SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL AND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

The rainwater harvesting system is an eco-friendly solution that reduces surface runoff and supports
sustainable urban water resource management. One of its components is the water filtration system,
which helps ensure high-quality harvested rainwater. To ensure the cost effectiveness of the project, a
filtration system made from locally available inexpensive materials will be used. The materials include
sand, gravel and charcoal. The gravel layer is to aid in removing large particles and debris, the sand layer
removes finer particles and helps to settle any sediment and the charcoal layer removes dissolved
organic matter, chemicals and impurities and also helps with odor control. Three analyses for the
evaluation of the filtered water will be done, these are: physiochemical analysis, physical analysis and
bacteriology analysis. The physiochemical analysis involves measurement of the pH level. Physical
analysis entails color, smell and taste of the rainwater after the filtration. Bacteriological analysis deals
with the total coliforms count
INTRODUCTION

The access to clean and safe drinking water is essential for human survival. Although a small portion of
the world's water, 2.5%, is considered fresh water, only a minute amount of this, 0.01%, is fit for human
consumption. This availability of fresh water is being threatened as pollution and population increase
and the amount of fresh water decreases over time. Hence, it's crucial to locate and protect fresh water
sources such as watersheds to address this impending crisis. Water plays a significant role in daily
household activities. Many individuals heavily rely on piped water for various tasks such as bathing,
laundry, cooking, etc. The majority of the water used originates from protected watersheds, however, as
demand continues to escalate, these sources of fresh water are rapidly diminishing.

One of the measures that can be applied in trying to curb the freshwater problem is putting into
effective use rainwater that is obtained during a storm event. The water can be put to different uses
including drinking. In order to achieve this potable standard, there is need for filtration of the rainwater
as its quality can deteriorate due to:

1. Contaminants from the catchment surface: Rainwater can pick up contaminants from the roof
or other surfaces it falls on, such as bird droppings, debris, chemicals, and pollutants.

2. Chemical reactions: Chemicals used in construction or roofing materials can dissolve and mix
with rainwater, making it harmful to drink.

3. Microorganisms: Harvested rainwater can contain harmful microorganisms such as bacteria,

4. Poor storage: Poorly maintained storage containers, such as tanks or barrels, can lead to the
growth of bacteria, algae, and other harmful organisms, resulting in contaminated water.

To ensure that harvested rainwater remains safe for drinking, it's crucial to implement proper filtration
and disinfection methods,

The goal of this project is to increase the utilization of rainwater to the same level as tap water by
creating a system that can collect rainwater from a house's roof and gutter and filter it to make it safe
and usable. The objective of this research is to design and build a prototype of such a system with a
built-in filtration chamber. The aim of this study is to enhance our use of rainwater, provide households
with a new source of clean water, and reduce our reliance on piped water from shrinking protected
watersheds, ultimately helping conserve water.
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Kenya is a water stressed country, and therefore finding new ways to get clean and usable water should
be prioritized. This project aims to give detailed information on how rainwater, a ‘free’ resource can be
made to suit normal human water requirements, including drinking.

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The main goal of this study is to design a system that collects rainwater from the roof and gutter of a
house and includes a built-in filtration chamber.

The specific objectives are:

• To design and build a prototype for collecting, filtering, storing, and distributing rainwater.

• To design and construct a filtration chamber for the rainwater.

• To perform a rainwater analysis for physical, chemical, and bacteriological properties.

• To assess the viability of the filtration chamber.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The objective of this project is to assist individuals in conserving water while maximizing their water
supply. The research aims to demonstrate that rainwater can be used similarly to tap water through the
implementation of a simple filtration system using readily available materials.

The proposed prototype is designed to be suitable for typical household environments and will
transform rainwater into a clean, usable form that can be utilized in the same manner as tap water.
Additionally, it will serve as an emergency source of water in the event of a sudden water outage. The
study will also bring benefits to small businesses, providing them with a temporary emergency water
supply in case of a water interruption.

SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The research project aims to design a complete rainwater harvesting system, which involves collecting,
filtering, storing, and distributing rainwater. The filtration chamber, the central component of the
design, will be based on research, experimentation, expert suggestions, and lectures. The final result will
be presented as a basic prototype, not the complete system. The emphasis is on designing an effective
filtration chamber to determine the quality and usability of the water.
LITERATURE REVIEW

PROPERTIES OF RAINWATER

Rainwater is a type of precipitation that is formed when water vapor in the atmosphere condenses and
falls to the ground. The properties of rainwater can vary depending on factors such as location, season,
and environmental conditions. However, here are some general properties of rainwater:

1. pH level: Rainwater is usually slightly acidic, with a pH level of around 5.6 due to the presence of
carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

2. Dissolved gases: Rainwater can contain dissolved gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon
dioxide.

3. Dissolved solids: Rainwater typically contains very low levels of dissolved solids, such as salts
and minerals.

4. Contaminants: Rainwater can pick up various contaminants as it falls through the atmosphere
and comes into contact with different surfaces, such as pollutants and microorganisms.

5. Softness: Rainwater is typically considered "soft" water, meaning it has a low mineral content
and does not contain the ions that make water "hard."

6. Temperature: Rainwater is usually cool, as it falls from the atmosphere at a lower temperature
than the surrounding environment.

Overall, rainwater is a relatively pure source of water, but its quality can be affected by environmental
factors and pollution. Rainwater harvesting is a common practice in many areas to collect and utilize this
valuable resource for various purposes such as irrigation and drinking water.

RAINWATER HARVESTING

Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting water that falls on surfaces such as buildings, roads,
and pathways, which would otherwise soak into the ground or be directed into storm sewage systems. It
can be used for various purposes such as watering plants, washing vehicles, or, if the water quality is
good, washing clothes. In some countries, such as Australia, rainwater harvesting is common and even
includes rainwater treatment plants that turn it into drinking water. However, in others, such as the UK,
there are strict guidelines for drinking water, limiting the use of rainwater. In developing countries,
rainwater is often used as a source of drinking water.

Rainwater harvesting systems can be simple or complex, and typically consist of a catchment area to
collect the water, a conduit to transport the water to a storage tank, and a storage tank or reservoir to
hold the water for future use. The water must also be treated and filtered to maintain its quality.
Rainwater harvesting reduces dependence on primary sources of drinking water and may benefit
individual households if water usage is metered.
RAINWATER HARVESTING IN KENYA

Rainwater harvesting is an important practice in Kenya, where access to safe and reliable water is a
major challenge in many areas, particularly in rural and arid regions. In Kenya, rainwater harvesting is
used to collect and store rainwater for various purposes, such as domestic use, livestock watering, and
irrigation.

There are several methods of rainwater harvesting that are used in Kenya, including:

1. Rooftop rainwater harvesting: This involves collecting rainwater from rooftops of houses,
schools, and other buildings, using gutters and downspouts that direct the water into storage tanks.

2. Surface runoff harvesting: This involves collecting rainwater that runs off from the ground
surface, using channels, trenches, and other structures that direct the water into storage reservoirs.

3. Subsurface dam harvesting: This involves constructing small dams or bunds in streams or dry
riverbeds to capture and store rainwater in the soil for later use.

4. Sand dams: This involves constructing a low concrete or stone wall across a seasonal riverbed
and using the sand that accumulates behind it to store rainwater, which can be accessed through wells.

RAINWATER FILTRATION

Rainwater filtration is the process of removing impurities and contaminants from rainwater to make it
safe for consumption or for various other uses. Rainwater can be contaminated with a variety of
pollutants such as dirt, leaves, bird droppings, chemicals, and bacteria, so it's important to filter it before
using it for drinking, cooking, or other purposes.

Rainwater filtration systems typically involve several stages, including pre-filtration, sedimentation, and
disinfection. Pre-filtration involves removing large debris and particles from the water, while
sedimentation involves allowing the water to settle so that smaller particles can be removed. Finally,
disinfection involves killing any remaining bacteria or pathogens in the water to make it safe for use.

There are several different types of rainwater filtration systems available, including activated carbon
filters, reverse osmosis systems, and ultraviolet (UV) disinfection systems, among others. The specific
system that is used will depend on the quality of the rainwater, the intended use of the water, and other
factors.
ADVANTAGES OF RAINWATER FILTRATION

Rainwater harvesting has several benefits in Kenya, including:

1. Increased access to water: Rainwater harvesting can provide a reliable source of water for
households, communities, and livestock, particularly in areas where access to other sources of water is
limited.

2. Improved food security: Rainwater harvesting can support agriculture and improve food security
by providing water for irrigation and livestock watering.

3. Reduced waterborne diseases: By providing a source of clean water, rainwater harvesting can
help reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases such as diarrhea and cholera.

4. Climate resilience: Rainwater harvesting can help communities adapt to climate change by
providing a local source of water that is less vulnerable to drought and other extreme weather events.

