Is it possible to drink rain water in the village. Can you drink rain water? Benefits of rain water

Rainwater, if collected and stored correctly, can be useful in the home and garden, which will help reduce the costs that we incur when using centralized water supply. What can rainwater be used for?

Rainwater it can be useful to us and everyone who has a personal plot knows about it. Its content, on hot summer days, can affect our pocket - plants need not only to be looked after, but also watered. For this purpose, rainwater, which we can store near the house, is ideal. A standard barrel installed under the gutter should not be used for these purposes, other possibilities come into play, more aesthetic, a container with precipitation hidden underground, or. This last method will be the most decorative for our backyard.

Water in the garden can be used not only for the purpose of watering plants. In addition, any maintenance work can be carried out using it. With a pressure washer and a tank filled with rainwater, we can wash either our car, or the facade of a building, or a garden path.

Using rainwater at home

It can be successfully used at home. Here we can also save money by using it for washing dishes, washing, cleaning. It is also possible to use rainwater in a home washing machine - however, this requires a water circulation system equipped with a pump. And in this case, it is important that the water in our tank is well purified with a productive and efficient filter. But it is worth remembering that the collected rainwater does not meet the requirements that drinking water must meet - rainwater should not be used as drinking water She is not fit for this.

To collect rainwater, you can build a tank on your own, or use the recommendations gleaned from professional literature. In order to be able to collect rainwater in tanks, an appropriate system is required.

If you have something to add, please be sure to leave your comment.

Research

Firsov Artyom Gennadievich

Natural-technical lyceum

Saransk 2004

Introduction

Rain water is well absorbed by the body and contains a minimum amount of harmful impurities. It promotes better digestion and assimilation of food. Retains skin moisture and keeps it in balance. But all this applies to clean rainwater. Under current conditions, the composition of rainwater depends on the territory over which the cloud formed, how heavily polluted the atmosphere is. For example, sulfur and nitrogen compounds, reacting with water in the atmosphere, turn into acids and fall to the ground in the form of so-called "acid" rains. With today's environmental troubles, almost every rain can be called "acidic". Therefore, now it is impossible not only to drink rainwater, but even to wash your hair and wash your clothes in it.

The reaction of the body to acid rain depends on the concentration of harmful impurities in rainwater and the time of its exposure. Reactions can be of two types - immediate and delayed. Immediate include redness of the skin, itching. To delayed - hair loss, violation of biochemical processes.

In connection with this problem, I decided to study the chemical composition of the rains that fall in the area of \u200b\u200bmy house and determine their effect on the human body. Also, the purpose of my work is to identify the causes of changes in the chemical composition of rainwater.

1. Ecology in human life.

Factors affecting human health.

Acid rain is rain with a pH less than 5. A lot of chemical compounds give acidic character to rain, but the main ones are SO2, SO42- and NO.

There is a close relationship between the level of mortality and the degree of contamination of the area. With SO2 concentrations of around 1 mg/m3, which occur in winter in Budapest, the number of deaths increases, especially among older people and people suffering from respiratory diseases. Statistics have shown that such a serious disease as false croup, which requires immediate medical attention and is common among children, occurs for the same reason. The same can be said for early neonatal deaths in Europe and North America, which annually number in the tens of thousands.

In addition to sulfur and nitrogen oxides, acidic aerosol particles containing sulfates or sulfuric acid are also dangerous to human health. The degree of their danger depends on the size. So dust and larger aerosol particles linger in the upper respiratory tract, and small (less than 1 micron) drops of sulfuric acid or sulfate particles can penetrate into the farthest corners of the lungs.

Physiological studies have shown that the degree of exposure is directly proportional to the concentration of pollutants. However, there is a threshold value below which even the most sensitive people do not show any deviations from the norm. For example, for sulfur dioxide, the average daily threshold concentration for healthy people is approximately 400 µg/m3.

In protected areas, the regulations are correspondingly stricter. At the same time, it is expected that even lower standard values will be set in the future. However, the dangerous concentration may be even lower if different acidic pollutants enhance each other's effects, i.e. synergism occurs. In Hungary, a relationship has also been established between sulfur dioxide pollution and various respiratory diseases (flu, tonsillitis, bronchitis, etc.). In some contaminated areas of Hungary, the number of diseases was several times higher than in the control areas.

