NAHRIM Tech Guide No 2.unlocked

NAHRIM TECHNICAL GUIDE NO.
2:
THE DESIGN GUIDE

FOR RAINWATER HARVESTING SYSTEMS
National Hydraulic Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM)

Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE)
Lot 5377, Jalan Putra Permai,
43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Glossary II
Introduction 1
Components of Rainwater Harvesting System 2
System Example I Gravity Fed System 4

(A) Indoor System (Direct to Rainwater Header Tank)
(B) Outdoor System (Elevated Rainwater Storage Tank)
System Example II Indirect Pumping System 16

Combined Indoor-Outdoor System (On-the-ground Rainwater Storage Tank)
System Example III Direct Pumping System 31

Combined Indoor-Outdoor System (Underground Rainwater Storage Tank)
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Three Systems 50

Prevention of Mosquito Breeding 51
Appendix 53
List of References 83
THE NAHRIM DESIGN GUIDE FOR RAINWATER HARVESTING SYSTEMS
Glossary
Downpipes Upright pipes which are an accessory for the outside of a home or building, they are most commonly fitted
at the side of a property starting from the roof straight down to the floor
Direct pumped system A system that pumps up rainwater from the rainwater storage tank directly to the internal and external uses
First flush diverter A device usually fitted to every downpipe that is to feed rainwater to the rainwater tank. The diverter
prevents the initial 1-mm of rainwater collected from the roof, from entering the inlet of the rainwater
storage tank
Friction Loss A measurement or calculation of loss of flow or pressure due to the interaction of the fluid with the walls of
the pipe. These losses need to be determined for piping systems, because pumps must be specified with
enough power to overcome losses and provide adequate flow rates. Friction loss varies depending on the
pipe materials, length and the liquid flow rate or velocity
Gravity fed system Rainwater is delivered from the elevated rainwater storage tank by means of gravity to appliances. The main
advantage of the system is water pump or electrical supply to pump water is not required. It is the most
common type of water system in the UK. It is also called a low pressure system
Gutters A narrow trough or duct which collects rainwater from the roof of a building and diverts it into the rainwater
storage tank through the first flush diverter
Half-round gutter A kind of gutter that is shaped, from a cross section perspective, like a semicircle
Indirect pumped system A system that pumps up rainwater from the rainwater storage tank to the rainwater header tank using pump
Jet pump A type of impeller diffuser pump which is used to draw rainwater from the rainwater storage tank to the
rainwater header tank or directly to the internal and external uses
Leaf guarder A protective material placed over the gutters, which is also known as leaf screen or gutter guarder, fit along
the length of the gutter
Mosquito screen A fine-mesh material to keep mosquitoes out; installed at the inlets and outlets of the rainwater storage tanks
Page II
Non-potable use Water that has not been examined, properly treated, and not approved by appropriate authorities as being
safe for consumption. Non-potable water is water that is not of drinking water quality, but which may still
be used for many other purposes, depending on its quality
Non return valve A control valve that allows rainwater to flow in one direction. This check valve does not allow the rainwater
to flow backwards in the pipe circuit
Overflow pipe A pipe that makes it possible to discharge surplus rainwater from the rainwater storage tank or rainwater
header tank without causing any damage by creating a channel for excess amounts of rainwater to be
redirected to into an open channel system
Potable use Water which is fit for consumption by humans and other animals. It is also called drinking water
Pump A device that moves fluids or rainwater by mechanical action
Pump efficiency Defined as the ratio of the power imparted on the fluid (rainwater) by the pump in relation to the power
supplied to drive the pump
Pump Head The maximum vertical height up to which pump can supply the rainwater
Rainfall intensity The intensity of rainfall is a measure of the amount of rain that falls over time
Rainwater harvesting system A system to collect runoff from a structure (roof) or other impervious surface in order to store it for later use
Rainwater header tank A raised tank that ensures a constant pressure or supply of rainwater to a rainwater supply system
Rainwater storage tank A water tank used to collect and store rainwater, typically from rooftops via rain gutters. Rainwater storage
tanks are installed to make use of rainwater for later use, reduce mains water use for economic or
environmental reasons
Roof catchment The collection surface area from where rainfall is harvested
Roof catchment runoff rate The amount of rainwater which passes through a catchment per unit time
Roof pitch A numerical measure of the steepness of a roof. Roofs may be functionally flat or " pitched"
Page III
Roof slope The slope of the roof is measured by the rise versus the run, or the number of inches vertically by the
number of inches horizontally
Runoff coefficient The percentage of precipitation that appears as runoff
Service pipe A service pipe is a pipeline connecting the rainwater storage tank to the pump
Static height The vertical distance between the pump and the discharge point of pump (the rainwater header tank or the
internal and external water fixtures)
Static lift The vertical distance between the suction point (rainwater storage tank) and the pump
Submersible pump A pump that is able to be placed underwater and still carry out its intended purpose
Supply pipe A supply pipe is a pipeline connecting the pump to the rainwater header tank or the internal and external
water fixtures
Tangki NAHRIM A software developed by NAHRIM to predict the optimum size of the rainwater tank to be used for a
rainwater harvesting system. It can also generate the amount of rainwater captured, total rainwater volume
delivered, reliability of the system (= delivered volume / demand volume), coefficient of rainwater
utilization, storage efficiency, and the percentage time of tank empty.
Top-up System A supply system to add public water to the rainwater storage tank when the rainwater level in the storage
tank drops to a fixed minimum level
Total Dynamic Head Total dynamic head is the total equivalent height or overall corresponding height that a fluid (rainwater) is to
be pumped taking into account friction losses in the pipe
Page IV
Introduction
Apart from the traditional development of water sources in the form of dams, ponds and pipelines, rainwater harvesting is certainly an
added refreshing approach towards an integrated environment friendly and sustainable urban water resources development initiative.
Rainwater harvesting and utilisation as a decentralized approach, is one of the alternative hydraulic engineering systems to provide
environmentally sound solutions to the environmental problems often associated with conventional large-scale projects structured
using the centralised approaches. It cannot be denied that the rainwater harvesting approach is not only a sustainable but also a very
cost-effective system in the long run. Rainwater harvesting has been identified as a system with the potential of contributing
immensely for coping with the extremities of precipitation as a consequence of impending climate variability, through reducing and
mitigating more frequent floods or droughts predicted for the future.
Appropriate application of rainwater harvesting technologies plays an important role in encouraging people to harness
rainwater as a complementary freshwater resource. The technologies can vary from the very simple and economical ones to those that
are complex, expensive but efficient. There is a complex set of interrelated circumstances or factors that have to be considered when
choosing the appropriate technology for such systems. However, what is appropriate in one situation may not be appropriate in
another locale and all aspects must be pondered upon before making the final selection. Nevertheless, appropriate technology and
related system designs should include a complete set of robust system components such as roof catchment, gutters, downpipes, leaf
guard, first flush, storage tanks, distribution systems, etc. Factors such as cost, climate, water quantity or volume, water quality or
health concern, building structures, aesthetics, environmental concerns, social-political elements, etc. are also important and pertinent
parameters that have to be taken into consideration prior to developing the eventual choice of system to be adopted for the particular
situation.
Page - 1 -
Components of Rainwater Harvesting System
A rainwater harvesting system on its own cannot provide a completely dependable source of water supply because it is dependent on
the weather, and weather is not dependable. To get the maximum benefit from rainwater harvesting, some storage can be built into the
rainwater harvesting system to provide water between rainfall events. The typical components of a rainwater harvesting system may
include a specific roof catchment, conveyance system, storage system, and distribution systems to control where the rainwater goes.
The amount of rainwater or "yield" that the catchment area will provide depends on the size of the catchment area and its surface
texture amongst other hydrological parameters. The main components of rainwater harvesting system can be elaborated as follow:
Roof catchment: defined as the collection surface area from where rainfall is harvested. The roof of a building is always the first
choice;
Conveyance system: directs the rainwater from the catchment area to the storage tank. With a roof catchment system the gutter and
downpipes are the means of conveyance. Gutters and downpipes are either concealed inside the walls of buildings or attached to
the exterior of buildings. The first flush system, which is to remove debris from the catchment surfaces and ensure high quality
rainwater, is also an important component in the system. The first 1-mm of rainwater is usually directed into the first flush system
to filter out the dirty materials. Leaf guards installed onto the gutters are an optional device in the system;
Storage system: basically to store the rainwater. The size of storage tank is dictated by several variables, which include (i) the
rainwater supply or local rainfall, (ii) the rainwater demand, and (iii) the projected length of dry spells without rain, the catchments
surface area, aesthetics, personal preference and budget.
Distribution system: which can be gravity-fed, indirect pumped or direct pumped from the storage tank to the feeder tank or direct
to the end users. The distribution device can be a hose, pipe or constructed channel. Control valves can be used to control the flow
rate and direction of flow. A submersible or jet pump is required in both the indirect pumped and direct pumped systems.
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System Example I
Gravity Fed Systems
Page - 3 -
Diagram 1a: Separate Indoor System (Direct to Rainwater Header Tank) and Outdoor System (Elevated Rainwater Storage
Tank) for a Typical 2-Storey House
Page - 4 -
Diagram 1b: Separate Indoor System (Direct to Rainwater Header Tank) and Outdoor System (Elevated Rainwater Storage
Tank) for a Typical 1-Storey House
Page - 5 -
Step 1:
Roof Area
Do you have the roof area?
NO Step 5: First Flush Volume
Assumed 1-mm first flush (Vol = 1-
mm x Roof Area)
Use Eq. 3.1a - 3.2c to
YES calculate the roof area
Step 2: Step 6: Water Demand & Tank