WATER FILTRATION AND TREATMENT

Water filtration is a process that removes suspended solids, sludge, or flocs from water by straining,
sedimentation, and interfacial contact, transferring these particles onto granular materials like sand or
coal (Shammas and Wang, 2016). Filters can be classified by the type of medium used (e.g. sand, coal,
dual media, mixed media), the nominal filtration rate or hydraulic loading rate, or the level of pre-
treatment (Davis, 2010).

Water treatment can be divided into three categories: purification for domestic use, treatment for
specialized industrial applications, and treatment of wastewater for release or reuse (Manahan, 2011).
The primary treatment typically involves sedimentation to remove floating and settled materials from
wastewater. Advanced primary treatment involves adding chemicals to enhance the removal of
suspended solids and dissolved solids (Metcalf and Eddy, 2003). The type and degree of treatment
required depend on the end use of the water. For example, cooling water may require minimal
treatment, while boiler feed water must remove corrosive substances and scale-forming solutes, and
water used in food processing must be free of pathogens and toxic substances. Effective water
treatment at minimal cost is critical for industrial use (Manahan, 2011).
RAINWATER HARVESTING SYSTEM: QUALITY AND IMPACT ON PUBLIC HEALTH

Rainwater filtration can have significant positive impacts on public health, especially in areas where safe
drinking water is not readily available. By removing contaminants and pathogens from rainwater,
filtration can help prevent the spread of waterborne diseases that can have serious health
consequences.

In some parts of the world, rainwater harvesting and filtration systems are a critical source of safe
drinking water, particularly in areas where groundwater is contaminated or where there is limited
access to surface water sources. By providing a reliable source of safe water, these systems can help
prevent waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis A.

In addition to providing safe drinking water, rainwater filtration systems can also be used for a variety of
other purposes, such as irrigation, laundry, and sanitation. By reducing reliance on contaminated water
sources, these systems can help improve overall public health and reduce the burden of waterborne
illnesses in communities.

However, it's important to note that rainwater filtration systems must be properly maintained to ensure
that they continue to function effectively. Poorly maintained systems can actually increase the risk of
waterborne illness, as stagnant water can provide a breeding ground for bacteria and other pathogens.
Therefore, it's essential to follow proper maintenance procedures and monitor the quality of the filtered
water to ensure that it remains safe for use.

Rainwater harvesting is a low impact development practice that can be used as a primary or secondary
water source and is used in both rural and urban areas (Tamimi, 2016). It can relieve pressure on public
water supply systems and promote better public practices. The level of adaptation of rainwater
harvesting varies depending on the level of public awareness and support, including legislative,
technical, and financial support. The WHO recommends using rainwater harvesting as a safe source of
drinking water after proper treatment.
DESIGN OF STORAGE TANK

The volume of the storage tank can be determined by the following factors:

1.Number of persons in the household - The greater the number of persons, the greater the storage
capacity required to achieve efficiency of fewer people under the same roof area

2.Per capita water requirement – This varies from household to household based on habits and from
season to season. Consumption rate has an impact on the storage system design as well as the duration
to which stored rainwater can last.

3.Average annual rainfall

4.Period of water scarcity – A part from the total rainfall, the pattern of the rainfall – whether evenly
distributed through the year or concentrated in certain periods will determine storage requirement. The
more distributed the pattern, the lesser the size.

5.Type and size of the catchment – Type of roofing material determines the selection of the runoff
coefficient for designs. Size could be assessed by measuring the area cover by the catchment i.e. the
length and horizontal width. The larger the catchment, the larger the size of the required tank.

6. Water usage patterns – Knowing when water is needed the most will impact the size of the tank.
If peak usage occurs during dry months, larger storage tanks are needed.

7. Quality of stored water – If stored water is going to be used for drinking, a larger tank may be
needed to allow for adequate treatment before use.

8. Cost considerations – Budget is a crucial factor in determining the size of the tank. Larger tanks
are more expensive to construct and maintain, but they allow for more stored water and longer periods
between refilling.

The shape of the storage tank also affects its efficiency. Round or cylindrical tanks have a smaller surface
area-to-volume ratio and are more cost-effective to construct. Rectangular or square tanks are better for
limited spaces but have a larger surface area-to-volume ratio, which increases evaporation and algae
growth.