In addition to the primary direct impact, naturally, environmental acidification also indirectly affects humans. First of all, it leads to corrosion and destruction of metals, buildings and monuments (especially those built of sandstone and limestone and located in the open).

1.2. Negative impact of human activities on the environment.

As a result of human activity, significant amounts of sulfur compounds enter the atmosphere, mainly in the form of sulfur dioxide. Among the sources of these compounds, the first place is occupied by coal burned in buildings and power plants, which accounts for 70% of anthropogenic emissions. The sulfur content (several percent) in coal is quite high (especially in brown coal). During combustion, sulfur turns into sulfur dioxide, and part of the sulfur remains in the ash in a solid state.

Sources of sulfur dioxide formation can also be individual industries, mainly metallurgical, as well as enterprises for the production of sulfuric acid and oil refining. In transport, pollution with sulfur compounds is relatively insignificant, where, first of all, it is necessary to reckon with nitrogen oxides.

Thus, annually as a result of human activities 60-70 million tons of sulfur enters the atmosphere in the form of sulfur dioxide. Comparison of natural and anthropogenic emissions of sulfur compounds shows that man pollutes the atmosphere with gaseous sulfur compounds twice as much as it occurs in nature.

In addition, these compounds are concentrated in areas with developed industry, where anthropogenic emissions are several times higher than natural ones, i.e., mainly in Europe and North America.

Among the anthropogenic sources of nitrogen oxide formation, the combustion of fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas, etc.) ranks first. During combustion, as a result of the occurrence of high temperature, the nitrogen and oxygen in the air combine. The amount of nitric oxide NO formed is proportional to the combustion temperature. In addition, nitrogen oxides are formed as a result of the combustion of nitrogen-containing substances present in the fuel. By burning fuel, a person annually emits 12 million tons of nitrogen oxides into the air. Slightly less nitrogen oxide (8 million tons per year) comes from internal combustion engines. Industry, which emits 1 million tons of nitrogen oxide into the air annually, is not a serious source of pollution compared to heating and transport. Thus, at least 37% of the nearly 56 million tons of nitric oxide emitted annually come from anthropogenic sources. This percentage, however, will be higher if we add biomass combustion products here. Consequently, in general, the amounts of natural and artificial emissions are approximately the same, but the latter, as well as emissions of sulfur compounds, are concentrated in limited areas of the Earth.

1.3. Ways to protect against acid rain.

Significant reduction of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions should be considered the most effective way of protection. This can be achieved in a number of ways, including by reducing energy use and creating power plants that do not use fossil fuels. Other options for reducing emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere are the removal of sulfur from the fuel using filters and the regulation of combustion processes.

It would be best to use low sulfur fuel. However, there are very few such fuels. Removing sulfur from fuel oil and coal is a very complex and expensive process, and as a result, only 30-50% of sulfur can be released.

The amount of nitric oxide that is formed during combustion depends on the combustion temperature. It was found that the lower the combustion temperature, the less nitric oxide occurs, in addition, the amount of NO depends on the time spent by the fuel in the combustion zone and on excess air. Thus, by a suitable change in technology, it is possible to reduce the amount of pollutant emitted.

2. Rainwater is an indicator of atmospheric pollution.

During the work, 3 water samples were examined. The collection of each of them was carried out in the area of \u200b\u200bhouse No. 36 on Evsevyeva Street in Saransk (private buildings) as follows: at a distance of about 1 meter from the ground, a container was installed, over which there was nothing (trees, roofs of houses, etc.). Then the collected water was poured into clean dishes, noting the date of collection and the direction of the wind.

2.1. Determination of the pH of the medium.

pH was determined using an EV-74 universal ionometer.

2.2.Qualitative analysis of rainwater.

To carry out qualitative reactions to various ions, a certain amount of the investigated rainwater was taken, and, creating the necessary conditions, the necessary reagent was added.

