Which affordable rainwater project should FPR test first?

FPR EXPLORATION PLAN — NON-POTABLE RAINWATER DEMONSTRATION WHY EXPLORE IT Teach practical roof-runoff math, first-flush principles, storage safety, overflow design and winterization at FPR using a small reversible demonstration. A rainwater demonstration must never be presented as a drinking-water supply without legal and water-quality review. FIRST PILOT SCOPE Design a small above-ground non-potable demonstration using a suitable roof/downspout, screened debris control, first-flush concept, covered food-grade or otherwise appropriate storage container, stable base and intentional overflow path. Do not connect it to household drinking-water plumbing. HOW IT FITS FPR Select an accessible area away from unstable hillside fill, foundations, eroding paths and livestock drinking points. Check available roof square footage, gutter condition, drainage flow, overflow direction, freezing exposure and mosquito protection. An authorized site lead should approve the location. MATERIALS TO QUOTE Gutter/downspout components, secure debris screen, sealed tank or barrel, tap, washable sediment capture, hose, stable platform/straps, overflow pipe, temperature protection and easy-to-read measurement marks. Avoid unverified filters or treatment claims. PARTNERS AND SKILLS Qualified plumbing adviser; site/drainage and erosion adviser; weatherization or water-conservation educator; volunteer documentation coordinator. Seek specific permission for any public sponsor or donated-material acknowledgment. FIRST 30 DAYS Measure roof catchment and safe placement options. Sketch the runoff path and overflow route; verify local land-use/plumbing rules and any rainwater use limitations. Compare container and mounting options using itemized delivered quotes. Record local winter freeze considerations. DAYS 31–60 If the site and rules permit, assemble an isolated, supervised tabletop or small outdoor demonstration. Record rainfall events, approximate collected volume, first-flush performance, overflow behavior and maintenance burden. Keep volunteers away from unsafe ladders and roofs. DAYS 61–90 Use measured data to explain real capture potential, costs and maintenance. Publish a simple educational diagram and results, including limitations. Expand only after the site lead confirms no drainage, mosquito, structural or water-quality hazards. BUDGET AND FUNDING Obtain delivered prices for each component, site preparation and seasonal maintenance. Include gutter repairs, tank anchoring, safety hardware, pipes, volunteer supervision and replacement parts. Compare donations to cash purchases. No quoted price, water yield or permanent system design is verified here yet. MEASURE OF SUCCESS A documented and safely placed non-potable demonstrator; measured runoff and overflow; a winterization checklist; a legible maintenance guide; no misleading "safe to drink" claim. STOP / REDESIGN TRIGGERS Risk of runoff into structures, unstable placement, pests, lack of safe winterization, unapproved potable connection, or conflict with local rules. In those cases use a tabletop educational mock-up instead. This educational pilot is distinct from permanent residential water, sanitation, and wastewater infrastructure, which require separate design and approval.