Finally, the material used to construct the tank is also important. Concrete and brick tanks are durable
but expensive, while plastic tanks are lighter and less expensive but have a shorter lifespan. Choosing
the right material depends on the intended use and budget.
STANDARD PARAMETERS TO BE CONSIDERED IN DRINKING WATER

COLIFORMS

They are bacteria that are always present in the digestive tracts of animals,including humans,and are
found in their wastes, they are also present in plant and soil material

INDICATOR ORGANISMS

Fecal contamination in water is a serious issue due to the high risk of contrating diseases from
pathogens. Fecal contamination contains a wide variety of pathogens and therefore its not practical to
test for pathogens in every water sample collected. Instead, the presence of pathogens is determined
with indirect evidence by testing for an ‘indicator’ organism such as yhe coliform bacteria.

Coliforms are from the same source as pathogenic organisms and are relatively easy to identify since
they are usually present in larger numbers than pathogens and they respond to environment,
wastewater treatment and water treatment similarly to many pathogens. This therefore makes testing
for coliform bacteria a reasonable indication of whether other pathogenic bacteria are present

Total Coliforms- they include bacteria that are found in the soil,in water influenced by surface water and
in human or animal waste

Fecal Coliforms-are the group of total coliforms that are considered to be present specifically in the gut
and faeces of warm blooded animals. Due to their specific origin,fecal coliforms are considered a more
accurate indication of animal or human waste than the total coliforms

Escherichia coli( E.coli)-of the five general groups of bacteria that comprise the total coliforms,only
E.coli is generally not found growing and reproducing in the environment making it the best indicator of
fecal pollution and possible presence of pathogens

TURBIDITY

Turbidity in water is a measurement of how cloudy or murky it is. Turbidity is caused by particles
suspended or dissolved in water that scatter light making the water appear cloudy or murky. Particulate
matter can include sediment - especially clay and silt, fine organic and inorganic matter, soluble colored
organic compounds, algae, and other microscopic organisms. High turbidity can significantly reduce the
aesthetic quality of drinking water and consequently increases costs in water purification. In a
catchment area such as a roof, things like dust, debris and bird droppings can cause turbidity to
rainwater.

Turbidity is measured using specialized optical equipment in a laboratory or in the field. A light is
directed through a water sample, and the amount of light scattered is measured. The unit of
measurement is called a Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU), which comes in several variations. The
greater the scattering of light, the higher the turbidity. Low turbidity values indicate high water clarity;
high values indicate low water clarity.

Measuring water transparency and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) also can be used to predict turbidity
values.
Excessive turbidity, or cloudiness, in drinking water is aesthetically unappealing, and may also represent
a health concern. Turbidity can provide food and shelter for pathogens. If not removed, the causes of
high turbidity can promote regrowth of pathogens in the water, leading to waterborne disease
outbreaks, which have caused significant cases of intestinal sickness throughout the world. Although
turbidity is not a direct indicator of health risk, numerous studies show a strong relationship between
removal of turbidity and removal of protozoa. The particles of turbidity provide "shelter" for microbes
by reducing their exposure to attack by disinfectants. Microbial attachment to particulate material has
been considered to aid in microbe survival. Fortunately, traditional water treatment processes have the
ability to effectively remove turbidity when operated properly

TOTAL SUSPENDED SOLIDS

Total suspended solids refers to waterborne particles that exceed 2 microns in size. Any particle that is
smaller than 2 microns, on the other hand, is considered a total dissolved solid (TDS). TSS could be
anything that floats or “suspends” in water, including sand and sediment

Common suspended solids include:

Bacteria

Bacteria is most typically found in well water sources. Legionella and Coliforms are common types of
waterborne bacteria. Certain types of bacteria pose a risk of illness when consumed, while other types
of bacteria indicate that illness-causing bacteria may be present in your water.

Clay

Again, clay is a common well water contaminant, particularly colloidal clay. This type of TSS may give
water a particularly cloudy appearance. While clay may not be harmful to health when consumed in
small amounts, it may affect water taste and smell and is notoriously difficult to remove.

Gravel

Gravel is another type of sediment that gives water a dull, murky or cloudy appearance. Do not expect
to see large clumps of gravel in drinking water, though. Each gravel particle is usually too small for the
human eye to see. Usually, being a heavier particle, gravel will settle at the bottom of a body of water.

Sand

Sand in water is particularly a problem in areas with a sandier soil composition. Again, it is an issue one
is most likely to experience if they are a well owner, and the simplest solution is to filter it out with a
sediment filter. Sand is another heavier particle that usually settles at the bottom of a body of water.

