There is always some skepticism regarding Roof Top Rainwater Harvesting since doubts are raised that rainwater may contaminate groundwater. There is remote possibility of this fear coming true if proper filter mechanism is not adopted.

Secondly all care must be taken to see that underground sewer drains are not punctured and no leakage is taking place in close vicinity.

Filters are used for treatment of water to effectively remove turbidity, colour and microorganisms. After first flushing of rainfall, water should pass through filters. A gravel, sand and 'netlon' mesh filter is designed and placed on top of the storage tank. This filter is very important in keeping the rainwater in the storage tank clean. It removes silt, dust, leaves and other organic matter from entering the storage tank.

The filter media should be cleaned daily after every rainfall event. Clogged filters prevent rainwater from easily entering the storage tank and the filter may overflow. The sand or gravel media should be taken out and washed before it is replaced in the filter.

A typical photograph of filter is shown in Fig 2.

Fig 2: Photograph of Typical Filter in Rainwater Harvesting
There are different types of filters in practice, but basic function is to purify water. Different types of filters are described in this section.

Sand Gravel Filter

These are commonly used filters, constructed by brick masonry and filleted by pebbles, gravel, and sand as shown in the figure. Each layer should be separated by wire mesh. A typical figure of Sand Gravel Filter is shown in Fig 3.

Fig 3: Sand Gravel Filter
Charcoal Filter

Charcoal filter can be made in-situ or in a drum. Pebbles, gravel, sand and charcoal as shown in the figure should fill the drum or chamber. Each layer should be separated by wire mesh. Thin layer of charcoal is used to absorb odor if any. A schematic diagram of Charcoal filter is indicated in Fig 4.

Fig 4: Charcoal Filter

PVC -Pipe filter

This filter can be made by PVC pipe of 1 to 1.20 m length; Diameter of pipe depends on the area of roof. Six inches dia. pipe is enough for a 1500 Sq. Ft. roof and 8 inches dia. pipe should be used for roofs more than 1500 Sq. Ft. Pipe is divided into three compartments by wire mesh.

Each component should be filled with gravel and sand alternatively as shown in the figure. A layer of charcoal could also be inserted between two layers. Both ends of filter should have reduce of required size to connect inlet and outlet. This filter could be placed horizontally or vertically in the system. A schematic pipe filter is shown in Fig 5.

Fig 5: PVC-Pipe filter

Sponge Filter

It is a simple filter made from PVC drum having a layer of sponge in the middle of drum. It is the easiest and cheapest form filter, suitable for residential units. A typical figure of sponge filter is shown in Fig 6.

Fig 6: Sponge Filter
Methods of Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting

Various methods of using roof top rainwater harvesting are illustrated in this section.

a) Storage of Direct Use

In this method rainwater collected from the roof of the building is diverted to a storage tank. The storage tank has to be designed according to the water requirements, rainfall and catchment availability.

Each drainpipe should have mesh filter at mouth and first flush device followed by filtration system before connecting to the storage tank. It is advisable that each tank should have excess water over flow system.

Excess water could be diverted to recharge system. Water from storage tank can be used for secondary purposes such as washing and gardening etc. This is the most cost effective way of rainwater harvesting.

The main advantage of collecting and using the rainwater during rainy season is not only to save water from conventional sources, but also to save energy incurred on transportation and distribution of water at the doorstep. This also conserves groundwater, if it is being extracted to meet the demand when rains are on. A typical fig of storage tank is shown in Fig 7.
Fig 7: A storage tank on a platform painted white
b) Recharging groundwater aquifers

Groundwater aquifers can be recharged by various kinds of structures to ensure percolation of rainwater in the ground instead of draining away from the surface. Commonly used recharging methods are:-

a) Recharging of bore wells

b) Recharging of dug wells.

c) Recharge pits

d) Recharge Trenches

e) Soakaways or Recharge Shafts

f) Percolation Tanks

c) Recharging of bore wells

Rainwater collected from rooftop of the building is diverted through drainpipes to settlement or filtration tank. After settlement filtered water is diverted to bore wells to recharge deep aquifers. Abandoned bore wells can also be used for recharge.

