Author(s): F. A. Memon; A. Fidar; A. Lobban; S. Djordjeviu; D. Butler
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Combined sewers; Rainwater harvesting; Separate sewers; Stormwater control; Water demand management
Abstract: This paper presents the development and application of a simulation tool to investigate the role of rainwater harvesting (RWH) in reducing peak and base flows in combined and separate sewers. A RWH case study was set up using a synthetic development of 200 households with each assumed to include a rainwater collection tank. A sewer network was constructed using a network analysis model, SIPSON. Appliance based (e.g. washing machines and toilets) individual and collective nonpotable water demand patterns were prepared using typical UK diurnal wastewater discharge profiles and used as a control reference. The demand profiles were integrated in the SIPSON based simulation and linked with demand supply balance algorithm for each of the rain collection tanks. Preliminary results indicate that RWH can reduce peak flows in combined and separate sewers. However, the extent of reduction depends on several factors including the level of non-potable water demand, storm event characteristics (time and depth) and to some extent tank size. Using water efficient appliances in conjunction with rainwater harvesting could meet the non-potable demand for longer periods and increase flows in sewers and overflow from the rainwater collection tank.
Year: 2009