Structure:

The structural design of the RWCS is fairly simple. The first thing that you will need are the materials. The materials are as followed: 4-2 inch PVC pipes, 4 buckets, quickcrete cement, a 15 gallon water tank, electric wire straps, a light weight plastic gutter, a hose, and a thick tarp. The procedure is as follows:

1) Pour quickcrete cement inside the buckets.

2) Position the PVC poles inside each bucket (perpendicular to ground).

3) Position the buckets so that they make a square.

4) Attach the tarp to the poles by using hook screws and electric wiring straps. Then the tarp should slope to the two front poles (see figure 1). This is easily done by where the attachment of the tarp and pole is (about 8 inches higher in the hind poles).

5) Now attach the gutter to the two front poles. The gutter should angle about two inches. The side where the gutter is sloping down should attach a rubber hosing, which should be attached to the tank.

Function:

The RWCS is a conservatory instrument, which allows people to use the rain water in their daily lives. The function of the RWCS is simple, to catch water and then store the water. How does it catch water? What are the mechanisms in which water is stored? When the rain drops hit the surface of the tarp, the slope causes the water to drain to the gutter's side. The gutter, with it's slope conveys the water to the side where the hose is attached and the hose drains the water into the water gallon.

Final Remarks:

I would like to thank a great group of charismatic students who have put their time and effort into this project. Me (Najib), Tae, Carrie and Lei-Pin spent about $50 on this project. We also spent a lot of time with the construction of the RWCS, which took us about 3 weekends (an average of4 hours per day). The materials were purchased at UrbanOre and Home Depot. But, the key factor of completing this project was our determination. We were all involved, we took our time in research, and we focused on solutions when we faced problems.

It was amazing to see how simple parts can construct an invention that is needed worldwide. It is also amazing to see unused water turned into used water. Hopeflilly, the people of the U.S. can implement strategies or instruments for better sustainability on a local level, which can hence influence the global level. The world is at a critical time in her life. It should be the government's responsibility to promote such ideas, but it is even more the people that should take a positive role in promoting sustainable development. Whether it is fliel efficient cars, solar energy, RWCS or even a simple clothes drier. We have the choice of implementing the technologies necessary not only to improve our living standards but also improve the environment. Lets make the choice that will help the Earth heal her own wounds and let these positive choices be bandages. For, if we don't, our grandchildren will be using stiches to heal the wounds that we had neglected.