RWC Rainwater Harvesting System

RainWater Cambodia

A rainwater harvesting system for household and community use.

Snapshot
Manufacturing & delivery
Performance & use
Research & standards
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Product description Brand name and product description

The RWC Rainwater Harvesting System is a product by RainWater Cambodia (RWC), established in 2004 with the technical assistance of Engineers Without Borders Australia. The product allows for the collection and storage of water for household and institutional use, for use in Cambodian dry seasons. Manufacturing is based in Cambodia.

Target region(s) Target region for distribution/implementation (listed by country if specified)

Cambodia

Distributors/implementing organizations Organization(s) distributing/deploying this product directly to communities/individuals?"

This product is implemented by RWC

Market suggested retail price Price per unit or service price per usage/terms (USD). Subsidies noted.

1,500 USD

Competitive landscape Similar products available on the market. May not be a comprehensive listing.

Other rainwater harvesting systems such as the Warka Tower

SDG targeted United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targeted with this product/application/service

Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation

Target user(s) Target user/consumer base (country, income segment)

Target users include persons in rural households and institutions for which groundwater is not a safe option.

Manufacturing/building method(s) Detail regarding solution production or construction method (instructions, mass production capacity, custom made,etc...)

The product is manufactured in-country with local and imported parts. The product is not mass-produced and relies on funding from stakeholders. Gutters of approximately 8 x 5 m are installed on the house. The foundation for which the collection “Jumbo Jars” is to be placed is leveled and reinforced with stones and concrete. The Jars are created by placing clay on a steel frame. This is left to dry for two days then coated in cement. The clay is then removed. Piping is connected to jars and gutters.

Full details of the building method employed can be viewed in the RWC Design Brief.

Product Intellectual Property Open source/IP protected (note patent)/trade secret/other?

Open-source ^{interview with a representative}

User Provision Model Where can the product be purchased/acquired by end users?

Areas within the target regions are scoped for appropriateness for implementation. RWC, Cambodian Rural Development Team, and Engineers Without Borders work together with the community to select beneficiaries. This selection process for users to acquire the product depends on the target area’s performance and the type of beneficiaries in need of the product. Target area performance conditions include a needed space of 5 x 8 m and a roof that can harvest rainwater. The selected conditions for beneficiaries might include users living in hard to access water source (river, pond, well), poor and vulnerable group, elder/disability people, users that have high responsibility on operation and maintenance, users with a clean record, women as a family leader, users that could contribute some material (sand, gravel, labor), and users not living in a flood-prone area.

Distribution to date Number of units that have been deployed, downloads or users to date

Since the establishment in 2004, it is estimated that over 400,000 people have access to drinking water through rainwater harvesting. This is based on installments of systems in over 2,800 households and over 290 institutions. There have been 8 installations of this particular product since 2017.^{interview with representative}

Fields marked are sourced values that have been evaluated by the manufacturer or a third party, all others are design specifications.

Water source

Source that the water is harvested from (e.g. fog, rain collection, etc.)

Rainwater

Water produced (L/hr)

Rate of water collected, measured in liters per hour

Unknown

Catchment size (cubic meters)

Size of the collection mechanism (m³)

1.6 m³

Energy requirement (kWh)

Energy required to operate this system (kWh or N/A)

None

Description of integrated water treatment

First flush

Built-in storage capacity (L)

Integrated water storage, measured in liters

24,000 m³

Required environmental conditions

List of necessary environmental conditions for operation

1400 mm to 3500 mm annually

Design specifications Component and Operation overview including power, portability, facility requirements, preventative maintenance and user training requirements

The rainwater harvesting system consists of a collection system, and a storage and distribution system. The collection system components include roof, guttering, first-flush diversion system, and PVC piping. The storage and distribution system consists of 8 tanks of 3000 L capacity, PVC piping, and taps. Both taps contain screens to reduce contaminants entering the system. There is also a first-flush system between the guttering and the pipes leading to the tanks.

The tanks are connected by underground pipes, 34 x 8 x 4 cm. There are drains located at either end of the foundation, one for wastewater and another for general use. Concrete caps sit atop the Jars.

Product schematics Design and assembly illustrations

Technical support Technical support provided by

Technical support is provided by RainWater Cambodia. Manuals for use and maintenance accompany the product on point of purchase, additionally, local masons contact details are provided.

Replacement components Availability of replacement components (in-country, by order,...)

Replaceable components include screens, taps, and valves.

Lifecycle Disposal and warranty

10-15 years

Manufacturer specified performance targets Designer / Manufacturer specified targets

No specified performance targets.^{Interview with representative}

Vetted performance Findings of manufacturer evaluations or independent testing centers

Testing to be conducted in late 2020.^{Interview with representative}

Testing organizations Independent lab, academic research centers, etc.

Engineers Without Borders has developed a guide for project evaluation to be used by RainWater Cambodia.

Safety Potential hazards / risks related to operation of this product

Collection gutters must be kept free of debris to ensure the system is able to function. Correct maintenance and cleaning of screens are necessary for the system to function correctly.

Complementary technical systems Performance of this product is improved with another technology (eg. Cookstoves and Wind-blocking skirts)

Water harvested from the rainwater system can be further treated by the use of secondary filtration technology such as ceramic filters.

Academic research Academic research related to the product (e.g. published papers in peer-reviewed journals)

Pheng, K., et al., 2017, Sustainability of rainwater harvesting systems in rural Cambodia. OzWater Conference.

Pheng, K., Keo, K V., 2014, Rainwater harvesting formalisation for rural Cambodia, 27th WEDC International Conference.

Compliance with regulations Product certifications and standards referenced by designer/manufacturer

None

Evaluation methods Evaluation methods/protocols/guidelines referenced by designer or manufacturer.

Testing and evaluation to be undertaken in late 2020, no evaluation methods currently used.^{interview with representative}

Other information

RainWater Cambodia regularly updates their Facebook page with current project developments.

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Snapshot