'Urban and Rural Irrigation Water in Beijing' by Devon Holdsworth

One of the leading producers and consumers of agricultural products in the world is China. Nearly 300 million Chinese farm workers are in the industry working on virtually all of the arable land in the country. Beijing’s econmy relies greatly on its agriculture, as it is their primary industry. With a population of 13, 000, 000 their urban agriculture is greatly relied upon to be a source of inexpensive food as opposed to the alternative of importing goods. Therefore, it is not a shock to find out that their ground water resources are quickly depleted from farming and in some places the water table has become over 20 m deep making it completely impossible for farmers to tap into. For many years farmers in Beijing have compensated for this by reusing wastewater, however they have not been practicing proper wastewater management until very recently. It was not until 2000 that they started to use water from central wastewater treatment plants. The organization known as SWITCH is now projecting high hopes for the future of Beijing’s water; with the use of water treatment plants the water table is hoped to be restored to 1960s levels, rivers and lakes will meet Surface Water Quality Standards grade III and above and tap water will reach international drinking water standards.

In the 1980s Beijing’s population was discharging 2,000,000 cubic meters of sewage; half from domestic wastewater and half from industries but nearly all of it was pumped into rivers and lakes without receiving any treatment. Beijing is still recovering from their previously low standards of sanitation and the Gaobei Dian Wastewater Treatment Plant is playing a large role in this by treating 40% of Beijing’s daily untreated wastewater. Beijing’s water is treated to the secondary level by neutralizing and disposing the wastes using biological matter, which makes it suitable to be used for agriculture. Now 1,350,000,000 cubic meters of water is discharged, of this 1,000,000,000 cubic meters of water is treated and of this 230,000,000 cubic meters is used for agriculture. Not only is this plant promoting sanitary wastewater concerns, it is also restoring Beijing’s natural habitat, boosting their economy by providing water for the agricultural industry and it is providing job opportunities for the people of Beijing.

1. Gaobei Dian Wastewater Treatment Plant

Unfortunately water from wastewater treatment plants is not available to all farmers in Beijing, some are too far removed in rural areas from these plants to access it. For these farmers there is another option, which is harvesting rainwater. This technique is also used by many citizens in residential areas and has been largely promoted since the year 2000. There are multiple techniques to do this, which makes clean rainwater available to almost anybody. One technique includes water pooling in roadside gutters, storing in local deposit pools, and then being transferred to large water-saving ponds for primary treatment (sedimentation). The most common form of rainwater harvesting which has been practiced for thousands of years in rural China uses the roofs of houses and since recently greenhouses have been promoted for capturing rainwater and irrigating crops.

2. Greenhouse Rainwater Harvesting System

One greenhouse, which is specially made to incorporate rainwater harvesting, can on average collect 200-300 cubic meters of rainwater each year, which can irrigate large amounts of area with efficient (drip) irrigation. Unfortunately at this time only 1 percent of irrigation systems in government subsidized farming uses rainwater as only twenty of these greenhouses now exist, however it is expected that more will be built.

Beijing is now doing their part in order to continue farming for their economy in an environmentally friendly way. Whether its done using state of the art Wastewater Treatment Plants or simply collecting rainwater off of their roofs to feed their crops, both urban and rural parts of Beijing are adapting to water scarcity. Any country that cannot afford a Wastewater Treatment Plant could easily learn from rural Beijing’s rainwater collection techniques and there is no reason that any place should be without clean drinking water and clean water for agricultural uses.

3. Greenhouse in Beijing

Image Sources:

1. "Introduction to Beijing Drainage Group," BDC, http://www.c-sewage.com.cn/cenweb/portal/user/anon/page/BeijingDrainage_CMSItemInfoPage.page?metainfoId=ABC00000000000009498 (accessed November 4, 9:30pm)

2. Zhang Feifei, "Innovations in Greenhouse Rainwater Harvesting System in Beijing, China," UA-Magazine, December 2007, http://www.ruaf.org/sites/default/files/UAmagazine%2019%20H7.pdf (accessed November 4, 10:00pm)

3. Sara Elliot, "How Greenhouses Work," How Stuff Works, 2008, http://home.howstuffworks.com/greenhouse.htm (accessed November 5, 6:00pm)

Information Sources:

