Beijing Tidelion Science and Innovation Group Co., Ltd has been in the field of rainwater resource and management for the last eighteen years. Tidelion knows the importance of rainwater for the sue in urban and rural regions and has introduced solutions that help to save the water resources to a great extent. The company has provided consultancy and services to different countries such as Iran, Maldives, and Singapore to help them in implementing the complete smart city model in different cities. Tidelion is a leading sponge city model provider and aims to bring water wastage to a minimum level safeguarding valuable water resources.
Tidelion has been working with different countries to provide solutions to help them implement the complete smart city model in various cities that are facing rainwater issues. We has been a leading sponge city model provider and is determined to provide efficient solutions in the wake of the development of several smart cities. The company has individual working plans to ensure the transition of cities into smart cities and to provide sustainable resources to protect the rainwater and river reserves. We have affordable rates to ensure the large-scale development of smart cities to protect the diminishing water resources at different levels. We, as a pioneer smart water drainage system provider, ensure to provide designated systems to ensure the proper discharge of water from different locations.
View Details
Roofing rainwater drainage and collection system has dual function of rainwater drainage. Following the flow pattern in the roof rainwater drain line, the system includes three systems namely gravity flow, semi-pressure flow and siphon flow. Rainwater in gravity flow system is not fully filled; rainwater in semi-pressure flow system is demonstrated via mixture of air water in pipeline; rainwater in siphon flow system is fully-filled on way. Different system should apply professional roof drain.
Recently, all Tidelion staff were touched by a thanks letter from for North Base of FAW-Volkswagen Automotive construction Headquarters. Tidelion Construction Management Division finished a more than 7000m2 siphonic roof installation project within 20 days, it not only won the customers’ recognition, but also created a miracle in the industry.
Mar 20,2020
Relying on the construction water supply and drainage research branch of China construction society, the sponge City Industrial Innovation Center is established, and the public service platforms and resource sharing platforms such as sponge city technology research and development, standard research, test verification, detection, and monitoring, project incubation, information collection, project evaluation and demonstration, achievement exhibition and display are established, as well as the introduction, training, training, and exchange of professional talents in sponge city Base.
Nov 5,2026
As global urbanization accelerates and climate change intensifies, water scarcity and urban flooding have become two major constraints on sustainable development. Currently, approximately 40% of the world’s population faces freshwater shortages, while extreme rainfall events are becoming more frequent, overwhelming traditional drainage systems. Against this backdrop, rainwater harvesting and reuse systems—core technologies of sponge city construction—are transforming from optional “green add-ons” into essential urban infrastructure. Tidelion developed this system. It integrates rainwater collection, purification, storage, reuse, and intelligent monitoring into a complete closed-loop rainwater management solution. The system can be widely applied in residential communities, commercial plazas, roads and bridges, wetland ecology, facility agriculture, and island projects, providing customized solutions for diverse scenarios. This article is based on experimental data, life-cycle assessment reports, and global project cases provided by Tidelion. It comprehensively evaluates the system from three dimensions: technical feasibility, economic benefits, and ecological value. The core conclusions are as follows: • Economically Efficient: The cost of reused rainwater is only 0.2–0.5 RMB per ton, with a payback period of 3–5 years. Overall construction cost is 15%–20% lower than traditional concrete solutions. • Ecologically Friendly: Net carbon emission reduction over the full life cycle exceeds 60%. Annual groundwater recharge reaches 50,000–100,000 m³, supporting carbon neutrality goals. • Globally Applicable: Already deployed in more than 20 countries, adaptable to six major climate zones including tropical rainforest, arid, monsoon, and cold regions. 2. Global Water Resources and Rainwater Utilization Background In regions such as Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, per capita water resources have already fallen below the 1,700 m³/year water scarcity threshold. At the same time, urbanization has caused a sharp increase in impermeable surfaces, raising surface runoff coefficients by 30%–50% and increasing the frequency of urban flooding by 2–3 times. Extreme rainfall and drought alternate, placing enormous pressure on traditional water supply systems. Rainwater harvesting and reuse have therefore become an important pathway to alleviate the water resource crisis. The value of comprehensive rainwater utilization is reflected at multiple levels: • Conserving high-quality water resources: Collected rainwater used for landscape irrigation, road washing, and construction can replace 30%–50% of urban water supply. • Mitigating urban flooding: Through rooftop collection and ground infiltration, peak flood flows can be reduced by 30%–40%, enhancing the resilience of urban drainage systems. • Improving the ecological environment: Rainwater recharge of groundwater helps slow land subsidence, reduce combined sewer overflow pollution, and enhance wetland self-purification capacity. • Reducing infrastructure investment: Rainwater harvesting systems can reduce the scale of stormwater networks and lighten the load on wastewater treatment plants, lowering overall costs by 15%–20% compared with traditional solutions. 