Gevallestudies

Barra del Colorado

Aguayuda’s water journey

Blue Mountain Co partnered with Aguayuda (now part of WaterAid) to help install 3 rain harvesting systems in the remote community of Barra del Colorado in Costa Rica.

The United Nations describes equitable access to safe and clean drinking water as “a human right that is essential for the full enjoyment of life…”. 

Rainwater harvesting is a source of clean water for many people living in urban areas around the world. It is used to supplement centrally-supplied mains water, or as the main source of water in less developed areas. 

Unfortunately, access to water of an acceptable quality is difficult or even impossible for many communities in some parts of the globe.

It’s in these places that harvesting rainwater can play a huge role in helping people access safe and clean water. For some remote communities, it can even be the first time that this has been possible. 

Maelstrom Masterclass Rain Harvesting by Blue Mountain Co

Finding water balance in Barra del Colorado

We donated some of the essential products for any rainwater harvesting system. The products selected for the systems were:

  • Reënkoppe
  • First Flush Diverter kits
  • Monitoring Gauges

The first rain harvesting system was installed at the local kindergarten. This was chosen so that children and nearby families could have a new source of safe drinking water. 

The second system was installed at the church. This site was ideal because the building had a large roof area for rainwater catchment. Annual rainfall in the region reaches 6, 000mm, so harvesting large quantities of rainwater with this collection surface was considered to be the best choice. 

The third and final system was installed at the home of a family who assisted with the other installations. A reliable water supply is now shared between the family and their neighbours. 

These rainwater harvesting systems will benefit families throughout the remote community of Barra del Colorado. The clean water they collect and store will also help them to live healthier and happier lives.

The finer details of the systems

Some extra information about the products chosen for these systems:

Reënkoppe 

Rain Heads protect rainwater by stopping leaves, debris, mosquitos, pests and vermin from entering rainwater pipework.  

Our Rain Heads have a 0.955 micron stainless steel mesh screen to block these elements. The aperture (hole size) of the mesh is small enough to keep out contaminants, but large enough to let rainwater pass through. 

Eerste spoel afleiers 

First Flush Diverters capture and isolate dirty water from the roof/collection surfaces, preventing it from ending up in the tank.

First Flush Diverters are important for capturing smaller particles, like animal matter, paint or dirt. These are elements that can land on the roof and be washed into. the rainwater tank if there is no First Flush in the system.

When First Flush Diverters are used in combination with Rain Heads, large and small pollutants will be captured before they reach the rainwater tank. 

Monitoring Gauges  

Monitoring Gauges give an indication of how much rainwater is stored in a tank or barrel. For areas where rainwater is essential, Monitoring Gauges help to keep track of water levels and how much water is available. 

For the systems installed in Barra del Colorado, Monitoring Gauges allow the community to properly monitor their rainwater supply and to make informed choices about their water use. 

Maelstrom Masterclass Rain Harvesting by Blue Mountain Co
Maelstrom Masterclass Rain Harvesting by Blue Mountain Co
Maelstrom Masterclass Rain Harvesting by Blue Mountain Co

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Aguayuda’s water journey

Blue Mountain Co partnered with Aguayuda (now part of WaterAid) to help install 3 rain harvesting systems in the remote community of Barra del Colorado in Costa Rica.

The United Nations describes equitable access to safe and clean drinking water as “a human right that is essential for the full enjoyment of life…”. 

Rainwater harvesting is a source of clean water for many people living in urban areas around the world. It is used to supplement centrally-supplied mains water, or as the main source of water in less developed areas. 

Unfortunately, access to water of an acceptable quality is difficult or even impossible for many communities in some parts of the globe.

It’s in these places that harvesting rainwater can play a huge role in helping people access safe and clean water. For some remote communities, it can even be the first time that this has been possible. 

Maelstrom Masterclass Rain Harvesting by Blue Mountain Co

Finding water balance in Barra del Colorado

We donated some of the essential products for any rainwater harvesting system. The products selected for the systems were:

  • Reënkoppe
  • First Flush Diverter kits
  • Monitoring Gauges

The first rain harvesting system was installed at the local kindergarten. This was chosen so that children and nearby families could have a new source of safe drinking water. 

The second system was installed at the church. This site was ideal because the building had a large roof area for rainwater catchment. Annual rainfall in the region reaches 6, 000mm, so harvesting large quantities of rainwater with this collection surface was considered to be the best choice. 

The third and final system was installed at the home of a family who assisted with the other installations. A reliable water supply is now shared between the family and their neighbours. 

These rainwater harvesting systems will benefit families throughout the remote community of Barra del Colorado. The clean water they collect and store will also help them to live healthier and happier lives.

The finer details of the systems

Some extra information about the products chosen for these systems:

Reënkoppe 

Rain Heads protect rainwater by stopping leaves, debris, mosquitos, pests and vermin from entering rainwater pipework.  