When a solution of BaCl2 was added to this sample in an HCl medium, a slight turbidity of the solution was observed, which indicates a low content of sulfate ions in the studied solution.

The presence of NO3- ions was determined by adding diphenylamine (C6H5NHC6H5) in the presence of sulfuric acid. The solution turned blue, indicating the presence of nitrate ions.

To determine chloride ions in the studied water sample, an AgNO3 solution was added in a nitric acid medium. The solution became slightly cloudy. This shows that chloride ions are present in small quantities.

To determine mercury ions (Hg2+), a solution of SnCl2 was added. A white precipitate was observed, which indicates the content of mercury ions in the water.

01 04 2018

Since childhood, we have heard the statement that rainfall is a treasure.. But a clear answer to the question "Why?" we do not receive. Let's see what exactly is the benefit.

The rain washes away the dust from the leaves which improves respiration and photosynthesis reactions.
Plants are smart creatures, with unfavorable factors (dry air and high temperature) they switch to economy mode: stomata close, a film of aromatic compounds is formed to reduce evaporation. During rain, the humidity of the air rises and the heat subsides - the stomata open. Plants begin an active process of absorbing nutrients. Therefore, "nature comes to life." And we don't think it is - it is.
With raindrops, plants receive very weak solutions of nitrogen compounds, which are formed under the action of lightning discharges and sunlight. In fact, this is foliar top dressing. which is absorbed very quickly.
soft water- it practically does not contain hardness salts (bicarbonates, sulfates and chlorides of calcium and magnesium). The benefit of soft water is that it does not interfere with the water and gas exchange of plants through the pores. Recall that when watering with hard water, salt crusts form on the surface of the leaves. The composition of rain in the regions varies slightly according to these indicators. It depends on the terrain, wind direction and rocks.
Rainwater pH is close to neutral which has a beneficial effect on all life processes. Of course, this largely depends on environmental conditions. For example, in St. Petersburg, the pH of the rain is slightly acidic, since there are almost no rocks nearby, which, when weathered, raise alkaline earth elements into the air. And emissions from enterprises add “sourness”.

And a little romance: what is the smell of rain?

Not so long ago, this smell got its name - petrichor(Greek Petra - stone, ichor - liquid). Consists of several components:
organic matter geosmin produced by soil microorganisms. It can also be felt in stagnant water and during normal watering.
Smell rotten organics.
aromatic substances released by plants accumulate on the surface of the soil, and with rain they are knocked out into the air. By the way, the smell of wet asphalt also has an aromatic nature.
Ozone during a thunderstorm.

Discussion: 2 comments

The use of atmospheric precipitation will provide significant savings in water extracted from a well or well. In addition, it will help to reduce energy consumption, as it allows you to turn on pumping equipment less often. However, you do not know how to collect a free "gift" of nature for further use?

We will show you how to do it. The article discusses the rainwater collection system and options for the use of rainfall for domestic needs. The device, design specifics are described, efficiency is estimated taking into account the funds spent on the organization of alternative water supply.

For interested visitors, we have selected organization schemes with an underground and surface location of the reservoir, presented photos with options for disguising the storage tank, and collected useful videos that allow you to organize water collection on your own.

Everything is in order with fresh water reserves in Russia, however, the most economic owners of private lands have begun to think more and more about the rational use of natural resources.

Absolutely safe and modern, the most convenient for do-it-yourself installation.

Step # 2 - selection of water collectors and storage tanks

Precipitation does not fall regularly, so there are no devices without a "transshipment base" that directly connect the trays with the points of water intake. It is necessary to organize a large container for storing the collected water, which will allow it to be used only as needed.

An ordinary barrel became the prototype of all modern tanks. It can still be found in summer cottages, installed directly under the drainpipe.

The efficiency of using the barrel is conditional, since it has a small volume and is not suitable for home water supply. In addition, overflow systems are not planned in its design, all excess spills over the edges and enters the ground.

The purpose of an ordinary metal or wooden barrel is to collect a small amount of rainwater with subsequent use for household purposes: for irrigation or cleaning

For water storage systems, volumetric tanks are made, which can be divided into two categories:

ground installed under the drainage system against the wall (or inside the building);
underground buried in the ground near the house.

