Download Project Proposal and Feasibility Study Team 5

Figure 15: Hydraid Biosand Filter
Design Alternatives
Alternatives for Piping
PVC, copper, and rubber hoses were the considered alternatives for the piping system in
the structure. Copper piping was the most expensive of the alternatives and would call for
specific skill to assemble. This option was then ruled out due to these issues.
Rubber hoses seemed to be a good fit since no specific skill set would be needed to assemble a
piping system of hoses. Cost was relatively cheap since no joints or elbows would be needed but
health concerns ruled it out. When rubber hose is exposed to high heat for a long period of time,
lead and other contaminants may pollute water that is sitting in the hose.
PVC also had lead contamination issues and installation would be very time consuming when
compared to the PEX. The health issue was the main drawback from this alternative. Metallic
compounds called organotin are used in PVC to guard against heat degradation and have been
linked to birth defects and nervous system damage19.
19
Baue, Bill. "Safe Pipes Mean Safe Water."
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