Introduction to Active Rainwater Harvesting

This next section of the course (Modules E through E9) deals with various aspects of active rainwater harvesting systems and components, including:

• Codes, regulations and requirements
• Site assessment and planning
• Installation and operation

The current module (E) provides an overview of active rainwater harvesting system components and water quality (Chapter 6 in RH Manual).

Subsequent modules in this portion of the course include: 

• Module E1: Catchment & Conveyance (chapter 8)
• Module E2: Pipe & Fittings (chapter 7)
• Module E3: Debris Filtration & Removal (chapter 9)
• Module E4: Storage Tanks (chapters 10–12)
• Module E5: Pumps & Controls (chapter 13)
• Module E6: Post-tank Filtration & Water Treatment (chapter 14)
• Module E7: Irrigating with Rainwater (chapter 15)
• Module E8: Rainwater Harvesting in Extreme Conditions (chapter 16)
• Module E9: Safety & Quality Control (chapter 17)

Note: the modules in this portion of the course follow the order of the RH Manual, with one exception: Module E1 (chapter 8) comes before Module E2 (chapter 7). This was done to follow the order in which precipitation enters an active rainwater harvesting system: It starts on the catchment surface, before it passes through conveyance, pipe and fittings.

Module Learning Objectives

After successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

• Explain the many benefits of storing rainwater in tanks
• Describe the beneficial locations, scales and types of applications to active systems
• Define key terminology related to active system components
• Explain elements of Standard 63 that could apply to active system components
• List the elements of a useful framework for addressing water quality in active system design
• Identify potential sources of contamination in the air, catchment surface, at the top of the tank, and within the tank
• Explain processes that offset contamination: treatment trains
• Identify the components, functions, and characteristics of active rainwater harvesting systems and understand how each component interacts with other components throughout the active system