Rainwater harvesting, filtration and seepage

Abstract

Rainwater harvesting, filtration, seepage apparatus and method. A filter is disposed in main body of apparatus at selected depth between inlet end and outlet end. Filter includes plurality of filter layers each having a width extending along main body depth. Upper filter layer of filter has upper layer pore size for filtering out first group of debris, and lower filter layer of filter has lower layer pore size, smaller than upper layer pore size, for filtering out second group of debris, smaller than first group of debris. A filter member, disposed in main body interior and coupled to filter, is configured for removal and insertion of filter through inlet port. Rainwater entering apparatus is received in interior collection region of main body above filter and is filtered sequentially through filter layers, such that filtered rainwater seeps into ground through outlet port at lower end of main body.

Description

[0001] RAINWATER HARVESTING, FILTRATION AND SEEPAGE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to rainwater treatment and municipal drainage, and more particularly to the collection, filtration, and seepage of rainwater and other forms of precipitation.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Management of water runoff from fallen precipitation, such as rainfall or snowfall, is an important undertaking, particularly in municipalities and urban environments. The growing expansion and development of cities yields additional roads and ground surfaces with limited permeability, which increases the amount of runoff and exacerbates pressure on urban drainage networks. The harvesting and treatment of precipitation runoff for subsequent reuse can provide a crucial supplemental water resource. This may serve to significantly alleviate water shortages, especially in view of widespread factors such as population expansion and global warming. The treated runoff can be utilized for a variety of applications, including domestic, agricultural, and industrial processes. A second principal objective of runoff management is to minimize potential harm caused by flooding or precipitation overflow, and to relieve pressure on existing drainage pipelines and other facilities. Various contemporary environmental factors can increase the intensity and frequency of flooding, such as deforestation, elimination of wetlands, and rising sea levels. Increased rainfall associated with climate changes may enhance the severity and risk of flooding, especially in dense urban environments having outdated infrastructure. The rate of rainfall is also a crucial factor in creating and exacerbating flooding conditions. For example, a “cloudburst” event involves an extremely large quantity of rainfall over a very short time period, such as a rainfall rate greater than around 100 millimeters per hour. Such conditions may produce a substantial amount of runoff over short durations, which many existing drainage systems can be ill-equipped to handle.

[0006] Generally, fallen precipitation may flow into above-ground sources such as artificial or natural bodies of water (e.g., rivers, lakes and oceans), or may be absorbed in the ground into underground collection sources, such as aquifers. An aquifer includes a porous and permeable layer of material, such as sand, gravel or fractured bedrock, which is saturated with groundwater. After entering an aquifer, the water may gradually permeate into lower levels or confined layers and may flow into a well or spring from which the water can be extracted for use.

[0007] Systems and techniques for collecting, retaining, and conveying of fallen precipitation are known in the art. The precipitation may be collected from rooftops of houses or buildings or from ground surfaces in urban areas, and is sometimes referred to as “rainwater harvesting” or “stormwater harvesting”. The precipitation may be transported from the collection point to a nearby drainage network, or may be diverted to a storage vessel, such as a tank, cistern, well, pit, reservoir, or aquifer. The precipitation may then undergo purification treatment to produce recycled water that is suitable and safe for use, such as for irrigation.

[0008] Devices and mechanisms for capturing precipitation and surface runoff may include catchwater drains, such as canals or other artificial waterways, rainwater tanks or barrels, and cisterns or wells dug into the ground. These devices come in many shapes and sizes and may be composed of different materials, depending on the location and the hydrological requirements. For example, rainwater tanks can range in capacity from around 400 to 100,000 litres and may be composed of one or more materials such as plastic, concrete, fiberglass, or steel. The collected precipitation may be drained out of the rainwater tank and gradually seep into the ground, similar to a seepage pit for managing collected waste (such as effluent from a septic tank). The groundwater seepage may then be diverted to a storage vessel for undergoing treatment.

[0009] Fallen precipitation is usually exposed to an assortment of contaminants and debris, particularly if the runoff flows through large distances and originates at or travels through urban surfaces. Such debris may gradually accumulate and obstruct seepage through the ground. In particular, debris may build up over time to form an impermeable layer above the ground, as well as below the ground, such as within microscopic gaps between soil particles. As a result, collected precipitation may undergo filtration to remove and minimize contaminants and debris before exiting the rainwater tank. For example, a rainwater tank may include a covering and an inlet screen or sieve, for filtering out relatively large debris. The interior of the rainwater tank may further include an additional filtering mechanism for filtration of smaller debris, such as dirt, dust, and other particulates. However, typical filters are specifically designed to handle only certain debris and cannot accommodate all potential types of debris. Further filtration may also take place in a subsequent storage vessel and / or in a dedicated treatment area.

[0010] The accumulation of debris over time may also lead to clogging and blockages that can hinder the filtering process. As a result, it may be necessary to clean and maintain or replace the filter periodically, which temporarily halts operation and can be costly, time-consuming and require persistent attention. A filter that is relatively flat (e.g., having minimal depth) is generally capable of retaining a relatively small quantity or volume of filtered debris and thus may require more frequent cleaning or replacement. The removal of the filter may be substantially difficult, such as due to the diameter and shape of the tank and the dimensions and location of the filter. In some rainwater tanks, the filter is positioned at a substantially upper portion of the tank to facilitate its removal from an upper opening. Furthermore, all filters have a limited lifespan and will eventually malfunction and need to be replaced entirely, which also necessitates substantial expenditures and time investment. Many existing rainwater harvesting devices have minimal filter maintenance processes, if at all, and become prematurely blocked up with accumulated debris such that the device malfunctions or ceases proper operation relatively swiftly and frequently.