Ji Wenhua, Cai Jianming, "Adapting to Water Scarcity: Improving Water Sources and Use in Urban Agriculture in Beijing," UA-Magazine, September 2008, http://www.ruaf.org/sites/default/files/UAM%2020%20-%20pagina%2011-13.pdf (accessed November 4, 8:00pm)

"Drinking Water Health Advisories," Water Quality Criteria US EPA, November 2009, http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/criteria/drinking/index.html (accessed November 4, 7:45pm)

"Economy of People's Republic of China," Wikipedia, November 2009, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_the_People%27s_Republic_of_China#Agriculture (accessed November 3 10:00pm)

Michael Levenston, "Water for Urban Agriculture," City Farmer News, October 2008, http://www.cityfarmer.info/?cat=315 (accessed November 4 9:00pm)

- Devon Holdsworth

'The Bio-Sand Filter' By Andreea Toca

As architects, engineers, innovators, and designers, we can begin to create, build and design in such a way that we bring forthcoming positive change to the places we live in. This positive change can be extended and applied towards subsistent urbanized areas, such as slums. Since we have the power to create innovative technologies, we can help these areas attain better physical infrastructure conditions. One important part to good physical infrastructure, is the ability to get and have access to clean drinking water. The Bio-Sand Filter is one way architects and engineers can provide this access to less developed, and densely populated areas.

1. The Bio-Sand Filter

Slums have taught us that when living in densely packed, close quarters, disease can spread rather quickly. This is important to know when developing infrastructure, as to know what exactly you are designing for and the conditions that apply. The bio-sand filter is a concrete block that filters the water using sand. However, the same method can be applied if the block is to be made from plastic or metal drums. There are many reasons why it is a beneficial technological development, whether its an economic, sanitary, agricultural or architectural reasons.

2. Slums

From an economic perspective, Bio-Soil Filters (BSF) are quite simple and cost-efficient to manufacture for slum dwellers in developing countries. Part of this reason is due to the fact that they are not mass produced, but rather usually "small-scale micro-projects". These micro-projects are usually led by humanitarian groups or NGO's, that provide and pay for the implementation of the concrete filters. The costs of implementing the filters are quite reasonable when building concrete filters. The cost does go up if trying to implement a plastic filter (which is a newer innovation), but if subsidized, it is possible to implement. Aside from costs, resources are very important in the implementation. To build the filter itself, the concrete needs a metal mould, hence a metal workshop is required in order to make the moulds. As well, in preparation for the filter, sand must be acquired. It is important to note that if the site itself does not have sand readily available, it must be extracted from elsewhere, therefore raising the costs.

From a sanitary perspective, BSF is quite effective in filtering out contaminated particles that exist in the water. However the surrounding site, and the quality of the water it is set out to filter, both affect how well the BSF will function. This goes hand-in-hand with the agricultural perspective, and the proposed site has to be tested before implementing a BSF. The filter, while it will withstand short periods of heavy contamination, will not operate effectively when filtering extremely murky water, as the solids in the water settle at the top, and it slows down the flow of water. Due to this fact, BSF's are usually installed in areas that are dependent on surface water as their main source of water.

3. Left: water after BSF, Right: water before BSF

Relating back to the economic value of the BSF's, they are economic also in the way that they are designed. The traditional rectangular shape shows minimalism at its best, however the new circular design uses less material, and therefore is more economical. When BSF's are created from concrete, both rectangular and circular, they display a very industrial, minimalist look. Personally I believe, this is a very architecturally appealing look, and it fits well into any space, as concrete tends to blend into its surroundings. However, plastic and metal BSF's are not as pleasing to the eye.

4. A circular metal BSF

Image Sources:

1. "Bio Sand Filter." Photograph. (n.d.) From Borda South Asia. http://www.borda-sa.org/modules/news/article.php?storyid=258 (accessed Nov. 3, 2009).

2. Rikka. "Slums." Photograph. 2008. From Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkya/2370421359/ (accessed Nov. 3, 2009).

3. Cvcf.com. "After & Before." Photograph. 2008. From Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/23518725@N06/2535001805/ (accessed Nov. 3, 2009).

4. Oxfam International. "7 yr old Shanta Rame Ale using a water filter recently installed in the family home" Photograph. 2009. From Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/oxfam/3881286434/(accessed Nov. 3, 2009).

