Nicaragua: Gravity-Fed Rainwater Catchment System

Author(s)

• Matthew Wills, University of Dayton

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

8-28-2008

Abstract

Matt Wills traveled to Sabana Grande, Nicaragua from May 19, 2008 to July 25, 2008. The purpose of this trip was to gain a better understanding about different cultures and in furtherance of his engineering skills. The majority of the time was spent working with Grupo Fenix. Grupo Fenix is an organization headed by Susan Kinne dedicated to the advancement of the people of Northern Nicaragua. They work to research, develop, apply, and create awareness of appropriate renewable technology. Grupo Fenix provides students with the opportunity to work on renewable resource projects involving engineering, project management, and solar energy. Upon arrival in Sabana Grande, Matt Wills was presented with many different project possibilities that could be selected. After evaluating the need of the projects in comparison to the cost, he decided he wanted to complete a project in only ten weeks that would be beneficial to the newly constructed Solar Center. A gravity fed rain-water retention system was decided upon with the ability to water plants during Nicaragua’s 6 month dry season. The cistern tank would reduce the amount of time spent walking across the large property to water plants in the heat.

eCommons Citation

Wills, Matthew, "Nicaragua: Gravity-Fed Rainwater Catchment System" (2008). ETHOS Technical Reports. 43.
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/ethos_reports/43