Roof Runoff Size
Get runoff from Tables
3.2.1a 3.2.3b? NO Get water demand
fromTable6.1.1.a and tank size
from Tables 6.2 - 6.14
Use Eq. 3.2a & 3.2b to
YES calculate the roof
runoff
Step 3: Step 7: Pumping System

Gutter & Downpipe
Get sizes from Tables It is not required as it is a gravity
NO fed system
3.2.1a 3.2.3b?
Use Eq. 3.2c& 3.2dto
calculate the sizes
YES
Step 8: Top-up System
Step 4: Leaf Guarder Select Automatic Top-up System

Adopt a net mesh of 10- (without electronic device);
mm Depth of topping-up = Daily
rainwater demand (volume) /
cross-sectional area of tank
Page - 6 -
(A) Indoor System (Direct to Rainwater Header Tank) for a Typical 2-Storey (or 1-Storey) House
For a typical 2-storey (or 1-Storey) house located in Kuala Lumpur with the following features:
- dual flush toilet (assumed 5 flushes per occupant per day and 4 occupants in the house);
- 60-m2 of roof size (each side) and less than 40 degree of roof pitch;
- roof material is metal;
- rainfall intensity is assumed to be 100-mm/h;
- half round or rectangular gutter with 1:600 gradient of gutter and no bending;
- 1.0-mm of rainfall is used as first flush depth
The rainwater harvesting system consists of two separated systems, which are indoor system and outdoor system. Indoor system is
used for toilet flushing while outdoor system is for gardening and general cleaning purposes.
Step 1 Roof Area
Obtain roof size for both sides/systems (indoor and outdoor) using Equation 3.1a, 3.1b or 3.1c in Figure 3.1.1 depends on
the roof design:
Roof size, A = 60-m2
Step 2 Roof Catchment Runoff
Obtain roof catchment runoff rate, Q, based on Equation 3.2a (less than 40 Quick Reference:
degree of roof pitch) or Equation 3.2b (for roof slope greater than 40): User can refer to Tables 3.2.1a, 3.2.1b,
3.2.2a, 3.2.2b, 3.2.3a OR 3.2.3b to obtain
roof catchment runoff rate Q, if the roof
size is known (or after obtaining it in Step
1)
Page - 7 -
For a roof with less than 40 degree of roof pitch [Equation 3.2a], rainfall Note:
intensity (I) is 100-mm/h, roof material is metal with runoff coefficient C = The typical roof pitch in Malaysia is less
0.90 [Table 3.2.6a]: than 40 degree
Q = CIA
= 0.90 x [100mm/hr x 1/3600 s/hr x 1/1000 m/mm x 1000/1 l/m] x 60m2
= 1.58- l/s
Step 3 Gutter and Downpipe Sizes
Obtain the gutter and downpipe sizes based on Equation 3.2c (half round Quick Reference:
gutter)or Equation 3.2d (rectangular or eave gutter): User can refer to Tables 3.2.1a, 3.2.1b,
3.2.2a, 3.2.2b, 3.2.3a OR 3.2.3b to obtain
gutter and downpipe sizes, if the roof size
OR the roof catchment runoff rate Q, is
known (or after obtaining the in Steps 1 &
2)
Options:
User can also use Chart 3.2.1 and Chart
3.2.2 to design gutters, and Table 3.2.5 to
design downpipe; OR Table 3.2.6b to
design gutters and downpipe
Case (i)
Assumed: half round gutter [Equation 3.2c], end outlet, 1:600 gradient of Diagram:
gutter, no bending of gutter:
Page - 8 -
Q = 1.4 x 0.9 x 2.67 x 10-5 x Ag1.25 l/s

Ag= 5472.07mm2
D = (Ag x 8 / ) = 118.04-mm (rounded to 120-mm)
Where,
Ag is cross-sectional area of the half-round gutter in mm2;
D is the diameter of gutter in mm
Assumed downpipes size to be 66% of gutter width, thus:
Downpipe diameter = 79-mm
From Table 3.2.2a, the available gutter and downpipe sizes are 174-mm and
82-mm, respectively.
Case (ii)
Assumed: rectangular gutter [Equation 3.2d], 1:600 gradient of gutter, no Diagram:

bending of gutter:
Q = 1.4 x 0.9 x (9.67 / 105) x (Ao2 / W) l/s

1.5833 = 1.4 x 0.9 x (9.67 / 105) x (W2 d2 / 8)
= 1.4 x 0.9 x (9.67 / 105) x (W5/64)
W = 101.56-mm (rounded to 105-mm)

d = 50-mm
Where,
Ao is the cross sectional area of flow at gutter outlet in mm2;
W is the width of water surface (always assume that the depth, d, is half of
the width)
Page - 9 -
Downpipe width = 69.5-mm

Downpipe depth = 35-mm
From Table 3.2.2b, the available gutter width and depth are 190-mm and
150-mm, respectively; while the available downpipe width and depth are
100-mm and 50-mm, respectively
Step 4 Leaf Guarder
It is suggested that the installation of the leaf guarder shall be that of a Diagram:
durable metal net or a screen mesh of 10-mm
Page - 10 -
Step 5 First Flush Diverter
Obtain the designed volume of First Flush Diverter based on Equation 3.7a Options:
and Equation 3.7b User can also use Tables 3.7.1, 3.7.2 and
3.7.3 to design the volume of first flush
Assumed: 1.0-mm of rainfall is used as first flush depth, a first flush Diagram:
downpipe of 300-mm diameter:
Required volume of diverted water (m3)

= roof length (m) * roof width (m) * first flush depth (m)
= 60-m2 x 0.001-m
= 0.06-m3, or 60-liter
First Flush Pipe length (m)

= Required volume of diverted water (m3) / r2
= 0.06-m3 / (3.14 x 0.15 x 0.15)
= 0.85-m (adopt 1.0-m)
Page - 11 -
Step 6 Water Demand and Rainwater Storage Tank Size
Obtain the Rainwater Storage Tank Size based on Water Demand Quick Reference:
User can design the tank size by referring to
For a house located in Kuala Lumpur with dual flush toilet, 5 flushes per Tables 6.2.1-6.2.14 (depends on the
occupant per day, 4 occupants in the house: location of the system). In order to select
the optimum tank size from these tables,
Daily rainwater demand = 4.8-litres x 5 x4 = 96- liters the water demand for the rainwater system
must first be determined from Table
From Table 6.2.1, adopt rainwater storage tank of 0.5-m3 6.1.1a.
[This optimum size of rainwater storage tank was simulated using Tangki
NAHRIM Software - a software developed by NAHRIM to predict the
optimum size of the rainwater tank to be used for a rainwater harvesting
system]
Step 7 Pumping System
It is not required as it is a gravity fed system (rainwater is delivered through gravity from the rainwater storage/header tank
to the WCs)
Page - 12 -
Step 8 Top-up System
User can choose either Automatic Top-up System (with electronic device) in Diagram [typical top-up system used in
Figure 3.5.1or Automatic Top-up System (without electronic device) in Malaysia]:
Figure 3.5.2 [typical system used in Malaysia] for topping the rainwater
header tank from the public supply header tank
Water from the public water supply can flow into the rainwater header tank
subjected to it being equipped with a one-way non return valve system, or
the overflow pipe in the rainwater tank is located at least 225-mm lower
from the inlet public supply pipe to the rainwater header tank.
Estimation of maximum top-up depth:
From Step 6,
Daily rainwater demand = 96- liters = 0.096-m3
Assumed the depth of tank equals to0.27-m for a 0.5-m3 tank, thus:
Diameter of Rainwater Header Tank, D = 1.5-m
Thus, the cross-sectional area of tank = (D/2)2 = 1.8-m2
In order to fulfill the 1-day rainwater demand, the maximum depth of

topping-up required is:
Depth of topping-up = 0.096 / 1.8 = 0.05-m = 5-cm
This topping-up is assumed to be sufficient for 1-day rainwater supply in the

system.
Only 1 day supply or topping-up is designed as we are supposed to

maximize the usage of rainwater. Too much topping up will reduce the
storage capacity of rainwater header tank when the rainfall comes on the
next day.
Page - 13 -
(B) Outdoor System (Elevated Rainwater Storage Tank)for a Typical 2-Storey House
Step 1-5 The design procedures are similar with the indoor system in Part (A)
User can design the tank size by referring to
Tables 6.2.1-6.2.14 (depends on the
location of the system). In order to select
the optimum tank size from these tables,
the water demand for the rainwater system
must first be determined from Table
6.1.1b.
Assumed: Kuala Lumpur, garden hose with 13mm [1/2 inch] supply Note:
Elevated tank (about 3-m height) is used or
Daily rainwater demand = 11 liters/minutex30 minutes = 330- litres designed to create pressure head
From Table 6.2.1, adopt rainwater storage tank of 4.0-m3
It is not required as it is a gravity fed system (with 3-m height of elevated rainwater tank)
Page - 14 -
This is optional as user can stop using rainwater when there is no rainwater Diagram [typical top-up system used in
supply from the elevated rainwater tank Malaysia]:
However, for installing a top-up system, user can choose either Automatic
Top-up System (with electronic device) in Figure 3.5.1or Automatic Top-up
System (without electronic device) in Figure 3.5.2 for topping the rainwater
storage tank from the public supply system (direct public supply pipe)
Water from the public water supply can flow into the rainwater storage tank
subjected to it being equipped with a one-way non return valve system, or
the overflow pipe in the rainwater tank is located at least 225-mm lower
from the inlet public supply pipe to the rainwater storage tank

