Rainwater collection would be the most cost effective strategy of sourcing water, as we could easily funnel water from the rooftops of the greenhouses/sheds into storage devices like rain barrels. This water then can be utilized to wash the vegetables in a sink that uses water provided from those storage devices. It addresses the needs of the SAP by providing a way to wash the vegetables without hauling them all the way to the Allendale campus, and it builds on the insight of rainwater harvesting research we did in our Literature Review.
According to studies, rain barrels especially are common ways to irrigate water in addition to more regular uses like the rinsing/washing that the SAP in in need of. In addition, those who utilized rain barrels were more aware of environmental impacts and movements, giving them an educational value as well.
Rain barrels are also a great opportunity to involve the community not only in environmental issues and conservation but also in artistic expression and social engagement.
Prototype for a rain barrel water source: Storyboard-style!
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