Our Rain Heads have a 0.955 micron stainless steel mesh screen to block these elements. The aperture (hole size) of the mesh is small enough to keep out contaminants, but large enough to let rainwater pass through. 

Eerste spoel afleiers 

First Flush Diverters capture and isolate dirty water from the roof/collection surfaces, preventing it from ending up in the tank.

First Flush Diverters are important for capturing smaller particles, like animal matter, paint or dirt. These are elements that can land on the roof and be washed into. the rainwater tank if there is no First Flush in the system.

When First Flush Diverters are used in combination with Rain Heads, large and small pollutants will be captured before they reach the rainwater tank. 

Monitoring Gauges  

Monitoring Gauges give an indication of how much rainwater is stored in a tank or barrel. For areas where rainwater is essential, Monitoring Gauges help to keep track of water levels and how much water is available. 

For the systems installed in Barra del Colorado, Monitoring Gauges allow the community to properly monitor their rainwater supply and to make informed choices about their water use. 

Maelstrom Masterclass Rain Harvesting by Blue Mountain Co
Maelstrom Masterclass Rain Harvesting by Blue Mountain Co
Maelstrom Masterclass Rain Harvesting by Blue Mountain Co

The challenge of water loss when relying on tank water

In regions where access to a reliable water supply is limited, rain harvesting becomes a crucial method for ensuring an uninterrupted water source. However, without proper measures in place, the loss of water during heavy rainfall can pose a significant challenge for individuals who rely on tank water. This was the case for our customer Carla, who encountered a pressing issue with water loss during heavy downpours.  
The water in her tank would splash out over the rim of the tank screen, resulting in substantial water loss. This issue was particularly problematic for Carla because she relied on the water stored in the tank. Therefore, any water lost due to splashing during heavy downpours could potentially lead to a critical water shortage. It was essential for Carla to capture every drop of rainwater to ensure a sustainable and uninterrupted water supply. 

When relying on tank water, losing water becomes a significant concern. Here are a few reasons why: 

Limited water supply: Tanks have a finite capacity, and the amount of water they can hold is predetermined. Once the tank is empty, there is no immediate access to an alternative water source, putting individuals or households at risk of running out of water. 

Water scarcity: In areas where water scarcity is a concern, such as regions with low rainfall or limited access to clean water sources, every drop of rainwater becomes invaluable. Losing water due to splashing during heavy rainfall exacerbates the water scarcity issue, making it challenging to meet daily water requirements. 

Cost implications: For households on tank water, losing significant amounts of water can lead to increased costs. The cost of refilling the tank or purchasing additional water can quickly add up, putting a strain on the household budget. 

Environmental impact: Water conservation is essential for minimising the strain on natural resources and reducing environmental impact. Losing water unnecessarily during rain events contributes to wasteful water practices, compromising sustainability efforts. 

Maelstrom Masterclass Rain Harvesting by Blue Mountain Co

Resolving Carla's water loss issue through Rain Harvesting solutions

After Carla shared her issue with our team, we worked on finding a suitable solution to address her water loss problem. Two products were recommended to Carla to enhance her rain harvesting capabilities and optimise water capture and usage. 

Tank Screen 360 Hood Kit w/ Screw Down Ring
To prevent water from splashing out of the tank, we suggested installing the Tank Screen 360 Hood Kit. This product features an ultra-high flow tank screen with an integrated splash and light cover. Even as debris accumulates on the screen, the large mesh area ensures maximum water flow into the tank. The hood component efficiently captures any splashed water, preventing it from being lost. With this solution, Carla could effortlessly capture large amounts of water, minimising water wastage during heavy downpours. 

Tank Gauge Plus
To further improve water management and provide Carla with better control over her water usage, we recommended the Tank Gauge Plus. This device enables accurate monitoring of the tank's water level from almost anywhere, using a phone or smart device.  

By utilising the Tank Gauge Plus, Carla could keep track of her water reserves, ensuring she had a clear understanding of the water available and her consumption patterns. This knowledge empowered her to make better-informed decisions regarding water usage and conservation, reducing the risk of running out of water. 

By implementing both the Tank Screen 360 Hood Kit and the Tank Gauge Plus, Carla successfully addressed her water loss issue during heavy rainfall while also gaining better control over her water capture and usage. These solutions provided her with peace of mind, ensuring a reliable and efficient rain harvesting system. 

Overall, the combination of the Tank Screen 360 Hood Kit and the Tank Gauge Plus offered Carla a comprehensive rain harvesting solution, enabling her to capture as much rainwater as possible while effectively managing her water supply for everyday needs. This not only addressed her immediate problem but also contributed to water conservation efforts and sustainable water usage practices. 

Maelstrom Masterclass Rain Harvesting by Blue Mountain Co
Maelstrom Masterclass Rain Harvesting by Blue Mountain Co
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