DPWH installs rainwater collectors in Leyte

CARIGARA, Leyte, Aug. 29 -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will soon install 17 rainwater collection systems in some parts of Leyte with the onset of the rainy season in the region.

The PHP3.4 million project will be put up in various schools in central part of Leyte covered by the DPWH Leyte 2nd engineering district. The project is up for completion within the year.

District Engineer Carlos Veloso said on Wednesday that schools without access to potable water supply are the top priority of the project.

“Rainwater can be collected through pipes connected from the roofs of school buildings, and can be used in toilets, washrooms, and other facilities,” Veloso said in an interview.

Rainwater collectors follow the prototypes set by DPWH such as reinforced ground storage tank with 4,000 liters water capacity.

The project includes structure excavation, concrete works, reinforcing steel, roof drains with strainers, installation of stainless steel water tank that can hold approximately 4,000 liters with plumbing accessories, and forms.

Rainwater collector system harvests, collects and stores rainwater from the roof or from a groundwater catchment or multipurpose pavement for use during dry season.

The project aims to answer the problems brought by diminishing freshwater supply due to over extraction of groundwater, water pollution, inefficient water infrastructure, and climate change.

This project is in compliance with Republic Act 6716, dated March 1989, mandating the construction of rainwater collectors in every community. (LAAA/PNA)