Theoretical Framework

The researchers will use the account of the theories of Rainwater Harvesting,

Ecological Modernization (EMT), and Design. Principles, concepts, and laws that will

also contribute in the study which are the Principle of Water Filtration, Sanitary Code,

and Rainwater Collector and Springs Development Act of 1989.

Rainwater Harvesting Theory

Rainwater Harvesting Theory (Richard Hammond, 2011) describe that rainwater

harvesting has environmental benefits for water conservation in buildings. It is a technic

of collection and storage of rainwater into natural reservoirs or tanks, or the infiltration of

surface water into subsurface aquifers. It gives opportunities for rainwater utilization

indoors and outdoors. The construction of rainwater harvester will used system design

consideration given by the standards and guidelines.

Ecological Modernization Theory (EMT)

The theory of ecological modernization is concern mostly on pro-environmental

technologies. The main proponent of this theory is the idea that pro-environmental

technologies mutually benefit the society and economy (White, 2009). One of the

criteria of a pro-environmental innovation is the multiple benefits of a underground water

tank for rainwater harvesting.

Theory of Design (1982)

Design theory underpins the concept of, and reflection upon, creative work. The

theory design is about changing its environment and thus is also the subject that is
influencing a theory about design. The researchers will apply this theory for the

determination of the appropriate design of underground water tank for rainwater

harvesting and through the guide also of the rainwater feasibility.

Water Filtration Theory

This is the most widely used and extensively investigated process in the field of

sanitary engineering (O’melia and Stumm (1967). This theory deals with media size,

filtration rate and water temperature in which water filtration has its beneficial factor

when it comes to water consumption. Water filtration theory is a great help in this study

since this is the major feature for the removal of water impurities.

Presidential Decree No. 856, Sanitary Code of the Philippines

Under Section 9 of the Sanitary Code of the Philippines (1975), standards for

drinking water and their bacteriological and chemical examinations, together with the

evaluation of results, shall conform to the criteria set by the National Drinking Water

Standards. The treatment of water to render it safe for drinking and other water

consumption and disinfection of contaminated water source together with the

distribution systems shall be in accordance with procedure prescribed by the

Department. This Presidential Decree 856 provides the prescribe standards and

procedures that will be used for developing an effective rainwater harvesting.

Rainwater Collector and Springs Development Act of 1989

RA 6716 provides for the construction by the Department of Public Works and

Highways (DPWH) of water wells, rainwater collectors, development of springs and

rehabilitation of existing water wells in all barangays in the Philippines. The law also
calls for the creation of a waterworks and sanitation association in every barangay to

operate and maintain a rainwater collection facility, which components include

catchment, treatment and distribution. Rainwater is collected in rooftops, then purified in

a central treatment system to be pumped, finally, to various water lines. The researcher

will used Rainwater Collector and Spring Development Act of 1989 as the standards

describe in the guidelines given by this act.

The development of the underground water tank for rainwater harvesting is a

series of steps such as research, conceptualization, feasibility assessment, establishing

design requirements, preliminary design, detailed design, production planning and tool

design, and finally production.

As shown in the figure 1, the researchers shows the relationship of the theories

and principles which are a great help in manufacturing the device. Inside the container

tank are the input ideas such as Rainwater Harvesting Theory, Ecological

Modernization Theory, Theory of Design, Principle of Water Treatment, Sanitation Code

of the Philippines and the Rainwater Collector and Springs Development Act of 1989.

The whole tank is the developed water tank for rainwater harvesting.
Underground Water Tank for Rainwater
Harvester

Rainwater Harvesting Theory

Ecological Modernization
Theory (EMT)

Theory of Design

Water Filtration Theory

Principle Decree No. 856,

Sanitary Code of the Philippines

Rainwater Collector and Springs

Development Act of 1989

Figure 1: Theoretical Paradigm

Conceptual Framework

This section defines the relevant variables of the study and maps out how they

might relate to each other. The paradigm shown in figure 2 will guide the researcher in

the concept and in articulation of the study.

The first box is the input process. It is compose of Rainfall data which will define

the location of rain stations and the average rainfall record in the area. Identify the

Community Data which includes the location, number of building that will be the main

proponent of the study, and the number of occupants. Lastly, define the Economic Data

that prioritize the cost function of rainwater harvester, and the unit water and electrical

price.

The second box is the process. It includes the rainfall design, the design which

deals with the tank size, roof area, and water demand, and economic feasibility

analysis. The third box is the output which is the device itself, design of

underground water tank for rainwater harvester. It is also includes the unit cost of

saving, total water savings and total energy savings.

Feedback loop serves as a connecting link from the output and input. This

provides a means for any necessary adjustments or changes or even repetition of the

whole process from the first step from a more improve output.
 INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

1. Rainfall Data
 Location of rain
Design of Underground
stations
1. Rainfall Design Water Tank for
 Average rainfall
2. Design Rainwater Harvester
record
2. Community Data  Tank Size  Unit cost of
 Locations  Roof Area savings
 Number of buildings  Water Demand
 Total water saving
 Number of 3. Economic Feasibility
 Total energy
occupants Analysis
saving
3. Economic Data
 Cost function of
RWH
 Unit water and
electrical price

FEEDBACK

Figure 2: Conceptual Paradigm