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
