Thesis on Rainwater Harvesting System according to IEEE format

1. 1
Rain Harvesting System in UET Lahore
January 2020
A Thesis
Submitted to the Miss Sadaf Qureshi
For final project of technical writing and Presentation
In the Department of Humanities
University of Engineering and Technology
Lahore
By
M.Wajahat Shahid (2018-CS-113), Nabeel Shafiq (2018-CS-140),
Shoaib Abbas (2018-CS-137),
Ghufran Jaleel (2018-CS-126), Shahzaib Tariq (2018-CS-130)
Fall 2019
The authors claims copyright. Use shall not be made of the material
contained herein without proper acknowledgment.

2. 2
Abstract
Water Harvesting system is present in many forms to save water and reuse it for future. Rainwater
Harvesting is the capture of rainwater to store it and use it for future. Water can be used in any
manner and there may exist the whole panel or series of usage of rainwater but mainly the irrigation
for vegetation and flushes as priority. Rainwater Harvesting Systems are present in many forms and
still has many space for future innovations. Rainwater can be stored in homes as well as in Offices.
Commercial standards are also being developed and used as well in the industry. Rainwater is used
for substitution of groundwater which is already in great stress and that can may extinct in future.
Majority of countries will water shortage by 2025. Rainwater will be in abundance in future as the
climate changes are promising more rain in the water because of growth of the cyclone of water over
the water cycle in the atmosphere.
With the passage of time more technologies of rain saving have been found but the major source
water (ground water) increasing technology still not available for valid usage in the surroundings.
Fresh water is obtained by ground in our daily lives which is going down day by day. There is no
substitute of same quality available. Water has tremendous importance in our daily as well as
commercial life. Rainwater should also be used to meet the changes will occur after the shortage of
fresh water of globe. As an changing climate consequence, rainwater will be in abundance and we
should utilize it in full optimization.
Rainwater usage and it’s storage in UET Lahore is majorly covered in this thesis that how much
rainwater is received per annum in university and how much of that is used now and much is lost.
There are discussed proper managements to store and use water in the surrounding of our university.
It was a vast and time consuming topic and could take months for proper calculations and working
example for each and every building of the mega infrastructure of the university. In the surrounding
of university, water can be used for irrigation mostly to increase the solubility of soil as well as the
positive impacts on the climate of surrounding.
Proper calculation of rainwater entering the boundaries of university and it’s usage is of vital
importance. Rainwater can rather be used for short time purposes or for ling time planned destination
of the rainwater. Global warming is another great weather phenomenon. We should face it by
increasing the environment friendly habitants in the environment.
Increase in vegetation will increase the land’s capacity to drink water and also to increase the amount
of oxygen and carbon dioxide taking elements in the atmosphere. With the increase of vegetation and
plants, some birds and other innocent inhabitants will also be provided a better home in this world for
them. With the growth of plants and tree, we can control the heating effects in the surrounding s as
well. With the increase in plants grown by rain-harvested water, water is preserved in a better and a
future promising way.
Rainwater collected in the boundary of university and the usage of it for the prosperity and cause of
all is discussed, observed, appreciated and managed. Almost 10365 metric ton litters of rainwater is
enraptured by the university enchantment and less than 100 metric ton litter rainwater is used in the
surrounding of university. While all other water is of no use, rather it will increase the sewage water
and cause the deadly heap for us to be deal with non-terminating future consequences.

3. 3
Table of Content
Abstraction ……………………………………………………2
Introduction …………………………………………………...4
Rainwater Harvesting Model ………………………..………...6
Results ………………………………………………………...7
Conclusions …………………………………………………...9
Glossary ………………………………………………………10
References …………………………………………………….11