Information Sources:

Eric Fwester and Adriaan Mol, " Small-Scale Micro-Projects," 2004, http://www.biosandfilter.org/biosandfilter/index.php/item/265 (accessed Nov. 3, 2009).

Eric Fwester and Adriaan Mol, " How to start a Filter Project," 2004, http://www.biosandfilter.org/biosandfilter/index.php/item/273 (accessed Nov. 3, 2009).

- Andreea Toca

'Keyhole Gardens' by Alex Bodkin

Developed by the Send a Cow organization for citizens in Lesotho, Africa, keyhole gardens provide a great space for growing vegetables in such an unfavourable climate. They are circular in shape with a notch cut in, and are raised up to waist-height in order to allow the sick and elderly to tend to the crops without bending over. Manure and compost from the kitchen are placed in a basket of sticks and straw that rests in the middle. Rusty cans and ash are also placed within the soil, to give it iron and potassium, respectively. When water is poured in to the basket, nutrients are delivered to the plants.



1. Keyhole Garden in Lesotho

The soil in Lesotho has had all of the nutrients sucked out of it by massive farming operations, and droughts are not unheard of. The land is also very high above sea level, which adds even more frustration to the process of growing crops. Keyhole gardens ensure that the soil stays nutrient-rich, which allows crops to grow even when there is a water shortage.

One thing that I think is important to note is that the garden does not require purified water. Greywater is recommended because, although it has already been used once, it still is valuable. Greywater is wastewater that comes from activities such as washing the dishes, doing the laundry, and bathing.



2. Graph showing the breakdown of wastewater.

I assume that this pie chart is using statistics from a Westernized society, but it still shows the general idea that a majority of the water we use becomes greywater. This is actually good, because greywater is much easier to clean than blackwater. Some of the impurities in greywater also end up becoming food for the plants in a keyhole garden.

Clearly, the keyhole gardens are great for reusing the old to produce something new. This brings me to how it relates to the economy. The BBC did an article touching on these keyhole gardens in 2008, and interviewed Mahaha Mphou, a local citizen. They saw that, although she had nine other members in her family, she was able to produce excess food from her garden. The extra vegetables were sold to other citizens, and brought in a bit of an income to the previously poor family. The whole family helped tend it, and therefore they all saw the benefits.

Check out the videos below to see real footage and an animation on how one is built.



1. Making a Keyhole Garden


Image Sources:
1. "Keyhole Gardens," African Gardens, 2007. http://www.cowfiles.com/african-gardens/keyhole-gardens (accessed November 1, 2009).

2. "What it is, How to treat it, How to use it," Greywater, 2000. http://www.greywater.com/ (accessed November 2, 2009).


Video Sources:
1. "Lesotho - Make a Keyhole Garden," Making a Keyhole Garden, December 13 2007. http://www.sendacow.org.uk/makingakeyholegarden (accessed November 1, 2009).


Information Sources:
Rethabile. "What's a keyhole garden?," Black Looks, June 4, 2008. http://www.blacklooks.org/2008/06/whats_a_keyhole_garden.html (accessed November 1, 2009).

"Lesotho gardens relieve food crisis," BBC News, June 3, 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7432972.stm (accessed November 1, 2009).

"Keyhole Gardens," AfriGadget, July 5, 2008. http://www.afrigadget.com/2008/07/05/keyhole-gardens/ (accessed November 1, 2009).

"What it is, How to treat it, How to use it," Greywater, 2000. http://www.greywater.com/ (accessed November 2, 2009).

-Alex Bodkin

'Park Wastewater Treatments' by Wendy Xu

1. Park Wastewater Treatment

We all know that a sustainable design requires meticulous research and planning because it will minimize costly maintenance and upgrade fees. Opened in August 2009, this water treatment in Ireland was designed as to not require upgrade over the next 25 years.

View Larger Map
2. Parks, Londonderry, Northern Ireland

It currently serves a population of 800 people with the capacity to potentially serve a population of 1087. Research was conducted to establish an expected customer base. I think considering for a growing population is crucial in creating any water supply system. Studies of various water usages -- agricultural, commercial, and industrial-- is also key. Each sector will have different needs.

3. County Londonderry

By surveying the conditions of the surrounding area and the history of the location we can build on the existing infrastructures.



