GARISPANDUAN JABATAN BANGUNA N

Tajuk

Keterangan :

GARISPANDUAN UNTUK PEMASANGAN SISTE M

PENGUMPULAN DAN PENGUNAAN AIR HUJA N
1. Latarbelakan g
1. Perkeliling Jabatan Kerajaan Tempatan Jkt : Am / B/BiI.159 9
2. Memaklumkan Kepada Semua Pbt Berhubung Sat u
Garispanduan Pemasangan Sisitem Pengumpulan Da n
Pengunaan Air Hujan (Spah) Untuk Dijadikan Satu Pandua n
Bagi Kumpulan Profesional , Pemaju , Kontraktor Dan Orang
Awam Sebagai Satu GalakanPengunaanny a
2 . Huraia n
Seperti di Lampiran

LAMPIRAN B4

sal

GARISPANDUAN UNTUK PEMASANGA N

SISTEM PENGUMPULAN DAN PENGGUNAAN AIR HUJAN

GARISPANDUAN UNTUK PEMASANGA N

s

:S

TENi.1 ENGTJMPULAN . D :AN PENGGUNAAN AIR.HUJAN

.Pekehling thi bertujuan untuk memaklumkan kepada semua Pihakberkuas a

Tempatan berhubung satu garispanduan pemasangan Sistem Pengumpulan Da n
penggitnaan Air Hujan (SPAR,) untuk dijadikan satu panduan bagi kumpula n
profession9l, 'pemaju, kontraktor dan orang awam sebagai usaha galaka n
penggunaannya.

2. LATAR BELAKAN G
2.1 Pada pertengahan 'tahun 1998, Kementerian Perumahan dan Kerajaa n
Tempatan (KPKT) dengan kerjasama Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL )
telah memulakan kajian berhubung penggunaan air hujan dalam mengatas i
masalah krisis bekalan air yang m .elanda Lemball Kelang mulai Mae 1998 .
2.2 'Walaupun krisis ail-di kawasan Lembah Kelang tersebut telah berakhi r
pada bulan September 1998, KPKT berpendapat adalah wajar garispandua n
pemasangan SPAH diadakan untuk memanafaatkan air hujan dan mengurangka n
penggunaan air melalui sistem bekalan air paip . .
2.3 . Susulan keputusan Jemaah Menteri pada 29 April 1998, KPKT tela h
mengeluarkan satu surat pada 23 Jun 1998 kepada semua Kerajaan Negeri d i
Semenanjung Malaysia supaya menggalakkan pemasangan palong pada setia p
bangunan baru yang dibina .
nms/bkb/nm/perid idmatan IKR.AM 01

GARTSPANDUAN UNTUK PEMASANGA N

.STELA[; PENGUMPTILAN DAN PENGGUNAAN AIRMA N

,Pekeliling ini bertujuan untuk memaklumkan kepada semua Pihakberkuas a

Tempatan berhubung satu. garispanduan pemasangan Sistein Pengumpulan Da n
penggunaan Air Hujan (SPAH) untuk dijadikan sate panduan bagi kumpula n
professional, ' pemaju, kontraktor dan prang awam sebagai usaha galakan
penggunaannya .
2 . LATAR BELAKANG
2 .1 Pada pertengahanahun 1998, Kementerian Perumahan dan Kerajaa n
Tempatan (KPKT) dengan kerjasama Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL )
telah memulakan kajian berhubung penggunaan air hujan d&lam mengatas i
masalah krisis bekalan air yang melanda Lembah Kelang mulai Mae 1998 .
22 'Walaupun krisis air -di kawasan Lembah Kelang tersebut telah berakhi r
pada bulan September . 1998, KPKT berpendapat adalah wajar garispandua n
pemasaxigan SPAH diadakan untuk memanafaatkan air hujan dan mengurangkan
penggunaan air melalui Astern bekalan air paip . .
2 .3 . Susulan keputusan Jemaah Menteri pada 29 April 1998, KPKT tela h
mengeluarkan satu surat pada 23 Jun 1998 kepada semua Kerajaan Negeri d i
Semenanjung Malaysia supaya menggalakkan pemasangan palong pada setia p
bangunan bare yang dibina .
nmsl6kb/am/perichidmat n IYRAM01

2.4 . Mesyuarat Jemaah Menteri pada 9 Jun 1999 . telah membincangkan

garipanduan SPAR dan bersetuju garispanduan tersebut dijadikan pandran bagi
kumpulan professional, peinajt ; . kontraktor dan orang awam dalam usah a
galakkan penggun.aannya .

