General Rainwater harvesting presentation.

1. RainDrop Harvesting Solutions, LLC
www.RainDropSavers.com
www.facebook.com/RaindropHarvestingSolutions
Rainwater Harvesting – Conservation – Drainage – Irrigation – Water Treatment

2. Texas Drought Monitor May 2016
Drought focuses
attention on water
availability in Texas.

3. Aquifer Depletion
Last October, the San Antonio City Council approved a contract with a joint venture named Vista
Ridge to supply 50,000 acre-feet per year of Simsboro aquifer water to the San Antonio Water System
(SAWS).
Since we rely on the Simsboro aquifer for 99 percent of our drinking water, we’re paying close attention
to the project. By comparison, combined water use by College Station, Bryan, and Texas A&M is
typically about 36,000 acre-feet per year. All three entities are in the Brazos Valley Groundwater
Conservation District.
Aquifer similar to a bank account. If you draw out more than you put in you will be overdrawn/out of
water.

4. Ground Water Pollution / Compromised Drinking Water Supply
(Insecure Drinking Water)
LAND DRILLING PROPOSAL INCLUDES PARTS OF LAKE SOMERVILLE
Six spots of land at Lake Somerville - Brenham’s water source - are being included in a lease
proposal from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management is taking bids on oil and gas leases for 36,000 acres
of federally owned land. Oil and gas companies would be allowed to extract petroleum
reserves that could potentially pollute ground water as well as surface water.
Four of the parts of land are located on the Washington County side of Lake Somerville.
(Note Fracking and Oil & Gas operations have not been conclusively found to cause ground
and surface water pollution)
Flint, Michigan, Declares State of Emergency Amid Lead in Drinking Water Scare
Bad Decisions, Broken Promises: A Timeline of the Flint Water Crisis
2013
April 16: Flint, newly under the control of an emergency manager who answers to the
governor, inks an agreement to stop buying water from Detroit and join a new water
authority that will get water from Lake Huron, a deal that is expected to save millions.
Although it will be three years before the new water source is available, Detroit says it will
stop selling water to Flint in a year.

5. 2014
April 25: The city begins using water from the Flint River as a stopgap until the pipeline from Lake Huron can be completed. As officials raise
glasses of water in celebration, Mayor Dayne Walling hails it as a "historic moment." He says "the water quality speaks for itself," and the state
Department of Environmental Quality says residents shouldn't notice any difference.
May: Complaints about the new water start coming in. "It's just weird," resident Bethany Hazard tells the Flint Journal, referring to the murky,
foamy quality of the H2O coming from her taps. The state DEQ says analysis of the water shows it meets state standards.
June 12: City officials reveal they are treating the water with lime in response to complaints, but the mayor pooh-poohs concerns about safety.
"I think people are wasting their precious money buying bottled water," he tells the Flint Journal.
Aug. 15: A boil advisory for part of the city is issued after water tests positive for e.coli bacteria. A second advisory will be issued just weeks
later.
Oct. 13: After the General Motors plant in Flint refuses to use the river water because it's rusting car parts, the city arranges for the company
to tap into a different water line. The residents of Flint still have to drink the river water.
2015
Jan. 4: The city announces that Flint's water contains such a high level of trihalomethanes -- a disinfectant byproduct -- that it's in violation of
the Safe Drinking Water Act. Officials say residents with normal immune systems have nothing to worry about. "Is water from the Flint River
safe to drink? Yes," a city website declares. Detroit offered to let Flint switch back, but the city's emergency manager says it would cost too
much.
Feb. 18: A consultant hired by the city for $40,000 to investigate the water quality says it contains sediment and is discolored but is safe to
drink.
Feb. 26: A manager at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency tells Michigan officials that the chemistry of the river water means
contaminants from pipes, including lead, are leaching into the water system.
June 24: EPA water expert Miguel del Toral sends internal memo to his bosses flagging Flint's failure to use chemicals to control corrosion,
which can cause lead to leach
Oct. 1: State officials announce that a new analysis of their data shows Hanna-Attisha is correct: more children have lead in their blood since
the water switch.
Oct. 2: Gov. Snyder announces the state will buy water filters and test lead in schools. Within a week, he will recommend that Flint start using
water from Detroit, and $6 million to help the city switch back is eventually approved.
Oct. 16: Flint switches back to Detroit water.
2016
Jan. 5: Snyder declares a state of emergency in Flint. The Department of Justice opens an investigation into the debacle.
Jan. 12: Under increasing fire, Snyder calls out the National Guard to distribute bottled water and filters in Flint.
Jan. 13: The crisis expands to include Legionnaires' disease as officials reveal a spike in cases, including 10 deaths, after
the city started using river water.

