Client: Binford Middle School

Overview

Drawing from ideas generated by Binford Middle School students, this rainwater harvesting system was designed working in conjunction with The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay's Green Schools Initiative.

Goals

Based on calculations for the amount of predicted runoff, a five-trough roman aqueduct was designed to capture the outfall from the roof gutter and help it slowly infiltrate into the planting bed below. The native plantings in the bed filter the runoff to clean out pollutants before the remaining water diverts to the James River via the storm drain.

Process

The five troughs, which are perforated to allow drainage, can each contain 52.3 gallons of water (436.8 lbs) at full capacity. The troughs were fronted with cloud cutouts and set on thin legs to visually mimic a rain squall. Consistent with Binford’s mission of inspiring a love of learning through the arts, the system demonstrates the power of integrating art and science to enact change in your community.

Additional Information

Winner of the Virginia Lakes and Watersheds Association 2019 Dave Pearson Watershed Excellence Award. 2019 Chesapeake Stormwater Network Honorable Mention in the Best Urban BMP in the Bay category.