2.5 KPKT berhasrat garispanduan SPAH ini digunakan melalu i

Pihakberkuasa Tempatan menggalakkan setiap permohonan untuk pembinaa n
rumah dan bangunan bare dipasang sistem tersebut.
3.0 PENGGUNAAN GARISPANDUAN SPA H
3 .1 Garispanduan SPAR_ perlu digalakkan penggunaanya oleh semua piha k
yang terlibat dalam industri pembinaan rumah dan bangunan .
3 .2 Garispanduan ini menyediakan makluinat dan illustrasi am berhubun g
peralatan yang dicadangkan. . Pengguna idak dihadkan terhadap kreativitiny a
semasa merekabentuk dan memasang peralatan berkenaan supaya ianya seras i
dengan persekitaran serta mematuhi piawaian/speksifikasi tertentu .
4.0

TARIKI3 BERKUATKUASA
Pekeliling ini berkuatkuasa dengan .serta merta.

Sekian, terima kasih

"BER.KHIDMAT UNTUI NEGARA"
Saya yang menurut perinfah ,

TO' LO
' AIM BINMOHD . JASAN)
Jabatan Keraj . s Tempatan ,
b.p. Ketua Setiausaha
.
Kementerian Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempata n
Jun 1999
amslpdcdilin Wam-ls-bil-15-99

Prepared By The Kementerian Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempatan

"eilidelitedforinstailing,A Rainwater eciflootioti and Utilization Syttern

CONTRIBUTIONS : Grateful acknowledgment is made of the assistance provide d

to the successful compilation of this guidelines by the following :

Architect and Special Projects Department

Kuala Lumpur City Hail.
Drainage and River Management Departmen t
Kuala Lumpur City Hall .
Drainage Division
PrOftO and Irrigation Departmen t
Mirdelty of Agrictfiture
.Dr4iiiage and Irrigation Department (Federal Territory )

Ministry of Agriculture
Local Government Departmen t
Ministry of Housing and Local Governmen t
Water Resources Management Division
National Hydraulic Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM )
School of Civil Engineerin g
Universiti 8ains Malaysi a
. Vector Borne Disease Control Divisio n
Ministry of Health

Chemistry Department of Malaysia

Department of Environment
Ministry of Science, Technology and Environmen t

TA R
Guidelines for installin TA [rainwater Collection and Utilization System

INTRODUCTIO N

. Wherever the country or city perience s a severe water shortage, the Government is
In tined to construct more dal upstream. The development of giant dams upstrea m
however devours vast tracts of forest and the cost of such projects are enormous :
Moreover the demand of water . supply in urban areas is likely to increase due to a rapi d
concentration of population and irrorease in industries ,
The country is endowed with .far more rainfall than the amount of water demand .
Rainwater harvesting could be an effective tool for helping to .redtuce the use of treate d
water and ,provides a cgrauopiet buffer in times of emergency or a shortfall in the publi c
water supply.
Rainwater harvesting from rooftop catchments and cistern storage is not new . It has bee n
an important source of water supply for domestic purposes in many rural areas in the past.
The need to promote rainwater collection and utilization can lead to the comprehensiv e
resolution of water resources problems and the environmental problems in urban areas .
The proposal to build tens of thousands of "mini dams" (rainwater tanks) in urban area s
instead of continuing to build giant dams upstream not only contribute to treated wate r
conservation but also heaps to control urban floods by storing rainwater from roofs and th e
ground surface . The stored water can be used for non-drinking purposes and as a back-u p
water supply.

THE COMMITTEE FOR THE GUIDELINES FOR RAINWATER COLLECTIO N

- AND UTILIZATION SYSTE M

Adviso r

Y.B . Dato' Azmi bin Khalid

Timbalan Menteri I I
Kementerian Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempata n

Technical Advisor

Encik Hasan bin Hj. Hamzah

Pengarah Jabatan Arkitek dan Projek Kha s
Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpu r

Chairman

Jr. Hooi Yoke Meng

Timbalan Pengarah Jabatan Arkitek dan Projek Kha s
Dewan Dandaraya Kuala Lumpur

Committee

Ir. Fong Tian Yong

Pengarah Unit Kawalan Banguna n
Kementerian Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempata n
Encik Nordin bin Mohd . Salle h
Jabatan Kerajaan Tempatan
Kementerian Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempata n
Encik Hew See San g
Jabatan Arkitek dan Projek Kha s
Dewan Baridaraya Kuala Lumpu r
Ir. Hj. Abdul Hamid bin Md . Kassi m
Bahagian Salira n
Jabatan Pengairan dan Salira n
Kementerian Pertania n
Ir. Chang Pek Slan g
Jabatan Pengairan dan Salirah (Wilayah Persekutuan )
Kementerian Pertania n
Encik Tee Sing Tia t
Jabatan Pengairan dan Saliran (Wlayah Persekutuan )
Kementerian Pertania n
Encik K. Nantakuma r
Jabatan Saliran dan Pengurusan Sunga i
Dewan Bandaraya Kuala . Lumpur

RAINWATER .
Guidelines for installing A Rainwater Collection and Utilization System

CONTENTS

Page

Acknowledgements
introduction
1 .1

PURPOSE OF GUIDELINES

1 .2

SCOPE THE GUIDELINES

1, 2

1-.3

HOW TO USE THE GUIDELINES

2.

ELEMENTS . OF RAINWATER COLLECTIO N

AND UTILIZATION SYSTEM
2.1
2 .2
2.3
2 .4

3.