Optimum capacity of settlement tank/filtration tank can be designed on the basis of area of catchment, intensity of rainfall and recharge rate. While recharging, entry of floating matter and silt should be restricted because it may clog the recharge structure.

First one or two shower should be flushed out through rain separator to avoid contamination. A schematic diagram of filtration tank recharging to bore well is indicated in Fig 8 .

Fig 8 :Filtration tank recharging to bore well
d) Recharge pits

Recharge pits are small pits of any shape rectangular, square or circular, contracted with brick or stone masonry wall with weep hole at regular intervals. Top of pit can be covered with perforated covers. Bottom of pit should be filled with filter media.

The capacity of the pit can be designed on the basis of catchment area, rainfall intensity and recharge rate of soil. Usually the dimensions of the pit may be of 1 to 2 m width and 2 to 3 m deep depending on the depth of pervious strata.

These pits are suitable for recharging of shallow aquifers, and small houses. A schematic diagram of recharge pit is shown in Fig 9.
Fig 9: Recharge pit
e) Soakway or Recharge shafts

Soak away or recharge shafts are provided where upper layer of soil is alluvial or less pervious. These are bored hole of 30 cm dia. up to 10 to 15 m deep, depending on depth of pervious layer. Bore should be lined with slotted/perforated PVC/MS pipe to prevent collapse of the vertical sides.

At the top of soak away required size sump is constructed to retain runoff before the filters through soak away. Sump should be filled with filter media. A schematic diagram of recharge shaft is shown in Fig 10.

Fig 10 : Schematic Diagram of Recharge shaft
f) Recharging of dug wells

Dug well can be used as recharge structure. Rainwater from the rooftop is diverted to dug wells after passing it through filtration bed. Cleaning and desalting of dug well should be done regularly to enhance the recharge rate. The filtration method suggested for bore well recharging could be used. A schematic diagram of recharging into dug well is indicated in Fig 11 shown below.

Fig 11: Schematic diagram of recharging to dug well
g)Recharge trenches

Recharge trench in provided where upper impervious layer of soil is shallow. It is a trench excavated on the ground and refilled with porous media like pebbles, boulder or brickbats. it is usually made for harvesting the surface runoff.
Bore wells can also be provided inside the trench as recharge shafts to enhance percolation. The length of the trench is decided as per the amount of runoff expected.

This method is suitable for small houses, playgrounds, parks and roadside drains. The recharge trench can be of size 0.50 to 1.0 m wide and 1.0 to 1.5 m deep. A schematic diagram of recharging to trenches is shown in Fig below 12.

Fig 12: Recharging to trenches
h) Percolation tank

Percolation tanks are artificially created surface water bodies, submerging a land area with adequate permeability to facilitate sufficient percolation to recharge the groundwater. These can be built in big campuses where land is available and topography is suitable.

Surface runoff and roof top water can be diverted to this tank. Water accumulating in the tank percolates in the solid to augment the groundwater. The stored water can be used directly for gardening and raw use. Percolation tanks should be built in gardens, open spaces and roadside greenbelts of urban area.
Read More: Components of Rainwater Harvesting System - Uses and Details Design Tips for Rainwater Harvesting Components

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Methods of Rainwater Harvesting -Components, Transport and Storage

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Broadly there are two ways of harvesting rainwater Surface runoff harvesting Roof top rainwater harvesting Rainwater harvesting is the collection and storage of rainwater for reuse on-site, rather than allowing it to run off. These stored waters are used for various purposes such as gardening, irrigation etc.

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Around 600 gallons of rainwater can be harvested from about one inch of rain if it falls from a thousand square foot roof. Doesn't that sound like a lot of water that you could harvest and use for free?

Well, we thought so too.

That is why my husband and I began harvesting our rainwater. It is a great way to water your livestock, vegetable garden, flowers, and some even use it for drinking.

So today I want to bring you a list of ideas on how you can catch your own rainwater.

But before we begin I want to cover all the bases. First, be sure to check with your local ordinances before harvesting rainwater. Some have gotten a little particular recently about this.