From Step 6,
Diameter of Rainwater Storage Tank, D = 1.5-m
In order to fulfill the 1-day rainwater demand, the depth of topping-up

required is:

system.
Only 1 day supply or topping-up is designed as we are supposed to
maximize the usage of rainwater. Too much topping up will reduce the
storage capacity of rainwater storage tank when the rainfall comes on the
next day.
Page - 15 -
System Example II
Indirect Pumping Systems
Page - 16 -
Diagram 2a: Combined Indoor-Outdoor System (On-the-ground Rainwater Storage Tank) for a Typical 2-Storey House
Page - 17 -
Diagram 2b: Combined Indoor-Outdoor System (On-the-ground Rainwater Storage Tank) for a Typical1-Storey House
Page - 18 -
Step 1:
Roof Area
Do you have the roof area? Step 5: First Flush Volume
NO Assumed 1-mm first flush
(Vol = 1-mm x Roof Area)

YES calculate the roof area Step 6: Water Demand & Tank Size
Get water demand fromTable6.1.1.a
Step 2: and tank size from Tables 6.2 - 6.14
Roof Runoff
3.2.1a 3.2.3b? NO
Step 7:
Use Eq. 3.2a & 3.2b to Pumping System
YES calculate the roof Get total water flow rate
runoff required from Table 3.4.3;
Estimate pump head using
Step 3: Pump head = Total Dynamic Head = NO
Gutter & Downpipe Static Lift + Static Height + Friction Loss
Get sizes from Tables (Assumed friction loss to be 10%
NO
3.2.1a 3.2.3b? of total Static Lift + Static Use Tables 3.4.5 &
Height)? 3.4.6 and Eq. 3.4a-
Use Eq. 3.2c& 3.2dto
calculate the sizes 3.4c to calculate
YES pump head;
Get water flow rate
YES from Table 3.4.3
Step 4: Leaf Guarder
Adopt a net mesh of 10-
mm Step 8: Top-up System
Select Automatic Top-up System (without
electronic device);
Depth of topping-up = Daily rainwater demand
(volume) / cross-sectional area of tank
Page - 19 -
Combined Indoor-Outdoor System (On-the-ground Rainwater Storage Tank)for a Typical2-Storey House
The rainwater harvesting system harvests rainwater from both sides of the roof, and the rainwater is stored in the on-the-ground
rainwater storage tank before it is pumped to the rainwater header tank.
Step 1 Roof Area
Obtain roof size for both sides/systems using Equation 3.1a, 3.1b or 3.1c in Figure 3.1.1 depends on the roof design:
Total Roof size, A = 60 + 60 = 120-m2
3.2.2a, 3.2.2b, 3.2.3a OR 3.2.3b to obtain
1)
Page - 20 -
For each 60-m2 roof: Note:

The typical roof pitch in Malaysia is less
For a roof with less than 40 degree of roof pitch [Equation 3.2a], rainfall than 40 degree
intensity (I) is 100-mm/h, roof material is metal with runoff coefficient C =
0.90 [Table 3.2.6a]:
Q = CIA
= 1.58- l/s
3.2.2a, 3.2.2b, 3.2.3a OR 3.2.3b to obtain
2)
Options:
Page - 21 -
Case (i) [For half round gutter and each 60-m2 roof]:
Q = 1.4 x 0.9 x 2.67 x 10-5 x Ag1.25 l/s

Ag= 5472.07mm2
Where,
Page - 22 -
Case (ii) [For rectangular gutter and each 60-m2 roof]:

bending of gutter:
Q = 1.4 x 0.9 x (9.67 / 105) x (Ao2 / W) l/s

1.5833 = 1.4 x 0.9 x (9.67 / 105) x (W2 d2 / 8)
= 1.4 x 0.9 x (9.67 / 105) x (W5/64)

d = 50-mm
Where,
W is the width of water surface (always assume that the depth, d, is half of
the width)

From Table 3.2.2b, the available gutter width and depth are 190-mm and
150-mm, respectively; while the available downpipe width and depth are
100-mm and 50-mm, respectively
Page - 23 -
Step 4 Leaf Guarder
It is suggested that the installation of the leaf guarder shall be that of a Diagram:
durable metal net or a screen mesh of 10-mm
Page - 24 -
For each 60-m2 roof: Diagram:

Assumed: 1.0-mm of rainfall is used as first flush depth, a first flush
downpipe of 300-mm diameter:

= 60-m2 x 0.001-m
= 0.06-m3, or 60-liter

= 0.06-m3 / (3.14 x 0.15 x 0.15)
= 0.85-m (adopt 1.0-m)
User can design the tank size by referring
Page - 25 -
For a house located in Kuala Lumpur with dual flush toilet, 5 flushes per to Tables 6.2.1-6.2.14 (depends on the
occupant per day, 4 occupants in the house AND garden hose with 13mm[1/2 location of the system). In order to select
in.] supply, 30 minute duration the optimum tank size from these tables,
Daily rainwater demand must first be determined from Tables
= Indoor water demand+ Outdoor water demand 6.1.1a & 6.1.1b
= [4.8-litres x 5 x 4] + [11-liters/minute x 30-minutes]
= 426- liters
From Table 6.2.1, adopt rainwater storage tank of 2.6-m3 Note:
[This optimum size of rainwater storage tank was simulated using Tangki Adopt rainwater header tank with the size
NAHRIM Software - a software developed by NAHRIM to predict the of 1-m3 for terrace house and 2-m3 for
optimum size of the rainwater tank to be used for a rainwater harvesting bungalow house
system]
Design the Pumping System (Submersible pump) Diagram:
Page - 26 -
Pump Head: *Note:

There will be no Required System
Using [Equation 3.4a]to obtain the pump head in meter or feet: Pressure in this system as the final
discharge of pumping system is into the
Pump Head (m, or ft) = *Required System Pressure + Total Dynamic Head rainwater header tank.
Friction Loss:
Assumed: 3 flushing toilet and 1 garden hose with 13-mm for the house.
The friction loss can then be obtained as below:
From Table 3.4.3, the minimum recommended water flow rate for various
fixtures can be obtained:
The total toilet flow rate = 3 x 2.7-LPM = 8-LPM

And, Garden Hose flow rate = 11-LPM
Then, Total flow rate = 19-LPM
From Table 3.4.5 [NO service pipe since submersible pump is used]:
For a flow rate of 19-LPM with 9-m rainwater supply pipe size of 25mm [1
inch]:
F100-SU= 1.9 m /100 m pipe
From Table 3.4.6 [NO service pipe since submersible pump is used]:
For two 90-bending in 9-m rainwater supply pipe,
Supply pipe with two 90 bending, LF-SU = 0.8 x 2 =1.6m
And,
Page - 27 -
2 Supply pipe gate valve, LF-SU = 0.2-m x 2 = 0.4-m

Also,
LP-SE = 3-m horizontal supply pipe+8-m static height supply pipe=11-m
Thus, using [Equation 3.4c]:
Friction Loss
= [(LP-SE + LF-SE) x (F100-SE / 100-m pipe) ] + [(LP-SU + LF-SU) x
(F100-SU / 100-m pipe) ]
= 0 + [(11 + (1.6+ 0.4)) x (1.9 / 100-m pipe)]
= 0.019-m
Where,
Friction Loss = Combined Friction losses (m) for the service piping (SE) and
supply piping (SU)
LP = Linear length of pipe (m)
LF = Equivalent length of pipe fittings (m)
F100 = Friction loss per 100m of pipe
Total Dynamic Head:
While the Total Dynamic Head can be obtained using [Equation 3.4b]: Note:
Static height is assumed to be 8-m and NO
Total Dynamic Head = Static Lift + Static Height + Friction Loss static lift
Total Dynamic Head = 0 + 8 + 0.019 = 8.019-m
Page - 28 -
Pump Head:
Using [Equation 3.4a] to obtain the pump head in meter or feet:
Pump Head (m, or ft) = *Required System Pressure + Total Dynamic Head
Where,
Required System Pressure = 0
Thus,
Pump Head = 0 + 8.019 = 8.019-m
And,
Total system flow rate = 19-LPM, or 3.17 x 10-4-m3/s
The calculated pump head should at least 80.19-kPa (the required pump head
should be 114.6-kPa assuming 70% of pump efficiency), or at least 0.034-hp
(the required pump head should be 0.050-hp [adopt 1-hp pump] assuming
70% of pump efficiency)
Where,
Pump head (kPa)