6. Ground Water Pollution / Compromised Drinking Water Supply
(Insecure Drinking Water)
Recently in the news for our local area:
http://www.kbtx.com/content/news/Toxic-lead-levels-found-in-water-at-Brenham-
living-center--379546481.html
By KBTX Staff |
Posted: Sat 8:08 PM, May 14, 2016 | Updated: Sat 10:37 PM, May 14, 2016
Recent water testing at three Texas State-Supported Living Centers shows more than 600
disabled residents have been drinking water with toxic lead levels.
The elevated lead levels have been detected at centers in El Paso, San Angelo and in Brenham.
The owners of the facilities are trying to figure out how that could've happened.
The director of Brenham State Supported Living Center has written a letter to families and
guardians, notifying them of situation and saying bottled water is being used for drinking,
cooking and teeth brushing.
(Comment from RainDrop Havesting Solutions: While our drinking water undergoes stringent
testing regularly and luckily is safe, cases still occur such as this which lead us to believe strongly in
having a backup water plan in case of an insecure supply. You can control this type of input by
drinking rainwater with the proper filtering/disinfection and always have peace of mind.)

7. Ground Water Pollution / Compromised Drinking Water Supply
(Insecure Drinking Water)
By David Norris | Posted: Mon 6:05 PM, Jun 16, 2014 | Updated: Mon 6:34 PM, Jun 16, 2014
Wellborn Water Violations Spark Concern with Residents
WELLBORN, Texas - A letter from Wellborn Special Utility District informing customers of high levels of a potentially dangerous
chemical in the water supply has residents on edge.
The water district has received three violations since September of 2013. The problem, elevated levels of a compound called
Trihalomethane, formed when Chlorine is added to the water supply. Mostly harmless, but exposure to high levels of the compound over
the course of years could cause liver, kidney even central nervous system damage.
The compound is a result of chlorine added to the water system. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality allows 80 parts per
million into water systems. For six months in 2013, Wellborn Water had around 200 parts per million.
Letters were sent to residents informing them of the violations. Wellborn resident Nathan Brown said three times was not a charm.
"When I got the first letter, I was concerned, but I understand that things happen," said Brown. "But by the time I got the third, I was
wondering how they could continue to make that mistake.“
It was enough for Brown and his family to consider some big changes around the house.
"We've discussed getting a water filtration system for the entire house, and quite a few of our neighbors already have," said Brown.
Stephen Cast with Wellborn Special Utility District said the first violation occurred when TCEQ took readings in September of 2013, but
they weren't notified by TCEQ until December. By that time, Cast said more samples had already been taken for the next quarter, and the
district was found to be in violation again. Cast said the problem was fixed by January, and the compound was down to 10 parts per million.
But they managed to get another violation that same month.
The problem comes from the way TCEQ officials get their ratings. A water district is rated by the most current ratings averaged together
with the past three. So even if the current ratings are good, combined with the past three, a district could still be in violation. Cast said this
is what happened with Wellborn water.
Even though Cast said the water is perfectly safe now, Brown said he'd rather be safe than sorry when it comes to the quality of his water.
"Because it could happen again. And you don't know for three months after it happens that it's a problem," said Brown

8. Brenham Rainfall – In Inches
Best Months to install will be December to April and July - August to capture the most
rainfall
3.23 2.83 3.19 2.68
4.33 4.45
2.13 2.68 3.19
4.92
3.23 3.23
40.09 40.09 40.09 40.09 40.09 40.09 40.09 40.09 40.09 40.09 40.09 40.09
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
COLLEGE STATION
TX RAINFALL
Ave In. Rainfall YR Ave

9. How Much Rainwater can be Saved?
Formula
Sq Feet of Roof x .623 x Inches of Rain = # of Gallons
Using your Rainfall to date of 16.26 inches
(Through end of May 2016)
1000 sq ft x .623 x 16.26 inches = 10,130 Gallons
1000 sq ft x .623 x 40.09 inches annually = 24,976 Gallons

10. Reasons to Harvest Rainwater: Makes Sense Economically & Environmentally
• Economical alternative to public water & reduces demand on
municipal water supply
• Supplement limited ground water resources and significantly
reduce water extraction rates from rivers and lakes during
critical summer months.
•Reduce well water demand
•Increases awareness of water used which leads to higher
efficiency
•Low in minerals – ideal for laundry, dishwashing, hair
washing, car washing etc. Keeps mineral deposits low in
household appliances. No need to soften. Since it contains no
chlorine, rainwater is ideal for filling garden ponds and
irrigating sensitive plants.