Second, before drinking rainwater be sure that you have thoroughly researched the purifying process in order to protect yourself from possible illness.

Okay, that's all. So let's get started-

How Much Rainwater Can You Harvest from Your Roof?

Here's a handy little calculator to help you estimate how much rainwater can you harvest from your roof. To use this calculator, input the dimensions of your roof (only area connected to rainwater harvesting system) and the amount of rainfall in inches.

Below is a table of average total yearly precipitation by state. Find the state where you live and input the number in the Rainfall field on the calculator above to calculate your annual rainwater harvest.

Why Harvest Rainwater?

Before we move to the main part of this article, here's a nice infographic by CustomMade explaining why you should collect rainwater at home and how to do it properly.

23 Rainwater Harvesting Ideas

1. DIY Rain Barrel System

This site walks you through an easy four-step process of building a small rain barrel system. It shows you everything from building the platform to creating the actual rain barrel and hooking it up to your gutters.

And it also gives great visuals to help you along with the process. So if you want to start small and inexpensive just to give rainwater harvesting a try then this might be a good option for you. And if you are like me and rely heavily on visuals while building anything then this option could be very helpful to you.
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2. The Better Home DIY Rain Barrel

This rain barrel is very simple to make. It requires only a garbage can and a few simple hand tools. And it also has a way to filter large debris from your rain barrel as well.

So this water catchment source would be great for smaller items like watering a small garden or some flowers. And it wouldn't take up much space so it wouldn't draw a ton of attention on your property.
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3. The PVC Rain Barrel

I love this rain barrel option. I'm probably partial because we have a few of these set-up around our property. They are very sturdy and work great for storing lots of rainwater. I actually use them to water my livestock.

However, what makes this tutorial so great is the fact that she not only includes details on how to build it. But she also includes details about the mistakes she made and how you can learn from those mistakes to have great success with you DIY water catchment system.
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4. The Handy Man Rain Barrel

I love this rain barrel idea. The reason is that it looks great and very functional. But it can also be built on a budget. According to the site, a budget of only $100. That isn't bad considering the money you'll be saving yourself on your water bill (or electricity if on a well.)

So the site gives you a great materials list and walks you through the build in ample detail. And it does offer a couple of pictures to help out visual learners (such as myself)
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5. The Basic Rain Barrel

This rain barrel is extremely basic. According to the site, if you have a few materials, an afternoon, and a few carpentry skills then you should be good to go.

So if you are looking for a water catchment system that is meant only to water your lawn or garden then this one should do the trick. It isn't a big system but for basic use, it should be just fine.
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6. The Cheap DIY Rain Barrel

This rain barrel is made out of a trash can. Therefore, it is pretty inexpensive to make. And according to the site, it works better than most. It looks very easy to build too.

So if you want to do your own rainwater harvesting but are also on a budget then consider this option. It looks pretty good from a visual standpoint too. So this option equates to functional and pleasant to look at. You can't go wrong with those classifications.
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7. The Medium Sized Rain Water Collection System

This is not your average backyard system. Nor is it something everyone would probably even want. But if you live on a larger piece of land and need ample amount of water to keep your livestock or garden going then this system would certainly be helpful.

So this option actually requires its own shed to cover the large water tank. They have a solar purification system running to it. And it is a larger project than some others mentioned. But if it would work for you then certainly consider doing it. A larger project often creates a really awesome product.
Explore this water catchment system
8. The Beginner's Guide To Catching Rain

This option is a little different. It is actually something that most everyone should read before catching your own rainwater. It provides the in's and out's of each type of rain catchment system.

And it also informs you of some potential problems you might encounter. Plus, it tells you how to install a basic water catchment system. I included it because it is a great resource that does give a few ideas as well.
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9. The $15 Rain Barrel

This resource is great! I love it for many reasons. First, because it keeps the true tradition of DIY alive. Not only do you get something functional. But you get it for a bargain price. Secondly, they tell you where to find your barrel so you can stay within the bargain price.