= Pump head (m) x 10
= 8.019-m x 10
= 80.19-kPa
Horsepower (hp)
= Flow rate (m3/s) x Pump head (kPa) x 1.34
= (3.17 x 10-4) x 80.19 x 1.34
= 0.034-hp
Page - 29 -
Figure 3.5.2 [typical system used in Malaysia] for topping the rainwater
header tank from the public supply header tank
subjected to it being equipped with a one-way non return valve system, or the
overflow pipe in the rainwater tank is located at least 225-mm lower from the
inlet public supply pipe to the rainwater storage tank

From Step 6,
In order to fulfill the 1-dayrainwater demand, the depth of topping-up

required is:

system.
Only 1 day supply or topping-up is designed as we are supposed to maximize

the usage of rainwater. Too much topping up will reduce the storage capacity
of rainwater storage tank when the rainfall comes on the next day.
Page - 30 -
System Example III

Direct Pumping Systems
Page - 31 -
Diagram 3a(i): Combined Indoor-Outdoor System (Underground Rainwater Storage Tank) for a Typical 2-Storey House
Page - 32 -
Diagram 3a(ii): Combined Indoor-Outdoor System (Underground Rainwater Storage Tank) for a Typical 2-Storey House
Page - 33 -
Diagram 3b(i): Combined Indoor-Outdoor System (Underground Rainwater Storage Tank) for a Typical 1-Storey House
Page - 34 -
Diagram 3b(ii): Combined Indoor-Outdoor System (Underground Rainwater Storage Tank) for a Typical 1-Storey House
Page - 35 -
Step 1:
Roof Area
Do you have the roof area? Step 5: First Flush Volume
NO Assumed 1-mm first flush
(Vol = 1-mm x Roof Area)

YES calculate the roof area Step 6: Water Demand & Tank Size
Get water demand fromTable6.1.1.a
Step 2: and tank size from Tables 6.2 - 6.14
Roof Runoff
3.2.1a 3.2.3b? NO
Step 7:
Use Eq. 3.2a & 3.2b to Pumping System
YES calculate the roof Get total water flow rate
runoff required from Table 3.4.3and required
System Pressure from Table 3.4.4
Step 3: Estimate pump head using
Gutter & Downpipe Pump head = Required System Pressure NO
Get sizes from Tables NO
+ (Static Lift + Static Height + Friction
3.2.1a 3.2.3b? Loss)(Assumed friction loss to be Use Tables 3.4.5 &
Use Eq. 3.2c& 3.2dto 10% of total Static Lift + 3.4.6 and Eq. 3.4a3.4c
calculate the sizes Static Height)? to calculate pump
YES head; Get water flow
rate from Table
3.4.3and required
Step 4: Leaf Guarder YES system pressure in
Adopt a net mesh of 10-
mm
Select Automatic Top-up System (without
electronic device);
Depth of topping-up = Daily rainwater demand
(volume) / cross-sectional area of tank
Page - 36 -
Combined Indoor-Outdoor System (Underground Rainwater Storage Tank) for a Typical2-Storey House
The rainwater harvesting system harvests rainwater from both sides of the roof, and the rainwater is stored in the underground
rainwater storage tank before it is pumped to the water fixtures directly.
Step 1 Roof Area
Obtain roof size for both sides/systems using Equation 3.1a, 3.1b or 3.1c in Figure 3.1.1 depends on the roof design:
Total Roof size, A = 60 + 60 = 120-m2
3.2.2a, 3.2.2b, 3.2.3a OR 3.2.3b to obtain
1)
Page - 37 -
For each 60-m2 roof: Note:

The typical roof pitch in Malaysia is less
For a roof with less than 40 degree of roof pitch [Equation 3.2a], rainfall than 40 degree
intensity (I) is 100-mm/h, roof material is metal with runoff coefficient C =
0.90 [Table 3.2.6a]:
Q = CIA
= 1.58- l/s
3.2.2a, 3.2.2b, 3.2.3a OR 3.2.3b to obtain
2)
Options:
Page - 38 -
Case (i) [For half round gutter and each 60-m2 roof]:
Q = 1.4 x 0.9 x 2.67 x 10-5 x Ag1.25 l/s

Ag= 5472.07mm2
Where,
Page - 39 -
Case (ii) [For rectangular gutter and each 60-m2 roof]:

bending of gutter:
Q = 1.4 x 0.9 x (9.67 / 105) x (Ao2 / W) l/s

1.5833 = 1.4 x 0.9 x (9.67 / 105) x (W2 d2 / 8)
= 1.4 x 0.9 x (9.67 / 105) x (W5/64)

d = 50-mm
Where,
W is the width of water surface (always assume that the depth, d, is half of the
width)

From Table 3.2.2b, the available gutter width and depth are 190-mm and 150-
mm, respectively; while the available downpipe width and depth are 100-mm
and 50-mm, respectively
Page - 40 -
Step 4 Leaf Guarder
It is suggested that the installation of the leaf guarder shall be that of a durable Diagram:
metal net or a screen mesh of 10-mm
Page - 41 -
For each 60-m2 roof: Diagram:
Assumed: 1.0-mm of rainfall is used as first flush depth, a first flush downpipe
of 300-mm diameter:

= 60-m2 x 0.001-m
= 0.06-m3, or 60-liter

= 0.06-m3 / (3.14 x 0.15 x 0.15)
= 0.85-m (adopt 1.0-m)
User can design the tank size by referring
Page - 42 -
For a house located in Kuala Lumpur with dual flush toilet, 5 flushes per to Tables 6.2.1-6.2.14 (depends on the
occupant per day, 4 occupants in the house AND garden hose with 13mm[1/2 location of the system). In order to select
in.] supply, 30 minute duration: the optimum tank size from these tables,
Daily rainwater demand must first be determined from Tables
= Indoor water demand+ Outdoor water demand 6.1.1a & 6.1.1b.
= [4.8-litres x 5 x 4] + [11-liters/minute x 30-minutes]
= 426- litres
From Table 6.2.1, adopt rainwater storage tank of 2.6-m3

[This optimum size of rainwater storage tank was simulated using Tangki
NAHRIM Software - a software developed by NAHRIM to predict the
optimum size of the rainwater tank to be used for a rainwater harvesting
system]
Design the Pumping System (Jet Pump) Diagram:
Page - 43 -
Required System Pressure Head:
Assumed: 3 flushing toilet and 1 garden hose with 13mm [adopt pressure washer Note:
in Table 3.4.4 with Required System Pressure Head of 14-m] for the house. In this direct pumping system, the
Required System Pressure Head for each
From [Table 3.4.4]: fixture in the house must be determined to
ensure the pump can maintain the pressure
Required System Pressure Head= [14 x 3] + 14 = 56-m
Friction Loss:
The friction loss can then be obtained as follows:
From Table 3.4.3, the minimum recommended water flow rate for various
fixtures can be obtained:
Toilet flow rate (each) = 2.7-LPM

Garden Hose flow rate = 11-LPM
Sub-System (i) [Upper Floor 2 flushing toilets]:
Total system flow rate [service pipe] = 19-LPM

Total toilet flow rate [supply pipe] = 2.7 x 2 = 5.4-LPM
From Table 3.4.5:

For a flow rate of 19-LMP with 2-m rainwater service pipe size of 25mm [1
inch],
F100-SE = 1.9 m /100 m pipe
Page - 44 -
For a flow rate of 5.4-LPM [adopt 8.0-LMP]with 9-m rainwater supply pipe
size of 25mm [1 inch],
F100-SU = 0.38 m /100 m pipe
From Table 3.4.6:

For one 90-bending in rainwater service pipe and two 90-bending in
rainwater supply pipe,
Service pipe with one 90 bending, LF-SE = 0.8 m
And,
Service pipe gate valve, LF-SE = 0.2-m
Supply pipe gate valve, LF-SU = 0.2-m x 2 = 0.4-m
Thus, using [Equation 3.4c]:
Friction Loss
= [(LP-SE + LF-SE) x (F100-SE / 100-m pipe) ] + [(LP-SU + LF-SU)

x (F100-SU / 100-m pipe) ]
= [(2+(0.8+0.2)) x (1.9 / 100-m pipe)] + [(9+(1.6+0.4))
x (0.38 / 100-m pipe)]
= (0.057 + 0.042)-m
Sub-System (ii) [Lower Floor 1 flushing toilet]:
Total toilet flow rate [supply pipe] = 2.7-LPM
From Table 3.4.5:

