Rainwater harvesting in the United States: a survey of common system practices

Thomas, Russell B.; Kirisits, Mary Jo; Lye, Dennis J.; Kinney, Kerry A.

doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2014.03.073

Cited by 74 publications

(47 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…CSOs can introduce untreated sewage into waterbodies during rain events. In the United States, the use of roof-harvested rainwater barrels (RHRB) for non-potable usages is gaining popularity as a way to address these concerns by alleviating pressure on centralized water and wastewater systems, practicing water conservation, and decreasing potable and non-potable water demand [2]. In urban developed areas such as Philadelphia, USA, residents typically do not rely on rainwater as a primary water source, but instead use it for non-potable purposes.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessment of Water Quality in Roof-Harvested Rainwater Barrels in Greater Philadelphia

Hamilton

Parrish

Ahmed

et al. 2018

Water

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A study of water quality parameters was conducted in 38 small-scale roof-harvested rainwater barrels (RHRB) located in urban and peri-urban Philadelphia, USA in winter (November-December) 2014 and summer (June-August 2016). Parameters included two fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) (Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp.) measured using culture-based methods, eight potential enteric and opportunistic pathogens (Campylobacter jejuni, Acanthamoeba spp., Legionella spp., L. pneumophila, Naegleria fowleri, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare) measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and two metals (lead and zinc) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Fecal indicator bacteria were detected in greater than 60% RHRB samples and concentrations (up to >10 3 per 100 mL) exceeded US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) irrigation water quality standards. Among the enteric and opportunistic pathogens tested, 57.9, 44.7, 21.1, 18.4, 5 and 3% were PCR positive for Legionella spp., M. intracellulare, M. avium, Acanthamoeba spp., P. aeruginosa, and C. jejuni, respectively. N. fowleri and L. pneumophila were not detected in any sample. The concentrations of enteric and opportunistic pathogens ranged from 10 2 to 10 7 gene copies/L of barrel water. Lead and zinc were each observed in 88.5% of RHRB but the concentrations did not exceed US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) standards for irrigating produce, with the exception of one zinc observation (2660 µg/L). Based on these data, it appears that the risk associated with metals in RHRB is likely to be low, as these barrels are only used for gardening and non-potable purposes. However, risks due to fecal and opportunistic pathogens may be higher due to exposure to aerosols during gardening activities and produce consumed raw, and should be investigated further.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessment of Water Quality in Roof-Harvested Rainwater Barrels in Greater Philadelphia

Hamilton

Parrish

Ahmed

et al. 2018

Water

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“…The artificial recharge of groundwater is achieved by capturing rainwater in a shallow well so that the water infiltrates the soil and moves downward to recharge aquifers. The benefits of artificial recharges are well-documented and include reducing seawater intrusion or land subsidence, storing water, improving the quality of water through soil-aquifer treatment or geo purification, using groundwater in a water conveyance system, making groundwater out of surface water (for drinking) [6,7,8], and helping to reduce flooding. During this program, along with the development of artificial recharge wells, five piezometers were installed to monitor the level of groundwater.…”

Section: Water Supplymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Using the proxy server in the Electrical Engineering Department (FTUI), data were made accessible via smartphones, tablets, or computers. Data were beneficial for analyzing electricity usage in real time and tracking energy and cost movements with each and every flip of the switch [7]. Such information can help faculty stakeholders understand which activities consume the most energy so that their consumption patterns, behaviors, and composition of appliances can be amended to reduce their electricity bills and carbon footprints.…”

Section: Fig 3 Fluctuation Of Groundwater Level At Each Piezometricmentioning

confidence: 99%

Lessons learned in developing a green environment at the Engineering Faculty, University of Indonesia

et al. 2017

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Abstract. Today, institutions of higher education play increasingly active roles in helping achieve a sustainable society. This study aims to demonstrate the lessons learned in the development of a green environment at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Indonesia. This paper reviews the development of the necessary supporting infrastructure and discusses opportunities and challenges in establishing a green environment. The availability and condition of groundwater sources are identified, and the process by which canteen wastewater is treated by phytoremediation is described. Additionally, composting and recycling of solid wastes are encouraged in communities, and a model for an energy-efficient classroom is discussed. Three lessons learned are discussed: a focus on defining the program, continuous education and monitoring, and sources of funding. The implications of this study for relevant practices are also identified.

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“…Hagen [33] examined the microbial removal rate of Microfiltration (MF) and Ultrafiltration (UF) and concluded that a subsequent application of disinfection is needless. In their survey Thomas et al [34] found out that 30% of RWH operators in the US use membrane filtration as their only means of treatment for producing potable water. Using membrane technologies as the only means of treatment of RWH systems, is also recommended by others [2,35,36].…”

Section: Rainwater Harvesting Systemmentioning

confidence: 99%

Development and Simulation of Decentralised Water and Energy Supply Concepts – Case Study of Rainwater Harvesting at the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity in Cambodia

Czarny¹,

Präbst²,

Spinnler³

et al. 2017

J. sustain. dev. energy water environ. syst.

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Besides a sufficient energy supply, concepts for accommodations require an intelligent water management. Using the example of quarters that do not have water and energy access, a dynamic simulation model is presented in which a rainwater harvesting concept is implemented and simulated over one year using MATLAB-Simulink. The aim is to minimize respectively suspend the use of fossil energy sources and to guarantee the provision of decentralized clean drinking water. Since traditional water bodies, e.g. groundwater, are increasingly polluted and depleted, utilisation of alternative sources is prudent. Especially in rural areas, where access to drinking water is scarce, rainwater is suitable for providing potable water. Besides its beneficial chemical water properties, it is easily accessed in a decentralized manner, which makes it a preferred choice in areas with sufficient precipitation. However, access to rainwater is limited by its occurrence and contamination, calling for proper storage, utilisation, and treatment strategies. For this purpose, a rainwater harvesting system, including different water and energy management systems, was modelled and implemented using the site of the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity in Cambodia as an example. For the simulation, a precipitation generator was implemented using real historical rain event data. An appropriate rainwater treatment process was chosen, consisting of a microfiltration and a subsequent ultrafiltration unit removing bacteriological loads entirely. Both were modelled and implemented dynamically. Using the site of the Angkor Centre of Conservation of Biodiversity, a complete rainwater harvesting plant was implemented including harvest, storage, and utilization of rainwater. Further, a renewable energy * Corresponding author Journal of Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment SystemsYear 2017 Volume 5, Issue 4, pp 626-644 627 management strategy is developed, using photovoltaic modules and batteries. It was shown that the cumulative runoff meets the water demand of the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity and that the energy demand of the rainwater system as well as the site can be met by the installed photovoltaics on the existing roof area.

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Rainwater harvesting in the United States: a survey of common system practices

Cited by 74 publications

References 15 publications

Assessment of Water Quality in Roof-Harvested Rainwater Barrels in Greater Philadelphia

Assessment of Water Quality in Roof-Harvested Rainwater Barrels in Greater Philadelphia

Lessons learned in developing a green environment at the Engineering Faculty, University of Indonesia

Development and Simulation of Decentralised Water and Energy Supply Concepts – Case Study of Rainwater Harvesting at the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity in Cambodia

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