Ponds automatically collect rainwater

Parking lots, pitches and tiled spaces can someday collect rain water, clean it up and lead to underground water tanks for use, researchers say.

"We are trying to absorb water that has not been included before , " said Simon Beecham, a construction engineer from the University of South Australia.

Waterproof tile roofs cause waste of rainwater. (Photo: abc.net.au)

Highways, alleys and streets ... account for 60% of the urban waterproof surface. And the amount of water that spills over them causes flooding as well as the pollution of our water pipelines. So far, the collection of rainwater from these surfaces is considered to be much more difficult than the collection of water from the roofs.

Beecham's team is developing a porous concrete tile system that allows water to flow through the underground tanks (made of zinc-plated or soft-pebbles). The water is then reused for irrigation, cleaning and toilet use.

A special adhesive will allow these empty bricks to withstand the weight of cars and trucks. In addition, additives are added to the brick, or sand and gravel fillers underneath them, allowing the system to retain contaminants.

For example, a tile with iron hypoxide will retain toxic and heavy metals such as lead, zinc and cadmium from tires, exhaust gases, etc. A layer of bacteria on the fabric beneath the brick. Slices can retain and disintegrate hydrocarbons such as oil. It is also possible to use activated carbon to capture dissolved organic materials.

Beecham says the tiles also allow trees to grow faster because their roots are more accessible to water and air. One of his students is about to build a true-size prototype of such a collection and reuse water system, which is expected to cost 10-30% less than traditional summer tiles.

T. An