4. 4
Introduction
The reuse of rainwater today is fundamental for domestic use. However, this exploited in
any way. Currently there is a water loss of approximately 72.5% that could be used in
various daily activities essential for the home. There is no doubt that water is the main and
most important component of the planet, could be considered as an essential resource,
which is granted by land. It is a shame that human beings do not even realize the role that
this resource has for human development and no reaction on their part to promote the care
and use of water [1].
The proposal that has to solve the problem is the implementation of a mathematical model,
which having a catchment area, can be clearly observed in what aspects can be used
rainwater. All this as previously said is according to the area of catchment that has, which is
applied an efficiency factor of 80% because of losses. In the same way you have certain
filters through which the water passes to make it more useful and of better quality. This
model is different in each place, because it is done, according to the precipitation of rain
that has month-to-month in order to be able to perform the necessary calculations and to
know how much you have and never need [2].
Water uses, are classified into two types, consumptive and non-consumptive. Consumption
is one in which there is water loss, that is, the quantity that comes out is less than the
quantity that is returned to the supply. On the other hand, non-consumptive is one in which
there are no minimum losses or losses that can be considered null [3]–[4].
Most sustainable building codes force or recommend the installation of Rainwater
Harvesting Systems (RHS) in buildings to achieve sustainable development goals. The
widespread perception of RHS, as environmentally friendly initiative systems from its
benefits for integrated water management strategies. Including but not limited to: saving
potable water; Mitigation of floods in urban watersheds and extensive impermeable areas;
Reduction of nutrient loads to waterways; and the increase in the useful life of the
centralized water distribution infrastructure restricted due to reductions in demand [5]. The
success of rainwater harvesting systems depends largely on the identification of suitable
sites and their technical design [6]. Several methodologies have been developed for selecting
sites and techniques suitable for Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) [7]–[8]. Field surveys are the
most common method for selecting appropriate sites and RWH techniques for small areas.
Selecting appropriate sites for different RWH technologies in larger areas is a major
challenge [9]–[10].
Rainwater should be stored in each and every form. It should be stored in tanks, plants and
under water soil. The dirty and hard surface of Earth is unable to absorb the rainwater. Bare
soil is not able to absorb much water of rain and porch it into the ground. In order to
increase the absorbing power of soil, vegetation is necessary. Vegetation not increase the
absorbing power of rain good enough, but also have positive impacts on our atmosphere
[11]. This thesis focuses on the development of an optimal design for a rainwater reuse
system in the domestic environment; with the objective of designing an effective rainwater
capture and processing system for homeroom use based on a previously studied physical
model, in order to economize and promote a conscious and responsible behavior of the care
of the environment. As well as making the best use of water resources through the collection

5. 5
of rainwater and the rational use of water, differentiated in pure, rainwater, residual and
recycled water.
While arranging our university model, old time proven models were also considered on the
thee trustworthiness of the model. Some of the considered models are described as:
 History tells us that droughts were regular occurrence in ancient Egypt. Perhaps this
is why every region in the country has its own traditional water harvesting
techniques that reflect the geographical peculiarities and cultural uniqueness of the
regions. The basic concept underlying all these techniques is that rain should be
harvested whenever and wherever it falls.
 Jhalaras are typically rectangular-shaped stepwells that have tiered steps on three or
four sides. These stepwells collect the subterranean seepage of an upstream reservoir
or a lake. Jhalaras were built to ensure easy and regular supply of water for religious
rites, royal ceremonies and community use. The city of Jodhpur has eight jhalaras,
the oldest being the Mahamandir Jhalara that dates back to 1660 AD [12].
 The Chand Baori is a stepwell built over a thousand years ago in the Abhaneri village
of Rajasthan. It is one of the largest stepwells in the world and also one of the most
beautiful ones. Located in the eastern part of the province of Rajasthan, it was built
by King Chanda somewhere in the 9th century. The Baodi can be dated to 8th-9th
century.The upper stories with the columned arcade around it were built around the
18th century during the Mughal era [13].
In the context with history, the legendary Tokyo underground system is also considered
which prevents Tokyo from flood and also store water for later use in Japan. Tokyo lies in
the humid sub tropical zone. There is a rain season starting in early June and lasting till mid
of July. Annual rainfall averages 1,380 mm (55 inches), with a wetter summer and a drier
winter. Until 1990s, the main focus for application of rainwater harvesting was for domestic
water supply. In 1994, the Tokyo international rain water conference was hosted in Japan.
The significance of this conference is important as it represented a turning point in
perceptions regarding the role, application and potential for rainwater catchment system
technologies worldwide. The rainwater harvesting played a vital role in solving water crisis
in Tokyo and growing in megacities around the world, especially in Asia [14].
In Industrial level, Brazil has taken some actions in its industry to make pollution free
products and environment friendly productions. In the follows, a big project along it’s
specification is also given. The NORTE FLUMINENSE Combined Cycle Gas Turbine Power
Plant has been one the main assets of EDF in Brazil for the past 12 years (start-up operation
in December 2004), showing a high level of industrial performance. Located in the city of
Macaé, in the State of Rio de Janeiro, EDF Norte Fluminense - 826 MW installed capacity -
is responsible for about 22% of the electric energy consumed in the Rio metropolitan area
[15].
Total Investment 2.2MBRL (around USD 1.29M)
Annual savings (USD) USD 15,000 - 20,000
Annual water savings 100,000 - 130,000m³
Saving of 29kWh at running times