[0011] SUMMARY

[0012] In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, there is thus provided a rainwater harvesting, filtering and seepage apparatus, deployable under a ground surface. The apparatus includes a main body including at least one main body surface enclosing a hollow interior forming a receptacle for retaining harvested rainwater. The apparatus includes at least one inlet port, including an opening at an upper inlet end of the main body, for receiving water, and an outlet port, including an open lower outlet end of the main body, for conveying seepage. The apparatus includes a filter, disposed in the interior of the main body at a selected depth between the inlet end and the outlet end. The filter includes a plurality of filter layers, each of the filter layers having a filter layer width extending along a depth of the main body. The filter layers include an upper filter layer, having an upper layer pore size, and configured to filter out a first group of debris, and a lower filter layer below the upper filter layer, the lower filter layer having a lower layer pore size, smaller than the upper layer pore size, and configured to filter out a second group of debris, smaller than the first group of debris. The apparatus includes a filter member, disposed in the interior of the main body and coupled to the filter, the filter member configured for removal and insertion of the filter through the inlet port. An interior collection region of the main body above the filter is configured to receive rainwater, where the filter is configured to filter the received rainwater sequentially through the filter layers, such that filtered rainwater seeps into the ground through the outlet port. The apparatus may further include a lid, removably coupled to the main body to cover the inlet port, where the lid includes at least one aperture configured to enable entry of rainwater into the main body. The filter layers may further include at least one intermediate filter layer, disposed between the upper filter layer and the lower filter layer, the intermediate filter layer having an intermediate layer pore size, smaller than the upper layer pore size and larger than the lower layer pore size, the intermediate filter layer configured to filter out an intermediate group of debris smaller than the first group of debris and larger than the second group of debris. The upper layer pore size may be in a range of several centimeters, the intermediate layer pore size may be in a range of tens or hundreds of micrometers, and the lower layer pore size may be in a range of several micrometers. The filter layer width may be between 0.5 cm to 1 cm. The apparatus may further include a flange, projecting radially outward from the inlet port, and configured for integrating the apparatus with the ground surface. The filter member may include a filter support member, configured to suspend the filter at an intermediate portion of the main body. The filter support member may include: a rod, aligned along a depth of the main body, a base, coupled to a lower end of the rod, and configured to support the filter, where at least a portion of the rod or the base extends through an aperture of the filter, and a handle, coupled to an upper end of the rod, where the handle is supported by a portion of the main body, to maintain the filter positioned at a selected depth within the interior of the main body, and to enable removal of the filter from the main body through the inlet port by a pulling of the handle. The filter member may include a filter removal member, configured for removing the filter by pulling a cable of the filter removal member. The filter removal member may include: a rod, aligned along a depth of the main body, a base, coupled to a lower end of the rod, and configured to support the filter, where at least a portion of the rod or the base extends through an aperture of the filter, and a cable, coupled to an upper end of the rod, where the cable is supported by a portion of the main body, to enable removal of the filter from the main body through the inlet port by a pulling of the cable. The base may be removably coupled to the rod, for either of the filter support member or the filter removal member, to enable detachment of the rod from the base for inserting the rod through the aperture of the filter. The base may include a horizontal frame and at least one elongated bar extending vertically from the frame and extending through the filter layers of the filter. The filter may be disposed on the ground surface at the outlet port. The main body may be cylindrical, and the inlet port, the outlet port, and / or the filter may be annular shaped. The main body may be a rectangular prism shape, and the inlet port, the outlet port, and / or the filter may be a quadrilateral shape. The main body may include an intermediate surface, disposed between the upper inlet end and the lower outlet end, and above the filter, the intermediate surface including at least one inclined portion, configured to direct rainwater from the interior collection region to an inlet of the filter. The inlet port may include a first inlet port, at a first end of an upper surface of the main body, and a second inlet port, at a second end of the upper surface, and the filter member may include: a first filter member coupled to a first end of the filter adjacent to the first inlet port, and a second filter member coupled to a second end of the filter adjacent to the second inlet port, such that the filter is removable and insertable through each one of the first inlet port and the second inlet port. The outlet port may be positioned above an irrigation trough at a selected depth below the ground, the irrigation trough including an upper opening configured to receive seepage from the outlet port for irrigation. The filter may be in abutment to the main body surface without gaps therebetween, such that rainwater entering the main body unavoidably passes through the filter. The apparatus may include an adapter, configured to couple the flange composed of a first material, to the main body composed of a second material, while preventing leakage of rainwater out of the main body and maintaining continuity of the main body surface for enabling removal and insertion of the filter therethrough. A system for harvesting, filtration and seepage of rainwater may include a plurality of the apparatuses. The apparatuses may be serially coupled. The apparatuses may receive collected rainwater from a common collection region.

