The prototype is intended to improve the use of harvested rainwater that is collected on large railway stations. Water usage is divided into three purposes: aesthetic, healthcare and education.
The aesthetic aspect presupposes the creation of the waterfall effect. Most projects associated with rainwater harvesting create waterfalls. Pornchai Garden in Thailand is one of the most well-known examples.
The Pornchai team built a series of waterways on the roof. When the system is turned on, water is pumped over the sides of the building to create the dramatic waterfall effect. The system is under the complete control of the resort owners. Once the water runs over the side, it is re-circulated back to the top of the feature so the effect is continuous.
In fact, there are numerous ways of creating a waterfall. Most have their own pros and cons.
The waterfall effect may be achieved in a natural way, in the case of rainfall. This method is applicable for tropic regions with extensive rains, so, the waterfall may be extensive. The rainwater fills the gutter, or it may be collected by other roof rainwater catching systems, and then this water reaches a downspout and then falls into a pond creating a waterfall effect. As an option, downspouts may be removed, and installation kits may be installed. For creating an effective waterfall effect, the pipes are generally replaced with rain chains that control the water flow. The holes, that direct the rainwater may be designed for improving the attractiveness of the entire system. However, this option may be reliable and effective only when the gutter is fully felt with the rainwater.
Another option of using rainwater is toilet flushing. Rainwater is stored in tanks and used when needed in public or private toilets. Part of the water intended for flushes may be used for aesthetic purposes. The water tank is filled through pipes that are connected with the rainwater catching system. The water may be pushed over the gutter by pumps, and falls into a pond, creating a waterfall effect.
The water is re-circulated into the cistern and pumped to the top of the structure again and again. The pump does not need much electricity and it can work only when it doesn’t rain. The waterfall is based on the principle of gravity, while the effect of falling water creates a unique psychological atmosphere, which is useful for public healthcare. This is associated with the fact that the sound of falling water relaxes people, and helps them to overcome stress.
Water tanks may be placed in different levels. Hence, one of the tanks was placed on the ground floor near the entrance of King Cross station entrance. Considering the fact that toilets are located on basement levels, the location of tanks is quite obvious. In the case of Liverpool, station entrance that is on the ground level the water tank could be placed in an upper level and through pipes, the water could fill the gutters, follow the option 2 and have a waterfall effect.
In fact, the rainwater harvesting process, including catching, pumping, storage as well as usage and circulation may be performed in an open way. This may be regarded as an attraction, as people have an opportunity to study the key principles of rainwater harvesting and find out the most effective ways of water-saving. Nowadays, when the world is experiencing freshwater stresses, and the bills for water supply grow, this could be an effective way of saving money.
The gutters and the downpipes can usually be constructed from a variety of materials, including cast iron, lead, zinc, galvanized steel, painted steel, copper, painted aluminum, PVC (and other plastics), concrete, stone, and wood. Another option is that gutters and downpipes could be made of polycarbonate clear plastic. This will help people see how the water “travels”, however, if the main aim is to make it visual and attractive, a coloring agent should be used. The water fills the gutters and then it is pumped into a water tank through the pipes. People could see this entire way of the water through the transparent gutters and downpipes.
The water tank could have an opening from which people can see the water which is collected and stored and they can also see the water level through a water meter which will be placed inside the water tank.
In order to avoid overflow, a floating sensor may be placed in a tank. This will help to control the water level in the tank, and if the required amount of water has been already collected, pumps may be used for filling a tank on the upper level. Or the excess water may be pumped into the drains.
If a tank is full, pumps may be used to fill a water cistern or an artificial pond. Then the water will be pumped to the roof, and falling water will be caught by the mentioned cistern or a pond. This will create a waterfall effect. The water is pushed over the gutter and then falls back into the cistern creating a waterfall effect as was mentioned before.
People can see the way of the water through the gutters and the downpipes, the storage of the water inside the water tank, the use of float in case of water flow, and at the pipes that guide the water into the water cistern. People can observe how easily the rainwater could be collected and maybe there will be more opportunities to use this system in their own homes. Boards could be placed outside of the station that can show the actual number (table for toilet flush etc.) and focus on the money that they can save etc. This program at the same time can offer people education and pleasure.