6. 6
Rainwater Harvesting Model
The practical rainwater harvesting system is given below with each of it component;
Catchment Area
The surface that receives rainfall directly is the catchment of rainwater harvesting system. It
may be terrace, courtyard, or paved or unpaved open ground.
Transportation
Rainwater from rooftop should be carried through down take water pipes or drains to
storage/harvesting system. Water pipes should be UV resistant (ISI HDPE/PVC pipes) of
required capacity. First flush is a device used to flush off the water received in first shower.
First Flush
The first shower of rains needs to be flushed-off to avoid contaminating
storable/rechargeable water by the probable contaminants of the atmosphere and the
catchment roof. It will also help in cleaning of silt and other material deposited on roof
during dry seasons Provisions of first rain separator should be made at outlet of each
drainpipe.
Storage System
All collected rainwater are store in tank or barrels used.
Delivery system
It is a system to delivered of water for uses. There are use of pumps to take out water from
tank and deliver for many purpose. Water is deliver by pipes.
Filtration system
Filters are used for treatment of water to effectively remove turbidity, colour and
microorganisms. After first flushing of rainfall, water should pass through filters. There are
different types of filters in practice, but basic function is to purify water.

7. 7
Results
In order to make our thesis a working model we have to calculate the approximated area
into the raining conventions and collect all the rainwater so that we can have the figures
revolving around that. First, the previously mentioned data of the annual precipitation of
rainfall in the Lahore [16] were obtained (Table 1). All the calculations of water catchment
are gone through the statistics in table 1. The figures in the shown table 1 is the calculated
perception over the past years from the 20th century inward to the recent years. There is the
total average of about 60+ years used in it’s calculations.
Table 1 Annual Rainfall Statistics in Lahore
For purposes of this study, calculated the whole university area of 680120(Approx.) m2,
which we divided into three main categories; Built, Vegetated and Solid. Firstly, the built
area is the area with building over it. These buildings may include our departments, lecture
theaters, seminar halls, auditorium, main blocks, libraries, masjids, workshop, hostels; like
each and every building and the unit comprising pf the whole infrastructure of the
university is considered in this category.
What sought was that when entering the data of both catchment area and water that would
be used, the data from the program were never negative, which was initially not achieved
(Table 2). The calculated area and the sub divisions of each area will give the following
distribution of area in university. All the area calculated in meters square was then used to
calculate the total water gathered in rain by the given statistics of rain as rainfall milliliters
per inch squares.

8. 8
Table 2 Calculated Approximated Rain in Universityof Engineering and Technology
This was when introducing catchment areas of 405516.67m2, 209673.264m2 and 64929.075m2.
So we proceeded to cast a wall a little longer and higher to have a larger area.
These calculations were the first part of the project, so the next step is the operation of the
system for domestic use; it was decided to split into two parts to facilitate the work.
The first part is the connection of the system for an irrigation use only, and then with the
necessary filters, the connection could be made to be distributed as if it were in a
houseroom, all this always taking into account the amount of water in the tank so that our
system is always self-sufficient.
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
TOTAL RAIN (METRIC
TONES)
TOTAL RAIN ON BUILT
(METRICTONES)
RAIN ON VEGETATION
(METRICTONES)
RAIN ON ROADS
(METRICTONES)
10365.0288
6180.073274
3195.426289
989.5184934
Annual Rain

9. 9
Conclusions
This project was done for a good cause in our university since this system of water collection
is a very viable option to feed an irrigation system, thanks to the calculations made, we
obtained that the capacity of our cistern is adequate and that this will be capable of
supplying the entire irrigation system covering the entire garden area without the need to
extract water from any other source. In addition, we leave a water outlet without connecting
yet, this in order to work in the future connecting it to other pipes that will be destined to
applications like the water supply for the bathrooms. Furthermore, the water can also be
used for irrigation and vegetation growth can also be covered by this to promise a clean and
season friendly environment for future in campus surroundings.
With increase of rai in future due to climate changes, more rain would occur. There should
also be considered to enhance the system and functionality of rainwater harvesting systems
and optimal usage of that water for promising future.

