First Flush Diverter

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Dondel Briones
Jared Gochuico
Albert Li
Kiersten Miller
Anthony Nuti
Kenneth Tungol
San Jose State University
One Washington Square
San Jose, CA 95192

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Purpose
Background
Overview
Operation
List of Materials
Assembly
Modification to Existing Filtration System
PVC/ABS Connections
Union Head to Tank
Bracing
Tanks
Maintenance
Other Considerations
Acknowledgements
Contact Us

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INTRODUCTION

Purpose
To develop an effective and reproducible First Flush system to add to an existing rainwater
catchment system for the Sucumbio region of Ecuador in order to divert heavily contaminated
water for the first 10 minutes.

Background
Under the Engineers Without Borders San Jose State University Student Chapter, a team of students
designed and developed a first flush diverter that diverts the first ten minutes of rainfall after a dry period.
In this crucial time frame the highest amount of a rooftops debris, fine pollutants, animal feces, and dust
are directed away from the original existing rainwater catchment system and into a tank, thus effectively
flushing out the dirtiest water of the rainfall.

The first flush diverter system improves the quality of collected rainwater in the existing system, and is
both economical and environmentally friendly. Many of the materials, such as PVC/ABS piping, are
readily found from a local hardware store or from recycled parts and are both sustainable and reusable.

Figure 1. Average Rainfall (Sucumbio Region)

[source: http://www.worldweatheronline.com/Santa-Rosa-De-Sucumbio-weather-averages/Sucumbios/EC.aspx]

Average daily rainfall was assessed through World Weather Online (Figure 1). An approximation of the
amount of rainfall within 10 minutes guided the optimal size of the water tank at 2.5 gallons.

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OVERVIEW

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OPERATION

The First Flush Diverter system directs rainwater away from an existing rainwater catchment filter
system. For the first ten minutes of new rainfall, the rainwater flows into a collection container. After the
ten minute period, the rest of the rainfall is re-directed into the existing rainwater catchment filter.

The system consists of three main parts: (1) the water bottle capsule, (2) the PVC piping channel, and (3)
the collection container, or 2.5 gallon water tank.

(1) The water bottle capsule is a capsule containing an empty water bottle. The capsule consists
of a 3 PVC pipe enclosed by two 2 reducers.

(2) The PVC piping channel is a 2 pipe that extends from the water bottle component to the
collection container. The channel is braced against an existing wooden structure for support.

(3) The collection container rests on the ground and can be interchanged with any 2.5 gallon
container. The chosen container must have:
1- A proper, watertight connection to the PVC piping channel through a 2 Bulkhead
Union fitting
2- A spigot to release first flush water

The rainwater is diverted away from the existing water filter system and into the first flush system. The
water flows down the PVC pipe and collects in the 2.5 gallon container. After the container is fully filled,
the water level rises to the water bottle capsule. During this stage, as the water level rises, the empty water
bottle floats to the top and clogs the hole (at the 2 reducer connection). Consequent water does not flow
into the system. With the first flush container system filled with 10 minutes of rainwater, the rainwater is
re-directed to the existing rainwater catchment filter system.

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LIST OF MATERIALS

Purpose Amt. Materials Cost

(USD)

Pipes* and Connections Schedule 40 PVC

1 2 Tee ~1.82
Varies 2 Pipe ~7.01
ABS Piping
2 3 Pipe ~7.75
2 3 to 2 Reducer ~4.09
Connections
ABS to PVC Transition Solvent Cement** ($4.47)
ABS Cement ($4.44)
PVC Cement & Primer ($7.48)
Brush (optional)

Stabilizing to existing support 1 Galvanized Tab Tape by 10 ($3.67) 3.67

Connection to water tank 1- 2 Bulkhead Union Fitting ($25.97) 25.97

1- 2 PVC male adapter ($1.31) 1.31
1- 2 PVC (length) (Price)
1- 2.5 gallon tank ~10.00
[Gas Can, Water Dispenser Bottle (~$10) etc.]