For a flow rate of 2.7-LPM [adopt 8.0-LMP]with 5-m rainwater supply pipe
size of 25mm [1 inch], where the service pipe needs not to be repeated here:
F100-SU = 0.38 m /100 m pipe
Page - 45 -
From Table 3.4.6:

For two 90-bending in rainwater supply pipe,
And,
Thus,
Friction Loss
= [(LP-SU + LF-SU ) x (F100-SU / 100-m pipe)]
= [(5+(1.6+0.4)) x (0.38 / 100-m pipe)]
= 0.027-m
Sub-System (iii) [Lower Floor 1garden hose]:
Total garden hose flow rate [supply pipe] = 11-LPM
From Table 3.4.5:

For a flow rate of 11-LMP with 10-m rainwater supply pipe size of 25mm [1
inch],
F100-SU = 0.38 m /100 m pipe
From Table 3.4.6:

For two 90-bending in rainwater supply pipe,
And,
Thus,
Page - 46 -
Friction Loss
= [(LP-SU + LF-SU ) x (F100-SU / 100-m pipe)]
= [(10+(1.6+0.4)) x (0.38 / 100-m pipe)]
= 0.046-m
Then,
Total friction loss = 0.057 + (0.042 + 0.027 + 0.046) = 0.173-m
Total Dynamic Head:
While the Total Dynamic Head can be obtained using [Equation 3.4b]: Note:
Static lift and static height are assumed to
Total Dynamic Head = Static Lift + Static Height + Friction Loss be 2-m and 9-m (6-m + 2-m + 1-m),
Total Dynamic Head = 2 + 9 + 0.173 = 11.173-m respectively, as shown in the Diagram 3.
Pump Head:
Using [Equation 3.4a] to obtain the pump head in meter or feet:
Pump Head (m, or ft) = *Required System Pressure Head + Total Dynamic
Head
Where,
Required System Pressure Head = [14 x 3] + 14 = 56-m
Thus,
Pump Head = 56 + 11.173= 67.173-m
Page - 47 -
And,
Total system flow rate = 19-LPM, or 3.17 x 10-4-m3/s
The calculated pump head should at least 671.73-kPa (the required pump head
should be 960-kPa assuming 70% of pump efficiency), or at least 0.3-hp (the
required pump head should be 0.4-hp [adopt 1-hp pump] assuming 70% of
pump efficiency)
Where,
Pump head (kPa)

= Pump head (m) x 10
= 67.173 x 10
= 671.73-kPa
Horsepower (hp)
= Flow rate (m3/s) x Pump head (kPa) x 1.34
= (3.17 x 10-4) x 671.73 x 1.34
= 0.3-hp
Page - 48 -
Figure 3.5.2[typical system used in Malaysia] for topping the rainwater
storage tank from the public supply system (direct public supply pipe)
subjected to it being equipped with a one-way non return valve system, or the
overflow pipe in the rainwater tank is located at least 225-mm lower from the
inlet public supply pipe to the rainwater storage tank

From Step 6,
In order to fulfill the 1-day rainwater demand, the depth of topping-up

required is:

system.
Only 1 day supply or topping-up is designed as we are supposed to maximize

the usage of rainwater. Too much topping up will reduce the storage capacity
of rainwater storage tank when the rainfall comes on the next day.
Page - 49 -
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Three Systems

System Advantage Disadvantage
The main advantage of the system is water pump or However, the main disadvantage is the low water
Gravity Fed
electrical supply to pump water is not required. Since no pressure similar in indirectly pumped system. For
System
pump is required, there is no risk of water pump failure example slow refilling of toilet after flushing.
and electrical supply cut-off.
The main advantage of indirect pumped system is the
supply of rainwater will not be cut-off immediately if
the pump is on mechanical or electrical failure. The
rainwater can still be supplied to internal and external The main disadvantage of indirect pumped system is the
Indirect uses from the rainwater header tank system; rainwater will be delivered slowly due to low pressure.
Pumping Thus, it leads to slow refilling after flushing the toilet. In
System In the indirect pumping system, rainwater is pumped addition, there may be insufficient space on the roof to
into the rainwater header tank prior to the water fixtures install the rainwater header tank.
being used, and the pump only operates when the
rainwater level in the tank has dropped to a certain fixed
level, thus reducing the frequency of its usage.
The main disadvantage of the system is the higher
maintenance required due to more frequent usage of
pump on the on-off mode. The pump operates whenever
the water fixtures are being used. This may be further
The main advantage of this system is the rainwater is aggravated by the down time when the pump is being
Direct Pumping
provided on high pressure. Direct pumping system is serviced;
System
applied when higher pressure head is required.
Therefore, it is advised to apply the direct pumping
system only for those water fixtures with minimum
number of usage in a day such as garden hoses, where
the practice is only in the morning or/and evening.
Page - 50 -
Prevention of Mosquito Breeding:
Installation:
Always ensure that the gradient of the gutters is appropriately designed (1:600 gradient [ISSUU, 2013] is recommended, i.e. for
every 3m of guttering, a 5mm fall is needed). Gutters need to be checked regularly as gutters can pick up leaves, dirt and organic
matters. Gutters should be checked and cleaned more frequent during the rainy season;
The length of gutters should not be too long. Overdesigned gutter length may cause bending of the gutters, thus creating stagnant
rainwater pools at the bending sections that encourage mosquito breeding;
Install mosquito nettings or screens at the outlets of the overflow pipes and the connection between the first flush diverter and
the supply pipe to the rainwater storage tank. Additionally, mosquito screens can be installed at the discharge point into the
rainwater storage tank.
Operation and Maintenance:
Leaf guarders need to be checked regularly as they are bound to pick up leaves, dirt and organic matters;
Use rainwater regularly and replenished as often as possible to prevent mosquito breeding. Use rainwater wherever it is available
rather than treated water;
Drained out completely the remaining stagnant rainwater during the dry season;
Abate - an insecticide specifically meant for killing mosquito larvae, shall be used (for non-potable use) whenever the remaining
rainwater is to be kept for some time. Recommended dosage is 10-gm for every 90-liter of rainwater (SOPAC, 2004), or follow
the instructions given by the manufacturers.
Page - 51 -
Page - 52 -
Appendix
Step 1: Roof Area Calculations
(a) Single Sloping Roof Freely Exposed to the Wind (c) Two Adjacent Sloping Roofs
= + = + + ( )
Eq. 3.1a
Eq. 3.1c
Figure 3.1.1: Roof Catchment Areas (DID, 2012)
(b) Single Sloping Roof Partially Exposed to the Wind

= + ( ) Eq. 3.1b
Page - 53 -
Step 3: Calculations of Gutter and Downpipe Sizes

Step 2: Roof Catchment Runoff Calculation
(a) For roof slope less than 40: (a) Half round gutter:
Q (l/s) = catchment area (m2) x rainfall intensity (mm/h ) x Q = 2.67 x 10-5 x Ag1.25 l/s (Eq. 3.2c)
impermeability factor 3600 (Eq. 3.2a) Where Ag is cross sectional area of the half-round gutter in mm2
(b) For roof slope greater than 40: (b) Rectangular or eave gutter:
Q(l/s) = catchment area (m2) x rainfall intensity (mm/h) x (1+ 0.462 Q = (9.67 / 105) x (Ao2 / W) l/s (Eq. 3.2d)
tan) x impermeability factor 3600 (Eq. 3.2b) Where Ao is the cross sectional area of flow at gutter outlet in
mm2 and W is the width of water surface (always assume that the
Where is the roof pitch in degrees. depth is half of the width).
Table 3.2.6a: Runoff coefficients for various catchment types Note:

(UNEP, 2009) For 1:600 gradient of gutter, Q is increased by 40%; while the
Type of Catchment Runoff coefficients frictional resistance of gutter can reduce Q by 10% and each
Roof catchments bending can reduce 25% of Q
Tiles 0.8 0.9
Corrugated metal sheets 0.7 0.9
Ground surface coverings
Concrete 0.6 0.8
Brick pavement 0.5 0.6
Untreated ground
catchments 0.1 0.3
Soil on slopes less than 10 0.2 0.5
percent
Page - 54 -
Rocky natural catchments

Table 3.2.1a:Half round gutters and downpipes for50-mm/h of design rainfall intensity
Half Round Gutters Circular Downpipe *