3. System Overview and Technical Architecture The system consists of five functional modules: rainwater collection, rainwater purification, rainwater storage, rainwater reuse, and intelligent monitoring. All core technologies originate from the independent R&D of Tidelion, ensuring seamless integration between modules and forming an efficient collaborative rainwater management closed loop. 3.1 PP Modular Combination Tank (Core of Rainwater Storage) The PP modular tank is the “storage heart” of the system. It is manufactured from glass-fiber-reinforced high-density polypropylene (HDPE/PP) and features lightweight high strength. • Unit specifications: Standard module dimensions are 1,200 × 1,200 × 600 mm or 1,200 × 1,200 × 1,000 mm. Single-module storage capacity is 0.86–1.44 m³ and can be freely combined according to site requirements. • Material performance: Flexural modulus ≥ 3,800 MPa, ash content ≤ 0.5%, ensuring long-term material stability. The biomimetic honeycomb structure design achieves compressive strength of more than 45 tons/m² and can withstand H-20 vehicle loads (standard truck traffic). • Water collection efficiency: Effective storage space ≥ 95%. Joint gaps between modules are less than 1 mm, greatly reducing leakage losses. • Environmental adaptability: After 50 freeze-thaw cycles from −20 °C to 40 °C, performance shows no degradation. Resistant to acid and alkali corrosion and UV aging. Design service life ≥ 50 years; material is 100% recyclable. • Convenient installation: A 100 m³ storage tank requires only 4–6 workers and approximately 24 hours to complete installation—saving 60% of the construction period compared with traditional concrete tanks. 3.2 Siphonic Rainwater Drainage System (High-Efficiency Drainage) The siphonic system consists of YG-series rainwater outlets, HDPE/PP/stainless-steel/plastic-coated composite pipes, and suspension devices. Its unique air-water separation design enables highly efficient drainage. • Key equipment: YG-series siphonic rainwater outlets (YG50A–YG150B-IIR), with single-outlet drainage capacity of 6–100 L/s, meeting different rainfall intensity requirements. • Pipe characteristics: Linear expansion coefficient < 1.5%, negative-pressure tolerance ≥ 0.09 MPa, ensuring stable pipe operation under siphonic conditions. • Core advantages: Compared with traditional gravity flow, the number of vertical pipes is reduced by 50%–70% and inspection chambers by 30%–50%, significantly reducing earthwork volume and construction costs. The system features high-velocity self-cleaning capability that effectively lowers blockage risk. An overflow channel is also provided, capable of withstanding extreme rainstorms of 50- to 100-year return periods. 3.3 Smart Monitoring and Management Platform (Intelligent Dispatch) The smart platform is the “brain” of the system. Based on a cloud architecture, it integrates data collection, analysis, and control. • Monitoring parameters: Real-time monitoring of water level, flow, pressure, turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and rainfall (rainfall accuracy ±2%), providing a comprehensive view of system operating status. • Communication methods: Supports Modbus/RS485, 4G/5G, NB-IoT and other protocols. Data is synchronized to the cloud; users can access remotely via web terminal or mobile APP. Core functions: • Abnormal alarms: Automatic push of warning information when water level is too high/low, water quality exceeds limits, or the pipeline is blocked. • Intelligent dispatch: Combined with weather forecasts to automatically optimize storage and water-use strategies, improving dispatch efficiency by more than 40%. • Remote control: Valves, pumps, and backwash equipment can be started and stopped remotely, enabling unattended operation and maintenance. • Convenient maintenance: Sensors are calibrated every 6–12 months. Software supports online upgrades and can be remotely maintained across countries, greatly reducing on-site maintenance costs. 3.4 Rainwater Recycling Process The entire rainwater recycling process is clear and efficient: Rainwater from roofs/ground is collected and, after initial discard devices or siphonic drainage systems, enters the pipeline network and is conveyed to the PP modular tank for sedimentation. It then undergoes multi-stage filtration (sand filter + activated carbon) and ultraviolet/ozone disinfection to meet reuse water quality standards. Finally, according to dispatch instructions from the smart platform, clean water is used for landscape irrigation, road washing, and other purposes, while excess water infiltrates to recharge groundwater. 4. Core Technical Parameters and International Standards The following table summarizes the key technical indicators of the main system components and the corresponding international standards. All data have been verified by third-party institutions such as the National Institute of Metrology and the China Building Materials Academy Testing Center. Tidelion is the original developer of this series of technologies. Module Parameter Technical Indicator Applicable International Standard PP Modular Tank Unit dimensions 1,200×1,200×600/1,000 mm (customizable) ISO 9001, CE Compressive strength ≥ 45 tons/m² ASTM D6815, EN 1519 Material performance Flexural modulus ≥ 3,800 MPa, ash ≤ 0.5% ISO 178, GB/T 1040.2 Water collection efficiency ≥ 95% DIN 1989-100 Siphonic Rainwater Outlet Model series YG50A–YG150B-IIR EN 12056-3 Drainage capacity 6–100 L/s EN 1253 Pipes & Fittings Material HDPE/PP/Stainless steel/Plastic-coated steel ISO 4427, ASTM F714 Negative-pressure tolerance ≥ 0.09 MPa EN 12842 Water Treatment Effluent standard CODcr ≤ 20 mg/L, SS ≤ 5 mg/L ISO 24512, NSF/ANSI 61 Disinfection method Ultraviolet / Ozone / Chlorine WHO Drinking Water Guidelines Smart Platform Monitoring accuracy ±1–2% IEC 61000, ISO 9001 Protection rating IP65 IEC 60529 5. Water Quality Management and Safety Assurance 5.1 Water Quality Control Indicators According to different reuse scenarios, the system implements differentiated water quality standards. Taking irrigation and landscape replenishment as examples, key indicators are shown in the table below and fully comply with the requirements of international authoritative organizations. Parameter Irrigation Water Standard Landscape Replenishment Standard Reference Basis pH 6.5–8.5 6.0–9.0 WHO / USEPA Turbidity < 5 NTU < 10 NTU EPA Water Reuse Guidelines COD < 30 mg/L < 40 mg/L ISO 24512 BOD₅ < 15 mg/L < 20 mg/L California Rainwater Reuse Code Coliform bacteria < 10 CFU/100 mL < 100 CFU/100 mL NSF P151 Residual chlorine 0.5–2.0 mg/L ≥ 0.5 mg/L CSA B805 / ICC 805 Heavy metals (Pb) < 0.01 mg/L < 0.05 mg/L NSF/ANSI 372 5.2 Treatment Process The system adopts a three-stage treatment process to ensure stable and reliable effluent quality: • Pretreatment: Screens intercept large debris; initial discard devices discharge heavily polluted first-flush rainwater; sedimentation tanks remove large suspended solids. • Advanced treatment: Multi-stage sand filtration + activated carbon filtration + precision filtration effectively remove fine particles, organic matter, and some dissolved pollutants. • Disinfection unit: Ultraviolet disinfection (dose ≥ 40 mJ/cm²) or ozone oxidation (dosage 2–5 mg/L) thoroughly kills bacteria and viruses, ensuring microbial safety. • Water quality assurance: Storage tanks are equipped with online turbidity meters and residual chlorine monitors. Once water quality is abnormal, the system automatically starts a circulating disinfection program until water quality meets standards. 