And if that doesn't just send you over the moon, in the end, you get a rain barrel that will help you catch lots of rainwater to keep your property well-maintained at no extra cost. It doesn't get much better than that, folks.
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10. The YoungHouseLove Rain Barrel

This site gives a great resource to build your own rain barrel. They offer up great pictures of their build and many details.

And even better, the finished product looks very appealing. Again, this isn't a large water catchment system. But it would certainly do the trick to water a few flowers or vegetables. But it looks rather discrete too.
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11. The 275 Gallon System

Now, we are starting to go a little larger. If you have a smaller homestead that you need to water smaller livestock and a larger garden then this system should work well for your needs.

So this site gives you lots of details on how to construct this water catchment system. And it offers lots of great pictures too that will hopefully help along the way.
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12. The 1,100 Rain Water Catchment System

This is a large rainwater catchment system. But don't let it scare you. You won't be hauling in some super large tank that has to buried underground. (That comes later.)

No, in fact, this takes 4 of the metal water tanks that will be interlocked together. And this video does a great job at walking you through the build from start to finish. So check it out and see if it could work for you.
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13. The Basic Rain Barrel

This article is a great resource. It tells you all you need to know in summary form about catching and utilizing rainwater.

But then it continues on to give you a detailed how-to on creating your own rain barrel. So if you are looking for information and a basic rain barrel plan then this might be a helpful resource for you.
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14. A Trash Can Rain Barrel

Lots of people make cost-effective rain barrels out of trash cans. But I really liked this tutorial because it is very thorough, in my opinion. And she gives a great picture of a very nice, neat looking finished product.

However, the coolest part is that it is all done by the picture. So that is great news for someone looking for something simple. No words are even required for this product. But you get helpful step by step pictures which is great for the visual builder.
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15. The Pretty Rain Barrel

This rain barrel is unique in its own right. Why? Because they bought a pretty barrel. If you live in a subdivision and need a more discrete water catchment system then you might really like this one because of how it would blend in with your flower pots.

So beyond that, it is a very simple build. They offer very detailed instruction and step by step pictures which is a bonus that I love.
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16. DIY Filtered Trash Can Rain Barrel

This trash can rain barrel takes things one step further than many. They show how to filter the barrel from any debris entering into your system. This is great as it prevents clogs. In my experience, there is nothing more annoying than trying to water your prize-winning petunias and the hose gets all clogged up.

So if you are with me in that notion, give this tutorial a quick glance. You might find that you really like it. It should be budget friendly as well since it is built out of a trash can.
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17. DIY Rain Barrel Video

This is another great tutorial on building a rain barrel. It is a great option for those that live in an area with strict regulations for your property. They show you how to disguise this rain barrel so it will blend in with your property.

So if you need a pretty rain barrel then this might very well be what you've been searching for. Not to mention, they give you a detailed video to show you how to complete this project. Sounds like a great project to me.
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18. DIY Rain Barrel Video Tutorial

This video is another great tutorial. Now, it is not one that will blend in with your property. But if you are someone that just needs functionality instead of it blending in too then you'll probably really appreciate this project.

So beyond how much water you can store in it, it actually seems rather simple to put together. And you also have a great video series that will help you from start to finish.
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19. Bladder Tank

This option is not DIY. However, it is a really cool option to store water. So let's say you are someone that needs a discrete way to store water, or you just don't want an obvious rainwater harvesting catchment system sitting around your property.

Well, then this option is right up your alley (most likely.) If you live in a house that has a crawl space beneath it then you just set-up this bladder tank under your house and it stores rainwater. Isn't that neat?
Check out this water catchment system
20. Stand Alone Rain Water Collector

This is a really neat idea if you want a simple rain collector. You'll just take a water tank and basically, put a large funnel on it.

And that way when it rains, it'll channel all of the rainwater into your tank so you don't miss as much. It is really a rather ingenious thought if you ask me.
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21. Galvanized Stock Tank Rain Barrel

This is a pretty neat idea for a rain barrel. They show you how to turn a galvanized stock tank into a water barrel. I like it because it looks rustic and fits into most modern décor as well.