Silt

Finally, silt particles are typically between the size of sand and clay, and can be found in rivers, lakes and
soil. While silt is not usually dangerous, it can be aesthetically damaging, and may affect the appearance
of water.
CAUSES OF INCREASE IN TSS IN WATER

Erosion & Runoff

Increased erosion of banks of rivers and streams can increase the TSS level in water. The suspended
particles released from dirt and soil can settle out across water and give it a murky appearance. Runoff
— when water flows through eroding soil — may also produce similar results.

Human Pollution

Human activity is responsible for TSS levels in water sources across the U.S. Dissolved pollutants like
pathogens and heavy metals can attach onto suspended water particles, decreasing water quality.
Common human pollution contaminants include pesticides, lead, bacteria, and mercury.

Algae

Algae are found in both saltwater and freshwater sources. When these organisms die, organic material
is released into the water, reducing water’s oxygen levels and contributing to TSS levels.

Sediment Disruption

Heavier sediment, like sand and gravel, typically settles on the bottom or riverbeds and streams. If
human or natural activity has disrupted sediment in a flowing body of water, however, this sediment
may become suspended in water, increasing levels of TSS downstream.

EFFECTS OF HIGH TSS IN WATER

High total suspended solids in drinking water or wastewater can have both environmental effects and
effects on human health.

When it comes to water quality, high TSS may decrease water’s natural dissolved oxygen levels and
increase water temperature. This may prevent organisms living in the water, such as small fish, from
being able to survive. TSS may also block sunlight, which may halt photosynthesis, decreasing the
survival of plants and further decreasing water’s oxygen levels.

Total suspended solids in drinking water may affect human health too, though it depends on what is
being faced. Bacteria and algae, for instance, may cause gastrointestinal issues, while pollutants like
metals could result in serious health effects or even death. Some common TSS, like sand and silt, may be
unharmful to health but may cause aesthetic issues in the pipes, plumbing, fittings and water-based
appliances around the home.
TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS

Any particle that is smaller than 2 microns is considered a total dissolved solid (TDS)

Forms in which TDS occur include

Minerals

Minerals such as magnesium, calcium and potassium get into water from natural sources. When water
in rivers, streams and lakes come into contact with mineral-rich rocks, small amounts of these minerals
are released into the water

Salts

Low levels of salts may occur naturally in groundwater. Salt levels may also be affected by human
activity, such as de-icing roads in temperate countries, fertilizer and water softener use, and even
sewage contamination.

Dissolved metals

Dissolved metals mainly make their way into water through pollution. Industrial waste and human
activities such as mining, can both result in the leaching of metals into drinking water. Rock or soil
material may contain small amounts of metals, and some types of metal pipes can also contribute to
water’s dissolved metal content.

Organic matter

Dissolved organic matter usually enters into water as a result of the natural decomposition of algae and
plant material. In municipal applications, the majority of natural organic matter is removed from water
during the treatment process.

SOURCES OF TDS IN WATER

Total dissolved solids can come from all manner of sources. Materials may leach into water from
sewage, water treatment chemicals, agricultural runoff, or industrial wastewater. Natural sources, like
soils and rocks, may also contain TDS. Urban runoff, or the flow of rainwater in urban landscapes, can
carry TDS, and even the pipes and plumbing materials used to carry water to a home may be a TDS
source.

Salts, a common type of TDS mentioned above, may end up in drinking water from seawater intrusion
or even from de-icing substances on urban roads.

CASES OF HIGH TDS

It would be wrong to instantly conclude that high TDS water is harmful, as it depends on what type of
TDS that water contains. For instance, a TDS reading could be particularly high, but it might simply be
because that water has a high mineral content.

Water containing more than 1,000 ppm of TDS should not be consumed.

If water has a TDS reading of more than 500, it is worth arranging to get it tested, which will outline
exactly what is causing this.
REDUCING TDS IN WATER

Approaches embraced to achieve this include;

Reverse osmosis

A reverse osmosis system uses multiple filtration stages and a semi-permeable membrane to reduce
more than 99.9% of TDS. This type of treatment system is common water treatment plants and
wastewater treatment plants. That said, it can also be installed underneath a kitchen sink or a home’s
point of entry. One can also find countertop reverse osmosis filters that are powered by electricity.

Water distillation

A countertop water distiller uses the highly effective method of distillation to remove TDS from water.
During distillation, water is boiled until it evaporates. The majority of total dissolved solids are unable to
evaporate with water, and they are left behind in the boiling chamber. Water then condenses into a
clean storage, ready for drinking.