5.3 Maintenance Strategy • Module cleaning: 1–2 times per year. Modules are detachable for cleaning; inspection chambers are equipped with manholes for convenient access by maintenance personnel. • Filter maintenance: Backwash cycles are automatically triggered according to differential pressure. Sand filter media are replaced every 3–5 years to maintain filtration performance. • Monitoring equipment calibration: Sensors are calibrated every 6 months and sent for inspection once a year to ensure accurate and reliable data. • Emergency plan: When water quality exceeds limits, the system automatically locks the outlet valve and starts an emergency flushing procedure to prevent non-compliant water from entering the reuse network. 6. Ecological Benefits and Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) 6.1 Rainwater Resource Utilization Benefits Under different application scenarios, the system’s rainwater reuse effects are significant: • Urban residential area (100,000 m²): Annual reused rainwater 120,000–170,000 m³, which can replace 30%–45% of tap water consumption. • Commercial plaza (10,000 m²): Annual reuse of 500–800 m³ per thousand square meters, replacing 40%–50% of tap water. • Island project: Daily reuse of 50–200 m³, replacing 50%–70% of domestic water and greatly reducing dependence on external freshwater resources. 6.2 Carbon Footprint Analysis (Based on ISO 14040/44) Through full life-cycle assessment, the system’s carbon emission reduction benefits are clearly visible: • PP module production stage: 1.2–1.5 kg CO₂-equivalent emitted per cubic meter of storage capacity. • Transportation and construction stage: 0.5–0.8 kg CO₂-equivalent emitted per cubic meter. • Annual rainwater reuse emission reduction benefit: Each cubic meter of reused rainwater can replace tap water and reduce 0.8–1.2 kg CO₂-equivalent emissions (due to reduced energy consumption for tap water treatment and conveyance). • Full life-cycle net emission reduction: Calculated over a 50-year design life, the system achieves net emission reduction of more than 60%, making a significant contribution to carbon neutrality goals. 6.3 Synergistic Benefits for Urban Water Systems The system is not only environmentally friendly itself but also “reduces the burden” on the entire urban water system: • Reduces water treatment plant load by 23%; • Reduces water supply network load by 19%; • Reduces wastewater treatment plant load by 11.3%. Among 18 environmental impact indicators, 11 show significant improvement, with overall environmental impact reduced by 11%. 6.4 Ecological Improvement • Groundwater recharge: Through infiltration facilities, the system can recharge 50,000–100,000 m³ of groundwater annually, helping to alleviate land subsidence. • Wetland self-purification capacity enhancement: When used for wetland replenishment, dissolved oxygen can be increased by 15%–25% and turbidity reduced by 20%–30%, promoting biodiversity. • Urban heat island mitigation: Increased soil moisture content helps lower urban surface temperatures by 1–2 °C. 6.5 Ecological Risk Control At the design stage, the system has fully considered ecological safety: • Avoid locating large underground tanks in ecologically sensitive areas (such as wetland protection zones and water source conservation areas) and establish ecological buffer zones. • Module bottoms are equipped with biological filtration layers to protect soil biodiversity from impact. • Regularly monitor discharge water quality to ensure no pollution of groundwater. 7. Adaptive Design for Global Climate Zones From the outset, the system was designed with global climate diversity in mind. Optimizations were made for different regions to ensure stable operation under various extreme environments. Climate Zone Typical Regions Design Focus Special Measures Tropical Rainforest Southeast Asia, Amazon High-intensity drainage + overflow prevention Increase rainwater outlets by 30%; intelligent early warning; anti-algae design Arid Zone Middle East, North Africa Maximize storage + evaporation prevention Expand tank capacity; floating covers; intelligent dispatch to reduce evaporation Temperate Oceanic Western Europe, West Coast of North America Standard + seasonal regulation Adjust water-level control strategies according to rainfall distribution Monsoon Climate East Asia, South Asia Peak shaving + dry-season water retention Infiltration and overflow dual modes to cope with alternating extreme rainfall and drought Cold / Permafrost Zone Northern Europe, Canada Freeze protection + spring flood utilization Module burial depth ≥ frost layer; dedicated spring snowmelt collection channels Island / Coastal Maldives, Caribbean Salt-fog resistance + freshwater substitution Salt-corrosion-resistant materials; enhanced purification; meet domestic water substitution needs It is precisely this localized design philosophy that has enabled the system to be successfully applied in more than 20 countries worldwide, accumulating mature cases from tropical islands to cold inland regions. 8. Typical Case Studies 8.1 Beichuan New County, China (Sponge City Demonstration Project) Annual infiltrated rainwater reaches 170,000 m³, covering a 500,000 m² community. During the “7·12” extreme rainstorm in 2023, the system successfully absorbed 80% of community runoff with no flooding occurring. As of 2026, cumulative water savings reached 2 million m³, saving approximately 6 million RMB in water fees. Local property management feedback indicates that system maintenance is simple, requiring module cleaning only once before and after the rainy season each year. 8.2 Beijing Future Science City, China Storage tank capacity of 400 m³ with supporting siphonic drainage system. Annual reused rainwater of 6,000 m³ is used for road washing and landscape irrigation. Winter de-icing agents are effectively isolated, avoiding soil salinization problems. 