Rainwater Harvesting assessment for logistics group Gauteng
Our team was requested by an environmental consulting group, to do a large-scale rainwater harvesting project concept and feasibility analysis for a major logistics group in Gauteng, South Africa.
The primary objective of the assessment was to look at reducing the monthly water consumption of the facility, reduce their operational risk of water interruptions and to realize financial benefits that a water saving initiatives can provide.
Our assessment investigated rainwater harvesting from approximately 75 000 square meter of warehouse roof and using the rainwater that fall on the premises to offset the operational water consumption of the site.
Our assessment indicated that the facility had sufficient surface area on site to recover rainwater for the total water requirement for the premises. However due to the rainfall patterns in Gauteng, a few rain days with high intensity rain, when it rains (see historic rainfall pattern below), the system priority will be to recover water as best as possible and then store it for periods with low rainfall as indicated on the rainfall pattern chart.
We developed two mega rainwater harvesting system concepts designs for the client that:
- Evaluated rainwater recovery opportunity.
- Identified the most suitable surface area and method for effective rainwater recovery, based on climatic data for the area.
- Identified the potential water volume recovery for each application.
- Made recommendations to ensure minimal contamination of recovered water.
- Identified a rainwater storage solution to maximize the opportunity up supply.
- Supplied a water usage assessment specific for the building occupation and the use of rainwater.
- Pre-determined the water quality together with a risk assessment to minimize possible contamination.
- Conducted a conceptual risk assessment for the use of rainwater within the building
- Identify the size and opportunity and potential return on investment that exists for the proposed installation.
Our engineering team recommended a concept with potential savings of more than R1 million per year and a ROI of less that 10, with a system that will ensure effective quality water supply to the premises at all times, irrespective if the municipal water supply to the site.
Backup water systems at KZN South Coast
The KwaZulu Natal South Coast and in particular the UGU district is plagued with constant water interruptions due to the municipalities' inability to supply a reliable source of water. Many holiday homes and complexes have experienced reduced occupancy at peak season due to the water problem. We have done a number of backup water system at holiday homes and complexes to assist the owners to overcome the problem.
We have recently installed system that would also function during load shedding. During load shedding when the pressure pump cannot function the system automatically switches over to municipal water supply (that is if there is municipal water), and some systems are able to at least gravity feed water to the property during this period until power is restored. When the power comes back on, the direct online municipal supply automatically close and the system reverts to normal pump pressure operation.
Various backup system options exist. In some systems we install submersible pressure pump with pressure controllers. These systems are very quite and the only visible part of the system is a tank.
Rainwater harvesting system in Westbrook
Our company designed and installed an integrated rainwater harvesting system for a house in Westbrook. The system was integrated into the design of the house. Our client required a system that would provide potable quality rainwater as well as a backup volume of water in case of water interruptions. It was also required for the system to boost the water pressure to the house.
Raincell integrated rainwater harvesting system
Our company was commissioned to design and install a rainwater harvesting system for a new house in Hillcrest. We worked with the client and his gutter contractor from early in the construction process.The result is a very well designed integrated system
Sable Hills Rainwater Harvesting system
Our company installed and commissioned an integrated rainwater harvesting and grey-water system at a property in Sable Hills next to Roodeplaat dam in Pretoria. At the start of the project our engineering team worked with the architect to ensure that the system can be integrated into the design of the building. Effective analysis of the cost resulted in the design of a basement area where the rainwater harvesting tanks and purification system are situated.
