Creating a working project that combines rainwater harvesting and water purification is a great way to address water conservation and clean water access.
Here’s how you can integrate both systems in a single model:
1. Rainwater Harvesting System:
The first part of the project involves collecting rainwater from a surface (like a roof) and storing it for future use. Here’s how you can demonstrate the rainwater harvesting system:
- Collection Area: Represent a sloped roof using a plastic sheet or model of a house, which allows water to flow down.
- Gutter System: Use small pipes or tubes along the edges of the roof to act as gutters, channeling the collected rainwater to a downspout.
- First Flush System: Create a simple filtering system to discard the first few liters of rainwater (containing dirt or contaminants from the roof). Use a small diverter valve to demonstrate this.
- Storage Tank: Demonstrate the storage system using a small tank (or plastic bottle) that stores the rainwater. You can place a tap at the bottom to simulate water being drawn from the tank.
2. Water Purification System:
After harvesting the rainwater, the next step is to purify it for usage. Here’s how to show the water purification process:
- Sedimentation Tank: This part allows any large particles or sediment to settle at the bottom. Use a transparent container to show the water settling process.
- Filtration System:
- Create a simple filtration unit using layers of gravel, sand, and activated charcoal in a transparent tube or bottle to filter the water.
- Pass the harvested rainwater through the filter to show how impurities are removed.
- Disinfection:
- Demonstrate the disinfection step by adding a few drops of chlorine solution (simulated) or by exposing the water to sunlight using a UV light to symbolize solar disinfection (SODIS).
3. Video Steps Working Demonstration of the Combined System:
- Step 1: Pour water over the roof (your rainwater collection area).
- Step 2: Watch the water flow through the gutter and downspout into the storage tank.
- Step 3: Allow the water to move from the storage tank to the sedimentation tank where larger particles settle.
- Step 4: From the sedimentation tank, the water passes through your filtration unit, where gravel, sand, and activated charcoal clean the water.
- Step 5: Finally, demonstrate the disinfection step (chlorine/UV light), ensuring the water is safe for usage.
Materials Required:
- Plastic sheet (for roof)
- Small pipes or tubes (for gutter and downspout)
- Large plastic bottles or containers (for storage tank and sedimentation tank)
- Gravel, sand, and activated charcoal (for filtration)
- Small taps and valves (to control water flow)
- UV light or chlorine solution (for disinfection)
Explanation:
This project demonstrates how rainwater can be collected from natural sources and purified to become safe for human use. It highlights water conservation and clean water access, key topics in sustainability.
This model can be scaled up for real-life applications in homes or schools to provide a sustainable water source.