Deionization

Finally, deionization uses an ion-exchange process where water passes through both a positively and
negatively charged resin bed, which attracts both cations and anions, removing them from the water.
Deionization only works for ionic contaminants, so this process would require the use of another
purifier, such as a reverse osmosis system, to remove the non-ionic impurities.
METHODOLOGY

LOCALE OF THE STUDY AREA

The location where the study will take place is in the residential area near Moi University Stage.
Moi University is located in Kesses,Uasin Gishu county and has a climate type of temperate oceanic
climate. The project entails the collection samples of rainwater directly from rainfall for physicochemical
and physical evaluation.

The research and development approach will be embraced in the project. It involves a
systematic approach to creating a new product or system.

It begins with an idea or concept and then moves on to the design phase where the concept is
fleshed out and a plan is created.

The next step involves building a prototype of the product or system, which can be tested and
evaluated for effectiveness.

During the testing phase, data is collected to determine whether the prototype is functioning as
intended and to identify any issues or areas for improvement. Based on the results of testing,
adjustments can be made to the design and a new prototype can be built and tested again.

This process is repeated until the final product or system is deemed effective and ready for use

The steps to be followed include:

1.conduct rainwater physicochemical and physical evaluation

2.design filtration chamber for rainwater

3.design the rainwater harvesting system

4.determination of the materials to be used

6.creation and testing of the prototype

7.feasibility evaluation of the system

The sizing of the drainpipe and catchment area will be considered.

The sizing will be based on the desired volume of water that will be captured and stored from the
rainfall.

The catchment area will be increased to meet the demand through the longest interval without rainfall.

Rainwater harvesting is a practical solution to water scarcity.The collection surface area is an important
factor in determining the amount of rainwater that can be harvested.

The workability will consider an efficiency of 75 to 90 percent when calculating the volume of water
that can be harvested. The roof will be used as the collection surface, and the only thing to be
considered is the area that the roof covers.Gutters attached to the end of the roof will collect the
rainwater

Rainfall data of the local area will also be needed to aid in aiding flow calculations for the
system. The system will be designed based on a worst-case scenario outcome,i.e designed against the
peak storm event in a given period of time,say 30 to 50 years time

STANDARD LABORATORY TESTS FOR DRINKING WATER

Among the standard tests to be carried out include

1. Coliform tests- no coliform bacteria is acceptable

2. Ph- should be between 6.0 to 9.5

3. Nitrates- should be less than 10mg/l as NO3-N and less than 45mg/l as NO3

4. Total Dissolved Solids- should be less than 1500mg/l

5. Chloride-should be less than 250 mg/l

6. Flouride- Should be between 0.7-1.2 mg/l

7. Calcium and magnesium- magnesium greater than 125mg/l may show laxative effects

8. Iron and Manganese-Iron should be less than 0.3mg/l and Manganese should be less than 0.05
mg/l

9. Sodium-should be less than 100mg/l

10. Sulfate- less than 250mg/l

11. Total hardness-should be less than 270 mg/l

12. Turbidity-should be 1 turbidity unit (TU)

13. Color-should be less than 10 color units

The roof will be used as the collection surface, and the only thing to be considered is the area that the
roof covers.Gutters attached to the end of the roof will collect the rainwater
ANALYSIS

Data obtained during these experiments will be collected and analyzed until satisfactory results are
obtained. The design of the filtration chamber will be based on the research and experimentation

PROTOTYPE DESIGN

The following are some of the materials to be used in the design of the prototype

1.PH meter

2.3/4’ pvc pipe

3.sand

4. gravel

5.charcoal

6.storage unit

As ‘Dirty’ water enters the filter bed from the top of the gutter into the filter, the filter should be
as in:

The first layer at the top should be a thin layer of charcoal, about 2-3 cm thick.

The second layer in the middle should be a thicker layer of sand, about 30-45 cm thick.

The third and final layer at the bottom should be a thicker layer of gravel, about 15-30 cm thick.

Clean water exits the filter bed from the bottom.

The proportion of each layer in the filter bed may vary depending on the size of the filter and
the quality of the materials used.

Generally, the layers should be proportioned in such a way that the water is evenly distributed
throughout the filter bed, allowing for maximum filtration efficiency.
EXPECTED RESULTS

The collected rainwater after it has passed through the filter should conform with the standard test
guidelines outlined above