Rain Catchments Group Meeting Minutes (Apr 19, 2009)

[Tarun Sonkhya]

Meeting Minutes: Rain Catchments Group, Tingo Pucara Project

 

Date: April 19, 2009 (Sunday) at 6:00 PM

 

Discussion

 

1. Based on Brad’s email regarding the roof areas and online average rainfall data for Quito, the group ran the calculations for total water that we can theoretically be collected using the roofs of the two community buildings. The results suggested collection amounts of 1.6 cubic meters/day assuming the worst case and 8.3 cubic meters/day for best case. These calculations were based on average monthly rainfall data.

 

 

2. The group discussed the roofing material (corrugated iron) and required piping material for the collection system. We concluded that PVC would be a good material for piping to avoid corrosion problems. Lengths of gutters required were also discussed.

 

3. Solution for removing the first flush flow off the roof was also discussed. It was agreed upon that the first flush from the roof needs to be removed due to bacteriological and other contamination from bird droppings and other debris. A couple of systems were looked at. Need to finalize the one to use.

 

4. We were in agreement for one or multiple screens being placed in order to remove the particulate matter. We do need to discuss a screen cleaning mechanism.

 

5. The use of water collected through the system was discussed. It is not clear yet whether the collected water will be safe enough for drinking purposes without any further disinfection. The group needs to further discuss this matter.

 

Tasks to be discussed in next meeting:

 

1. Need more pictures of the area to determine location of storage.
2. We will need a survey of other roofs present in the village. The village pictures suggest that there might be other roofs that can be utilized for collection.
3. Need to find out the best clamping mechanism for the gutters.
4. Need the price quotes for 3” PVC pipes.
5. Need better rainfall data to determine more reliable numbers for total collection possible.
6. Storage tank

 

We also need to fix up time for the next meeting. I guess Damien will be looking in to that.

 

Please feel free to add anything that you think I may have missed here. It was a very productive meeting. I am also attaching the solution document we prepared.

 

Tarun Sonkhya

[Keith Chong]

Greetings all,

Just wanted to let you know that there is non-profit organization that
can assist you with the rain catchment. More info is available on
their website: http://www.savetherain.org/

There was a presentation back in 2008 in Seattle. I believe they
already have the plans and will provide the supplies...maybe need to
confirm.

Best of luck,

Keith

On 4/22/09, Tarun Sonkhya <taruns...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Meeting Minutes: Rain Catchments Group, Tingo Pucara Project
>
>
>
> Date: April 19, 2009 (Sunday) at 6:00 PM
>
>
>
> Discussion
>
>
>

> 1. Based on Brad’s email regarding the roof areas and online average

> rainfall data for Quito, the group ran the calculations for total water
> that we can theoretically be collected using the roofs of the two
> community
> buildings. The results suggested collection amounts of 1.6 cubic
> meters/day
> assuming the worst case and 8.3 cubic meters/day for best case. These
> calculations were based on average monthly rainfall data.
>
>
>
>
>

> 1. The group discussed the roofing material (corrugated iron) and

> required piping material for the collection system. We concluded that PVC
> would be a good material for piping to avoid corrosion problems. Lengths
> of
> gutters required were also discussed.
>
>
>

> 1. Solution for removing the first flush flow off the roof was also

> discussed. It was agreed upon that the first flush from the roof needs to
> be
> removed due to bacteriological and other contamination from bird
> droppings
> and other debris. A couple of systems were looked at. Need to finalize
> the
> one to use.
>
>
>

> 1. We were in agreement for one or multiple screens being placed in order

> to remove the particulate matter. We do need to discuss a screen cleaning
> mechanism.
>
>
>

> 1. The use of water collected through the system was discussed. It is not

> clear yet whether the collected water will be safe enough for drinking
> purposes without any further disinfection. The group needs to further
> discuss this matter.
>
>
>
> Tasks to be discussed in next meeting:
>
>
>

> 1. Need more pictures of the area to determine location of storage.
> 2. We will need a survey of other roofs present in the village. The

> village pictures suggest that there might be other roofs that can be
> utilized for collection.

> 3. Need to find out the best clamping mechanism for the gutters.
> 4. Need the price quotes for 3” PVC pipes.
> 5. Need better rainfall data to determine more reliable numbers for total
> collection possible.
> 6. Storage tank

[Emma Baillargeon]

Hi guys,

We contacted Save the Rain for help a while back on some rain catchment ideas with our project and they were really nice!  We sent them plans and tried to get feedback but I think our project was pretty different than what they usually work with and it didn't really work out to be that helpful.  

The woman was *very* nice though and I'm sure she'd be willing to give some advice on your project!!  Especially since what it seems like from emails, it may be pretty similar to projects they've already done.  Her name was Kelly (the president) and if you don't have her phone number or email I can probably find that for you - just let me know if you need contact info other than what's available on the website!

Thanks,

Emma