Roof (diameter/mm) (diameter/mm)
Roof Runoff End outlet Center Outlet End outlet Center Outlet
Area Rate Cal. Ava. Cal. Ava. Cal. Ava. Cal. Ava.
(m2) (L/s) Size Size Size Size Size Size Size Size
50 0.66 85 174 42.5 174 56.0 82 28.0 82
60 0.79 90 174 45.0 174 59.5 82 29.5 82
70 0.92 95 174 47.5 174 63.0 82 31.5 82
80 1.06 100 174 50.0 174 66.0 82 33.0 82
100 1.32 110 174 55.0 174 72.5 82 36.5 82
120 1.58 120 174 60.0 174 79.0 82 39.5 82
150 1.98 130 174 65.0 174 86.0 110 43.0 82
200 2.64 145 174 72.5 174 95.5 110 48.0 82
*Downpipe size is 66% of gutter width
Table 3.2.1b:Rectangulargutters and downpipes for50-mm/h of design rainfall intensity
Rectangular/ Eave Gutters Rectangular Downpipe *
Roof
(mm) (mm)
Roof Runoff
Area Rate Cal. Size Ava. Size Cal. Size Ava. Size
(m2) (L/s) width depth width depth width depth width depth
50 0.66 75 37.5 190 150 49.5 25.0 100 50
60 0.79 80 40.0 190 150 53.0 26.0 100 50
70 0.92 85 42.5 190 150 56.0 28.0 100 50
80 1.06 90 45.0 190 150 59.5 30.0 100 50
100 1.32 95 47.5 190 150 62.5 31.5 100 50
120 1.58 105 52.5 190 150 69.5 35.0 100 50
150 1.98 115 57.5 190 150 76.0 38.0 100 50
200 2.64 125 62.5 190 150 82.5 41.0 100 50
Page - 55 -
Note: Assumed the depth is half of the width of gutter


50 1.32 110 174 55.0 174 72.5 82 36.5 82
60 1.58 120 174 60.0 174 79.0 82 39.5 82
70 1.85 125 174 62.5 174 82.5 82 41.0 82
80 2.11 135 174 67.5 174 89.0 110 44.5 82
100 2.64 145 174 72.5 174 95.5 110 48.0 82
120 3.17 155 174 77.5 174 102.5 110 51.0 82
150 3.96 170 174 85.0 174 112.0 110 56.0 82
200 5.28 195 174 97.5 174 128.5 160 64.5 82
Roof
(mm) (mm)
Roof Runoff
50 1.32 95 47.5 190 150 62.5 32 100 50
60 1.58 105 50.0 190 150 69.5 35 100 50
70 1.85 110 105.0 190 150 72.5 36 100 50
80 2.11 115 57.5 190 150 76.0 38 100 50
100 2.64 125 62.5 190 150 82.5 41 100 50
120 3.17 135 67.5 190 150 89.0 45 100 50
150 3.96 150 75.0 190 150 99.0 50 100 50
200 5.28 165 82.5 190 150 109.0 55 120 80
Page - 56 -


50 1.98 130 174 65 174 85.8 110 42.9 82
60 2.38 140 174 70 174 92.4 110 46.2 82
70 2.77 150 174 75 174 99 110 49.5 82
80 3.17 160 174 80 174 105.6 110 52.8 82
100 3.96 170 174 85 174 112.2 110 56.1 82
120 4.75 185 174 92.5 174 122.1 160 61.05 82
150 5.94 200 174 100 174 132 160 66 82
200 7.92 225 174 112.5 174 148.5 160 74.25 82
Roof
(mm) (mm)
Roof Runoff
50 1.98 115 57.5 190 150 75.9 38 100 50
60 2.38 120 60 190 150 79.2 40 100 50
70 2.77 130 65 190 150 85.8 43 100 50
80 3.17 135 67.5 190 150 89.1 45 100 50
100 3.96 150 75 190 150 99 50 100 50
120 4.75 160 80 190 150 105.6 53 120 80
150 5.94 175 87.5 190 150 115.5 58 120 80
200 7.92 195 97.5 250 178 128.7 64 150 75
Page - 57 -

Note:
Some local gutter manufacturers also produce gutters and downpipes with different sizes from those stated in the tables above, such as
4 x 4 and 3 x 6 eave gutters.
Page - 58 -
The chart assumes:
1) An effective width to depth is a ratio

about 2:1:
2) Gradient of 1:500 or steeper;
3) Mannings formula with n = 0.016
4) The least favorable positioning of
downpipe and bends within the
gutter length;
5) Cross-section or half round, quad,
ogee or square;
6) The outlet to downpipe is located
centrally in the sole of the eaves
gutter.
Chart 3.2.1: Eave Gutter Design Chart for Slope 1:500 and steeper (DID, 2012)
Page - 59 -
The chart assumes:
1) An effective width to depth is a ratio

about 2:1:
2) Gradient of flow flatter than 1:500;
3) Mannings formula with n = 0.016
4) The least favorable positioning of
downpipe and bends within the
gutter length;
5) Cross-section or half round, quad,
ogee or square;
6) The outlet to downpipe is located
centrally in the sole of the eaves
gutter.
Chart 3.2.2: Eave Gutter Design Chart for Slope flatter than 1:500 (DID, 2012)
Page - 60 -
Table 3.2.5: Required Minimal Nominal Size of Downpipe (DID, 2012)

Cross Sectional Area of Minimal Nominal Size of Downpipe (mm)
Eave Gutters ( ) Circular Rectangular
4000
65 x 50
4200
75
4600
75 x 50
4800
85
5900
100 x 50
6400
90
6600
75 x 70
6700
100
8200
100 x 75
9600
125
12,800 100 x 100
16,000 125 x 100
150
18,400
150 x 100
19,200
20,000 Not applicable 125 x 125
22,000 150 x 125
Table 3.2.6b: Gutters and Downpipes sizing for RWH systems in tropical regions (SOPAC, 2004)
Roof area ( ) Gutter width (mm) Minimum diameter of

served by one gutter downpipe (mm)
17 60 40
25 70 50
34 80 50
46 90 63
66 100 63
128 125 75
208 150 90
Page - 61 -
Step 4: Select Leaf Guarder

It is suggested that the installation of the leaf guarder shall adopt a net or screen mesh of 10-mm.
Step 5: Design Volume of First Flush Diverter

A minimum design first flush diverter should divert the first 0.5-mm or 1.0-mm (depend on the rainwater quality) of the rainfall.
Required volume of diverted water (m3) = roof length (m) * roof width (m) * first flush depth (m)Eq. 3.7a
Pipe length (m) = Required volume of diverted water (m3) / r2Eq. 3.7b
Table 3.7.1: Guidelines for residential first flush quantities (DID, 2011)
Rooftops of 100m2 or smaller 25-50 liters
Rooftops of 100m2 or larger 50 liters per 100m2
Table 3.7.2: Guidelines for surface catchments or for very large rooftops (DID, 2011)
Rooftops or surface catchments of 4,356m2 or larger 2,500 liters
Table 3.7.3: First flush requirement according to roof area SIRIM (2013)
Roof area (m2) First flush volume(m3)
<100 0.025 to 0.05
100 to 4356 0.05 to 2.5
>4356 2.5
3
NOTE. Adopt first flush of 5m if surface contains excessive soil, dust or debris.
Page - 62 -
Step 6: Water Demand and Rainwater Storage Tank Size
Table 6.1.1a: Water Consumption for Indoor Usage (Vickers, 2001)

Fixtures Fixture Type Water Usage Number of Uses Water Usage
Per Person Per Day Duration
Toilet Low flush 13.0 liters/flush 5 -
Toilet Ultra-low flush 6.0 liters/flush 5 -
Toilet Dual flush/HET 4.8 liters/flush 5 -
Laundry Top loading 150 liters/load 0.37 -
Laundry Front loading 100 liters/load 0.37 -
Lavatory Inefficient/old 8.0 liters/minute 3 0.5 minutes
Lavatory Standard 5.3 liters/minute 3 0.5 minutes
Lavatory High-efficiency 3.2 liters/minute 3 0.5 minutes
Shower Inefficient/old 9.5 liters/minute 0.3 5 minutes
Shower Standard 8.3 liters/minute 0.3 5 minutes
Shower High-efficiency 5.7 liters/minute 0.3 5 minutes
Table 6.1.1b: Water Consumption for Outdoor Usage(Vickers, 2001)

Fixtures Fixture Type Water Usage Number of Water
Uses per Usage
Week Duration
Garden Hose with 13mm [1/2-in] 11 liters/minute 3 30 minutes
Hose supply
Garden Hose with 18mm [3/4-in] 19 liters/minute 3 30 minutes
Hose supply
Irrigation Providing equivalent of 25- 25.0 liters/m2 3 -
System mm[1-in.] rainfall per use
Irrigation Providing equivalent of 12.5 liters/m2 3 -
System 13-mm[1/2-in.] rainfall per use
Irrigation Providing equivalent of 6.0 liters/m2 3 -
System 6-mm[1/4-in.] rainfall per use
Page - 63 -
Table 6.2.1: Optimum Rainwater Storage Tank for Kuala Lumpur
Demand Optimum Rainwater Storage Tank Cistern Capacity (m3)