The material for all types is the same - it is polyethylene, less often concrete, fiberglass or steel. Synthetic rainwater storage tanks are in the lead, because they are not inferior in performance to analogues from other materials, at the same time they are much lighter, and therefore more convenient for transportation and installation.

The volume of ground tanks is from 750 to 2000 liters, underground - from 2000 to 5000 liters.

Modern products are completely ready for connection - they have a large hatch in the upper part and a fitting with a tap in the lower part (for ground versions)

Large underground tanks are equipped with surface or for forced movement of water to draw-off points. The use of various equipment requires additional purification of the liquid. To do this, a filtration system is used: a coarse filter is installed at the inlet to the tank, the same is at the outlet.

Options for plastic tanks for collecting and storing rainwater:

Image gallery

Compact container, decorated "under the stone"

If water is supplied to sinks for washing or washing dishes, fine filters with a mesh of no more than 5 microns are required, as well as coal multi-stage installations.

Step # 3 - organizing the drainage system

Suppose your private house is equipped with a full-fledged stormwater system, including a set of gutters and trays, downpipes, sand traps and a sewer outlet to.

Is it possible to install a structure for the use of rainwater in a house without drastic changes? Of course, but you will have to supplement the circuit with storage capacity and related equipment.

To begin with, you will have to analyze the state of the accumulating plane, that is, the roof. You should check its integrity, cleanliness, and if necessary, change the roofing to a safer one.

If the storm structure of pipes and trays is in order, a large factory-made polyethylene tank can be attached directly to it. Install a fitting at the bottom of the tank - for emergency draining.

In order not to disturb the design of the stormwater drain, the easiest way is to install a voluminous plastic barrel for irrigation, but it will not work for home maintenance.

If it becomes necessary to install a large underground tank, you will have to make adjustments to the old design - most likely, change the location of the sewer pipes. Pulling out the pit and installing pumping equipment, you will have to re-lay communications for drains.

We offer two options for arranging rainwater utilization systems - with a ground and underground reservoir.

The device of a simple system with a barrel

To assemble the easiest scheme, you will need a drain installation kit, a filter, a ready-made water tank, a short hose and mounting hardware.

The result of the work will be the simplest system for collecting water from a sloping roof with a large plastic tank as a storage tank

Plastic gutters, trays and pipes of the required size are purchased at a hardware store. If plastic does not suit, we use parts made of galvanized steel, home-made or factory-made.

We assemble the drainage system in the following order:

using special brackets or hooks, we fix the gutter along the edge of the roof;
on the corner, in a place convenient for installing the tank, we hang the downpipe;
we connect the main elements with a receiving funnel;
seal seams and joints.

The assembly of factory models is good because all the necessary parts and even some of the tools come with the container.

Scheme of the device of the system with an underground reservoir

A large tank installed near the house will be able to satisfy the need for water by 50%. Thanks to special wiring, rainwater will flow to taps that do not require high quality liquids: toilet cisterns, kitchen and watering taps. But in this case, filters are installed.

The tank can be installed under the surface, in the basement or in a pit dug near the house. We will choose the third option, in which the container will be completely immersed in the ground, therefore, it will not occupy a free area near the building and not spoil the beautiful landscape with its technological appearance.

Another advantage of a buried tank: chilled rainwater is not a suitable environment for bacteria to grow, therefore it will not “bloom”

We choose a container with a volume of 2.5-3.5 thousand liters, and, based on its dimensions, we are looking for a place for installation. In addition to the dimensions, when digging a pit, we must take into account the horizons of groundwater and the level of freezing.

The depth of the pit should be approximately 70 cm more than the height of the tank, since 20 cm is a gravel-sand cushion, 50 cm is a layer of earth above the tank (which freezes in the middle lane and northern regions in winter).

we take out the soil, take the excess to the side;
we arrange a gravel-sand compacted pillow;
we install a tank in the center of the pit;
we fill it from all sides with a mixture of soil and sand;
we install pumping equipment and pipes (drainage and leading to the house).