10. 10
Glossary
Water Harvesting System To capture, diversion and storage of water from fresh sources and
used in irrigation, wash purposes and soil absorption.
Rainwater Harvesting The accumulation and storage of rainwater for reuse on-site,rather
than allowing it to run off.
Rainwater Catchment It is simple system connect downspouts (gutters) to a central water
System tank capable of holding about 100,000 liters of water or more.
First Flush The initial surface runoff of a rainstorm. During this phase, water
pollution entering storm drains in areas with high proportions of
impervious surfaces is typically more concentrated compared to the
remainder of the storm.
Stepwells Stepwells are wellsor ponds in which the water is reached by
descending a set of steps to the water level.
Subterranean Seepage Normally, the water would just flow underground to the bottom of the
hill and seep out of the stream banks into the creek. But here the
driveway was dug deep enough into the ground so that it cut into the
permeable layer of soil that carries the underground water downhill.
Thus, you can see groundwater seepage coming to the surface.
Droughts A drought or drouth is an event of prolonged shortages in the water
supply, whether atmospheric, surface water or ground water. A
drought can last for months or years, or may be declared after as few
as 15 days.
MBRL Million Brazilian Real (Brazil’s Currency)
NORTE FLUMINENSE Brazilian state of the Southeast

11. 11
References
1. B. Kus, J. Kandalama, S. Vigneswaran, H.K. Shon, "Water quality in rainwater tanks in
rural and metropolitan areas of New South Wales Australia", Journal of water
Sustainability., vol. 1, pp. 33-43, 2011.
2. K.K. Gupta, J. Deelstra, K.D. Sharma, "Estimation of water harvesting potential for a
semiarid area using GIS and remote sensing", vol. 242, pp. 53-62, 1997.
3. Stealth Survival, "Rainwater collection", RIVERWALKER.
4. A. Campisano, C. Modica, "Selecting time scale resolution to evaluate water saving and
retention potential of rainwater harvesting tanks", Procedia Engineering., vol. 70, pp. 218-
227, 2014.
5. A.S. Vieira, C.D. Beal, E. Ghisi, R.A. Stewart, "Energy intensity of rainwater harvesting
systems: A review", Renew Sust Energ Rev., vol. 34, pp. 225-242, 2014.
6. M.W. Ghani, M. Arshad, A. Shabbir, A. Shakoor, N. Mehmood, "Investigating of potential
water harvesting sites at potohar using modeling approach", Pak. J. Agri. Sci., vol. 50, no.
4, pp. 723-729, 2013.
7. R. Farreny, X. Gabarrell, J. Rieradevall, "Cost-efficiency of rainwater harvesting
strategies in dense Mediterranean neighbourhoods", Resour Conserv Recy, vol. 55, pp.
686-694, 2011.
8. M.Y. Han, J.S. Mun, "Particle behaviour consideration to maximize the settling capacity
of rainwater storage tanks", Water Sci Technol, vol. 11, pp. 73-79, 2007.
9. J.S. Mun, M.Y. Han, "Design and operational parameters of a rooftop rainwater
harvesting system: definition sensitivity and verification", J Environ Manage, vol. 93, pp.
147-153, January 2012.
10. B. Helmreich, H. Horn, "Opportunities in rainwater harvesting", Desalination, vol. 248,
pp. 118-124, 2009.
11. B. Lancaster, Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands Volume 1_ Guiding Principles to
Welcome Rain into Your Life And Landscape. One-Rainsource Press, pp. 25-26, 2006.
12. Better India,”Traditional Water Conservation”, thebetterindia.com. Online. Available:
https://www.thebetterindia.com/61757/traditional-water-conservation-systems-
india/.[Accessed: January 2020]
13. M. Livingston, Steps to Water: The Ancient Stepwells of India. Princeton Architectural
Press. pp. 38–39. ISBN 978-1-56898-324-0. 2002
14. Rainwater Harvesting, rainwaterharvesting.org. Online. Available:
http://www.rainwaterharvesting.org/international/tokyo.htm. [Accessed: January 2020]

12. 12
15. World Business Council for Sustainable Development, wbcsd.org. Online. Available:
https://www.wbcsd.org/Programs/Food-and-Nature/Water/Circular-water-
management/Resources/Case-studies/Rainwater-harvesting-for-water-reduction
16. Weatger Atlas, “Rain Fall in Lahore”, weather-pk.com. Online. Availble:
https://www.weather-pk.com/en/pakistan/lahore-climate#rainfall. [Accessed: January 2020]