EDUCATIONAL TRIP ON SUSTAINABILITY

 

Lake Okutama, Ogouchi Dam

The waters of Lake Okutama are as deep blue as the eye can perceive. The lake, which is surrounded by mountains and is lovely throughout the seasons, is a well-liked and favorite destination in Tokyo.

Okutama Lake, also known as the Ogouchi Reservoir, is a significant freshwater source for Tokyo and one of the town's main attractions. The Ogouchi Dam blocks the natural flow of the Tama River, a historically significant water source for Tokyo, resulting in a sizable lake that divides into numerous valleys farther upstream.

The Kosuge River, which originates in Yamanashi Prefecture, supplies water to the lake from the southwest while the Tama River supplies water from the west. Yamanashi Prefecture is responsible for the branches of the lake and the mouth of the Kosuge River that empties into it.

Tokyo's needs are met by an underground pipe system that draws water from the lake. Hydroelectricity is generated in a power plant at the foot of the Ogouchi Dam using the water power of the Tama River, which empties the lake.

NOTE: This trip although featured in this blog article today is a late posting. The tour was done during the winter season in 2020 when I am still staying in Japan. Currently, I am staying in the Philippines practicing Architecture as freelance consultant. 

GETTING THERE

By train & Bus

Take a JR Chuo Line or Ome Line train to Ome Station from central Tokyo and switch to the Ome Line there. The line that travels to Okutama Station is that one.

Take a Nishi Tokyo Bus to Okutama Lake from Bus Stop 2 in front of Okutama Station. Numerous buses go around Okutama Lake's shoreline along Highway 411, stopping frequently at the most attractive locations such as the Nonkia Restaurant and Ogouchi Shrine.

SUICA/PASMO cards are accepted on Nishi Tokyo buses.

By Car

When coming from Tokyo, take Ome Town's Highway 411, pass through Okutama Town, and then continue on to the lake. The Onouchi Dam, which designates the eastern end of the reservoir, is where you first arrive. The road to the dam ascends the mountains in a series of twists while following the Tama River Valley. The spectacular dam is visible from some of the road's curves in the distance.

There is a sizable parking lot next to the dam.

SIGHTSEEING

Walking over the dam, which is available to the public, provides fantastic views of the lake and the mountains that surround it. A power plant that converts the Tama River's water power into electricity can be seen when looking down the steep concrete wall of the dam's "backside," which controls the river's onward flow towards Tokyo.

Okutama Mizu-to-Midori-no-Fureaikan (Okutama Water and Green Museum)

THE MUSEUM

Another exciting part of the tour is the Okutama Mizu-to-Midori-no-Fureaikan (Okutama Water and Green Museum), a small museum located immediately next to the dam entrance and devoted to the local contribution to the provision of water for Tokyo. The open-to-the-public museum exhibits local history, the dam's history, the lake's water sources, and general knowledge of the value of clean, fresh water supplies to the Tokyo Metropolitan Area. Visitors can learn about sustainability and eco-friendly topics in their mini-theater shows and exhibits.

Opening times: daily from 9.30am to 5pm. Closed on Wednesday. If Wednesday is a public holiday, the museum closes the following day.

Admission is free.

The Katakuri no Hana Restaurant is located on the museum's top floor, where its windows provide stunning views over the reservoir.

Here are more pictures of the museum showing some historical artifacts and scientific exhibits:

A BRIEF HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Beginning in 1932, work on the Ogouchi Dam was initiated. Work on new development had to come to a halt during World War II and the years that followed. Finally finished in 1957, the dam has been in use ever since.

OUR TRIP 

We had several trips to Okutama Lake while still in Japan, making it one of our favorites. We usually go there on a regular family outdoor adventure, but sometimes, we entertain our local guests and overseas visitors. Perhaps one of the reasons is the accessibility of the place and that it’s near where we used to stay.

The photos were taken during our trip in January of 2020, which is still winter, although it’s best to go there during seasons when the color of trees changes: pink Sakura flowers in Spring and orange Maple leaves in Fall. Summer is also a good choice; nevertheless, our winter trip was fun because it was our first time going there in the middle of a cold season. The trees are quite bald, exposing the snow from beneath, creating an alpine view of the mountains.