[0013] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, there is thus provided a method for harvesting, filtration and seepage of rainwater. The method includes deploying at least one rainwater harvesting, filtration and seepage apparatus under a ground surface, the apparatus including: a main body including at least one main body surface enclosing a hollow interior forming a receptacle for retaining harvested rainwater; at least one inlet port, including an opening at an upper inlet end of the main body, for receiving rainwater; an outlet port, including an open lower outlet end of the main body, for conveying seepage; a filter, disposed in the interior of the main body at a selected depth between the inlet end and the outlet end, the filter including a plurality of filter layers, each of the filter layers having a filter layer width extending along a depth of the main body, the filter layers including an upper filter layer, having an upper layer pore size, and configured to filter out a first group of debris; and a lower filter layer below the upper filter layer, the lower filter layer having a lower layer pore size, smaller than the upper layer pore size, and configured to filter out a second group of debris, smaller than the first group of debris; the apparatus including a filter member, disposed in the interior of the main body and coupled to the filter, the filter member configured for removal and insertion of the filter through the inlet port. The method further includes receiving rainwater in an interior collection region of the main body above the filter, and filtering the received rainwater sequentially through the filter layers of the filter, such that filtered rainwater seeps into the ground through the outlet port. The filter layers may further include at least one intermediate filter layer, disposed between the upper filter layer and the lower filter layer, the intermediate filter layer having an intermediate layer pore size, smaller than the upper layer pore size and larger than the lower layer pore size, the intermediate filter layer configured to filter out an intermediate group of debris smaller than the first group of debris and larger than the second group of debris. The upper layer pore size may be in a range of several centimeters, the intermediate layer pore size may be in a range of tens or hundreds of micrometers, and the lower layer pore size may be in a range of several micrometers. The method may include suspending the filter at an intermediate portion of the main body using a filter support member of the filter member. The method may include periodically removing the filter through the inlet port using a filter removal member of the filter member for cleaning or replacement of the filter. Periodically removing the filter may include pulling a cable of the filter removal member. The filter may be disposed on the ground surface at the outlet port. The method may include deploying a plurality of apparatuses under the ground surface, and filtering received rainwater by the plurality of apparatuses. The apparatuses may receive collected rainwater from a common collection region.

[0014] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The present disclosure will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

[0016] Figure 1 is an isometric view illustration of a first exemplary apparatus for harvesting, filtering and seepage of rainwater, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 2A is an isolated isometric view illustration of a circular flange of a rainwater harvesting, filtering and seepage apparatus, constructed and operative in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 2B is an isometric view illustration of an upper section of the apparatus of Fig. 1 with the flange integrated with a ground surface, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 3 is an isolated isometric view illustration of a filter support member of the apparatus of Fig. 1 , constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 4 is an isometric view illustration of a second exemplary apparatus for harvesting, filtering and seepage of rainwater, constructed and operative in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 5 is an isometric view illustration of a third exemplary apparatus for harvesting, filtering and seepage of rainwater, constructed and operative in accordance with a further embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 6 is an isometric view illustration of the apparatus of Fig. 4 above an irrigation trough, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 7 is an isometric view illustration of the apparatus of Fig. 5 above an irrigation trough, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 8 is an isometric view illustration of a fourth exemplary apparatus for harvesting, filtering and seepage of rainwater above an irrigation trough, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 9A is an isometric view illustration of an exemplary detachable filter support member, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 9B is an isometric view illustration of another exemplary detachable filter support member, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 10 is an isometric view illustration of a fifth exemplary apparatus for harvesting, filtering and seepage of rainwater, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 11 is an isometric view illustration of the apparatus of Fig. 10 with the flange integrated with a ground surface, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 12A is an isometric view illustration of an exemplary cablebased detachable filter removal member, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 12B is an isometric view illustration of another exemplary cablebased detachable filter removal member, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 13 is a sectional view illustration of an exemplary adapter for a flange composed of a first material and a main body composed of a second material, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0031] Figure 14 is a sectional view illustration of an assembly of multiple RHFS apparatuses with a common rainwater collection region, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0033] The present disclosure may overcome the disadvantages of the prior art by providing novel apparatuses and methods for harvesting, filtering and seepage of rainwater and other forms of precipitation.

[0034] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the specification and claims and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and / or clarity.

[0035] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on”, “attached” to, “operatively coupled” to, “operatively linked” to, “operatively engaged” with, “connected” to, “coupled” with, “contacting”, “added to, another element, it can be directly on, attached to, connected to, operatively coupled to, operatively engaged with, coupled with, added to, and / or contacting the other element or intervening elements can also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly contacting” another element or “directly added” to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0036] Whenever the term “about” or “approximately” is used, it is meant to refer to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, and is meant to encompass variations (e.g., ±20%, ±10%, ±5%, ±1 %, ±0.1 %) from the specified value, as such variations are appropriate to perform the disclosed methods.

[0037] Certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements. The terms “plurality” and “a plurality” may be used to describe two or more components, devices, elements, units, parameters, or the like. Unless explicitly stated, the method embodiments described herein are not constrained to a particular order or sequence. Additionally, some of the described method embodiments or elements thereof can occur or be performed simultaneously, at the same point in time, or concurrently.

[0038] The term “repeatedly” as used herein should be broadly construed to include any one or more of: “continuously”, “periodic repetition” and “non-periodic repetition”, where periodic repetition is characterized by constant length intervals between repetitions and non-periodic repetition is characterized by variable length intervals between repetitions.

[0039] Throughout, this disclosure mentions “disclosed embodiments”, “disclosed systems” and “disclosed methods”, which refer to examples of inventive ideas, concepts, and / or manifestations described herein. The fact that some disclosed embodiments are described as exhibiting a feature or characteristic does not mean that other disclosed embodiments necessarily share that feature or characteristic.

[0040] This disclosure employs open-ended permissive language, indicating for example, that some embodiments “may” employ, involve, or include specific features. The use of the term “may” and other open-ended terminology is intended to indicate that although not every embodiment may employ the specific disclosed feature, at least one embodiment employs the specific disclosed feature.

[0041] The terms “user” and “operator” are used interchangeably herein to refer to any individual person or group of persons using or operating at least one aspect of a method or apparatus of a disclosed embodiment.