(liter/day) Roof Catchment Area (m2)
50 100 200 300 400 500
50 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
100 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
200 1.3 0.8 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7
300 4.0 1.6 1.2 0.9 0.9 0.9
400 - 2.6 1.6 1.3 1.3 1.3
500 - 4.3 2.3 2.1 1.6 1.6
Table 6.2.2: Optimum Rainwater Storage Tank for Georgetown

50 100 200 300 400 500
50 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
100 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
200 1.9 1.1 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8
300 6.7 2.2 1.6 1.3 1.3 1.3
400 - 3.7 2.2 2.0 1.6 1.6
500 - 6.4 3.1 2.6 2.5 2.1
Page - 64 -
Table 6.2.3: Optimum Rainwater Storage Tank for Melaka

50 100 200 300 400 500
50 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
100 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
200 2.5 1.2 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8
300 - 2.6 1.6 1.3 1.3 1.3
400 - 5.0 2.4 2.0 1.6 1.6
500 - - 3.6 2.6 2.6 2.1
Table 6.2.4: Optimum Rainwater Storage Tank for Seremban

(liter/day) Roof Catchment Area ( m2)
50 100 200 300 400 500
50 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
100 0.7 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
200 3.9 1.4 1.2 1.0 1.0 1.0
300 - 3.3 1.9 1.6 1.6 1.6
400 - 7.7 2.8 2.4 2.3 2.0
500 - - 4.4 3.3 3.1 3.0
Page - 65 -
Table 6.2.5: Optimum Rainwater Storage Tank for Kuantan

50 100 200 300 400 500
50 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
100 0.7 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6
200 2.9 1.6 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2
300 - 3.0 2.2 1.9 1.9 1.9
400 - 5.7 3.2 2.7 2.4 2.3
500 - - 4.2 3.6 3.2 3.1
Table 6.2.6: Optimum Rainwater Storage Tank for Kota Bharu

50 100 200 300 400 500
50 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
100 0.8 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
200 4.1 1.6 1.2 1.0 1.0 1.0
300 - 3.6 2.2 1.9 1.6 1.6
400 - 8.2 3.2 2.5 2.4 2.2
500 - - 4.9 3.6 3.1 3.1
Page - 66 -
Table 6.2.7: Optimum Rainwater Storage Tank for Kangar

50 100 200 300 400 500
50 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
100 0.9 0.7 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6
200 4.8 1.8 1.4 1.3 1.2 1.2
300 - 4.3 2.5 2.2 2.1 1.9
400 - 9.5 3.6 3.1 2.8 2.8
500 - - 5.6 4.1 3.8 3.6
Table 6.2.8: Optimum Rainwater Storage Tank for Kuching

50 100 200 300 400 500
50 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
100 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
200 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
300 1.1 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7
400 2.6 1.1 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9
500 - 1.6 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1
Page - 67 -
Table 6.2.9: Optimum Rainwater Storage Tank for Johor Bahru

50 100 200 300 400 500
50 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
100 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
200 1.2 0.8 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7
300 4.2 1.4 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9
400 - 2.4 1.6 1.3 1.3 1.3
500 - 4.3 2.1 1.6 1.6 1.6
Table 6.2.10: Optimum Rainwater Storage Tank for Ipoh

50 100 200 300 400 500
50 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
100 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
200 1.2 0.8 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7
300 3.8 1.4 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9
400 - 2.4 1.5 1.3 1.3 1.3
500 - 4.1 2.1 1.6 1.6 1.6
Page - 68 -
Table 6.2.11: Optimum Rainwater Storage Tank for Alor Setar

50 100 200 300 400 500
50 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
100 0.8 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
200 2.9 1.5 1.2 1.0 1.0 1.0
300 - 3.0 1.9 1.8 1.6 1.6
400 - 5.8 3.0 2.4 2.4 2.0
500 - - 4.3 3.6 3.1 3.0
Table 6.2.12: Optimum Rainwater Storage Tank for Shah Alam

50 100 200 300 400 500
50 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
100 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
200 1.8 1.0 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.7
300 - 1.9 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3
400 - 3.6 2.0 1.6 1.6 1.6
500 - 7.4 2.7 2.1 2.1 2.1
Page - 69 -
Table 6.2.13: Optimum Rainwater Storage Tank for Kota Kinabalu

50 100 200 300 400 500
50 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
100 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
200 1.8 1.1 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8
300 5.9 2.1 1.6 1.3 1.3 1.3
400 - 3.6 2.1 1.9 1.6 1.6
500 - 6.0 3.1 2.6 2.3 2.1
Table 6.2.14: Optimum Rainwater Storage Tank for Kuala Terengganu

50 100 200 300 400 500
50 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
100 0.8 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
200 4.3 1.6 1.2 1.0 1.0 1.0
300 - 3.8 2.1 1.9 1.6 1.6
400 - 8.6 3.2 2.4 2.4 2.0
500 - - 5.1 3.6 3.1 3.1
Page - 70 -
Step 7: Design of Pumping System
Table 3.4.3: Minimum recommended water flow rate for various indoor & outdoor fixtures (Alberta, 2010)
Indoor Minimum Flow Rate Outdoor Maximum Flow Rate

Fixtures (Per Fixture) Fixtures (Per Fixture)
Garden hose with
19 LPM 11LPM
Shower or Bathtub 13mm[1/2 in.]
[5 GPM] [3GPM]
supply
Garden hose with
1 LPM 19LPM
Lavatory 18mm[3/4 in.]
[0.3 GPM] [6GPM]
supply
Varies
2.7 LPM
Toilet Irrigation system (Consult supplier/
[0.7 GPM]
contractor)
1.6 LPM
Kitchen Sink
[0.4 GPM]
19 LPM
Washing Machine
[5 GPM]
7.6 LPM
Dishwasher
[2 GPM]
Table 3.4.4: Required minimum pressure heads for residential home fixtures(Georgia, 2009)
Use Pressure Head

ft m
Impact Sprinkler 93 28
Pressure washer 46 14
Toilet 46 14
Garden hose nozzle 81 25
Page - 71 -
The pump head can be calculated using following equations:
Pump Head (m, or ft) = Required System Pressure Head + Total Dynamic Head Eq. 3.4a
Where the required system pressure head is the operating pressure required for rainwater fixtures (275-415 kPa [~40 60 psi] for
typical residential applications). If the final discharge of a pumping system is into a rainwater header tank, then there will be no
required system pressure head or equals to zero.
Total Dynamic Head = Static Lift + Static Height + Friction Loss Eq. 3.4b
In order to calculate the total dynamic head, the friction head loss must first be calculated. Friction Loss formula is shown as below:
Friction Loss = [(LP-SE + LF-SE) x (F100-SE / 100-m pipe) ] + [(LP-SU + LF-SU) x (F100-SU / 100-m pipe) ] Eq. 3.4c
Where,
Friction Loss = Combined Friction losses (m) for the service piping (SE) and
supply piping (SU)
LP = Linear length of pipe (m)
LF = Equivalent length of pipe fittings (m)
F100 = Friction loss per 100m of pipe
Page - 72 -
There are two distinct sections of rainwater pressure piping:

1) Rainwater service pipe: The section of pipe from storage tank to a jet pump (or pressure tank/control unit for submersible
pumps)
2) Rainwater supply pipe: The section of pipe from jet pump (or pressure tank/control unit for submersible pumps) to permitted
fixtures
Table 3.4.5:Friction head losses for SCH40 PCV pipe at various flow rates (Alberta, 2010)
Flow Friction Head (m / 100m pipe)

Rate, Q Pipe Diameter
(LPM) 13mm 18mm 25mm 32mm 38mm 50mm
[1/2 in.] [3/4 in.] [1 in.] [1 in.] [1 in.] [2 in.]
8 4.8 1.2 0.38 0.1
19 25.8 6.3 1.9 0.5 0.2
30 63.7 15.2 4.6 1.2 0.6 0.2
38 97.5 26 6.9 1.8 0.8 0.3
57 49.7 14.6 3.8 1.7 0.5
76 86.9 25.1 6.4 2.9 0.9
113 13.6 6.3 1.8
The above table assumed a SCH40 PVC pipe or similar material such as PE-polyethylene or PP-polypropylene is utilized.
Page - 73 -
Table 3.4.6:Equivalent length of pipe for different fittings (Alberta, 2010)
Fitting Equivalent Length of Pipe (m)

Pipe Diameter
13mm 18mm 25mm 32mm 38mm 50mm 75mm
[1/2 in.] [3/4 in.] [1 in.] [1 in.] [1 in.] [2 in.] [3 in.]
90 Elbow 0.5 0.6 0.8 1.1 1.3 1.7 2.4
45 Elbow 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.8 1.2
Gate Valve
(shut-off valve) 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5
(Open)
Tee Flow Run 0.3 0.6 0.6 0.9 0.9 1.2 1.8
Tee Flow
1.0 1.4 1.7 2.3 2.7 3.7 5.2
Branch
In Line Check
Valve (Spring) 1.2 1.8 2.4 3.7 4.3 5.8 9.8
or Foot Valve
Page - 74 -
Figure 3.4.1:Illustration for components of pump head
Page - 75 -
Figure 3.4.2: Typical pumping system for a 2-storey house
Page - 76 -
Table 3.4.7: The required pump heads for 3/4-inch pipe size
Min Static Static Friction Total * Cal. #Req. * Cal. # Req.