4.

Collection Area
Conveyance Area
Storage Facility '
Distribution System

4
4
4
4

QUALITY OF RAINWATER & USAGE OF RAINWATE R

3.1

General

3.2
3.3

Rainwater And Roof Collection

Recommended Usage bf Rainwater

.6
6

TECHNOLOGIES FOR. RAINWATE R

COLLECTION AND UTILIZATIO N
4,1

Collecting Rainwater rdtri Roof.

4.2
4.3

Eliminating Gordaratted Plitt Flash .} .Rainwater

Draining Excess . RainWater ri Heavy `Rain

8
10
10

4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8

- Protecting Rainwater Utilization Facilities From Heavy Rai n

Intercepting Obstacles Using Filters, Strainers a'nd Nets
Storing Rainwater in tank
Supplying Rainwater to Place of Use
Using Treated Water in Times of Shortage
Prevention Of Mosquito Breeding

12
12, 14
16,
18
18

CONTENTS

5.

BUILDIN G

5 .1
.5.2
5.3
5.4
5 .5
5.6
5.7
5.8
5.9
5.10

Definition
Rainwater Collection and Utilizatio n
Roof Catchmen t
Collecting Rainwate r
Rainwater Storage Tank/Facility
Usage of Rainwate r
EliMinating Contaminated First Flash Rainwater
Rsaitnew
m
n altearf fE
olreToilet FR,Iu.isa n,hw,i nagter Tank
uSing Treated Water in Time of Rainwater Shortage

5 .11 Grit Chamber &s

dim
ee
k
5 .12 Techni9sal Points to b .Considered fo r
eLargoRinwt Tan k
Storage
6.

MAINTENANCE OF RAINWATE R
COLLECTION AND UTILtZA110N FACILITIE S
6. 1
6, 3

64
6.5
7.

Catdh M

Sedimentation
, Tank

Filterlcree n

Rainwater Storage Tank .

RdiaWater Supply Equi P ment

CREATIVE' O'Es .tO.N . " .".. .R.AINWATER STORAGE FACILIT Y

7.1
7.2

General
Creative Desig n

APPENDIX
A.

gxA
:.PI-Es OF CREATIVE DESIGNS OF
RAINWATER STORAGE FACILITY

1.
2..
3.

B.

;er
i s
ar
Rainwate Tank 1.1.mg Columns
or Brick p
atcuirne
Ra &Prru Tank Using
uraaillFF:n
:toesnctW
g
,M
l
E
n
taon
RTa
t
Rainwater
Men
Len cIt'
IO
w
e
Rainwaterr Tank
Archi
aril< As

TYPICAL EXAMPLES 0 RAINWATER

COLLECTION AND -MI
N SYSTEM S
1.
2.
3.

Tank at First Level With Gravity Suppl y

Tank on Ground Level, Pumping &
Roof Tank Gravity Supply
Tank Underground, Pumping &
Roof Tank Gravity Suppl y

Prt

Page

CONTENTS

TABLES

1,
2.
3.

Average PH of Rainwater in Kuala Lumpur

and Petaling Jaya for'1598
Recommended Storage Capacity
Plan to Maintain Rainwater Utilization Facilities

3
13
25

FIGURES
Elements of a Rainwater Collection and Utilization System
Device tb Cut .First Flash Rainwater (1) Using Separation Pipe
Device to Cut Fiat Flash Rainwater (U) Using Separation Tan k
Device to Deal with Heavy Flash Rainwate r

11
11

7.

Net at Roof Drain

Nett at ,Gutter
Falt er iri .a i. nw

Raof 't op/Tank Gravity. SuPl Y);

11,

U.r d rgtapt : Tank ( umpe Supply)

Grou d Level Tar .k (Pumped Supply)
Preventi n of Mc squito Breeding king infect Proof Net
Se~arate
ateo. vert ~p for Rainwater Collactionand Discharg e
from Cooling ower and leuafed Tank
1Nater Supply from Elevated Rainwater Tank
R in ate Tank With Electrode Rod Control
G`rifCha'mber
G:routip Leve! SeSimentatio Yank
Sedimentation Tank Incorporated in Rainwater Storage Tank

1.

2.
3.
4.
5.
5.

12.
13.
14.
1,5,

16.
17.
18.
19.

7
9
9
11
't.1
13

't

15
15
17

19
21
21
23
23

Section Six
This section gives a recommended maintenance plan of the rainwate r
collection and utilization system for the use of clean rainwater .
The scope described are likely to meet the needs in terrace houses, bungalows,
multi-storeyed buildings in housing complexes, commercial buildings an d
schools .

Section Seven
This section makes suggestion that rainwater storage facility may no t
necessarily be ready-made tanks . Storage facility can be designed with th e
greatest potential as pieces of architecture, landscape and aesthetically to blen d
with the surrounding environment .

Appendix A

This appendix explores and gives some creative designs of rainwater storag e
facility in place of storage tank that is asthefically pleasing .
- some food for thought.
.