[0042] The terms “rainwater” and “precipitation” are used interchangeably herein to generally refer to any form or precipitation, or water particles resulting from condensation of atmospheric vapor that falls from clouds by gravity. Examples of such precipitation may include but are not limited to: rain, drizzle, dew, snow, sleet, ice, hail, graupel, flakes, and the like.

[0043] The term “rainwater harvesting, filtering and seepage apparatus” or “RHFS apparatus”, or more generally “apparatus” may be used to refer to one or more apparatuses for harvesting, filtering and seepage of rainwater according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0044] Reference is now made to Fig. 1 , which is an isometric view illustration of a first exemplary apparatus, generally referenced 100, for harvesting, filtering and seepage of rainwater, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Apparatus 100 includes a main body 101 , an inlet port 102, an outlet port 104, a lid 105, a flange 107, a filter support member 110, and a filter 120. Inlet port 102 defines an opening at an inlet end of apparatus 100, and outlet port 104 defines an opening at an outlet end of apparatus 100. For example, the inlet end of apparatus 100 may be an upper or top end thereof, such that inlet port 102 may be configured to receive precipitation that has fallen and seeped into a ground above apparatus 100. Correspondingly, the outlet end of apparatus 100 may be a lower or bottom end thereof, such that collected and filtered precipitation may seep into a below ground area through a bottom outlet port 104 of apparatus 100. Apparatus 100 may be defined by a longitudinal axis, extending lengthwise or along the depth of apparatus 100 between the inlet end and the outlet end, where an “axial” direction corresponds to a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (i.e., towards or away from the inlet end or outlet end), whereas a “radial” direction corresponds to a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, and extending radially therefrom.

[0045] Main body 101 includes at least one surface or wall enclosing a hollow interior, defining a receptacle for retaining harvested rainwater. In one example, main body 101 is a substantially cylindrical or tubular shaped receptacle (as depicted in Fig.1 ), but may alternatively be characterized with a different cross- sectional shape, such as a square, rectangle, octagon, or other polygonal shape (e.g., forming a square cylinder or a rectangular prism). Accordingly, inlet port 102 and outlet port 104 may be substantially circular (as depicted in Fig.1 ), but may alternatively be other shapes (e.g., square, rectangle, octagon, or other polygons). Main body 101 may be composed of any suitable material, such as concrete, plastic, or steel.

[0046] Lid 105 is configured to cover inlet port 102 of apparatus 100. Lid 105 may be shaped and sized to match the shape and size of inlet port 102 (e.g., substantially circular shaped), for fitting on or into an opening defined by inlet port 102. Lid 105 may be substantially solid and may include a plurality of apertures

[0047] 106 extending therethrough. Apertures 106 are configured to allow entry of fallen rainwater into the interior of main body 101 . Lid 105 may act as an initial filtration screen, for preventing large sized debris from entering main body 101 , while allowing rainwater to enter via apertures 106. It is appreciated that lid 105 may include any number of apertures 106 of any shape, size, or arrangement, where the number, shape, size, or arrangement of lid apertures 106 may be adapted to meet selected requirements, such as in order to allow entry of a certain quantity or a certain inlet flowrate of rainwater, or in order to filter out certain types or sizes of debris. For example, apertures 106 may be shaped as a series of narrow rectangular openings arranged substantially in the center of lid 105 (as depicted in Fig. 1 ). Lid 105 may be selectively removed, such as to enable removal of filter 120 via filter support member 110, such as for cleaning or replacement of filter 120, as will be discussed further hereinbelow. Lid 105 may be composed of a suitable material, such as concrete or steel. In one example, apertures 106 may be formed in concrete, and in another example apertures 106 may be integrally formed with a portion of lid 105, such as apertures formed in a steel surface embedded with a concrete lid. In yet another example, the entire lid 15 may be composed of steel with apertures 106 formed therewith. In one example, precipitation may enter the main body through an alternative to inlet port 102, such as through a side opening of main body 101 , such as via a pipe or other connection channel from a water source or another rainwater harvesting device. Accordingly, lid 105 may be fully sealed, i.e., having no apertures.

[0048] Apparatus 100 further includes a flange 107, which may be a short protrusion that projects radially outwards at the inlet end of main body 101 . Flange

[0049] 107 may be substantially square shaped (as depicted in Fig.1 ), or may have an alternative shape, such as rectangular, circular, or other polygonal shape. Reference is made to Fig. 2A, which is an isolated isometric view illustration of a circular flange 147 of an RHFS apparatus, constructed and operative in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. Lid 105 may be removably positioned concentrically within a central opening of flange 147 defined by inlet port 102. Flange 107 may be configured for integrating apparatus 100 with the ground at the deployment area. For example, apparatus 100 may be deployed at an urban area having a natural ground covering and lacking artificial surfaces, such as a designated greenspace (e.g., a park, garden, field, forest, or recreational area), in which case flange 107 may be adapted to conform with the natural ground covering (e.g., where a circular flange 147 may be efficient). In general, flange 107 may be configured at a ground surface of a deployment area in a manner that enables free flow of precipitation through lid apertures 106 and into a collection region 132 of main body 101 . Reference is made to Fig. 2B, which is an isometric view illustration of an upper section of apparatus 100 with flange 107 integrated with a ground surface 140, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Filter 120 is disposed in the interior of main body 101 , such as substantially abutting the inner walls of main body 101 (i.e., with minimal or no gaps therebetween) such that substantially all precipitation that enters main body 101 must pass through filter 120. Filter 120 may be substantially circular or annular shaped and disposed concentrically in main body 101 , such as to conform with a circular cross-section of main body 101 , or may alternatively be a non-circular shape, such as to conform to a main body 101 having a different (i.e., non-cylindrical) shape. Filter 120 may include an opening, such as a central axial opening, for receiving a distal end of filter support member 110 (i.e., where the distal end is closer to outlet port 104). Filter 120 is configured to filter contaminants from rainwater that has entered main body 101. Specifically, filter 120 receives collected rainwater that has gathered in an upper interior region 132 of main body 101 (i.e., above filter 120), and filters out contaminants, such as dirt, leaves, sand, debris, and various particulates. The filtered precipitation flows from an outlet of filter 120 into a lower interior region of main body 101 (i.e., below filter 120) and seeps out through outlet port 104.

