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EG Partner: Rainwater Harvesting & Management


Class
Nissa Coit
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Rainwater harvesting is a term used to describe the collection, storage, and use of rainwater as close to where it falls as possible. The design of a rainwater harvesting system seeks to mimic the healthy ecosystems that naturally infiltrate water into the ground, so that it can continue its cycle through different forms of life unimpeded. In this course, we will discuss the benefits of rainwater harvesting, harvesting methods, and the major components of these systems. This course will serve as a guide to design your own collection system, whether at home, for use in your organoponic, or for your farm or garden.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Plenitud PR's program, Agua Segura (Water Security), has raised awareness about simple and affordable technologies in passive and active water harvesting that can increase and maintain access to clean and drinkable water.  The information in this course on Rainwater Harvesting and Management is inspired and informed by the Agua Segura program. You will learn the basics of how to build these systems in your own community by using a combination of recordings, articles, and activity sheets. You will explore the science behind the water system, the politics of water distribution, the importance of water to ways of life, practical, step-by-step instructions on how to build your own active and passive water catchment systems, and how to safely filter and use the water you harvest in everyday life, as well as in emergency situations.

Learning Objectives

  • Explain the importance and types of water collection systems.
  • Design passive water collection systems for enhancing soil health and food production systems.
  • Install active water collection systems to supply human activities and consumption.
  • Describe water quality and how to filter water during an emergency situation.

This course was created through and is part of :

 

COURSE-AT-A-GLANCE

The topical overview of the course below provides an early taste of what you can expect as you embark on this learning journey. To view a full description of each lesson, toggle to the 'Lessons' tab at the top of this screen.

  • Module 1 - What are Water Collection Systems?
  • Module 2 - Design of Passive Water Systems
  • Module 3 - Design of Active Water Systems
  • Module 4 - Basics of Filtration and Water Quality

                AUDIENCE

                This course is suited for:

                • Those who grow at a smaller scale, either in commercial or domestic enterprises.
                • Those who are either coping with heavy, scarce, or uneven rains
                • People who are hoping to better understand how water functions on their landscapes
                • People who are hoping to use their water resources more effectively and efficiently, or understand the nuance of their water resources
                • People who are looking for hands-on and practical building projects
                • Any type of grower who is struggling with water, looking for low-tech and low-cost interventions, and short on time can learn a lot in only a little time with minimal commitment. It’s an invaluable resource that they should at least have in their back pocket.

                COURSE FEE

                The total cost for this course is $149 USD.  This fee includes the cost of course tuition and materials. Participants will be granted access to course materials for one (1) year. 

                COURSE DEVELOPER - Plenitud PR

                This course was developed collaboratively by Plenitud Puerto Rico, a 501c3 non-profit educational farm and teaching center dedicated to service, sustainability, and community.

                Through service, we find our greatest joy by giving equal value to the needs of others. Through sustainability, we help each other be more resilient and prepared for increasing global challenges, while minimizing our impact on Mother Earth. And through community, we see how much stronger we are together, unified in our shared purpose. We ground all of our programs and initiatives in this mission. 

                Our work helps facilitate the skills, knowledge, and inspiration needed to encourage inner growth and to live in harmony with ourselves, each other, and the natural world. More specifically, we aspire to help people acquire skills in sustainable technologies that can help them serve their communities in the areas of food, housing and water security, which we practice by organizing a variety of educational experiences. 

                DISCLAIMER: Course descriptions on this webpage are for informational purposes only. Content may be updated or changed as planning evolves. Sterling College reserves the right to alter the program specifics, including details about course content, instructors, collaborations, field trips, facilities and pricing, at any time without notice. 

                Here is the class outline:

                Course Introduction

                Rainwater harvesting is a term used to describe the collection, storage, and use of rainwater as close to where it falls as possible. The design of a rainwater harvesting system seeks to mimic the healthy ecosystems that naturally infiltrate water into the ground, so that it can continue its cycle through different forms of life unimpeded. In this course, we will discuss the benefits of rainwater harvesting, harvesting methods, and the major components of these systems. This course will serve as a guide to design your own collection system, whether at home, for use in your organoponic, or for your farm or garden.

                What are Water Collection Systems?

                Water is a fundamental resource for life. In this module, we will describe what water access means, why it is important, and some present day challenges. We will also reflect on how water access impacts human and environmental health, food production and social justice, as well as presenting how water is stored and distributed for human activities and consumption.

                Design of Passive Water Systems

                Passive rainwater harvesting is essential for environmental health. It can help replenish groundwater and replenish soil health, reduce excess runoff and prevent landslides, it can even help us grow food by irrigating crops passively! In this module, we will discuss the basic principles and types of these systems.

                Design of Active Water Systems

                Active water systems are essential for harvesting rainwater for human consumption. In this module, we will describe in depth the components of an active rainwater management system and how to assemble a simple system in your own home.

                Basics of Filtration and Water Quality

                Before water makes its way to our cups and bodies, it passes through many different surfaces- like roofs, gutters and pipes. While making its way to us, it can also pick up dirt and germs that can make us sick. In this module, we will give an overview of different contaminants that can be found in water and different methods that can be used to make water safer for human consumption.