11. Reasons to Harvest Rainwater Continued
•Not regulated (yet) by municipal water restrictions. During
periods of drought, can be used to protect investments in
landscaping, garden ponds and swimming pools.
•Method of stormwater management & helps to reduce peak
runoff. Rainwater can cause eroded foundations, overflowing
sewers, soil erosion, water pollution and mosquito havens.
Collecting rainwater can eliminate these problems while
reducing the need for other storm-water controls.
•Rainwater is slightly acidic naturally. Irrigating with rainwater
helps keep soil pH in balance. Also helps recharge aquifer via
irrigation, septic system or rain garden.

12. Possible Uses of Rainwater
Outdoor uses:
• Irrigation
• Livestock
• Car Washing
• Swimming Pool Fill
Indoor Non-Potable Uses:
• Toilet flushing
• Laundry
• Cooling
Indoor Potable Uses:
• Drinking
• Bathing
• Cooking, etc.

13. Drinking Rainwater Basics
Water Filtration system with sediment filter, carbon filter, UV light, pump & pressure tank

14. Drinking Rainwater Basics – Water Filtration Bottles
Water filtration plant in a bottle you can
use on-the-go. Perfect for traveling and/or
emergencies. Filters without needing
electricity.
We are an authorized Dealer for these
bottles. Available today & by order. These
make great gifts for family and friends & we
can ship to anywhere in the US.

15. Components of System
Collection Surface (roof)
Conveyance System (gutter & PVC)
Filtering (Gutter Guard)
First Flush Diverter
Storage (Cistern)
Tank Foundation (Pad)
Overflow

16. Water Treatment Philosophy
Better to protect the quality of the water from the
beginning, rather than spend a lot of money,
energy, and possibly chemicals to clean it up later.
Cleaner in = Cleaner out

17. Roof Materials: Best and Not Recommended
Best: Metal Acceptable:
Composite Shingles
Not Recommended:
Chemically treated wood, asphalt shingles, asbestos, some
paints
• If painted, paints meeting NSF 61 should be used
• Particle filters should be used if asphalt shingles are
used

18. Cistern Foundation (Pad)
Before and after pics of
tank foundations.
Supporting the tank is
very important. You
wouldn’t build a house
without the proper
foundation. A rainwater
tank is very similar.

19. Collects off part of roof (one downspout)
Graphic courtesy of Innovative
Water Solutions

20. Dry System Examples

21. Wet Rainwater Harvesting System – Collects off of entire roof surface
Graphic courtesy of Innovative Water Solutions

22. Wet System Examples

23. Polyurethane vs Metal Cisterns
Polyurethane
• UV Inhibitors
• 5 year warranty
• Lighter colors allow
algae growth
• Will break down over
time in harsh sun
• 500 gallon price
comparison $450*
• 4’ D x 5’9” H
• 800 gal Discount Tree
Slimline tank $949*
Galvanized
• G90 Grade 20 gauge
metal made in USA
• FDA approved NSF 61
certified sealant
• 1 year warranty
• Should last 30-35 years
• 500 gallon price
comparison $1000*
• 4’ D x 5’8” H
Stainless Steel
• 20 Gauge 304 Stainless
Steel, tank lid 22 gauge
• 5 year warranty
• Joints sealed with NSF
61 potable water rated
elastomer
• Should last a lifetime
• 500 gallon price
comparison $1395*
• 4’ D x 5’8” H
*Prices as of May 2016 and are subject to change. Please get a current quote for current pricing

24. Tank Options are Infinite – There are Several Different Designs that
Can Meet Everyone’s Needs.

25. We primarily use tank manufacturers
here in Texas to reduce costs for our
customers. We transport and deliver
parts and pieces for customer’s systems
as well. All these pictures are tanks we
have installed or are installing. We have
installed 250 gallon up to 9,692 gallon so
far with a 30,200 gallon coming in the
near future.

27. Schedule your Free Estimate Today
to Design your Custom Rainwater System
RDHS.LLC@gmail.com
Aggie Owned & Operated ~ Class of ‘90