Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
is collected. The highest daily maximum precipitation is around 63 mm,
yielding a collected amount of 1.6 m
3
. By installing a storage tank with
the minimum 1.5 m
3
for each household, it is ensured that all collectable
rainwater can be utilized optimally.
The installation of RWH technologies can result in the improvement
of the living conditions of the inhabitants due to the improved roofs and
supporting structures indirectly, and water saving directly. This will also
affect the environment indirectly, as less water will be extracted from the
aquifer or canals.
The installation of on-site RWH technologies will require the adapta-
tion or improvement of houses. The main adaptations required will be new
roofs and supporting structures if these are not suitable for rain water har-
vesting. In addition, gutters, transportation pipes and a storage tank will
need to be installed. Installing the storage tank on a structure (but below
the level of the roof) the water can be collected with pales or transported
into the house with a pipeline. The water can be treated in the house with
fi ltration, and/or a UV-light (a tUVo, requiring energy) or chlorination.
2.4.3.2 WASTEWATER TREATMENT
The use of EcoSan toilets could improve the sanitation conditions of the
households and do not require water, as is the case with flush toilets, there-
by lessening the overall household water demand. This is an advantage
due to the current aquifer depletion taking place. Lastly, the advantage of
EcoSan is that the feces and urine can be co-composted with other organic
wastes or the effluents can be applied directly on the fields (chinampas or
greenhouses), thereby containing resources in the area. Discharged waste-
water that is not very polluted, such as grey wastewater, can be treated by
constructed wetlands that can be constructed in the yards of the houses.
Another possibility is to collect the wastewater and treat it with a de-
centralized wastewater treatment system such as a constructed wetland.
These can be constructed in gullies or drains where wastewater is col-
lected or discharged to. Another option is to implement a more complex