We just had a small walk around the lake and a quick picnic in one of the shaded areas around the place. The best part is the bonding time with people closest to your heart. There is nothing that can replace such warm moments in a cold season.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. . .

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#travelblog #travel #okutamalake #okutama #tokyo #japan #japantravel 

RAINWATER HARVESTING SYSTEM, a complete guide

What is Rainwater Harvesting System (RHS)?

Rainwater harvesting system is the process or technology that enables houses and buildings gather and store rainwater for occupants’ domestic use. Good example ranges from simple rain barrels to more complex constructions with pumps, tanks, and purifying systems to produce potable water.

General Purpose of Harvesting Rainwater

DOMESTIC USE 

In addition to rainwater being able to be purified for human consumption, the non-potable water can be utilized for car washes, laundry, toilet flushing, and landscape irrigation. 

HELPING THE COMMUNITY

Due to water shortage becoming a major issue in many densely populated locations, rainwater harvesting systems can provide homes and businesses with water during dry seasons, thereby reducing the demand on the municipal level. 

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Rainwater harvesting is an important component of sustainable development as a whole. By encouraging the wise use of water resources and minimizing the environmental impact of human activity, it is consistent with the ideas of sustainable living. 

USES OF HARVESTED NON-POTABLE RAINWATER

Looking Back: A Brief History

The construction and use of cisterns to store rainwater can be traced back to the Neolithic Age, when waterproof lime plaster cisterns were built in the floors of houses in village locations of the Levant, a large area in Southwest Asia, south of the Taurus Mountains, bounded by the Mediterranean Sea in the west, the Arabian Desert in the south, and Mesopotamia in the east.

Many ancient cisterns have been discovered in some parts of Jerusalem and throughout what is today Israel/Palestine. people dug and carved out cisterns out of solid rock during the dry summer months to contain large amounts of water from the rain falls. Cisterns were domestic gathering places and centers of life in the Near East, and sometimes the object of strife.

ANCIENT CISTERN RUINS FOUND IN PALESTINE

Importance and Benefits of RHS

1. One comparatively clean and cost-free source of water is rainfall.
2. Your water supply is completely under your control, which is great for cities with water restrictions.
3. The system is environmentally compliant and is socially acceptable.
4. It encourages sustainability and aids with water conservation.
5. Rainwater is more preferable than chlorinated water for gardens and landscape plants.
6. Stormwater discharge from residences and businesses is decreased.
7. It can give you free water and resolves any drainage issues on your home.
8. Straightforward, low-cost, and easily maintained technologies used.
9. It can serve as both a primary and a backup supply of water for municipal water systems and wells.
10. The technology is simply installed during the construction of new homes or retrofitted into an existing building.
11. Systems are very adaptable and can be modular, enabling relocation, reconfiguration, and enlargement when needed.
12. It can offer a reliable backup supply of water in an emergency.

Basic Components of RHS and How it Works

Types of RHS in terms of Collection Methods

BARREL TYPE

This is the most often used approach, and it is well known to most people. To collect rainwater, this entails putting a barrel at a gutter downspout. The actual barrel could be a brand-new, commercially manufactured rain barrel or one that has been repurposed. Rainwater collected can usually be transferred by scooping method or installing a faucet at the bottom.

Pros:

Anyone can easily do this at any home.

You can easily find barrels in your neighborhood or online at a number of different retailers.

Barrels can be used in any setting because they don't take up much room.

Cons:

Usually, capacity ranges from 50 to 100 gallons.

Overflows readily and squanders gathering possibilities

DRY SYSTEM

This setup is similar to a rain barrel setup, but it requires more storage space. Since the collection line empties straight into the top of the tank, it essentially "drys" after every rain event.

Pros:

able to hold a substantial volume of rainfall

Ideal for regions with sporadic rainfall and heavy storm activity

Can be implemented at a low cost

simpler system means easier upkeep

Cons:

The location of the storage tank must be next to your home.

WET SYSTEM

Using this method, you can link many downspouts from various gutters by burying the collection pipes. Rainwater will fill the subterranean pipes, rising through the vertical pipes and overflowing into the tank. Watertight connections must be made between the subsurface collection piping and downspouts. The tank inlet's elevation needs to be lower than the house's lowest gutter.

Pros:

The capacity to gather information from your whole collection surface

The capacity to gather from several drains and gutters

The tank may be situated distant from your residence.