Appendix

This , appen iix provides ex''amples of typical rainwater collection and utilizatio n
systeMs for terrace house and bung'alows.
1.3 ROW TQ' J$ THE GMDtLTNES
e guid4nes sots but recommendations for the general principles designs
layoutail~i
a;tion 'of a ra gi 'ter collection and utilization sys'tem .
Altho the emphasis in on busing and doeiestio uses, the principles and
designs . for other buildings are similar. For this purpose, recommendations set

up for 'lam jnitallations systena' refered to rhulti=storey building or wher e

rainwater usaie is big and small installation' is refered to single/double storey
terrace or stand aloribbuilding or where the rainwater usage is small .
The system consists of a 'collection system' alad the 'utilization 'system'. If
there is constraints budget, space requitement, difficulty in renovation o f
pipes in existing buildings to supply rainwater for toilet flushing, the owne r
can install only a collection system, with a tap outlet attached to the rainwater
storage tank and supply to places of use can be from a bucket or watering ca n
be directly or through a hose connected to it.
.
Thus use the recommendations to suit the individual needs.

ELEMENTS OF RAINWATER CalECTION AID

UTILIZATKN SYSTEM

2.0 ELEMENTS OF THE RAINWATER COLLECTION AND

UTILIZATION SYSTEM
The main components and elements in the rainwater collection system arc :2 .1 The Collection Are a
1. Individual rooftop of house or building .
2. Communal catchment *
- directly from the sky.
- surface run-off from large paved area .
2 .2 Conveyance Syste m
1 . Series of gutters that carry the rainwater from the collection area to th e
cistern/ storage tank .
2.3, Storage Facility
1. Constructed as part of a house or building.
2. Constructed/ installed-separately on the ground or under the ground .
3. Storage tanks or storage facility of creative design.

2.4 The Distribution Systern

1 . The plumbing system (including pumps if necessary) supplyin g
rainwater to the,pl ace of use .
Basic elements of a rainwater collection and utilization system with storag e
facility is shown in Fig. 1 .

-This is not dealt with in this guidelines .

TABLE I : AVERAGE pH OF RAINWATER IN KUAL A

LUMPUR & PETAL[NG JAYA FOR 1998 .
(pH 7 :, NEUTRAL, pH <-7z ACIDIC)

Station
Kuala
Lumpur

Petaling
Jaya

January

4.6

4.50

February

4.4

3 .99

March

4.8

4.24

April

4.6

4.3 0

May

4 .5

4.0 1

June

4.5

4.3 8

4.5

4.3 0

Month

July

August

4.6

4.36 '

4.3

4 .53

October

4.4

4.80

November

4.5

4 :63

December

4.7

4.77

' .. .Septet i`ber'

..

3 .4 QUALITY OF RAINY ATER

3.1 GENERAL
1.

The quality of rainwater depends on the air quality. Rain washes off suspended
particles in the air while falling . Rain in urban areas contain harmful substance s
such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides discharges from cars and factories ,
and acid rain is the result of these in the air .

2.

The parameter 'pH' is used for measure of the acidity in rainwater . (pH 7 =
neutral, the lower the number, the more acidic the water) .

3.

From records of rain stations, collected in Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya fo r
1998, the pH value of the rain is between 4 .4 to 4.8. (Table .1)

3 .2 RAINWATER AND ROOF COLLECTIO N

The quality of rainwater collected from the roof of buildings depends on th e
condition of the roof. Dirt, soot, leaves and excreta of cats and birds are
deposited on or attached to roofs causing contamination . Contamination i s
expecially heavy with the first raindrops after a long dry spell .
2. The first flash. rainwater must be eliminated from the catchment before it i s
colleetcl . (refer to 4.2).

.33 RECOMMENDED USAGE OF RAINWAT t .

1. The quality of rainwater is determined by the collecting source . , Rainwate r
collected from roofs of buildings should not be used for drinking and cookin g
purposes.
2.

Rainwater collected should therefore be used for the following purposes :i)
ii)
iii)
iv)

Flushing toilets
Watering plants
Washing vehicles
General cleaning

DEVICE FOR SEPARATING FIRST FLASH RAINWATER

Rairtwatcr
. downpipe

Riinvva 1 9.

tank

Inlet pipe

-- First Rash
apara lion pipe
(air) IO2nm drat
15eemm

Overtbw pipe to drain

Fig 2 : Using separation pipe

Dripping
but flow

4.0 TECHNOLoGFES FOR RAINWATER UTIL1ZAT M

System to collect, store and use ,
The technology to operate a rainwater collection and utilization system is made up o f
the following functional techniques :. .1 .

Collecting rainwater from roofs .

2.

Cutting off contaminated rainwater when rain starts .

3.

Draining excess rainwater in heavy rain .

4.

Storing rainwater in tom .

5.

Supplying rainwater to the place of use .

6.

Using treated water in times of shortage .

This chapter mainly deals with crucial point of each functional technique in
rainWater utilization for :1.

