User’s Manual
Water Collection System
Garinger Urban Farms
Prepared by: UNC Charlotte
July 2015
Table of Contents
How does this Water Collection System work?...................................3
Basic Upkeep………………………..……………………………………………….4
How to Water the Garden…...………………………………………………….5
How to Water the Garden (cont.)…...……………………………………….6
Winterizing the Water Collection System………………………………..7
Contact Us……………………………………………………………………………..8
How does this Water Collection System
work?
1. Rain Water runoff is collected by the gutters
and stored in the Ground Storage Tanks
2. The Solar Panel converts sunlight into
electricity
3. The electricity is stored in the Deep Cycle
Battery
4. With the help of the Pump, water is brought up
to the Roof Storage Tank
5. Water will be gravity fed and distributed to
the surrounding gardens using the faucets
located outside of the Shipping Container
3.
Basic Upkeep…
1. Check if the appropriate connections are made
to the deep cycle battery (Figure X page X)
2. Confirm all pipes are connected (no cracking
or disconnection)
3. Confirm gutters are intact and secure
4. Confirm solar panel is unobstructed by debris
5. Turn off the pump and light switches when not
in use
4.
How to Water the Garden
1.
2.
3.
4.
Confirm at least 6 inches of rainwater has been collected
in the Ground Storage Tanks
In the back of the Shipping Container, switch the ball
valve to “on”
Confirm battery has appropriate connections
Turn the Pump’s switch “on” which is located to the left
of the pump (you should hear the pump)
5.
How to Water the Garden (cont.)
5.
6.
Water will be pumped from Ground Storage Tanks up to
the Roof Storage Tank (allow to run for 1-2 hours)
Turn outside faucet “on” – water garden with hose as
usual
6.
Winterizing the Water Collection System
Note: These steps must be completed before the
first freeze otherwise pipes and connections may
crack and break! (First Freeze: End of October/early
November)
1. Drain all of the water from the Roof Storage Tank simply by
turning outside faucet “on”
2. Keep on until water flow ceases
3. Store the battery in a dry, elevated area
7.
Contact Us!
Feel free to contact us with any questions or
concerns
Patrick Conway
 Email: pconway@uncc.edu
Max Hartmann
 Email: mhartm14@uncc.edu
8.