[0051] Filter 120 includes a plurality of filter layers, each of which may be adapted to filter out selected forms of debris. In one example, filter 120 includes an upper filter layer 121 , a first intermediate filter layer 122, a second intermediate filter layer 123, and a lower filter layer 124. It is noted that four filter layers are described for exemplary purposes, where filter 120 may generally include any number of multiple layers (e.g., only an upper layer and a lower layer; only a single intermediate layer; more than two intermediate layers, and the like). Each of the filter layers 121 , 122, 123, 124 may be composed of any suitable material, and may have properties adapted for filtering out selected matter. In an exemplary aspect, upper filter layer 121 is characterized with a relatively low density (i.e., large pore size or spacing of filtration apertures), first intermediate filter layer 122 is characterized with a first intermediate density higher than that of upper filter layer 121 (i.e., smaller pore size or spacing of filtration apertures), second intermediate filter layer 123 is characterized with a second intermediate density higher than that of first intermediate filter layer 122 (i.e., smaller pore size or spacing of filtration apertures), and lower filter layer 124 is characterized with a relatively high density higher than that of second intermediate filter layer 123 (i.e., smaller pore size or spacing of filtration apertures). For example, upper filter layer 121 may have a pore size on the order of several centimeters (e.g., 2-3 cm) and be adapted to filter out relatively large sized debris, such as leaves, rocks, and the like; intermediate filter layers 122, 123 may have a pore size on the order of tens or hundreds of micrometers and be adapted to filter out intermediate sized debris, such as sand; and lower filter layer 124 may have a pore size on the order of several micrometers and be adapted to filter out relatively small sized debris, such as dusts and small particulates. The width or thickness of each filter layer 121 , 122, 123, 124 may be at least about 0.5 cm, such that the overall width or thickness of filter 120 (i.e., extending longitudinally between inlet port 102 and outlet port 104) is greater than about 1 cm. In general, multilayer filter 120 may be characterized with a large overall width and volume and adapted to contain or accommodate a substantially large quantity of debris dispersed throughout the filter layers, while maintaining the flow of precipitation therethrough (i.e., as the contained debris is not compressed and does not obstruct the precipitation flow). For example, filter 120 may have an overall width or thickness of about 100 cm and may accommodate a quantity of debris equivalent to about 20 cm which is dispersed along multiple layers across 100 cm width, yet still enabling free flow of precipitation (e.g., in contrast to a flat filter having a small overall width, such as about 1 cm, which may be obstructed after accumulating a 1 cm layer of debris). In one example, at least one of filter layers 121 , 122, 123, 124 is composed of a material formed using an extrusion process, such as a polyethylene (PE) extrusion, a polyester (PET) extrusion, and a polypropylene (PP) extrusion. The extrusion process may include melting of raw material into a liquid and forcing the melted material through a die having a selected cross-sectional profile to form fibers, which may then be interwoven into a filtration screen or sieve configuration to produce the filter layer. Examples of extrusion materials that may be used for composing a filter layer may include, but are not limited to: “3D geomat”; Japanese Matting (or “jap mat”); Matala filter matting (or “Matala mat”); “Scotch-Brite” filter or pad; “Duralast”; a “non-woven geotextile”; and the like. In another example, at least one of filter layers 121 , 122, 123, 124 is composed of a reticulated foam material, such as a reticulated polyester foam, or a reticulated polyurethane foam. Fabrication may include removing bubbles or cell windows of a polymer foam using a technique such as chemical etching or quenching, resulting in a permeable and highly porous material with a large surface area. In further examples, a material composition of at least one of filter layers 121 , 122, 123, 124 includes: a viscose-polyester nonwoven fabric; a microfiber fabric; activated carbon; and any combination thereof. For example, a lower filter layer 124 may be at least partially composed of an activated carbon material, such as formed as a geotechnical fabric padding, which may provide enhanced absorption of very small particles including individual molecules.

[0052] In general, the number, the composition, the dimensions, and / or other properties of filter layers of a disclosed filter, may be configured to meet selected conditions, such as hydrological requirements, budgetary constraints, and characteristics (e.g., types or amount) of potential debris at the deployment location.

