Rainwater Harvesting in Commercial Applications
Texas Rainfall Catchment ℠
Rainwater Harvesting Systems Design and Installation Services
Capture, store and use the best water you can get ®
Rainwater Harvesting in Commercial Applications
© Texas Rainfall Catchment 2009
Introduction
Rainwater harvesting is the collection and storage of rainwater from roofs. It operates on a simple principle of containing and using rainwater near where it falls. A rainwater harvesting system can be installed anywhere there is a catchment area and room for water storage. Rainwater can be used in place of both potable and non-potable water. However,in the commercial area, most rainwater applications are non-potable. Rainwater harvesting systems can also used as a tool in the management of storm water. Commercial applications include schools, hospitals, shopping centers, government buildings, office buildings, factories and warehouses, farms and garden centers.
Benefits
Help your clients make a statement about their commitment to sustainable resources and reducing their carbon footprint.
Rainwater, unlike groundwater, is a sustainable, renewable resource.
You use rainwater close to the collection source,
eliminating the need for complex and costly distribution systems, thus saving
energy.
Rainwater can augment or supplant limited groundwater supplies, which is especially helpful in times of drought or watering restrictions.
Rainwater is valued for its purity and softness which makes it superior for landscape irrigation.
Rainwater harvesting systems reduce run-off and non-point source pollution.
Economic Advantages
Commercial rainwater harvesting systems are attractive because they help meet water supply
and water management needs effectively while also addressing environmental
concerns. Any development that has a
large roof combined with a high use of non-potable water (landscaping, water
features, toilets, etc) can use a rainwater harvesting system effectively. When available incentives are factored in,
payback of capital costs may occur in less than 3 – 4 years.
What Texas Rainfall Catchment Can Do For You
Texas Rainfall Catchment offers both design and installation
services.
Get us involved as soon as possible. In order for a rainwater harvesting system to
be efficient and cost-effective, planning the system needs to be integrated
with initial project planning and design. Doing so helps reduce site preparation and construction cost, operating
costs and energy requirements. The planning phase is the proper time to analyze
and review alternatives, match the design to client’s aesthetic preferences, determine
an appropriate level of automation vs. monitoring and maintenance and address techniques
to manage or eliminate storm water runoff.
Texas Rainfall Catchment will assist you with meeting
requirements of green building programs such as:
National Association Home Builders – National Green Building Program
U.S Green Building Council - LEED
Austin Green Building Program
Build San Antonio Green
Texas Rainfall Catchment designs systems that are
goal-oriented and customized to each site, using a process of data gathering,
computer modeling, and statistical analysis to simulate system performance over
time. This process is particularly helpful on green projects that earn points
by meeting quantifiable objectives. We can also help meet budget constraints by suggesting alternate approaches and
materials.
Services and Deliverables
In the planning stage, Texas Rainfall Catchment performs the following analysis and
design tasks:
Determine water capture potential by reviewing the site and
roofing plans to calculate the catchment area and its potential.
Analyze the rainfall history of the area using the NOAA database
of daily rain events to determine the statistical basis for storage capacity
required to meet performance objectives.
Calculate the gross water demand by working with landscaping
plan to estimate the water needed for each use system (irrigation, surface
areas of water features or pools using rainwater, other potable and non-potable
requirements).
Develop storage options using our water-balance model of supply,
demand, rainfall availability and stored water.
Calculate the reserve capacity needed to account for
year-to-year rainfall variability and still meet system objectives.
Calculate the flow for components of the system to size
pipes, pumps and other equipment based on median and design peak levels of the water
coming from the catchment area.
Analyze cost vs. performance options.
Texas Rainfall Catchment’s design plan document specifies materials, construction
requirements and component specifications. It includes:
A site layout which is a depiction of the structure and
major components of the proposed system including:
Structures depicted to scale and location
Relationship of system components to parking, roads, and
site topography
Estimated elevations relative to the catchment area
Drainage paths
A description of the proposed system, major components and
design targets including water capture rates, water usage expectation, and
estimated water demand for each use system.
A catchment area schematic detailing the gallons of water
that flow from catchment area collection points when a 1-inch rain event
occurs.
A list of major-cost components by manufacturer and model
with cost estimate and delivery charge which accounts for 90% or more of total
materials cost.
Installation services include:
Construction plans: schematics, piping diagrams, specifications,
cut sheets, etc.
Materials sourcing assistance
Trenching and pipe installation
Excavation and construction of tank pad
Installation of first flush, roof washers, filtration
Delivery and installation of storage tanks
Installation of pumps including connection to electrical
supply
Installation of level controls and make-up water systems, backflow
prevention systems