Cons:

More costly to install because of subterranean plumbing

There must be a sufficient gap between the tank inlet and the gutters.

Modern Technology and Innovations

UV-RESISTANT STORAGE TANKS

In order to increase efficiency and broaden applicability, modern rainwater collection techniques include cutting-edge technology. Among them is the use of premium, UV-resistant storage tanks to guarantee long-term water storage and inhibit the formation of algae. The materials and designs of gutter and downspout systems have also changed, resulting in fewer obstructions and less upkeep needed. 

UV STERILIZATION AND FILTER SOLUTIONS

The use of collected rainwater for drinking has become possible due to significant advancements in water filtration technologies. To guarantee the safety and quality of the water in your rainwater collection system, some suppliers offer UV sterilization and filter solutions that can be incorporated in your projects.

Law that Regulates RHS in the Philippines?

The law that currently regulates rainwater harvesting system in the Philippines is what is commonly known as THE PHILIPPINE GREEN BUILDING CODE, issued June 2015, as A Referral Code of the NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES, PD 1096, under Section 11.2. However, such provision covers only that of non-potable purposes. Potable water regulated by other government agencies will not be discussed.

Implementation and Execution

PLANNING AND DESIGN CONSIDERATION: Thorough planning is the first step, and it entails determining the capacity and requirement for rainwater gathering. This comprises figuring out the average rainfall, calculating the catchment area, which is typically the rooftop, and figuring out how much storage is needed depending on usage requirements. It's also critical to take the local weather and environment into account. Water safety and durability should be taken into consideration while choosing materials for the collection surface, gutters, and storage tanks. In keeping with the intended application, the design must also incorporate suitable filtration and purifying systems consulted with the experts.

INSTALLATION PROCESS: Installation comes next after the design. Firstly, determine the catchment area, which is typically the rooftop that usually exists. Installing or modifying gutters and downspouts is necessary to properly direct water into the storage system. To stop leaks and blockages, care must be given to make sure these parts are properly aligned and fastened. The location of the storage tank, which may be above or below ground, should take safety, maintenance, and user accessibility into account.

MAINTENANCE: RHS are known for requiring little upkeep, so with little

effort, you can still contribute to the long-term success of your installed system. This entails clearing the debris from the catchment area and gutters and inspecting the prefiltration, which may taint the water or create obstructions. It is important to routinely check the storage tanks for leaks, fractures, or the growth of algae. Regular inspections are also necessary to maintain the efficiency of filtration and purification systems.

Application

It is important that we should be aware of our responsibility to the environment that we live in. One of the best ways to do this is through water conservation that can be practiced by applying the system of Rainwater Harvesting, not only in our own residences, but also in our farms and livestocks. In this way, we can create a sustainable self-sufficient living, as we revive on Earth. 

We have prepared a quick study to include affordable materials, sizes and prices, handy for our reference. It would be much cheaper to do DIY methods rather than purchase sophisticated RHS components.

Final Thoughts

Water is a naturally occurring resource that is virtually free. Global population growth is driving rising demand for treated supply water. A balanced supply and demand for water may be maintained by using it responsibly. The most common and environmentally friendly method is to use Rainwater Harvesting System in both residential and commercial structures for both potable and nonpotable uses. This could lead to a more ecologically responsible way of life by reducing the strain on processed supply water. On a smaller scale, all these processes and technologies are always applicable here in the Philippines. It should begin in us.

Therefore, once we have completed a project like this, let us share our experiences to promote awareness on the subject of Rainwater Harvesting System. Our goal is to reach out to the world and show that we care.

CITATIONS AND PHOTO SOURCES:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainwater_harvesting

https://www.britannica.com/technology/rainwater-harvesting-system

https://www.dpwh.gov.ph/dpwh/references/laws_codes_orders/pgbc

https://pinoybuilders.ph/rainwater-harvesting/

https://rainwatermanagement.com/blogs/news/rainwater-harvesting

https://www.watercache.com/education/rainwater-harvesting-101

https://bible-history.com/biblestudy/ancient-cisterns#google_vignette

https://jewishaction.com/content/uploads/springs.jpg

https://yogishenna.com/gutter-price-list/

https://jomprice.ph/pvc-pipe-price-list/

JOEY CASTANEDA

Architect

Link in account for architectural works.

Linktree account for artworks.