[0053] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, filter 120 is disposed at a substantially middle or lower portion of main body 101 . The position or depth of filter 120 within main body 101 may generally be a function of a required volume of main body 101 , and of collection regions 132, 134 in particular, which in turn may be determined in accordance with hydrological requirements and constraints. For example, an urban location may require harvesting rainwater at a quantity of about 20 m3for each square kilometer, such that an area of 1 km2in which four RHFS apparatuses are deployed would require each apparatus to collect about 5m3of rainwater. If each apparatus 100 is characterized by a square cross- sectional area of 1 m2, the upper filter layer 121 of filter 120 may be positioned at a depth of approximately 5 m (i.e. , distance from inlet port 102), such as to define an upper collection region 132 having a volume of approximately 5 m3

[0054] Filter support member 110 is disposed in the interior of main body 101 and is configured for positioning filter 112 within main body 101 and for facilitating the removal of filter 120 from apparatus 100, such as for cleaning or replacement. Reference is further made to Fig. 3, which is an isolated isometric view illustration of filter support member 110 of apparatus 100, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Filter support member 110 includes a handle 113, a rod 115, and a base 117. Rod 115 may be configured as a straight elongated member, such as a bar or shaft aligned axially along the longitudinal axis of main body 101. Handle 113 may be configured as a straight elongated member, such as a bar or shaft, which is shorter in length than rod 115 and is fixedly coupled to a first end of rod 115, i.e., an upper end of rod 115 adjacent to inlet port 102, such that handle 113 forms opposing protrusions projecting radially outwards symmetrically from each side at an upper end of rod 115. Handle 113 may be supported by at least one radial indentation 108 on an axial surface of flange 107. For example, flange 107 may define an opening with an inner (e.g., annular or circular) surface extending radially along the perimeter of the opening (i.e., adjacent to inlet port 102), where the inner flange surface is characterized by at least one notch or indentation 108. The distal end of the respective radial protrusions of handle 113 may be supported by radial indentations 108 (e.g., a pair of indentations 108 on opposite sides) of an inner surface of flange 107, so as to maintain filter support member 110 in a fixed position and maintain filter 120 suspended in the interior of main body 101 , while defining upper and lower collection regions 132, 134 of selected volumes. Handle 113 is configured to enable manual removal of filter 120, by pulling handle 113 upwards from inlet port 102, thereby also pulling upwards filter 120 which is attached to filter support member 110. Base 117 is coupled to a second end of rod 115, i.e., a lower end of rod 115 adjacent to outlet port 104. In one example, base 117 includes a plurality of straight elongated members (e.g., each being shorter in length than handle 113), such that base 117 forms a plurality of protrusions projecting radially outward at the lower end of rod 115 (e.g., four protrusions of base 117 as depicted in Fig.3). In another example, base 117 may be embodied as a mesh or netting. Base 117 may be coupled with and / or support filter 120. For example, filter 120 is mounted on and securely supported by base 117. In another example, base 117 may be at least partially embedded with filter

[0055] 120, such as embedded within at least one filter layer of filter 120. Filter 120 may be characterized with a central aperture, such as to enable insertion of rod 115 therethrough. For example, filter 120 sits on base 117 such that lower filter layer 124 is in contact with base 117, and rod 115 extends axially through filter layers

[0056] 121 , 122, 123, 124. In an exemplary aspect, one or more components of filter support member 110 may be removably couplable to and / or detachable from at least another component, such as to enable disassembly and reassembly thereof. For example, base 117 and / or handle 113 may be removably coupled to and detachable from rod 115, such as to enable insertion of rod 115 through filter 120 (i.e., following which handle 113 and / or base 117 may be recoupled to rod 115), as discussed further hereinbelow. Filter support member 110 may be composed of any suitable material. For example, filter support member 110 may have a galvanized steel profile. Each of the components of filter support member 110 may include a respective material and / or material characteristics (e.g., each one of handle 113, rod 115 and base 117 may include a customized type of galvanizing and / or rust protection coating). The dimensions and / or other characteristics of the components of filter support member 110 may be adapted to meet selected requirements or conditions, such as to conform with the dimensions and weight of filter 120, such as to facilitate the removal of filter 120 via filter support member 110. For example, handle 113 and / or rod 115 may be characterized by a thickness adapted to enable supporting a substantially heavy filter 120 containing a large quantity of debris (e.g., having a weight of several hundred kilograms). In one example, handle 113 is characterized by a profile thickness of about 20-40 millimeters (mm), and rod 115 is characterized by a profile thickness of about 40-80 mm.

[0057] An RHFS apparatus of the disclosed embodiments may optionally include additional components not shown in the Figures. For example, apparatus 100 may include an external coating and / or an internal lining for providing protection of one or more surfaces of at least one apparatus component, such as an anti-rust or anti-corrosion external coating or internal lining of main body 101. For another example, apparatus 100 may include at least one sensor, such as a sensor configured to detect a flow rate or other parameters of precipitation entering main body 101 , or a sensor configured to detect a level of debris accumulation or other filtration characteristics of filter 120. It is noted that the functionality associated with each of the components or sub-components of a disclosed RHFS apparatus may be distributed among multiple components or sub-components.

[0058] Apparatus 100 may be deployed below ground at a selected location or designated area for harvesting rainwater. For example, apparatus 100 may be deployed at an underground section of an urban setting, including but not limited to: a road; a park; a playground; a garden; a yard; a road interchange, junction, or traffic median; a parking lot; an empty lot, including public property or private property locations, and including different types of ground surfaces. Apparatus 100 may be deployed such that lid 105 is positioned facing upwards to enable fallen precipitation to saturate the ground and flow underground into main body 101. Precipitation may enter main body 101 through inlet port 102 via apertures 106 of lid 105 and / or through a side opening of main body 101 , and the precipitation collects in upper collection region 132. It is noted that precipitation may flow underground into apparatus 100 in various ways, such as a direct or an indirect flow (e.g., entering from a side of inlet port 102 or main body 101 ); via one or more pipes; using a pump; and the like. For example, rainwater may be collected in a preliminary storage vessel (e.g., a tank, cistern, well, pit, or reservoir) before being conveyed into apparatus 100 (e.g., via one or more pipes and / or pumps). The collected rainwater undergoes filtering via filter 120 by passing through respective filter layers 121 , 122, 123, 124, each of which may filter different types and / or sizes of debris. The filtered rainwater exits filter 120 and may reach lower collection region 134 and be drained through outlet port 104 and seep into the ground. It is noted that lower collection region 134 is optional, such that the filtered precipitation exiting filter 120 may be conveyed directly through outlet port 104, for example if the depth of filter 120 along main body 110 is limited or established according to external constraints such that filter 120 is positioned substantially adjacent to outlet port 104. In one example, filter 120 may be positioned adjacent to outlet port 104 with a substantially minimal lower collection region 134 when apparatus 100 is deployed at a ground surface having low seepage properties (e.g., clay or loam), such that the filtered precipitation seeps directly into the ground surface. The seepage may flow in the ground and / or be directed to a dedicated area underground, such as an aquifer, a reservoir, or other water source, and may be used as a water supply, such as for irrigation. For example, the filtered precipitation seepage may be used to irrigate plants in the vicinity of the deployment area.