Bungalows

2.

Terrace :hoilse

3.

Multi-storeyed buildin g

4 .1 COLLECTING RAINWATER FROM ROOF

4.1.1 Roo f

The roof of buildings are resources for rainwater catchment . Ensure the larges t
possible area for rainwater catchment .
'.1.2 Roof Surface s
Roof surfaces should be chemically inert materials, such as concrete tiles, meta l
deck.. . . in order to avoid adverse effects on water quality.
1 .3 Rainwater Down-Pip e
Downpipes should be of chemically inert materials such as uPVC, galvanised iron i n
order to avoid adverse effects on water quality.

DEIIIC T4~ .

T F 9T

l;Jsi

PRO

atpn tank

Fig 4: Lin overflow pipe & pressure

rrAlief :pips .

IN

4:2 ELIMINATING . CONTAMINATED FIRST FLASH RAINWATER

4.2 .1 General
1.

Rain washesoff suspended particles in the air while falling.

2 . Rain in urban areas contain harmful substances such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen
oxides emitted from cars and factories.
Dirt and soot containing harmful substances are deposited on or attached to roofs
causing contamination.
4.

5.

Contamination is especially heavy with the first xaindro

r along dry spell.

Thus. first . ash rainwater - for 5 to 10 minutes' m st be eliminated from~catchment

u

4.2.2 Device to sepaar ;te. :r Iash rainwater.

1, Install a small first flash separation tank at the downpipe as shown in Fig .3.
2.

Rainwater foils into the small tank first and when the tank is full, . a float valv e
installed in the small tank closes the inlet of the tank and the running rainwater flows
into the main rainwater storage tank.

3 . Empty the first. flash separation tank before the next rainfall.
Another method to separate first flash rainwater using separation pipe is shown i n
Fig.2.
4.3 DRAINING EXCESS RAINWATER IN HEAVY RAIN

4.3.1 Genera l
1.

When a great amount of rainwater gushes into a storage tank through a rainwate r
collecting pipe in heavy rain, soil and sand accumulated at the bottom are stirred u p
and this can cause equipment trouble .

2. The excess water during heavy rain will also overflow .

1.3 .2 Protecting rainwater utilization facilities during heavy rain . (Fig. 4)
1.

An overflow pipe shall be installed in the tank.

2.

The diameter of the overflow pipe should be larger than that of the rainwater inlet pipe .

3.

A short pipe for relieving the pressure of the collecting pipe should be attached to th e
vertical part of the collecting pipe to prevent abnormal pressure from being produce d
inside.

INTERCEPTIN3 OBSTACLE S

Fig 6: Net et gutte r

Fig 5: Npt at roof drain

Calridge filter

Overfbw
pipe

Overflow
ffKPe

Rainwater
storage tank

getrahir):6st6.houk
Rainwater
$10ra.ge" tank

Fig 8: Strainer in rainwater

down pipe

Fig 7: Filter in rainwater

down pipe

11

4.4 INTERCEPTING OBSTACLES USING FILTERS STRAINERS, AND NETS .

4,4S General
1 . Leaves, dirt or sand gathering around roof or gutter pollute rainwater .
Frequent cleaning is not practical for this uppermost part of the house o r
building.
Cartridge-Filters, Strainer And Nets
To prevent leaves, dirt or sand .coming together into the downpipe and into th e
rainwater tank :1. Install a ready-made cartridge filter or strainer just before the rainwater enter s
the storage tank. (Fig 7 & Fig 8)
2. Cartridge filters should be replaced regularly.
Strainer should be made of rust proof material to prevent the deterioration o f
water quality and be designed to be easily removable .
Ordinary net mesh or stainless mesh can be used at roof drairr and gutter . (Fig. 5
& Fig. 6)
A net. or screen mesh of 2-3 to 10mm is suitable .
.. A stra .ner or a cartridge filter installed just. b ffQr the rainwater enters th e
storage tank snakes removal of obstacles coil&

Any vessel' or 'Container used as a rainwater storage tank shall comply wit h
following conditions :No leakage
2.

Made of material that contains no ingredients that could dissolve in rainwater ,

thus contaminating it and that is sunproof to prevent algae from growing .

3.

It must have a lid to prevent dirt and vapourization and is designed so that th e
inside can be easily cleaned.

to drain

Fig 9 : Details at storage tank

TABLE 2 : RECOMMENDED STORAGE CAPAC

1.Terrace hous e
2. Bungalow
3. Multi-storey
building

1800
. Depends on typ e
of building

fi
4.5 .2 Material Of Storage Tank .

1.

Ready ,made rainwater tanks in markets can be used .

2.

Tank material can be hot dipped galvanised steel, stainless steel, glassfibr e

reinforced plastic, reinforced concrete and polyethylene:

Design Of Storage Tank . (Fig. 9)
All rainwater tank should include as an minimum requiremen t
1.

A solid-secure cover.

2.

A overflow pipe larger in diameter than the incoming rainwater supply pipe.

3.