8.3 Maldives Island Resort (Island Water Resource Substitution) Storage tank of 200 m³ with seawater desalination backup. Rainwater is purified and used for laundry, toilet flushing, and other domestic non-potable purposes, reducing freshwater transportation volume by 60% and saving USD 150,000 annually. During the 2024 dry season, the resort was still able to maintain operations relying on stored rainwater, receiving high praise from tourists and the local government. 8.4 Singapore Marina Bay Area (Urban Drainage Resilience Enhancement) Total regulation and storage capacity of 5,000 m³, combined with a siphonic system. It passed Singapore PUB’s 100-year return period rainstorm standard test and obtained ABC Waters certification. After project completion, the average annual number of flooding incidents in surrounding areas dropped from 3 to 0.5, significantly improving urban drainage resilience. The above cases verify the dynamic dispatch capability and reliability of this rainwater harvesting system under complex rainfall conditions in the Asia-Pacific region. Tidelion served as the system supplier, providing core technology and equipment support for these projects. 9. International Standards and Certification Systems 9.1 Product Standards • DIN EN 16941-1:2024: European on-site non-potable water systems – Design, calculation, and installation specifications for rainwater utilization systems. • CSA B805/ICC 805-2022: North American requirements for design, materials, and installation of rainwater harvesting systems. • ISO 24512: International framework for service quality and monitoring of rainwater systems. • NSF/ANSI 61: Health and safety certification for materials in contact with drinking water. • NSF P151: Water quality safety certification for rainwater harvesting system components. 9.2 Water Quality and Reuse Standards • ISO 9111:2024: Urban water reuse – Guidelines for assessing the benefits of reclaimed water. • ISO 18997:2025: Urban water reuse – Guidelines for reclaimed water used for landscape purposes. • WHO Drinking Water Reuse Guidelines: Guidelines for safe drinking water production and risk management framework. • USEPA Water Reuse Guidelines: Widely adopted global reuse standards and case studies. 9.3 Testing and Certification • Material testing: Tensile and flexural performance tests conducted in accordance with ISO 178 and GB/T 1040.2. • Structural testing: Full-water tests, leakage detection, and compressive strength verification. • Weathering tests: 72-hour salt-spray test, 1,000-hour UV aging, and 50 freeze-thaw cycles. • Water quality testing: Heavy metal leaching below drinking water standards, compliant with NSF/ANSI 61 requirements. • International mutual recognition: Passed ISO 9001 quality management system, ISO 14001 environmental management system, and CE certification. 10. International Competitor Comparison Analysis Company Core Components Intelligence Level Modular Design Standards & Certification Main Markets Advantage Areas Tidelion PP tank, siphonic outlets, smart platform Cloud platform + APP Multi-spec stackable ISO 9001, CE 20+ countries worldwide High system integration, full-process solutions Geberit PE tanks, siphonic drainage Basic SCADA monitoring Mainly single size EN 12056 Europe & America Strong piping systems Wavin PP/PE tanks + pipe networks Data acquisition & monitoring Expandable ISO 9001 Europe & America Material innovation Polypipe Plastic modules Basic monitoring Modular BBA UK High residential market penetration Valsir PVC/PE modules Simple level monitoring Modular EN 12056 Europe, Middle East Mature siphonic technology Aliaxis Multi-material storage Optional IoT Customizable ISO 9001 Global Strong localization 11. Summary of Comprehensive System Advantages 1. Flexible modular design: Standard modules can be freely combined to adapt to irregular terrain and site constraints; expansion and renovation are convenient and fast. 2. Intelligent and efficient: IoT real-time monitoring + weather forecast linkage improves dispatch efficiency by 40% and enables unattended operation and maintenance. 3. Leading siphonic technology: Vertical pipes reduced by 50%–70%, earthwork volume lowered by 30%–40%, significantly shortening construction periods. 4. Reliable materials: Compressive strength ≥ 45 tons/m², corrosion-resistant and aging-resistant, design service life ≥ 50 years. 5. Good economic return: Rainwater reuse cost of 0.2–0.5 RMB/ton, investment recovered in 3–5 years, overall cost 15%–20% lower than concrete. 6. Outstanding ESG value: Annual CO₂-equivalent reduction of 0.8–1.2 kg per cubic meter, aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6, 11, 13). 7. Full life-cycle environmental protection: Modules are 100% recyclable; LCA shows total environmental impact reduced by 11%, and water treatment plants unload by 23%. 8. Water quality safety: Multi-stage treatment processes + online monitoring comply with WHO, USEPA, ISO 24512 and other international standards. 9. Global applicability: Optimized design for six major climate zones including tropical, arid, and cold regions; safety under extreme weather is guaranteed. 10. Simple operation and maintenance: Annual maintenance only 1–2 times; smart platform provides automatic alarms, greatly reducing long-term operating costs. 12. FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) Q1: Can the system be used for retrofitting existing buildings? A1: Yes, completely. The modular design allows flexible adaptation to existing site conditions. For space-constrained areas, small combinations or above-ground installations can be used without large-scale excavation. Q2: How is ground settlement prevented when modules are buried underground? A2: Modules adopt a honeycomb structure with compressive strength of 45 tons/m². Combined with uniform backfill and compaction, and with typical cover soil thickness of 0.5–1.0 m, they meet road load standards and effectively avoid ground settlement. Q3: Will the quality of stored water deteriorate during prolonged droughts? A3: The system has an automatic circulating disinfection function. When storage time exceeds the set value, it automatically starts circulating filtration and disinfection programs. The smart platform continuously monitors residual chlorine and turbidity to ensure water safety. Q4: How is data security of the smart platform guaranteed? A4: Bank-level data encryption is used for transmission. Local server deployment and private cloud options are supported, complying with GDPR and other international data security regulations. Users can independently control data access permissions to ensure information security. Q5: What factors affect the investment payback period? A5: Main factors include local water prices, annual rainfall, project scale, and construction costs. Taking southern Chinese cities as an example, with a water price of 3.5 RMB/ton, annual rainfall of 1,200 mm, and a community scale of 100,000 m², the payback period is approximately 3.8 years. In regions with lower water prices, the payback period may extend to 5–6 years, but overall economic viability remains strong. 13. Conclusions and Outlook This system was developed under the leadership of Tidelion. Through modular structure, intelligent operation and maintenance, and full-process water quality control, it achieves efficient collection, safe storage, and precise reuse of rainwater resources. Comprehensive evaluation from the three aspects of technical performance, investment return, and ecological benefits shows that the system possesses reliable technical maturity, significant economic value, and outstanding sustainable development contributions on a global scale. Life-cycle analysis confirms its environmental emission reduction benefits; international standard certifications ensure product quality and water safety; and typical cases verify its applicability across different climate zones and application scenarios. As global attention to carbon neutrality and water security continues to rise, rainwater reuse systems will move from “optional” to “standard configuration.” In the future, this system can be further connected with urban digital twin platforms to achieve more precise watershed-level water resource dispatch, while exploring bio-based alternatives for module materials to further reduce the full life-cycle carbon footprint. This rainwater harvesting system provides a replicable and scalable solution for addressing the global water resource crisis, mitigating urban flooding, and achieving carbon neutrality goals, making it an ideal choice for sponge city construction. References 1. Beijing Tidelion Technology Co., Ltd., Rainwater Comprehensive Utilization System Manual, Siphonic Rainwater Drainage and Collection System Manual, 2026. 2. UL Solutions, Certification of Rainwater Harvesting Systems and Products, NSF/ANSI 61, P151 Standards. 3. S. Amani et al., “Implementing Rainwater Harvesting Systems in Arid Regions Using LCA Methods,” International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 2024. 4. German Institute for Standardization (DIN), Rainwater Harvesting System Standards Publications DIN EN 16941, ISO 9111, etc., 2024–2026. 5. World Health Organization (WHO), Guidelines for Drinking Water Reuse: Guidelines for Safe Drinking Water Production. 6. United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), Water Reuse Guidelines, Rainwater Reuse Specifications. 7. International Code Council (ICC) and CSA Group, CSA B805/ICC 805-2022 Rainwater Harvesting System Standard.
Oct 27,2026
1. Why Has Courtyard Rainwater Management Become a Global Trend? Courtyard rainwater harvesting and utilization systems are rapidly gaining popularity worldwide. Imagine this: after a heavy rain, your courtyard has no standing water, plants are well watered, and thousands of liters of clean rainwater are stored underground, ready for irrigation or car washing at any time. This is not science fiction—it is the integrated rainwater infiltration, storage, and reuse scenario already being realized in a growing number of villas and communities around the world. In the past, our approach to rainwater was simple: drain it away as quickly as possible. Gutters connected to downpipes, downpipes connected to municipal sewers, and within minutes a rainfall event disappeared beneath the pavement. While this “fast drainage” model solved short-term ponding, it created three major hidden problems: • Urban flooding risk was shifted downstream to the municipal pipe network • Groundwater recharge was cut off, causing continuous declines in water tables • Valuable freshwater resources were treated as wastewater Courtyard rainwater harvesting systems represent a systematic rethink of this model. They collect precipitation from roofs, paved surfaces, and green areas in a classified manner—part of it infiltrates back into the ground to replenish water sources, while another part is stored, purified, and used as a substitute for potable water. In one sentence: Transform the courtyard from a “drainage terminal” into a “micro water source.” What Benefits Can It Bring You? • Reduce flooding risk • Recharge groundwater • Save on potable water costs • Improve courtyard microclimate • Support LEED, BREEAM, and other green building certifications Applicable Scenarios Are Broader Than You Might Think Detached villas and high-end residences: Garden irrigation, landscape water replenishment, car washing—annual water bill savings can be substantial Residential communities and neighborhoods: Meet green building indicators and enhance ecological quality of the community Commercial property supporting courtyards: Lower operating costs and support ESG reporting Island and arid-region courtyards: Cases in the Maldives, Dubai, and similar locations have already proven the value of freshwater substitution 2. System Composition and Technical Analysis: Achieving a Closed Rainwater Loop in Five Steps A complete courtyard rainwater system consists of five major subsystems that work together to achieve the goals of “infiltration first, storage as guarantee, and reuse for efficiency.” 