Aidan’s Pub

Type: Rainwater collection system, Cistern

Use: Commercial

Installer: F. W. Munro General Contractors

Designer/Developer: Alan Berry Architect and Rainwater Recovery

Installation Date: 2008

Address: 11 John Street, Bristol, 02809



Contact:

Alan Berry

(401) 474-9902 or (401) 273-7551

Due to runoff and flooding problems in Bristol, local ordinances would not allow Aidan’s Pub to expand without containing all additional stormwater onsite. This constraint led to the installation of a rainwater collection system. All rainwater that hits the roof is filtered and conveyed by gutters to an underground cistern capable of holding 7,500 gallons. Water is then pumped up to the attic where it passes under an ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and contained in a pressure tank. The water is then used for the toilets of the pub and an outdoor hose. Since toilets use approximately 2/3rds of the pub’s water, this system will greatly reduce the use of public water as well as reduce the negative impacts of stormwater runoff on the surrounding area.

Although the system is installed, it will not be activated until the fall of 2010 when a custom controller is integrated into the system. This controller will monitor the water level in the underground cistern. The controller switches the water source to town water if the cistern is more than ¾ empty since at that point it is capable of floating in extremely high water table conditions. The controller is also capable of activating a sump pump that directs excess water in the cistern through an overflow pipe to a catch basin. This addition will finalize the system and require minimal maintenance.

Address: 11 John Street, Bristol, 02809