A scour pipe and valve fo drainag e

An extraction system e .g tap or pump.

idev

`to, indicatethe water level in the tank (optional) .

4..5 .4 Recommended Storage Capacity .

1.

Recommended minimum storage capacity fot .some buildings is given . in

Table 2 .

2.

The minimum storage capa ity .is based on use of -rainwater usage for toilet
..iltishing, .watering plants, washing vehicles and general cleaning.

3. . It is

based

on the location having rain once every 4 days on the average .

4.

Existing . structures may.

storage tanks
.

5.

A larger storage tank is not necessarily beneficial as shortage of rainwater ca n

be. supplemented by treated water.

se

difficult to ensure a place for a large rainwate r

SUPPLYING RAINWATER TO PLACE OF USE . ..

Rainwater
Storagelank .

Supply
pipe
Toilet

Wet.

Fig:10 : Roof tank. (Gravity supply)

Rainwater
Storage tank

Fig. 12: Ground level tnk (Pump supply)

4.6 SUPPLYING RAINWATER TO PLACE OF USE

4.6.1 Genera l
The system of supplying rainwater to place of use depends on the place o f
installation of tank or storage faeility .
For tanks installed at :4.6. Rooftops (Balconies Or Roof-Terrace )
Rainwater storage tanks/ facility installed either in roof tops (including balconie s
or roof-terrace), it is possible to supply the water to toilets by gravity . (Fig,10)
4 .6.3 Under The Roof (Above The Ceiling) .
The simple purpose of collecting and utilizing rainwater is to install the storage
facility/ tank under the roof and it is posible to supply water to lower level/ floor s
by gravity . There maybe a restriction on the tank size due to space . The structur e
of the building needs to be checked to ensure that it is sufficently adequate to tak e
the weight of the water .
4.6.4 . Ground Level And Underground Level .
If the storage tank is . installed on the ground level, in the garden or underground ,
: .. it is necessary .to pump water to :supply it to upper levels/ floors . (Fig 11 & 12)
.5 Rainwater Plumbing System

1.

The rainwater pipe supplying to ,place of use.should be a separate pipin g

system from the treated water piping system to prevent contamination of th e
treated. water.

2.

Paint the rainwar.supply pipe for easy identification.

:46.6 Pump s
1, For small installations, pneumatic, ., pumps may suffice . However for larg e
i:ostallations centrifugal pumps or end seaiioti pumps maybe used.
Consult an experienced plumber or an engineer for advice if in 'doubt befor e
installing the pumping system .

4 .7 USING TREATED WATER IN TIMES :OF RAIL WATER SHORTAG E

4.7.1 Genera l
When rainwater is used for flushing, toilets become unusable when the rainwater tan k
runs out of water . It is necessary to use treated water from the treated water suppl y
system, when there is no rain .

PREVENTION OF MOSQUITO BREEDIN G

To prevent the breeding of mosquitoes, the following are recommended :The raiiiwater is recommended to be used regularly and replenished often a s
mosqgitp ;larvae will not hatch in tank if it is used regularly.
Use the r' ainwater instead of treated water whem ier rainwater is available.
. 3.. -During period of dry weather, the rainwater tai will be empty, the remainin g
stagnant water should be drained out completely ;
4 . lithe rg.trater is kept for . several days, it is advisable to use `Abate-I-SG' t o
Pre-Veh the breeding of mosquitoes . Recommended dosage,. should be 10gm
` Ahate4 ,:SG' for every 90 litre of water .
The overflow pipe only has water running Ira: it during rainfall and it ca n
he a Yei4te for mosquitoes to enter the rainwater . storage tank. Putting a net over
The outlet of and overflow pipe will prevent their invasion. (Fig . 13)

3:

18

MULTI-STOREY BULDIJG

Elevated Rak i
Tarn
=

6F
Rainwater Downpipo

5F
Pressure-to
m
Valve

Rainwater Supply
Pipe
4F

Rainwater SI

p
IF

Pump

Rainwater Tan k

Fig 15: Water supply from Elevated

Rainwater Tank

5.0
5.1

MULTI-STOREY BUILDIN G
Definition
1. Multi-storey buildings refer to buildings other than single/ double store y
terrace building or bunglows .
2.

5.2

:Multi-storey buildings maybe an office-bleck, a commercial complex, a n

institutional .building or a medium/ high rise housing complex.

Rainwater Collection And Utilizatio n

1.

Generally the technologies of=rainwater collection and utilization is similar t o

single/double storey terrace house and bunglows.

2.

Rainwater .colleeti i. .:and utilization in these buildings usually have limite d

catchment areas, .storage places and storage capacity if not so designed for .
5.3

Roof Catchmen t
1.

For flat-root check if there is a cooling tower or an elevated tank on th e

building r000p, .
2.