Of course, before connecting electrical equipment, it is necessary to establish a water supply system from the roof and do it. Installation of drains occurs in the traditional way, the pipe through the hatch supplies water to the tank.

The pipeline from the reservoir leads to certain, pre-selected points. Inside the house, in the back room or in the basement, there is a place for installing a pump, filters, and control equipment.

Scheme of using the rainwater collection system: 1 - water level sensor; 2 - float device; 3 - filter; 4 - surface pump; 5 - reservoir with water; 6 - siphon; 7 - filter

After installation and connection, it is necessary to carry out a test run: pour water into the tank and turn on the pump. If everything is in order, the liquid will quickly flow to the draw-off points.

The container should not be empty, as ground movements can cause deformation of the hull. If the water runs out during a drought, it must be filled from the main source. In order not to measure the water level with the help of improvised means, you can draw a kind of scale on the inside on the wall with divisions in fractions or liters.

Rain water in the heating system

In some cases, rainwater is used instead of distilled liquid or antifreeze in private home heating systems.

Natural characteristics - softness, absence of foreign inclusions and cleanliness - make it suitable for pouring into the heating network. To remove possible contaminants "caught" in the atmosphere, it is initially driven through a filter.

The option of installing a storage tank inside the house (in a boiler room, basement or utility room): a pump, filters, a pressure gauge and piping are located nearby

In addition to cleaning procedures, the enrichment of the liquid with special inhibitors and surfactants helps to reduce the tendency of water to form corrosion and plaque. Chemical compounds contribute to the dissolution of lime and other deposits.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Instructive and informative videos will help you install your own rainwater storage tank.

Video #1 How to make a rainwater harvesting system with an outdoor tank with your own hands:

Video #2 Useful theoretical information:

Video #3 Preparation of a plastic barrel for autonomous water supply:

The purity and natural softness of rainwater allows it to be used for household needs, irrigation, and sometimes - to fill the heating system. Thanks to a large storage tank and a pump, you can always use a backup source of water that is relevant during the emptying of the well.

If you have interesting information, valuable recommendations, your own experience in the design of a system built to collect rainwater, please leave comments. To place them below the text of the article, a block form is open.

The comfort of country life largely depends on communications, including an autonomous water supply system. Usually, water intake comes from a well or a well located on the territory of a suburban area, but sometimes this water is not enough, and additional, backup sources have to be found. One of them is the collection of rainwater from the roof of a house, bathhouse or utility room.

Benefits of using rainwater

If a country house is a permanent place of residence of a person, then about 130-160 liters of clean water are needed every day to serve his needs. A large amount of liquid is spent on watering flower beds, beds, lawns. It becomes clear why rainwater will never be superfluous.

Recall summer souls in the country. In a large container raised above the ground, water accumulates. Under the sun, it heats up and becomes comfortable for use on a hot day. If you slightly modify the primitive water supply system, then you can get water supply not only for the soul, but for the entire country house.

Rainwater collection systems: 1 - water level sensor; 2 - float filter; 3 - water level control; 4 - centrifugal pump; 5 - container made of polyethylene; 6 - siphon; 7 - filter

Is water collected after rain good for washing or even taking a shower? Undoubtedly! In terms of its chemical composition, it is much softer and safer than city tap water. A sufficient amount of oxygen in the composition makes it ideal for watering plants. Only in one case can precipitation be harmful - if there is an industrial enterprise or a large city nearby.

Attention! Water collected after rain cannot be used for drinking or cooking. It is suitable only for technical needs - washing, cleaning, watering, washing the car. Or it needs to be passed through a serious cleaning system.

One of the advantages of rain collection is that it requires almost no investment: you only need to invest once in installing a tank and laying pipes. The only negative is the dependence on the amount of precipitation. In a dry summer, you do not have to rely on an additional source.

When installing a storage tank, do not forget about insurance against excess water. In the upper part of the tank, a branch is made leading to the sewer, through which the excess flows

Choosing the right roof for the system

Not every building or house is suitable for collecting water, as roof configuration and roofing material affect the quality of the liquid. Flat roofs are recommended to be immediately excluded for two reasons:

rainwater runoff is devoid of natural drainage;

water stagnates on the surface of the roof in the form of puddles, which are a breeding ground for bacteria.