*note: All PVC and ABS piping and connections are interchangeable.
**note: When using both PVC and ABS piping in one system, use ABS to PVC Transition
Solvent Cement

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ASSEMBLY

1-MODIFICATION TO EXISTING FILTRATION SYSTEM

Modification to the existing

90 degree elbow joint is
necessary to attach the first
flush system to the existing
filter system. The joint is
located adjacent to the
overflow pipe, as seen near
the right-hand side of Fig. 1.
The rainwater passes through
this elbow joint to enter into
the filtration system.

Fig. 1 Right-side View of Existing Filtration System

[source: pamphlet]

Removing the Existing Elbow Joint

There are two possible ways to go through with this:
1. Cut the entire existing part completely and replace it with a completely new one.

2. Heat the unneeded PVC pipe to soften the used cement:

- Use a torch to soften the old PVC
- Remove the softened PVC with a screwdriver
- Use pliers and slowly rotate the pipe until the pipe is separated

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2-PVC/ABS CONNECTIONS
Wipe the ends of the pipes with PVC to ABS primer and let it dry for about 10 seconds. Then
immediately spread an even layer of PVC to ABS cement on the inside of the fitting and the outside of the
pipe. Align the fitting and pipe about a quarter turn from their final orientation. Then twist the fitting a
quarter turn as you press it onto the pipe. Twisting the fitting helps spread the solvent cement evenly to
ensure a solid joint.

3-UNION FITTING TO TANK

To attach the union fitting to the tank, first make sure the union fits over the neck of the 2.5 gallon water
tank. Once you are sure it fits apply glue, using the caulking gun, to the inside of the bottom half of the
union and place the it over the neck of the tank. Hold the union in place until the glue has dried and it is
firmly attached to the tank. Apply another layer of glue inside of the union to create a seal and to secure
the union to the tank.

If there is no neck on the 2.5 gallon water tank, use a knife to cut a hole that is big enough so that the
bottom of the union fits snug in the plastic. After it is snug, use the caulking gun to glue to the outside
bottom half of the union. Place the union in the hole, and hold until the glue dries and the union firmly
attached to the tank. Add a layer of glue where the union and the plastic meet to create a seal and to make
sure the union is secure.

4-BRACING
Bracing consists of galvanized tab tape. Brace the PVC pipe against the existing water filters wooden
structure to secure the system.

5-TANKS
Different types of 2.5 gallon-capacity tanks that connect easily to a 2 ABS pipe may be used. In all
cases, caulk is used to create a watertight seal.

EX.) 2.5 gal Water Dispenser with Spigot

Create a 2 diameter hole in the top of the container. Fit the 2 Bulkhead
Union Fitting into the hole and secure with caulk.

Attach a 2 PVC male adapter to the bottom of the First Flush system, and
screw this male adapter into the 2 Bulkhead Union.

[source:http://content.costco.com/Images/Content/Product/32991b.jpg]

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MAINTENANCE

The three main parts of the system [(1) the water bottle capsule, (2) the PVC piping channel, and (3) the
collection container, or 2.5 gallon water tank] are highly sustainable and accessible. The piping and
connections are common and readily available from local sources.

(1) The water bottle can be any standard water bottle that fits into a 3 PVC pipe.
(2) The channel is easily replaceable with PVC.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Difficulty #1: The collection container does not rest on the ground because the length of the piping
channel is difficult to obtain.

Possible Solution #1: The channel may be substituted with flexible hosing at least 1.5 in diameter. This
allows a more dynamic connection between the water bottle capsule and the collection container. There is
a larger allowance in length in order to make the collection container rest on the ground.

Difficulty #2: The PVC channel and collection container has a difficult fit.

Possible Solution #2: If the 2 Bulkhead Union fitting does not fix the problem, try substituting a
connection without this component. In every case, use caulk to create a watertight seal.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thank You:
Our team would like to thank EWB USA and the EWB SJSU Student Chapter Officers
for giving us the opportunity to design and create a functional first flush system for the
people of the Succumbio region of Ecuador. We would also like to acknowledge the
people of Succmbio for allowing us to use our first flush system to provide them with a
supply of cleaner drinking water.

Contact Us:
ewb-sjsu@something.org
San Jose State University -- contact one of us by our mailbox!

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