The cooling tower discharges salt-rich water into the rainwater downpipe an d
the water -drained from the elevated tank into the rainwater downpipe (if ther e
is no separate drainage downpipe from the tank) is contaminated by cleanin g
chemicals. (Fig. 14)

3 . Ensure that during and after cleaning, the ste water from the cooling tower
or elevated water tank is drained through a separate drainage downpipe or else ,
the rainwater collected is not recoinrt nnded for toilet flushing .
Collecting Rainwater
The simplest and the most reasonable .method for collection of rainwater is from the
bottom of a nearby rainwater downpipe into a storage tank installed where rainwate r
is used .
Rainwater Storage Tank/Facilit y
The rainwater storage tank/facility is normally installed on the ground, undergroun d
or under the floor of the lowest level because of its large facility .

suPPly P ; Po from
rainwater . tank/
break tank

wor Fipa
to drain

' . . . .ater tdrik' With

Rg .16: Rainw'
electrode rod C70i

rainwater inlet .Ripe

Fig 17: it chamber

21

: :

Nltd ags f renovation of pipes and pipe system is not easy and costly ,
; ;n e:used for car washing, garbage collection area cleaning, and plan t

For A

raitm
w

Ctintminated ,First Flash Rainwate r

Eli h

The 5
y' in multi-storey building can store a large amount of rainwater ,
first flash rainwater represents only a small portion . In such installations, first flash
raixi.w ta:be lift. in the stottge tank.

5.8

Ratiowofir For Toilet Flushing

1. i

t l fcli"t let fl t uri,'is `I~easible for new buildings where the roof area,
e places, stage"capacity and the rainfall plumbing system are designe d

2,

im t ie rah whtet tank on the ground/underground to a n

t rl t tlk

supplied to toilet facilities at each floor by an elevate d

talk by gravity .
i'& arz electrode rod is installed to start or stop the pump when th e
ItiPINtiAlTv- Inater tank at'the ground or.Ninnthe ,, elevated rainwater tank .falls
tua certain point or when the level in the elevated takis full. (Fig . 16)
,: . a_
. I ig

pipe if the water

resswre-r 4ucing valve o`tl .,nwater sup

. I t1 s a typidal water supply from an elev.atgd rat

, 9vvaiir Vic, :,' .:.

rYAll .tWiAM''.0gyateiL.Rainw ateera nk

Tu
. Iii

.4 .
40al

and struetur&are ba i ll} the" same pis" fifios pr-treated water .

U ing-Trccated Water-In T4ines, Of ShOrt-g e

It is neces
use tredled water from the treated water supply In, times of
shortage Of rainwater or;'when there is no rain .

~'': :~ `

~:

if '

' :

'
.

SED1N1ENTATKJN TANKS '

file t
tips

Overflow pipe
To rainwater
storage tank

Fig 18 . Ground-level-sedimentation

tank

Rainwater Si .

limper Prevents,
the inflow of .
Rainwater from
st'rrirg up
Sediment

r1

Sedimentatio n
- Ta-hR

WLV

i<Y

- --- StorageT .ar

-

------------ -

Water yv=

ryy .
- -["7 eom
Sediment is --^~ 711
easily removed
= r.%K

-
---------------r

Pump inlet
above the Ix
to prevent th
pumping up
sedimant

bping
Bottom

opet Wised
B

odor, of
Inflow
Sediment

Fig 19: Sedimentation tank incorporated

in rainwater storage tank

Easy to cleat

5 .11 Grit Chamber & Sedimentation Tank .(Optional)

1.

For large rainwater tank, a grit chamber and a sedimentation tank are ofte n
incorporated into a rainwater storage system to remove soil and sand fro m
rainwater.

2.

They are designed to use only the clear layer at the top of the water by settlin g
soil and sand . in the grit chamber and suspended particles in the sedimentatio n
tank by gravity .

3.

A grit chamber is installed before a sedimentation tank, is generally designe d

to retain rainwater for 30 to 60 seconds . (Fig. 17) .
The storage time for suspended particles to 'settle slowly is. generally 2 to 3
hours depending on the kind of suspended particles.

5.

For a rainwater tithe, caja ity less than 10 ni' only a sedimentation tank i s
required.

Fig. 18 shows a typical ground i i`eycl sedimentation tank.

ec riicaUPoints To. Be Co n; deZr; ;1Qr,. ;,at'ge RainW- tter, tprage Tank

5.12.'

:Prevention of trash fO
2.

fiawig into-tanks, use screen:

Prevention oi;:seslifne} ci iissv. gait chanabertha

1mentation tank.

. 3 . Prevention of pumping up sediment, use barrier wall .

4: Reinbval ol` ' sediirient, use a drain pipe with valve . at the bottom of tank ,
sloping the bottom`Qf t h e t a n k , mt.ela t.and access,:, ; ;
5 . P..zev&ration of rainwater in heavy rain from . gushing in .and stirring sediment,
have a bumper made of a artificial turf-like material just :below the rainwate r
inlet .
Fig . 19 shows a typical sedimentation tank incorporated in a rainwater tank .

