It is important for a design team to discuss ideas for rainwater collection and recycling. An ideal method is to draw the idea with CAD software and to focus on different aspects of the design. CAD software allows the design to be rotated at any angle. It also allows a zoom in and zoom out facility.

The example below shows an inclined roof, used to runoff the rainwater.
The storage tank collects and stores water. It has an internal filter.
The soakaway is available for excess rainwater during a storm or period of heavy rain.

Rain lands on the inclined roof. It flows into the gutter and is directed into a storage unit. The ‘grey’ water is filtered and becomes usable ‘green’ water.
 

The green water supplies the showers and WCs in the Dance Block saving the school money and valuable mains water.
 

Waste water escapes through the drains back into the water cycle.

QUESTIONS:

1. Do you think that the idea shown above is a potential way of collecting rainwater and recycling?

2. In what ways could the system shown above be improved?

3. Explain how you think the water could be stored, filtered and distributed. Use drawings to help explain your ideas.