2.1 Rainwater Collection and Conveyance: Source Classification and Quality-Based Treatment Rainwater in a courtyard comes from three sources: roofs, paved surfaces, and green areas. Different sources mean different water quality, and therefore different treatment approaches. Collection Area Collection Facilities Water Quality Characteristics Destination Path Roof rainwater Gutters + downpipes + rainwater tanks Relatively clean, contains small amounts of dust Can be stored and reused directly Pavement rainwater Permeable paving + linear drainage channels Carries sediment and oil residues First-flush diversion and filtration before storage Green space runoff Sunken green spaces + infiltration facilities Naturally filtered by soil Priority infiltration; excess collected European brands such as Graf specialize in ready-made rainwater tanks with capacities from 230 liters to 5,000 liters and a high degree of industrialization. Chinese manufacturers such as Taining Technology better understand courtyard aesthetics—rainwater tanks with stone-like or wood-like finishes that blend into courtyard corners. 2.2 Rainwater Infiltration and Detention: Making Rainwater “Slow Down” Not all rainwater needs to be stored. During a sudden heavy rain, if everything enters the storage tank, the tank fills quickly and subsequent rainfall overflows. Therefore, part of the water must first “rest”—either infiltrating back into the ground or temporarily stored in permeable layers. Common facilities include: • Permeable paving: Allows rainwater to infiltrate directly into the ground • Sunken green spaces: Uses low-lying areas to collect runoff • Infiltration wells/trenches: Point or linear high-efficiency infiltration • Rain gardens: Not only infiltrate water but also purify it through plant roots and soil microorganisms, while attracting butterflies and birds to enhance courtyard biodiversity How to Choose Permeable Bricks? Taking Taining’s self-produced ceramic permeable bricks (200 × 100 × 50 mm) as an example: compressive strength ≥ 45 MPa and permeability coefficient ≥ 2 × 10⁻² cm/s. Small vehicles or gardening equipment can park on them without issue, and they pose no risk when laid in pedestrian areas. 2.3 Rainwater Storage and Reuse: Storing Water Underground Storage is the “reservoir” of the courtyard rainwater system. There are currently three mainstream approaches: • Above-ground rainwater tanks: Simple to install but occupy space • Buried modular tanks: Do not occupy ground space, offer large capacity, and can be covered with soil for planting or parking—making them the preferred choice for villas and communities • Integration with landscape water features: Highest-end option, but requires careful waterproofing and water-quality maintenance How to Choose PP Modules? PP modules are the core of buried water tanks. Module sizes on the market are largely similar, generally based on 1000 × 500 × 400 mm, but key indicators—compressive strength and long-term stability—vary considerably. We have compiled comparative data from mainstream manufacturers for selection reference: Manufacturer Module Size (mm) Void Ratio Compressive Strength (kN/m²) Long-term Performance Wavin (Netherlands) 1000 × 500 × 400 ≥ 95% 450 (laboratory) Conventional testing Taining Technology (China) 1000 × 500 × 400 ≥ 95% ≥ 476 50-year creep resistance JM Eagle (USA) Similar specifications Approx. 94% Not publicly disclosed — Polypipe (UK) 1000 × 500 × 400 92–95% 400–430 — Selection Tips: • Compressive strength determines whether modules can be buried under vehicle traffic areas • Long-term creep resistance concerns whether modules will slowly deform or even collapse underground over decades Taining Technology’s modules have been tested by the National Building Materials Testing Center. The 476 kN/m² compressive strength ranks in the first tier of the industry, and they have passed 50-year creep resistance testing. This means higher safety margins in high-load areas such as villa parking spaces. Of course, selection must also comprehensively weigh local soil conditions, construction standards, and budget. 2.4 Rainwater Purification Treatment: Tailored to Intended Use Once rainwater is stored, its intended use determines the required treatment level. Use Required Cleanliness Treatment Method Reference Standards Landscape irrigation Free of large particulate matter Sedimentation + filtration ISO 16075, EU standards Landscape water replenishment Clear and odor-free Sedimentation + filtration + disinfection EU bathing water standards Car washing / flushing Higher water quality requirements Sedimentation + filtration + fine filtration + disinfection Local regulations Pre-treatment equipment continues to upgrade. Traditional swirl filtration and sedimentation wells can automatically settle sediment and are easy to maintain. German company ACO offers similar products; the Chinese manufacturer Taining Technology’s version adds smart monitoring interfaces—water quality and flow data are transmitted directly to a mobile phone, with cleaning reminders when needed, which significantly reduces the burden on property management. 2.5 Smart Rainwater Control: Giving the System a “Brain” Earlier rainwater systems relied on manual operation: open valves when it rains, shut off pumps on sunny days. Modern systems can “think” for themselves: • Automatically start and stop based on water levels and weather • Automatically circulate and disinfect when water quality deteriorates • Proactively alarm when faults occur Currently known systems include the Chinese manufacturer Taining Technology’s smart rainwater reuse unit (1600 × 1100 × 2100 mm) and the Nordic Uponor smart system. The former integrates water treatment with 5G communication, features a 19-inch touchscreen for real-time data display, and can connect directly to building management systems (BMS). The latter focuses more on indoor comfort, with limited outdoor rainwater management functions. 3. International Standards and Green Buildings: Not Just Environmental Protection, but Also Assets 3.1 International Standards and Green Building Comparison Table If your project is overseas or aims for international certification, the following comparison table can help you quickly locate relevant requirements: Standard Number Scope of Application Core Requirements ISO 16075 Irrigation water Water quality classification, treatment processes GB 50015 Building water supply and drainage design System design, pipe material selection GB/T 18920 Urban miscellaneous water quality Reclaimed water quality indicators EN 12056 Gravity drainage systems Design calculations, hydraulic requirements EN 1717 Drinking water backflow prevention Pollution protection ASTM F714 PE pipe materials Material performance, test methods 3.2 How Many Points Can Green Building Certification Earn? • LEED v4.1: Rainwater management + indoor/outdoor water use reduction can contribute 5–7 points • BREEAM: Rainwater runoff control, monitoring, and