Optional Assignment: Rainfall Harvesting 101

OPTIONAL - WORTH (2) HOURS CREDIT

Rainfall harvesting is growing in popularity. While the concept is easy, there is a lot to consider when it comes to selecting a cistern (or tank), knowing where to place it, and understanding all of the extra components needed to make it function properly.

In this optional assignment, you will watch a recorded video lecture and answer the following questions. To receive (2) hours credit, copy and paste answers onto the online quiz (link below).

Download Video Recording Link:

https://tamu-cs.webex.com/tamu-cs/lsr.php?RCID=f0905e14d1ceaecdc2ce1f254d5e276c 

Link to MP4 file:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1G5IFwOfms0TT6S9SSyIzmgMH0QrP9672/view?usp=sharing 

Online Quiz Link: 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2QXCYDP 

QUIZ QUESTIONS:

1. Your Name

2. On average, what percentage of water consumed in a home is used outdoors?

a. 20-30%

b. 60-70%

c. 80-90%

3. This U.S. president installed four cisterns at his Monticello home.

a. George Washington

b. John Adams

c. Thomas Jefferson

4. Why is rain water preferable for plants, pipes, and appliances in comparison to treated surface water or groundwater?

5. How many gallons of water can be collected from a 1-inch rain event falling over a 2,500 square foot area footprint?

a. 1,500 gallons

b. 2,500 gallons

c. 3,500 gallons

6. On average, how many gallons of water can be collected from your roof in the month of May? Show work. [Hint: Look up average rainfall for May in your area, and estimate roof footprint (in square feet).]

7. Name two important things to consider when deciding where to place a cistern.

8. What methods can be used to keep contaminants from entering a cistern?

9. Why are dark-colored tanks preferred to clear or light-colored cisterns?

10. What is the total weight of a 300 pound, 1,500 gallon tank filled with water?

a. 12,450 pounds

b. 30,200 pounds

c. 12,750 pounds