4. rotating biological contactor

Since the pumping station is situated on a siphon on the side of the River Faughan, water flows through without pumping but with hydrostatic pressure. If we can utilize our surrounding like this wastewater plant, we can minimize the cost in transporting the water. By building treatment works in lower elevations the water will push through the filtration systems.


5. schematic diagram

As a secondary treatment rotating biological contactors (RBC) which consists of a series of rotating discs that expose the microorganisms to air and water to purify its organic compounds.

Another Project:
Desalination Project, San Diego. It will incorporate a 50 000ft solar power generation rooftop.

Image Sources

1. N.a.,"Park Wastewater Treatment Works," Water-Technology, 2009. http://www.water-technology.net/projects/Park_Wastewater_Trea/Park_Wastewater_Trea1.html, (accessed October 31, 2009, 10pm).

2. Tele Atlas, "Parks, Londonderry, Northern Ireland," Google Maps, 2009. http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=Park+Wastewater+Treatment+Works,+Londonderry,+Northern+Ireland&sll=54.820265,-7.471596&sspn=0.549101,0.693512&ie=UTF8&hq=Park+Wastewater+Treatment+Works,&hnear=Londonderry,+UK&ll=54.829172,-7.472076&spn=0.276864,0.583649&z=10, (accessed October 31, 2009, 11pm).

3. N.a., "County Londonderry," Trip Advisor, 2009. http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Tourism-g186481-County_Londonderry_Northern_Ireland-Vacations.html, (accessed October 31, 2009, 11pm).


4. N.a.,"rotating biological contactor," Water-Technology, 2009. http://www.water-technology.net/projects/Park_Wastewater_Trea/Park_Wastewater_Trea5.html, (accessed October 31, 2009, 10pm).

5. Taylor Kelley, "schematic diagram," MMA.Spring2009,WaterandEnergy, 2009. https://reich-chemistry.wikispaces.com/Taylor.Kelley.MMA.Spring2009.EnergyandWater, (accessed October 31, 2009, 11pm).

Information Source

N.a.,"Park Wastewater Treatment Works," Water-Technology, 2009. http://www.water-technology.net/projects/Park_Wastewater_Trea/, (accessed October 31, 2009, 11pm).

- Wendy Xu

'Water Training' by Wendy Xu

1. Serenity Thru Haiku

Everybody has to start somewhere. We've all heard that.

It's true though, a lot communities in developing countries need a little help either to start a water sanitation system or to improve upon their existing infrastructures. The collaborative urban water manual of Dar es Salaam Water and Sewerage Authority's (DAWASA) Community Water Supply and Sanitation Program (CWSSP) does this exactly.

2. Paul Simon

Developing water compact in Mozambique

It's a brilliant idea to create a set of universal guidelines for trainers and communities to achieve and maintain a sustainable urban water system. The manual published in January of this year outlines the operations and maintenance requirements. Modules were created to illustrate solutions to various financial and managerial circumstances. It details the roles of the participants as well as the facilitators and also addresses the responsibilities of the stakeholders.

The format of the manual is exactly like your high school chemistry investigations. Don't get me wrong its not dull at all, but concise and easy to follow (if only all other urban issues can be solved this easily). The manual takes in consideration of all the aspects that a well rounded urban solution should have: simplicity, economy and sustainability.

Image Sources

1. n.a., "The Grandest Pyramid Scheme," Serenity Thru Haiku, January 31, 2009. http://serenitythruhaiku.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/gd3984330water-babies-pics-s-1824.jpg,(accessed November 1, 2009, 11am).

2. Paul Simon, "Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act 2005 Report to Congress June 2007," U.S. Department of State, June 1, 2007. http://www.state.gov/cms_images/water_africa.jpg, (accessed November 1, 2009, 11am).

Information Sources

Vivian Castro, Neli Msuya, and Charles Makoye, "Africa Training Manual," January, 2009. http://www.wsp.org/UserFiles/file/africa_training_manual.pdf, (accessed November 1, 2009, 11am).

Ministry of Health, "Manual for Safe Drinking Water," First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, February 2007, http://www.watertraining.ca/drinkingwater/pdf/DW_English.pdf ,(accessed November 1, 2009, 10am).

- Wendy Xu