Rainwater Harvesting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Rainwater Harvesting - Essay Example The first flush is the device that flushes off the water that is received in the first shower while filters remove silt, leaves, dust, and other organic matter to prevent them from entering the storage tank. The technique used to harvest rainwater largely depends on the affordability of the system to the users and the number of users. This is determined by the size of the institution. Large institutions prefer larger reservoirs and in most cases, water is stored in underground tanks. In Oregon, rainwater harvesting system collects water from the rooftop into a storage tank where it is used for domestic purposes. They use simple rain barrels set below a downspout to water the garden and provide a substantial amount of water for home use. Oregon Building Codes Division supports the effort to conserve water through approval of rainwater harvesting system as the alternative method to state plumbing code. The state has introduced new filtration and treatment technologies that are used to harvest rainwater in a relatively simple manner. The harvesting systems are installed in existing buildings and new construction. The system includes roofs, gutters, or roof drains, piping system or storage tank or cistern. The tanks are located either inside or outside the house, partially above or partially below the ground, on rooftops or underground. Basement locations are preferred mostly because the water is gravity-fed and is protected from freezing. Some tanks are enclosed to increase the roof surface catchment area.