But it will also be sturdy and hold plenty of water too. So if you need a water catchment system that will fit into your outside décor this might be a great option for that.
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22. The Fencewell Water Tank

When I saw this my immediate thoughts were, "How cool!" And it really is a neat idea for a water tank. But this is not a DIY option.

However, if you are someone that would like a water tank that won't take up much space and could even be used as a fence then you might really enjoy this water tank idea. It is very different, to say the least.
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23. The Massive Water Catchment System

This particular water catchment system is being used out in the desert for an earthbag home. It could be a DIY project but would take a lot of know-how.

So if you are someone that is looking for a huge water catchment system to use for drinking water and to water a large homestead then this might be a good option for you. It would be more costly probably. However, you might just deem it worth the price once you experience the benefit of supplying your own water.
Check out this water catchment system
So these are 23 options for rainwater harvesting systems. Some are DIY and meant to help you store small amounts of water to help with watering vegetation and livestock.

And others are larger, commercial options of catching and purifying your own water for everything you could possibly use it for. I hope you found them helpful and that they sparked a few creative ideas within you.

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23 Awesome DIY Rainwater Harvesting Systems You Can Build at Home

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Around 600 gallons of rainwater can be harvested from about one inch of rain if it falls from a thousand square foot roof. Doesn't that sound like a lot of water that you could harvest and use for free? Well, we thought so too. That is why my husband and I began harvesting our rainwater.

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https://docs.google.com/document/d/192l47hxbBrrajBn-JWc3QCSJvFHhSazYVVxeu5eyY24

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Movable metal  barriers to help stop flooding

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Detention basins help catch water and prevent floods

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Planting more trees help catch more water and the roots hold more water
$50 or up

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Water pumps can help take in water  $60-$300

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This system can cost from 3,000 to 4,000 dollars

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Cisterns are $489 for a 325 gallon underground water cistern storage tank.

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Flood door barrier

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Home Depot

Customer_Care@homedepot.com

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PTO

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Mrs. Burdette

Mburdette@tustin.k12.ca.us

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Our test did not work. We used clay that was not completely dry. Therefore the water was soaked up instead of flooding our hallway. Also water went in through the sides of the walkway. In our next test we will add awnings to the side of the roof and we will let the clay dry longer as well.

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Let clay dry longer

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Awning on the roof

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Make bigger model

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Start model earlier

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Make second model

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Have a better rain simulation

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March 5, 2019

Columbus PTO,

My name is Addison Cervantes Chang and I am an 8th Grade Magnet student at Columbus Tustin Middle School. For my program’s English Language Arts class, we are doing a project to improve the school. I am working with my group Ella Garcia, Kathryn Stucky, and Maria Trejo.

Rain is an issue that floods our hallways and ruins our recreational spaces. With our Design Challenge Project this year, we designed, created, and tested a solution.
We are requesting donations, supplies, and workers to help our solutions come true.
If you would like to see our project in action we are having an Open House Presentation on Wednesday, April 3 from 6:45 to 7:15 in the Multipurpose Room at Columbus Tustin Middle School.

Thank you for taking your time to read this letter. If you have any questions contact
me at alcchang10@gmail.com . Any support would make a big difference at our school!

Sincerely,

Addison Cervantes Chang
8th Grade Columbus Tustin Middle School Magnet Student

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Hallway Simulator

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Ella- Blueprint of Trifold
Addison- Printing Materials
Maria- Buy trifold
Kathryn- Be In charge of video
We will all work on the trifold

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Cite for, “Conservation of Rainwater” article

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Cite for, “Conservation of Rainwater” article

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Palmer, G.D. “What Types of Material Are Outdoor Awnings Made Of?” Home Guides | SF Gate, 21 Nov. 2017, homeguides.sfgate.com/types-material-outdoor-awnings-made-of-48987.html.

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Video plan

Kathryn- edit

Maria- briefly summarize the problem

Ella- show and explain the final design of your product

Addison -explain how your final design will help solve the problem

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Cite for BBC “How to stop flooding”

“How Do You Stop Flooding?” BBC News, BBC, 7 Dec. 2015, www.bbc.com/news/uk-25929644.