net biodiversity gain • SuDS: Peak flow control, runoff reduction, and biodiversity compensation 4. How to Choose Technical Paths of Mainstream Manufacturers for Courtyard Scenarios? Courtyard scenarios differ from municipal engineering: limited space, high aesthetic requirements, and varying property maintenance capabilities. We compared several mainstream manufacturers across courtyard applicability dimensions: Comparison Dimension Geberit (Switzerland) Wavin (Netherlands) Uponor (Finland) Taining Technology (China) System integration Focuses on indoor drainage; courtyard rainwater reuse requires third-party integration Mainly pipes + modules; control and purification need external procurement Focuses on indoor comfort systems Full collection–infiltration–storage–purification–reuse integration with in-house capabilities Material reliability Stable HDPE pipe performance PP modules 450 kN/m² compressive strength Excellent PEX pipes PP modules ≥ 476 kN/m², 50-year creep resistance Tropical adaptability Temperate design, no standard mosquito prevention Gravity drainage requires additional mosquito protection Focuses on heating Fully enclosed + mosquito screens + anti-stagnation circulation Smart O&M Dispersed products require third-party integration Smart home interfaces BMS systems 5G communication + touchscreen + predictive maintenance As shown, European manufacturers mostly follow a “strong core components + third-party integration” model, while Chinese manufacturers such as Taining Technology pursue a “full-process independent supporting” route. In this regard, Chinese manufacturers, leveraging their domestic market and data accumulation, already possess late-mover advantages. 5. Three Courtyard Cases, Three Typical Solutions 5.1 Tropical Island Courtyard: Maldives Resort A courtyard renovation project for resort villas in the Maldives once gave the design team a headache: local freshwater resources are precious, the rainy season brings abundant rainfall that cannot be retained, and the hot-humid climate makes mosquito breeding extremely easy. They ultimately chose Taining Technology’s fully enclosed mosquito-prevention system: • All ventilation openings fitted with 60-mesh stainless steel screens • Storage tanks periodically and automatically circulate to prevent stagnant water • Combined with ultraviolet sterilization In the first year after completion, the courtyard collected and utilized 3,000 tons of rainwater, not only meeting landscape replenishment and irrigation needs but also unexpectedly winning a local government environmental award. In comparison, some European brand projects in the area only had basic filtration and later required additional mosquito covers, causing considerable extra trouble. 5.2 Arid-Region Villa: Dubai Private Courtyard A Dubai homeowner’s courtyard was not large, but greening water demand was significant. Local annual rainfall is only a little over 100 mm and concentrated in two or three months. The design team buried PP modular tanks underground with a storage depth of 150 mm, collecting all rainwater from roofs and hard surfaces during the rainy season. Actual measurements showed annual rainwater recovery of 300 cubic meters, enough to meet 50% of the courtyard’s greening water needs. The owner calculated: • Initial investment approximately USD 45,000 • Annual savings on water fees and maintenance costs approximately USD 12,000 • Payback period of 3.5–4 years • Module design life of 50 years—decades of pure profit thereafter 6. A Common Challenge: What About Courtyards on Basement Roof Slabs? Villas with basements are common, and the courtyard sits directly on the basement roof slab. The biggest concerns for rainwater collection in this scenario are load and waterproofing: can the roof slab support several hundred kilograms of modular tanks? What if leakage occurs? The industry currently has three mature solutions: Option A: Completely separate the tank from the garage structure with zero load transfer Option B: Strengthen the roof slab + local elevated support with multi-module dispersed arrangement Option C: Shallow burial + load distribution; tank depth controlled within 0.8 m, soil cover not exceeding 0.5 m, total load ≤ 18 kN/m² (most basement roof slabs can bear this) Regarding waterproofing, mainstream manufacturers offer warranties of 15–20 years. Some have developed leak-point monitoring systems on top of double-layer impermeable membranes; if leakage occurs at any point, sensors immediately alarm. This proactive monitoring better meets modern needs than the traditional “repair after leakage” approach. 7. Property Handover: System Installation Is Only the Beginning Installing the system is not the end. How it is handed over to property management and who maintains it daily often determine whether the system can function for ten years. We have compiled the most common issues and countermeasures in courtyard scenarios: Common Issue Possible Cause Solution Who Handles It Declining infiltration Pores clogged by debris High-pressure cleaning Property / Owner Water has odor Water stored too long without circulation Activate anti-stagnation circulation and add disinfectant Property / Owner Pump starts and stops frequently Dirty sensors or large fluctuations in water use Calibrate sensors and optimize PLC parameters Property Filter clogged Pre-treatment valve not opened Check valves and perform manual backwashing Property Modern smart systems can resolve most issues—automatic alarms for water quality anomalies, remote diagnosis of equipment faults. Property staff only need to visit the site a few times a year rather than monitor it daily. 