5th International Conference on Rain Water Cistern Systems
"Rainwater Catchment for Future Generations"
Keelung, Taiwan, R.O.C. - August 1991

Section 5: Cistern Management and Operation Guidelines

Page 258

Development of Guidelines for Rainwater Cistern Systems in Nova Scotia

Richard S. Scott, Donald H. Waller
University of Nova Scotia.

Abstract

Rainwater cistern systems have been in use in Nova Scotia for more than 50 years as an acceptable alternative drinking water source where groundwater supplies are inadequate or are contaminated by gypsum, arsenic, uranium, iron and manganese, road salt, or sea water intrusion. In recognition of its importance, the Nova Scotia Department of Health published guidelines in 1982 for system construction and operation. The source material for this document originated from outside the province and for the most part was not directly applicable to the region. For this reason, research was initiated by the Centre for Water Resources Studies at the Technical University of Nova Scotia and later conducted jointly by the Centre and the Nova Scotia Department of Health on Nova Scotian systems to develop more comprehensive guidelines with the local climate in mind. This paper discusses the various components of a rainwater cistern system and presents recommendations for system design and system operation and maintenance in Nova Scotia.

PDF of full document available to members (9pp, 260kb)