Preface ix
Acknowledgments xiii
1 The Importance of Rainwater Harvesting 1
Water Capital 2
A Brief History of Centralized Water Systems 6
New Approach to Centralization-Decentralized Rainwater Systems 9
Examples from Around the World 11
India 11
Germany 13
The United States 16
Policy Issues and Sustainability 20
Water and Energy Savings 20
Response to Drought Conditions 23
Privatization and Relocation 25
Valuing Water Resources 25
History and Early Codes 25
Source 26
Value and Water Rates 27
Return on Investment 28
Challenges, Education, and Paradigm Shifts 34
Stereotypes and Preconceptions 34
Rainwater Technical Standard 34
Water Quality 35
Paradigm Shift 35
Endnotes 37
2 System Planning and Policies 39
Benefits That Drive Rainwater Harvesting Systems 39
Planning a System 40
Step 1: Identifying System Goals 46
Step 2: Codes, Standards, and Guidelines 49
Step 3: Incentive Programs and Rating Systems 63
Step 4: Educating and Involving the Stakeholders in the Design Process 71
Step 5: Putting It All Together 73
Endnotes 76
3 Water for Thirsty Buildings 79
Rainwater: Calculating Collection and Use 79
Step 1: Creating a Water Audit 82
Step 2: Calculating Annual Rainwater Supply 83
Step 3: Calculating Demand 89
Building Sectors, Sizes, and Demands 91
Small Office 91
Schools in Different Climate Regions 93
Step 4: Cistern Sizing 100
Alternative Water Sources 103
Other Wastewater and Recirculated Water 103
Plumbing Design and The Myth of Unlimited Water Supply 108
Thoughtful Planning Brings Success 111
Endnotes 113
4 System Elements 115
Integrated Approach 115
Opportunities for an Integrated Approach 117
1. Collection/Catchment Surface (Roof or Other) 118
2. Conveyance (Gutters and Downspouts) 123
Dry Conveyance versus Wet Conveyance 124
Sizing and Numbers 125
Aesthetics/Functions/Budget 126
Conveyance Functions 128
Conveyance Budget 128
3. Prestorage Filtration and Debris Exclusion 128
Prestorage Filter Types and Applications 128
Downspout Filters 130
Basket Filter 131
Centrifugal Filters 132
Cascading Debris Excluders 133
Prestorage Filtration Devises 134
Filter Sizes 134
How Components Help Merge the Goals of Rainwater and Stormwater 134
4. Storage 135
Aboveground Tanks 138
Belowground Tanks 139
Factors to Consider 140
5. Distribution 141
1. Pressurization 141
2. Filtration 141
3. Disinfection 143
4. Contoller 143
5. Automatic Protected Bypass 144
6. Makeup Supply 145
Integration, Thoughtful Planning, and Continuing Education
Are the Keys to Success 147
Endnotes 149
5 Maintenance and Safety 151
Water Quality of a Rainwater System 151
Sources of Pollutants 155
Fate and Transport of Pollutants in a Rainwater Harvesting System 158
Microbial Contamination 162
Addressing Water Quality for Various End Uses 163
First Flush 164
Water Testing Protocols 169
Using a Bypass / Backup Water Supply 170
Maintenance Considerations 174
Case Studies-Cautionary Tales and Pilot Projects for Potable Water Systems 174
Summary of Design Recommendations 177
Conclusion 186
Endnotes 192
6 21st-Century Interviews 195
Stan Abbott 196
John Apostolopoulos 200
Alf Brandt 205
Bob Drew 209
Nicole Holmes 212
Bill Hunt 216
Lutz Johnen 222
Heather Kinkade 227
Kevin Kirsche 230
Billy Kniffen 233
Dennis Lye, PhD 237
Shawn Martin 245
Neal Shapiro 251
David Stooksbury 256
Dave Viola 259
Endnote 261
Appendix A 263
Appendix B 277
Index 283
