Professional Accreditation Workshop Info
ARCSA offers a rainwater harvesting workshop multiple times thoughout the year in locations around the U.S. This workshop fulfils the workshop requirement for ARCSA's Professional Accreditation course. However, the workshop is also open to the general public; you do not have to be participating in the accreditation course to register for the workshop.
The workshop takes place over two days. If you are seeking accreditation, you must attend both days. Members of the general public who are not seeking accreditation have the option of attending both days or only attending the first day. The first day is a classroom session; the second day involves hands-on training. A general outline of topics and activities for each day follows. Note that the exact times and topic order may vary slightly with each specific workshop.
DAY 1
Check-In & Pre-Course Exam 8:30-9:00, Program 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 pm
A pre-course examination will determine the knowledge level of each participant prior to going through the course. The pre-course exam results will be compared to post-course exam results to assess impact/knowledge gained.
Introduction
This session will provide the group (1) the opportunity to introduce themselves and the rainwater industry they are involved with, (2) information on facilities ground rules, (3) an overview of the course, its purpose and structure, (4) a brief discussion of the water quality and quantity issues facing the Nation, and (5) review who ARCSA is and their mission.
Rainwater, Watersheds and Stormwater
Provide a visual demonstration of rainfall and where the water goes using a rainfall simulator. Discussions on nonpoint pollution, urban stormwater runoff and methods to reduce runoff through passive collection methods will be discussed. Also a brief introduction to a complex system and rainwater uses will be discussed.
The Planning Process - Business Ethics, Safety and Planning
This session will describe practical business ethics and expectations of a professional. Safety concerns for the employees and construction sites will also be discussed along with assessing a location, working with clients and developing bids and contracts.
Rainwater Collection - Rooftop to Catchment Container for Outside Use
This session will review rainfall amounts, patterns, dry spells, flooding and then work through the process of calculating and the amount of water that could be captured (supply) and how much water is needed (demand). This will be followed by basic construction of a rainwater collection system from roof through gutters, downspouts, screens, diversions, storage containers and all connections through the catchment process.
Rainwater harvesting - In-Home Use From Roof Through Point-Of-Use
This session will cover additional precaution on roof, gutters, first flush and diversions, storage containers, filters, sanitation methods needed for in-home non-potable and potable uses. Also pathogens and other contaminants of concern.
Rainwater System Maintenance
The biggest challenge is developing a system that customers will maintain and care for. The system must be easy to maintain. The installer should provide the customers with a booklet outlining maintenance, check sheet with schedule and specific maintenance responsibilities, a trouble shooting checklist, a product list with warranties, resources and contact information. Also installers may develop a maintenance contract with customers to also check and maintain an installed system.
Review, Questions/Answers, Knowledge Assessment/Course Evaluation
A post-course evaluation will be distributed and the results compared to the pre-course exam in order to determine course impact and knowledge gained. Those completing only the first day of training will receive certificates for 7 hours of training.
DAY 2
Check In 8:00 -8:30 a.m., Program 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Introduction and Review Installation Manual
This day is devoted to more complex calculation, reviewing resources and constructing a Rainwater Collection System. This first session provides an introduction to the Rainwater Harvesting Planning and Installation Manual and Workbook. It will also review the first day workshop and answer questions.
Calculating From Rainfall through Storage, Supply and Demand
This session will look at doing an inventory to develop a proposal and determining how much rainwater could be captured and how much demand there is. Actual problems will be solved.
Stormwater Issues and Solutions
This session will look in-depth in both passive and complex systems to reduce urban stormwater runoff and construct a mock rain garden, underground chambers, overflow management and touch on landscape design. Also flooding and hurricane concerns will be discussed.
Review of Containers, Products and Methods
This session will review some of the products on the market, web sites and resources.
Hands-on Construction of a Rainwater Collection Systems
This session will demonstrate the construction of a rain barrel, wildlife guzzler, drip irrigation system using gravity pressure, and using the rainwater for landscape, wildlife, bird bath, livestock and in-home potable and non-potable use.
Review, Questions, Final Course Assessment/Course Evaluation and Certificates
A review of all sessions, question and answer period and a post-course examination will be administered and the results compared to the pre-course exam in order to determine course impact and knowledge gained. A course evaluation will also be administered to gain feedback on how to improve the course. Certificates for additional 5.5 hours will be distributed as the class turns in post-course exam and course evaluations.