[0059] Reference is now made to Fig. 4, which is an isometric view illustration of a second exemplary apparatus, generally referenced 200, for harvesting, filtering and seepage of rainwater, constructed and operative in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. Apparatus 200 includes a main body 201 , an inlet port 202, an outlet port 204, a lid 205, a filter support member 210, and a filter 220. Apparatus 200 is generally analogous to apparatus 100 (illustrated in Fig.1 ) with certain differences. For example, main body 201 is shaped as a rectangular prism, with a first main body surface 212 at an inlet end of apparatus 200 (e.g., at an upper end thereof), a second main body surface 214 at an outlet end of apparatus 200 (e.g., at a lower end thereof), and side walls adjoining surfaces 212, 214, such that main body 201 defines an enclosed receptacle for retaining harvested rainwater. The length of main body 201 extends perpendicular to the inlet end and outlet end of apparatus 200, corresponding to a “longitudinal axis” of apparatus 200, and the width or depth of main body 201 extends parallel to (i.e., between) the inlet end and outlet end of apparatus 200, corresponding to an “axial direction” of apparatus 200.

[0060] Inlet port 202 defines an opening at a central portion of first main body surface 212 and is substantially square shaped (e.g., as opposed to circular shaped inlet port 102 of apparatus 100). Correspondingly, lid 205 is substantially square shaped, to conform to the shape and size of inlet port 202. Lid 205 includes a plurality of apertures 206 configured to allow entry of precipitation (e.g., analogous to lid apertures 106 of apparatus 100), but may alternatively be sealed (i.e., with no apertures). Lid 205 may be selectively removable from inlet port 202, such as to enable removal of filter 220 through inlet port 202 via filter support member 210.

[0061] Similarly, filter 220 is substantially square shaped (e.g., as opposed to annular filter 120 of apparatus 100), such as to conform to the rectangular shape of main body 201 . Filter 220 may be disposed at a substantially bottom portion of the interior of main body 201 , such as adjacent to (lower) main body surface 214. Filter 220 includes a plurality of filter layers (not shown), each of which may be adapted to filter out selected types and / or sizes of debris. An inlet of filter 220 receives rainwater collected in a first (upper) interior region 232 of main body 201 (i.e. , above filter 220), and the filtered rainwater flows from an output of filter 220 optionally into a second (lower) interior region 232 of main body 201 (i.e., below filter 220) and seeps into the ground through outlet port 204.

[0062] Filter support member 210 is disposed in the interior of main body 201 . Filter support member 210 includes a rod 215 coupled to a handle 213 (analogous to rod 115 and handle 113 of filter support member 110). A base (not shown) of filter support member 210 is coupled with and / or supports filter 220 (e.g., filter 220 is disposed on the base), such that filter support member 210 is securely coupled to filter 220. Handle 213 may be supported by a ledge formed by an edge portion of upper main body surface 212 adjacent to inlet port 202 on respective axial sides thereof. Specifically, distal ends of respective protrusions of handle 213 may rest on respective ledges of upper surface 212 on each axial side of inlet port 202, to maintain filter 220 suspended in the interior of main body 101. Filter support member 210 may be used for manual removal of filter, such as to facilitate cleaning or replacement of filter 220, by pulling handle 213 upwards from inlet port 202 so as to pull and remove filter 220 from main body 201 .

[0063] Main body 201 further includes an optional intermediate main body surface 213, disposed in between first (upper) main body surface 212 and second (lower) main body surface 214. Filter 220 may be positioned directly below intermediate body surface 213, such that intermediate body surface 213 demarcates upper interior region 232 and lower interior region 234 of main body 201. Intermediate body surface 213 may be configured as respective inclined surfaces that are slanted downwards toward filter 220 from respective longitudinal ends of main body 201 . Such inclined surfaces may direct collected precipitation in upper region 232 toward an inlet of filter 220 (e.g., as the flow may be substantially limited otherwise due to the longitudinal configuration of main body 201 ). Apparatus 200 may further include at least one air release pipe 226, such a pair of air release pipes 226 disposed on respective longitudinal ends of intermediate surface 213 (as depicted in Fig.4) and extending upwards externally from (upper) main body surface 212. Air release pipes 226 may include a valve to allow for release of air from apparatus 200, such as to regulate pressure levels or to prevent or minimize air combining with collected precipitation in upper region 232.

[0064] The operation of RHFS apparatus 200 is generally analogous to that of RHFS apparatus 100. Fallen precipitation saturates the ground and may enter main body 201 through inlet port 202 via apertures 206 of lid 205 and / or through a side opening of main body 202. The precipitation collects in upper collection region 232, and may be directed toward an inlet of filter 220 by inclined portions of intermediate main body surface 213. Filter 220 filters contaminants or debris from the collected precipitation, which passes through multiple filter layers of filter 220. The filtered precipitation flows from an outlet of filter 220, optionally into a lower collection region 234, and seeps into the ground through outlet port 204. The seepage may flow to an aquifer or other underground water source and may be used for irrigation or other watering applications.

