Rainwater Harvesting Technology

Collapsible rubber tanks for rainwater harvesting

The collapsible rubber tanks is a foldable and flexible geotextile fabric-made tank. This is an alternative to the common rainwater collection facilities that are rigid, require space, and can be considered expensive.

Climate Adaptation Effectiveness

The estimated surface runoff for Barangay La Mesa was 264,473.33 m3/day. Currently, it has 2,545 households and a total population of 11,836. Assuming that the barangay would collect 10% of the total runoff, the amount of rainwater that could be harvested would have a volume of 26,447.33 m3/day. Using the basic water requirement of 120 liters/ capita/day (Philippine Environment Monitor, 2003), the volume of rainwater collected can sustain 220,394 people for a day. With this, the total population of Barangay La Mesa can be sustained for 18 days even without using the piped system. This was computed by dividing 264,473.33 m3/day by the population requirement of 1420.32 m3/day at 10% collection.

Climate Hazards

  • Drought
  • ENSO
  • Extreme Rainfall
  • Rain-Induced Flooding
  • Tropical Cyclone

Locations

  • Calamba City, Laguna, Region IV-A (CALABARZON)

Adaptation Sectors

  • Urban
  • Water Management

CCET Instuments

  • Action Delivery

Target Group based on Vulnerability

Basic Sectors:
  • Individuals residing in urban areas

Evaluations

Economic / Financial Effectiveness
Mid

The cost of the locally fabricated CRT with a minimum capacity of 600 liters ranges from PhP 3,500-5,000 (mat and frame not yet included). According to a hardware, the price of a stainless steel tank with a capacity of 800-1,000 liters is between PhP 15,000- 19,000, while the price of a polyethylene tank with a capacity of 600 liters is at least PhP 8,200. The fabrication cost of CRT is cheaper compared to the cost of rigid tanks. However, proper comparison in terms of life span and durability cannot be concluded yet, as the locally fabricated CRT is still under test and research. However, it can be noted that rigid tanks can be used from 8 to 14 years and based on the experiences of long-time users abroad, CRTs have a warranty of approximately 5 years (Portable Tanks, 2014). It is important to consider certain factors that affect the lifespan of a tank, mainly: fabrication materials, application, environment, and external influences such as temperature and exposure to heat. The recommended average water use in the Philippines is 120 liters/capita/day (Philippines Environment Monitor, 2003). Assuming that the average number of household members is five, the monthly consumption of a household is 18,000 liters or 18 m3 on the average. The cost of the first 10 m3 is PhP 183 and PhP 19.20/ m3 for the succeeding 10 m3. The water consumption cost is PhP 336.60 (2% tax included). With this current water rate in Calamba City, monetary savings from using the collapsible tank is minimal.

Technical Feasibility
Mid

The RWH system is relatively simple to use and potential users can easily be trained on how to install the tanks. In determining the size of the CRT, information on average annual rainfall, roof catchment size, installation area, and water demand were necessary. Aside from the CRT, the house should have a gutter and spout. There should be some space to install the CRT. The developers of the CRT still need to improve the tank design, durability, use of locally available materials, filtration system, water quality assessment, and application in agriculture, emergency and relief operations.

Social Acceptability
High

This technology was pilot tested in 12 households. When asked whether they would still use the CRT if available commercially, the co-operators gave a generally favorable and positive response. Since the CRT is covered, entry of dengue-carrier mosquitoes was prevented and breeding in the tanks was reduced, if not stopped. As a result, the project was endorsed by the barangay officials and the pilot-testing of the CRT in the area was readily welcomed by the residents as an alternative to their usual water containers.

Environmental Impact
Mid (+)

It lessens water run-off and reduces the amount of groundwater being extracted.

Mitigation co-benefit

Keywords

drought, rainwater harvesting, rubber tank, collapsible

References