Gevallestudies

Ithaca Creek State School

Ithica Creek State School’s water journey

Ithaca Creek State School in Brisbane, Australia, is one example of a rain harvesting system design that’s fit-for-purpose.  

The school wanted to create a garden so that students could learn about horticulture and the environment. The garden also needed to supply ingredients for the school’s tuck shop (cafeteria).  The ingredients from the garden would allow students and teachers to enjoy food made with fresh vegetables and herbs that they had grown themselves.  

Ithaca Creek State School approached us for help with designing a rain harvesting system that would supply water to grow and maintain the garden.

Maelstrom Masterclass Rain Harvesting by Blue Mountain Co

Finding water balance to grow a veggie garden

To help the school meet their goals our specialists recommended a few key components for the rain harvesting system. The components were:

  • Leaf Eater Plus Rain Head
  • First Flush with Advanced Release Valve
  • Maelstrom filter
  • Tank Gauge
  • Vent Cowl
  • Mozzie Stoppa Easy-Clean
  • Air Gap

The school’s rain harvesting system components were chosen for specific reasons. Here’s how they all work together to deliver water that’s fit-for-purpose.  

The Leaf Eater Plus Rain Head

Rain Heads keep leaves and fine debris out of rainwater tanks. Doing this helps to prevent contamination and tannin stains from plant matter.  

Our Rain Heads use a 955 micron stainless steel mesh screen to block incoming materials, but their aperture (hole size) is small enough for water to still pass through. 

Maelstrom

The Maelstrom filter uses super-fine filtration to make sure cleaner water ends up in the rainwater tank. It stops smaller pollutants from travelling through the system, which are usually things like sediment or dirt. 

The Maelstrom also has a super-high water catchment, so when big downpours happen, the school won’t miss out on collecting precious rainwater. 

Maelstrom is a great part of any rain harvesting system, and works closely with the other components to keep mosquitos and pests out. 

Mozzie Stoppa Easy-Clean

Mozzie Stoppas connect to rainwater tank overflow outlets. They help the tank to “breathe” by letting oxygen in to keep the water inside at a high quality.  

They use a 955 micron mesh screen to keep mosquitoes and other small insects out of the tank.  

This means the tank can keep the water clean and fit-for-purpose, while also stopping contamination from mosquitoes.  

Vent Cowls

Vent Cowls, like Mozzie Stoppas, help to improve the quality of stored water. They let more oxygen reach the water in the tank, while stopping mosquitoes from entering.  

They use a 955 micron stainless steel mesh screen to stop pests, while preventing stagnation from degrading water. 

Air Gap  

Air Gaps sit between the rainwater tank and stormwater pipework. They help prevent backflow to stop contamination of the water in your tank.  

They’re also an effective way to manage pests and vermin from entering the tank, thanks to their 955 micron mesh screen. 

First Flush with and Electronic Release Valve

First Flush Diverters are one of the most important components of any rain harvesting system. They capture and store dirty water from your roof or collection area so that it doesn’t reach the clean water in your rainwater tank.  

We recommended that Ithaca Creek State School use a First Flush with an Electronic Release Valve on their system to keep pollutants from the roof away from the rainwater in the storage tank. 

The Electronic Release Valve helps to make maintenance easier.

Tank Gauge

The final piece of the school’s rain harvesting system was the Tank Gauge. 

This device sits on top of the tank and measures where water levels are at and how much is being used. It’s a great device to help keep track of water use and to plan for the future. 

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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Ithica Creek State School’s water journey

Ithaca Creek State School in Brisbane, Australia, is one example of a rain harvesting system design that’s fit-for-purpose.  

The school wanted to create a garden so that students could learn about horticulture and the environment. The garden also needed to supply ingredients for the school’s tuck shop (cafeteria).  The ingredients from the garden would allow students and teachers to enjoy food made with fresh vegetables and herbs that they had grown themselves.  

Ithaca Creek State School approached us for help with designing a rain harvesting system that would supply water to grow and maintain the garden.

Maelstrom Masterclass Rain Harvesting by Blue Mountain Co

Finding water balance to grow a veggie garden

To help the school meet their goals our specialists recommended a few key components for the rain harvesting system. The components were:

  • Leaf Eater Plus Rain Head
  • First Flush with Advanced Release Valve
  • Maelstrom filter
  • Tank Gauge
  • Vent Cowl
  • Mozzie Stoppa Easy-Clean
  • Air Gap

The school’s rain harvesting system components were chosen for specific reasons. Here’s how they all work together to deliver water that’s fit-for-purpose.  

The Leaf Eater Plus Rain Head

Rain Heads keep leaves and fine debris out of rainwater tanks. Doing this helps to prevent contamination and tannin stains from plant matter.  

Our Rain Heads use a 955 micron stainless steel mesh screen to block incoming materials, but their aperture (hole size) is small enough for water to still pass through. 

Maelstrom

The Maelstrom filter uses super-fine filtration to make sure cleaner water ends up in the rainwater tank. It stops smaller pollutants from travelling through the system, which are usually things like sediment or dirt. 

The Maelstrom also has a super-high water catchment, so when big downpours happen, the school won’t miss out on collecting precious rainwater. 

Maelstrom is a great part of any rain harvesting system, and works closely with the other components to keep mosquitos and pests out. 

Mozzie Stoppa Easy-Clean

Mozzie Stoppas connect to rainwater tank overflow outlets. They help the tank to “breathe” by letting oxygen in to keep the water inside at a high quality.  

They use a 955 micron mesh screen to keep mosquitoes and other small insects out of the tank.  

This means the tank can keep the water clean and fit-for-purpose, while also stopping contamination from mosquitoes.  

Vent Cowls

Vent Cowls, like Mozzie Stoppas, help to improve the quality of stored water. They let more oxygen reach the water in the tank, while stopping mosquitoes from entering.  

They use a 955 micron stainless steel mesh screen to stop pests, while preventing stagnation from degrading water. 

Air Gap  

Air Gaps sit between the rainwater tank and stormwater pipework. They help prevent backflow to stop contamination of the water in your tank.  

They’re also an effective way to manage pests and vermin from entering the tank, thanks to their 955 micron mesh screen. 

First Flush with and Electronic Release Valve

First Flush Diverters are one of the most important components of any rain harvesting system. They capture and store dirty water from your roof or collection area so that it doesn’t reach the clean water in your rainwater tank.  

We recommended that Ithaca Creek State School use a First Flush with an Electronic Release Valve on their system to keep pollutants from the roof away from the rainwater in the storage tank. 

The Electronic Release Valve helps to make maintenance easier.

Tank Gauge

The final piece of the school’s rain harvesting system was the Tank Gauge. 

This device sits on top of the tank and measures where water levels are at and how much is being used. It’s a great device to help keep track of water use and to plan for the future. 

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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