Changes

==Design==

==Design==

[[File:RAINWATER HARVESTING TANK 550x550.jpg|thumb|Large cistern being installed underground]]

[[File:RAINWATER HARVESTING TANK 550x550.jpg|thumb|Large cistern being installed underground]]

[[File:RWH.gif|thumb|Conceptual diagram of an underground cistern being used for irrigation]]

[[File:RWH.gif|frameless|Conceptual diagram of an underground cistern being used for irrigation]]

[[Rainwater Harvesting: Sizing and Modelling]]

[[Rainwater Harvesting: Sizing and Modelling]]

<h3>Catchments</h3>

===Catchments===

Decisions need to be made about the selection and grading of catchments. If one catchment is very large, can it be regraded to drain to two or more outlets? Is it desirable to capture both rooftop water and other stormwater? This will may determine the quality improvements required to  use the water. See table below, which illustrates the higher treatment required for storm water (i.e. non-rooftop).

Decisions need to be made about the selection and grading of catchments. If one catchment is very large, can it be regraded to drain to two or more outlets? Is it desirable to capture both rooftop water and other stormwater? This will may determine the quality improvements required to  use the water. See table below, which illustrates the higher treatment required for storm water (i.e. non-rooftop).

<h3>Cisterns</h3>

===Cisterns===

Preformed above-ground tanks are usually constructed from polyethylene or galvanized steel. They are available with storage capacity up to around 50,000 L. Preformed below-ground tanks may be constructed from reinforced fiberglass or concrete. Fiberglass tanks are available up to around 150,000 L. Concrete vaults can be constructed in almost any size.  Wooden tanks are less common but are also available and permitted in the regulations.

Preformed above-ground tanks are usually constructed from polyethylene or galvanized steel. They are available with storage capacity up to around 50,000 L. Preformed below-ground tanks may be constructed from reinforced fiberglass or concrete. Fiberglass tanks are available up to around 150,000 L. Concrete vaults can be constructed in almost any size.  Wooden tanks are less common but are also available and permitted in the regulations.

As a standing body of freshwater, RWH cisterns present ideal habitat for [[Pests#Mosquitoes|mosquitoes]]. Mosquitoes should be prevented from entering by using a mesh screen on all openings. Larvicides may be  added when the water is only to be used for irrigation purposes.  

As a standing body of freshwater, RWH cisterns present ideal habitat for [[Pests#Mosquitoes|mosquitoes]]. Mosquitoes should be prevented from entering by using a mesh screen on all openings. Larvicides may be  added when the water is only to be used for irrigation purposes.  

To prevent algal growth, the cistern must be opaque or otherwise protect the water from light.

To prevent algal growth, the cistern must be opaque or otherwise protect the water from light.

<h3>Plumbing and Regulation </h3>

===Plumbing and Regulation===

The current Ontario Building Code requires that rainwater harvesting systems are designed, constructed and installed to conform to good engineering practice. References are made to ASHRAE, ASPE[https://www.aspe.org/content/arcsaaspeansi-63-2013-rainwater-catchment-systems-electronic-download]  and CSA  [http://shop.csa.ca/en/canada/plumbing-products-and-materials/cancsa-b1281-06b1282-06-r2016/invt/27024892006] guides for plumbing detailing.

The current Ontario Building Code requires that rainwater harvesting systems are designed, constructed and installed to conform to good engineering practice. References are made to ASHRAE, ASPE[https://www.aspe.org/content/arcsaaspeansi-63-2013-rainwater-catchment-systems-electronic-download]  and CSA  [http://shop.csa.ca/en/canada/plumbing-products-and-materials/cancsa-b1281-06b1282-06-r2016/invt/27024892006] guides for plumbing detailing.

These guides focus on ensuring that the rainwater does not contaminate or become mistaken for the municipal drinking water supply. Similarly, rainwater must be prevented from becoming contaminated from the sewer. In both cases, an air gap or a back-flow preventer is required.

These guides focus on ensuring that the rainwater does not contaminate or become mistaken for the municipal drinking water supply. Similarly, rainwater must be prevented from becoming contaminated from the sewer. In both cases, an air gap or a back-flow preventer is required.