Any sloping roof can be equipped with a water collection system using a structure assembled from gutters, downpipes, connectors and fasteners

Thus, the rainwater collection system is installed on buildings with a shed or gable roof with a certain slope, the best option is from 10 ° or more. On a steep roof, water flows much faster, therefore, it does not have time to get dirty.

Attention! Some roofing materials contain substances that are harmful to human health - copper, lead, asbestos. Do not collect water from roofs covered with asbestos slates or copper tiles. Gutters and drains containing copper or lead are also excluded.

Modern modular plastic gutter structures are absolutely safe, moreover, they not only serve to collect water, but are also a decorative element of the building.

Clay tiles, galvanized metal and modified plastic, from which modern gutter structures are made, will keep rainwater clean. Relatively safe and bituminous coatings.

Installing a water collection system

In order for water from the roof to get into the pipes, and from them to the points of analysis in the house and outside it, it is necessary to think over a system that provides for initial accumulation and subsequent wiring. The main components of the system are storage and water supply.

Storage tank installation

A water collection tank is needed to maintain the correct level of liquid in the system. As a rainwater storage tank, you can use any tank made of safe material: concrete, polyethylene, galvanized steel. The main property of the material for the production of the drive is stability, it should not dissolve in water and change its chemical composition.

Installing a storage tank on the ground near the house has two advantages: you do not need to dig a special pit and you can use water for irrigation without using a pump

A rainwater tank installed in the ground is the best option from an aesthetic point of view. In addition, the water in the cold earth will never "bloom"

There are several ways to mount the storage tank:

install directly under downpipes on the surface of the earth;
bury in the ground near the house;
place in the basement or utility room.

The preferred option is to place the tank in the ground, as the coolness prevents the development of microorganisms. But two points must be taken into account: the level of soil freezing and the level of groundwater location. If all conditions are satisfactory, it is necessary to choose a container. It is better to stop at a large volume (2-3 thousand liters), so that there is always a supply.

The drive is installed according to the following algorithm:

We dig out the pit. Its dimensions should be slightly larger than the dimensions of the drive.
At the bottom of the pit we arrange a sand cushion 20 cm thick.
Lower the water tank.
We fill the voids on all sides of the container with sand.
Install pipes and pump.
We close the neck of the tank with a lid.

When the cold comes, you should take care of the safety of the system until the next season. The pump should be removed, cleaned and stored in a warm room, and the container lid should be tightly sealed and covered with a thick layer of sand on top, thereby protecting it from freezing.

Instead of one large reservoir, several containers can be placed in the ground, connected by pipes. Having thought over the water filtration system, it is possible to arrange additional purification

Water supply device

In order for water to get from the drain into the tank, and from it into the house, it is necessary to lay a pipeline. Standard PVC products for outdoor installation are excellent. From the roof, water enters the reservoir naturally, since it is lower, but the supply to the house is carried out forcibly, that is, with the help of a pump. If a centrifugal pump is used, then its installation location should be near the storage tank - as low as possible.

A small submersible pump will also work.

Attention! Installing the pump on the surface of the water ensures its purity, as sediment accumulates at the bottom of the tank over time.

Proper maintenance of equipment

In order to use rainwater in the home, it must be at least clean, so infrequent but mandatory supervision of the system is required. For example, it is necessary to protect against debris and dust that accumulate on the roof, rainwater that enters the storage tank. The first rain after a long drought serves as a kind of "wash" for the roof and gutters. Dirt, along with the first streams of water, rushes from the roof into the gutters and pipes, so the water inlet leading to the tank just needs to be disconnected for a while. After about an hour, clean water will flow - the pipe can be returned to its place.

Many modern gutter structures are initially equipped with devices for retaining large debris: fine-mesh nets that are located along the gutters and at the junctions with pipes

Also, to purify water from large debris and leaves, coarse filters in the form of gratings and mesh baskets are installed throughout the system. Filters need to be cleaned as they become clogged.

By installing a rainwater collection system in a country house, you will receive an additional source of water, and this is another step towards a comfortable life.