From rain to grain

Abstract

Integrated water management in the Middle East is becoming extremely important due to water scarcity. A demonstration project has been undertaken to use water in the most efficient and economical way. The main purpose of ths project is the establishment of a money-saving water catchment system and a non-polluting wastewater recycling system. In addition, it is expected to serve as a learning tool and a starting point for similar projects. In an area with no government installed fresh water or sewer connections, rainwater is collected for use in irrigation and human use. Due to the nature of rainfall in the area, rain is stored in large (450 m3) concrete containers during the winter months and used extensively over the summer months. The collecting surface (928 m2, concrete slab) is used as a basketball field and the water collected is of excellent quality. Ths established project supports 2000 campers and visitors to the camping site over the course of the year. In order to avoid pollution of ground water caused by open bottom pits, gray and black water were separated at the source. Grey water is used for irrigating recently planted forest trees and sample vegetable crops without treatment. Black water is used for irrigating non-edible useful plants with minimal processing. The plants raised on black water, such as bamboo, reeds, and luffa, support the nature of activities performed at the camping site. A complete integrated environmentally friendly water management system is established that provides sustainable water resources and a zero effluent system. A practical and educational system is presented that can become typical for areas with similar water and sewer shortages. Campers and local citizens are already being introduced to the system and educated about the importance of water collection and the hazards of wastewater dumping into the ground