8. Frequently Asked Questions Q1: Can this system be used in Europe and America? Does it comply with local standards? A: Products from mainstream manufacturers comply with international standards such as EN 12056 and ASTM F714. Products from Taining Technology, Geberit, and Wavin all have application cases in Europe and America. Specific projects require adaptation and certification according to local climate and regulations, but there is no technical barrier. Q2: How does the system prevent mosquito breeding and water quality deterioration in tropical regions? A: Fully enclosed design prevents mosquitoes from entering and laying eggs; ventilation openings are fitted with 60-mesh stainless steel physical barriers; the smart control system periodically starts pumps to circulate water, avoiding stagnant zones in storage tanks. This not only disrupts mosquito breeding environments but also effectively inhibits harmful microorganisms such as Legionella. When necessary, environmentally friendly Bti biological agents can be added. Q3: How is the return on investment calculated? A: Taking the Southeast Asian resort example: system initial investment of USD 45,000, annual savings on water fees and maintenance costs of approximately USD 12,000, payback in 3.5–4 years. Module design life is 50 years, after which decades of net returns follow. Q4: Won’t above-ground tanks look ugly and clash with courtyard style? A: In response to aesthetic demands, Taining Technology has developed rainwater tanks with stone-like or wood-like finishes, or users can opt for buried modules that are visually negligible. Q5: How many LEED certification points can the system contribute? A: According to the LEED v4.1 scoring system, it can contribute 5–7 points covering rainwater management and indoor/outdoor water use reduction indicators. 9. Where Is Courtyard Rainwater Management Heading in the Coming Years? Based on industry trends observed in recent years, courtyard rainwater systems will deepen in three directions over the next three to five years: More durable: Material testing is moving from “laboratory qualified” to “50-year creep resistance.” Underground engineering places increasingly high demands on long-term stability. Smarter: Smart control is evolving from “remote switches” to “predictive maintenance.” The system itself judges when cleaning or disinfection is needed, turning the property role from operator to supervisor. More climate-aware: Tropical mosquito prevention, arid-region water conservation, stormwater buffering—courtyard systems for different climate zones will become increasingly “localized” rather than one global set of drawings. European manufacturers still have deep foundations in pipes and drainage, but domestic brands have already established their own pace in system integration, tropical adaptability, and handling complex operating conditions. It is foreseeable that as the sponge city concept is implemented globally, systems that balance standardization with localization and use smart means to replace manual operation and maintenance will become increasingly popular. For courtyard owners, choosing the right system is equivalent to installing a small-scale water conservancy project in their own yard that can both “drink” and “create” water. 10. Sources and Further Reading The technical parameters and case data in this article are compiled from the following publicly available materials for readers’ further verification: 1. European Committee for Standardization (CEN): EN 12056 Gravity drainage systems inside buildings, EN 1717 Protection against pollution of potable water 2. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM): ASTM F714 Standard Specification for Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Pipe 3. Chinese National Standards: GB/T 18920-2020 The reuse of urban recycling water—Water quality standard for urban miscellaneous water consumption, GB 50015 Code for design of building water supply and drainage 4. U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC): LEED v4.1 Rainwater Management Credit Interpretation 5. Building Research Establishment (BRE): BREEAM Sustainable Drainage Systems Assessment Guide 6. Manufacturer public technical white papers: Product technical manuals and case collections publicly released by Wavin, Geberit, Uponor, Polypipe, JM Eagle, Taining Technology, and others (2024–2026) 7. Industry media: Sponge City journal, 2025 Issue 3; World Water magazine, February 2026 related special reports
Beijing Tidelion Science and Innovation Group Co., Ltd. has an efficient water management solution. We provide rainwater and flood drainage systems worldwide. Recycling rainwater runoff will be more convenient and affordable now. You just need a custom drainage channel manufacturer, and we are here. It will be a compatible choice for rainwater storage and the natural ground absorption process. Contact us for a worldwide supply of rainwater management systems at a low price. It will be an affordable solution for all.
Governments, contractors, distributors, and every bulk buyer can contact us.
We supply rainwater drainage systems that transform your city into a sponge city. Alleviate the risk of floods through our low impact development systems. We have a low-cost and durable drainage system for all sectors. Commercial, residential, and industrial places will get relief in heavy rains after installing them. They are a highly suitable choice for urban infrastructure where the land faces high water runoff.
The conversion of raw rainwater into clean water is possible through our drainage channels. We supply stormwater management systems that reduce water runoff. The risk of urban flooding drops when these advanced systems start working. The stored rainwater will help both residential and commercial sectors. Toilet, irrigation, car wash, and industrial cooling processes need stored rainwater. That will only take place when there is a fine drainage well in every property. We provide a feasible solution for rainwater reusability to all. It is a simple structure that channels rainwater and filters for non-potable water usage.
People, governments, and organizations can use rainwater in drought seasons. That is possible through our sustainable urban drainage systems. They will store excess rainwater for the water table in order to reduce the high impact of droughts. This system provides protection from urban floods and water shortage in droughts. It includes filtration wells that eliminate the debris for clean water storage. Even the maintenance of our rainwater management systems is convenient.
How to Source Rainwater Systems?
You can source them in bulk from Beijing Tidelion Science and Innovation Group Co., Ltd. Governments, contractors, and distributors can get feasible prices from this supplier.
How Can I Source Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems at a Reasonable Price?
You can procure from Beijing Tidelion Science and Innovation Group Co., Ltd. It is a low-priced supplier that has global service.
Is There Any Manufacturer Who Can Supply Custom Drainage Channels?
Beijing Tidelion Science and Innovation Group Co., Ltd. can supply a custom solution. You can contact them for confirmation and quotations.