Flow Lift, Height, Loss, Dynamic Pump Pump Pump Pump
Rate, m m m Head, Head, Head, horse horse
L/m m kPa kPa power power
(A) (B) (C) (A+B+C) (D) (D) / 0.7 (E) (E) / 0.7
8 2 8 0.158 10.158 102 146 0.02 0.03
19 2 8 0.832 10.832 108 154 0.05 0.07
30 2 8 2.006 12.006 120 171 0.08 0.11
38 2 8 4.264 14.264 143 204 0.12 0.17
57 2 8 6.560 16.560 166 237 0.21 0.30
76 2 8 11.471 21.471 215 307 0.36 0.52
* Direct discharge to rainwater header tank
# Assumed 70% of pump efficiency
Table 3.4.8: The required pump heads for 1-inch pipe size

(A) (B) (C) (A+B+C) (D) (D) / 0.7 (E) (E) / 0.7
8 2 8 0.052 10.052 101 144 0.02 0.03
19 2 8 0.262 10.262 103 147 0.04 0.06
30 2 8 0.635 10.635 106 151 0.07 0.10
38 2 8 0.952 10.952 110 157 0.09 0.13
57 2 8 2.015 12.015 120 171 0.15 0.22
76 2 8 3.464 13.464 135 193 0.23 0.33
Page - 77 -
Table 3.4.9: The required pump heads for 1 1/4 -inch pipe size

(A) (B) (C) (A+B+C) (D) (D) / 0.7 (E) (E) / 0.7
8 2 8 0.015 10.015 100 143 0.02 0.03
19 2 8 0.074 10.074 101 144 0.04 0.06
30 2 8 0.176 10.176 102 146 0.07 0.10
38 2 8 0.380 10.380 104 149 0.09 0.13
57 2 8 0.559 10.559 106 151 0.13 0.19
76 2 8 0.941 10.941 109 156 0.19 0.26
113 2 8 2.000 12.000 120 171 0.30 0.43
For estimation of Total Dynamic Head, user can assume friction loss (in meter) equals to 10% of the total pipe length (in meter) plus
the static lift (in meter) and static height (in meter).
After that, user can calculate the pump head (in kPa) by multiplying the Total Dynamic Head (in meter) with 10.0. Finally, the pump
horsepower can be calculated using the following formula:
Horsepower (hp) = [flow rate (m3/s) x pump head (kPa)]kW x 1.34
Page - 78 -
Table 3.4.10:Loading Unit Rating for Various Applications (DID, 2012)
Type of Appliance Loading Unit Rating

Dwelling and Flats
W.C. Flushing Cistern 2
Wash Basin 1.5
Bath 10
Sink 3-5
Offices
W.C Flushing Cistern 2
Wash Basin (Distributed Use) 1.5
Wash Basin (Concentrated Use) 3
School and Industrial Buildings
W.C Flushing Cistern 2
Wash Basin 3
Shower (with Nozzle) 3
Public Bath 22
Page - 79 -
Chart 3.4.1: Design Flow Rate (L/s) versus Loading Units (DID, 2012)
Page - 80 -
There is always a time when there is insufficient of rainwater to meet the demand. In this situation, it is necessary to have another
alternative water supply for the water supply system. Top-up device can be used to solve this problem. When the water level inside the
rainwater tank is getting lower, the top up system will start filling up the rainwater tank by transferring water from the public water
supply.
Rainwater must not flow into the public water supply system. Water from the public water supply can flow into the rainwater tank
subjected to it being equipped with a one-way non return valve system, or the overflow pipe in the rainwater tank is located at least
225-mm lower from the inlet public supply pipe to the rainwater tank (Selangor, 2012).
Automatic Top-up System (without electronic device) - A typical top-up system used in Malaysia
Figure 3.5.2: Schematic Diagram of Top-up Valve
Page - 81 -
Automatic Top-up System (with electronic device) Not recommended, especially at locations where there are frequent
electricity supply interruption.
Figure 3.5.1: Schematic diagram of top-up system for rainwater supply system (Alberta, 2010)
Page - 82 -
List of References
Alberta (2010), Alberta Guidelines for Residential Rainwater Harvesting Systems, The Crown in right of Alberta, as represented by
the Minister of Municipal Affairs
DID (2011), Rainwater Harvesting Guidebook: Planning and Design, Department of Irrigation and Drainage Malaysia
DID (2012), Urban Stormwater Management Manual for Malaysia (MSMA 2nd Edition), Department of Irrigation and Drainage
Malaysia, http://www.water.gov.my
Georgia (2009), Georgia Rainwater Harvesting Guidelines, Georgia Rainwater Committee, Georgia, USA
ISSUU (2013), http://issuu.com/the_building_centre/docs/rainwater_systems_selection_installation
Selangor (2012), Government of Selangor Gazette, Jil. 65, No.6, 22hb Mac 2012, Selangor
SIRIM (2013), Draft Malaysian Standard, SIRIM Berhad
SOPAC (2004), Harvesting the Heavens - Guidelines for Rainwater Harvesting in Pacific Island Countries, South Pacific Applied
Geoscience Commission, http://www.pacificwater.org
UNEP (2009), Caribbean Rainwater Harvesting Handbooks, the Caribbean Environmental Health Institute
Vickers (2001), Handbook of Water Use and Conservation, Water plows Press. Amherst, MA
Page - 83 -

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NAHRIM TECHNICAL GUIDE NO.

THE DESIGN GUIDE

National Hydraulic Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM)

System Example I Gravity Fed System 4

System Example II Indirect Pumping System 16

System Example III Direct Pumping System 31

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Three Systems 50

Pump A device that moves fluids or rainwater by mechanical action

Runoff coefficient The percentage of precipitation that appears as runoff

Components of Rainwater Harvesting System

Step 2: Step 6: Water Demand & Tank

Step 3: Step 7: Pumping System

Step 4: Leaf Guarder Select Automatic Top-up System

Step 1 Roof Area

Roof size, A = 60-m2

Step 2 Roof Catchment Runoff

Step 3 Gutter and Downpipe Sizes

Q = 1.4 x 0.9 x 2.67 x 10-5 x Ag1.25 l/s

Assumed downpipes size to be 66% of gutter width, thus:

Downpipe diameter = 79-mm

Assumed: rectangular gutter [Equation 3.2d], 1:600 gradient of gutter, no Diagram:

Q = 1.4 x 0.9 x (9.67 / 105) x (Ao2 / W) l/s

W = 101.56-mm (rounded to 105-mm)

Assumed downpipes size to be 66% of gutter width, thus:

Downpipe width = 69.5-mm

Step 4 Leaf Guarder

Step 5 First Flush Diverter

Required volume of diverted water (m3)

First Flush Pipe length (m)

Step 6 Water Demand and Rainwater Storage Tank Size

Step 7 Pumping System

Step 8 Top-up System

Estimation of maximum top-up depth:

In order to fulfill the 1-day rainwater demand, the maximum depth of

This topping-up is assumed to be sufficient for 1-day rainwater supply in the

Only 1 day supply or topping-up is designed as we are supposed to

Step 6 Water Demand and Rainwater Storage Tank Size

From Table 6.2.1, adopt rainwater storage tank of 4.0-m3

Step 7 Pumping System

Step 8 Top-up System

Estimation of maximum top-up depth:

In order to fulfill the 1-day rainwater demand, the depth of topping-up

This topping-up is assumed to be sufficient for 1-day rainwater supply in the

Use Eq. 3.1a - 3.2c to

Combined Indoor-Outdoor System (On-the-ground Rainwater Storage Tank)for a Typical2-Storey House

Step 1 Roof Area

Total Roof size, A = 60 + 60 = 120-m2

Step 2 Roof Catchment Runoff

For each 60-m2 roof: Note:

Step 3 Gutter and Downpipe Sizes

Q = 1.4 x 0.9 x 2.67 x 10-5 x Ag1.25 l/s

Assumed downpipes size to be 66% of gutter width, thus:

Downpipe diameter = 79-mm

Case (ii) [For rectangular gutter and each 60-m2 roof]:

Assumed: rectangular gutter [Equation 3.2d], 1:600 gradient of gutter, no Diagram:

Q = 1.4 x 0.9 x (9.67 / 105) x (Ao2 / W) l/s

W = 101.56-mm (rounded to 105-mm)

Assumed downpipes size to be 66% of gutter width, thus:

Downpipe width = 69.5-mm

Step 4 Leaf Guarder

Step 5 First Flush Diverter

For each 60-m2 roof: Diagram:

Required volume of diverted water (m3)