.. :

TABLE 3 : PLAN TO MAINTAIN RAINWATER UTILIZATION

FACILITIES
.

lx I year

Cleaning
internal
1 - 5 years

2x /-year

1 - 5 years

Ix / year

'1 - 3 years

dirt, etc
Sedimentation Cheek and removal . 2x / year
tank
of sediment and dirt

1 - 3 years

Elements
Roof
Gutter/
,downpipe
. Screen

Contents Of Check
Removal of leaves
bird excretal etc
Removal of leaves
. . bird excreta/ leaks

, Removal dfleaves

3:
Rainwater
tank
Pump

- ditto Unusual operation

Period

2x / year
2ic I year

1-.5 years
-

6.0

MAINTENANCE OF T1 1E RAINYtIATER .UTILgAXION -Ii'AC`

TIES .

Maintenance of the rainwater utilization equipment is very .. important for the

collection, storage and use of clean water.
The ,falloWhtg ate'as should bd carried out during the periQdiclea .,ning of the system.
6.1

.Catchment area
Trash and animal excreta in d'atc'hment areas incluciiai root' must be cleaned off
regularly t o fe Ye n sitiwtipil 'clo tgg.

6 .2

Sedimentation Tank

In the o,#- rainy season, sedimentation tanks s c id be cleaze completely . For

'ground -Io HA
T' .n a taii'k's; ' sdiriient . is temove
ain,pipe at the bottom
. .ofstartle

: 18)

Filter / Screen
Sand an.. ash-tat 'bj''niters/idie' t should be removed and cleaned regularly .
+ . ,'

IttiltMifOrite.1 'Age

me '

ji

'1 Ci . . :i~+' sc.i .F : . .,l r - .

should be conducted when sediment is removed. The inside should b e

cleaned . Thorough maintenance of the catchment areas, sedimentation tank/filter /
:screens can reduce the frequency of.inside cleaning.
l0si4ii. checks

6,5 Rainwater supply equipment

Make sure that mecha r aal devices such as pumps are working normally by checkin g
at least every three months . .Other :devices should undergo a check about every six
inonth'aild' aintained in the -same way as treated Water equipment .
Table .3 : Shows a recommended plan to maintain the Rainwater Utilizatio n
Facilities

7.0 CREATIVE DESIGN OF RAINWATER STORAGE FACILIT Y

7 .1 . Genera l

7.2

1.

One of the difficult problem in promoting rainwater collecting and utilization a t

single/double storey terrace house is securing rainwater storage space for a
large volume of rainwater.

2.

In existing houses, buying a ready-made rainwater tank and place it in th e

gardens or on the side of house entrance or the back often is objectionable to th e
owners as it is not aesthetically pleasing .

Creative Design
1.

Rainwater storage facility can be designed (using architectural techniques) as a

architecttral feature or landscape feature aesthetically .to blend with the
surrounding environment .

2.

Appendix 'A' gives some examples of creative designs of rainwater storag e

facility in place of storage tank that is aesthetically pleasing .

3.

These ideas are to encourage owners as well as, architects tO spawn new,
practical, creative and innovative ideas in designing rainwater storage facility a s
a 'work of art'.

AI RAINWA TANK USING COLUMNS .

A1(a : AESTHETIC TREAMENT OF

RAINWATER TANK USING COLUMNS . .

A1(b) : AESTHETIC TREAMENT OF

RAINWATER TANK USING COLUMNS .

A2 : RAI AMR TANK USIN G

PAIIIITION WALL FENCING

A3 ; RAINWAIER TAW . AS A Li

!At'E ELEMENT

APPEC

DATA,.
Builcllry : Terrace House
Rainwater tees Toilet flushingplan t
wabsringwashirg
rainwater catchment : Roof-leenY2
Rainwater sir :rage tank WOO litres

Bl : RAINWATER COLLECTION AND UTILIZATION SYSTEM 'FO R

TANK AT FIRST LEVEL WITH GRAVrTY SUPPLY


.0ii.womess,rdwaswpe

l:tenuTA.
eu
:r ,l

. ." .
e.am...*wriftmefi**.w.sawisam0twaNtsia
,maigintair

NiNeifwa.ftrOm

.RP.tr.0tifoft.iso

zTeirece I ..buse

Fortip:w otge.-o-qup
tenromesh
t
f),ng
trt,
FeOmwittec .catchrrItht

:.Fbof-e2rn2

TS**. slcsme- lank 1I25: IikWgrd)

720-Ebtegi
1125 litres troon

B2 : RAINWATER COLLECTION ANDUTILIZATION SYSTEM FOR TANK ON

GROUND LEVEL, PUMPING & ROOF TANK GRAVITY SUPPLY
CO

DATA.
Bungalow

Ralhwater uses : Toilet tk~shtng pan t

vrateri g,wash"A
Agin cater satdrnant trot-125m2
Rainwater stage tank : 2250 litres (tndergrou
1125 litres G'oofl

'!ON AND UTILIZATION SYSTEM FOR UNDERGROUN D

B3 : RAINWATER
TAIL PUMPING & ROOF TANK GRAVITY SUPPLY

Ej