[0065] Reference is now made to Fig. 5, which is an isometric view illustration of a third exemplary apparatus, generally referenced 250, for harvesting, filtering and seepage of rainwater, constructed and operative in accordance with a further embodiment of the present disclosure. Apparatus 250 is generally analogous to apparatus 200 (Fig. 4) with certain differences. Apparatus 250 includes a main body 251 shaped as a rectangular prism, with a first main body surface 262 at an inlet end (e.g., at an upper end) of apparatus 250, a second main body surface 264 at an outlet end (e.g., at a lower end) of apparatus 250, and side walls adjoining surfaces 262, 264, such that main body 251 defines an enclosed receptacle for retaining harvested rainwater. The length of main body 251 extends perpendicular to the inlet end and outlet end of apparatus 250, defining a “longitudinal axis” thereof, and the width or depth of main body 201 extends parallel to or between the inlet end and outlet end of apparatus 250, defining an “axial direction” thereof. Apparatus 250 further includes a filter 270 disposed in the interior of main body 251 .

[0066] Apparatus 250 further includes a first inlet port 252A and a second inlet port 252B, defining respective openings on opposite longitudinal ends of upper main body surface 262. Each of inlet ports 252A, 252B is substantially square shaped (similar to inlet port 202 of apparatus 202), but may alternatively be a different shape. Apparatus 250 further includes a first lid 255A, configured to cover first inlet port 252A, and a second lid 25B configured to cover second inlet port 252B. Each lid 255A, 255B includes respective apertures 256 for allowing entry of precipitation into the interior of main body 251 , but may alternatively be sealed (i.e., with no apertures). Lids 255A, 255B may be selectively removable, such as to enable removal of filter 270 from main body 251. It is noted that an RHFS apparatus of the present disclosure may generally include any number of inlet ports and lids disposed in any arrangement on an upper surface 262 of main body 251 , where two inlet ports 252A, 252B and two corresponding lids 255A, 255B of apparatus 250 are described for exemplary purposes only.

[0067] Apparatus 250 further includes an outlet port 254 on lower main body surface 264. It is noted that an RHFS apparatus of the present disclosure may generally include any number of outlet ports disposed in any arrangement on a lower surface 264 of main body 251 , where a single outlet port of apparatus 250 is described for exemplary purposes only.

[0068] Filter 270 is substantially rectangular or trough shaped (e.g., as opposed to annular filter 120 of apparatus 100 and square filter 220 of apparatus 200), such as to conform to the rectangular shape of main body 251 . Filter 270 may be disposed at a substantially bottom portion of the interior of main body 251 , such as adjacent to lower main body surface 264. Filter 270 may include a plurality of filter layers (not shown), each of which may be adapted to filter out selected types and / or sizes of debris. An inlet of filter 270 receives rainwater collected in an interior region 282 of main body 251 (i.e., above filter 270). It is noted that apparatus 250 includes only a single precipitation collection region 282 (e.g., as opposed to apparatus 200 having an upper region 232 and a lower region 234).

[0069] Apparatus 250 includes a first filter removal member 266 and a second filter removal member 268, each of which is coupled to filter 270. For example, first filter removal member 266 may be coupled to a first longitudinal end of filter 270 (e.g., adjacent to first inlet port 252A), and second filter removal member 268 may be coupled to a second longitudinal end of filter 270 (e.g., adjacent to second inlet port 252B). Filter removal members 266, 268 are respectively configured to allow manual removal of an old filter 270 from main body 251 , such as to facilitate cleaning or replacement, and to allow manual insertion of a new filter 270 into main body 251 , through a respective inlet port 252A, 252B. For example, filter 270 may be manually removed from main body 251 by pulling first filter removal member 266 upwards through first inlet port 252A, or by pulling second filter removal member 268 upwards through second inlet port 252B. Correspondingly, a new filter 270 may be manually inserted into main body 251 by inserting new filter 270 through first inlet port 252A via second filter removal member 266 or by inserting through second inlet port 252B via second filter removal member 268. Each one of filter removal members 266, 268 may include a rod, a handle (not shown), and a base (not shown), for securely coupling filter support member 266 to filter 270 (e.g., filter 270 is disposed on the base and the rod extends through an aperture of filter 270). It is noted that the trough shape of filter 270 may facilitate removal or insertion thereof through either inlet pot 252A, 252B at a longitudinal end of main body 251 . The operation of apparatus 250 is generally analogous to that of apparatus 100 and apparatus 200. Fallen precipitation saturates the ground and may enter main body 251 through inlet ports 252A, 252B via apertures 256 of lids 255A, 255B and / or or through a side opening of main body 251 . The precipitation collects in upper collection region 282. Filter 270 filters debris from the collected precipitation, which passes through multiple filter layers of filter 270. The filtered precipitation flows from an outlet of filter 220 and seeps into the ground through outlet port 254. The seepage may flow to an aquifer or other underground water source and may be used for irrigation or other watering applications. It is noted that the outlet in apparatus 200 and apparatus 250 may be at a higher ground level relative to that of apparatus 100, due to the shorter depth (i.e. , distance between inlet and outlet) of apparatus 200 and apparatus 250 relative to that of apparatus 100 (i.e., due to the respective shapes and configurations thereof). For example, apparatus 200, 250 may be positioned at a depth of between 1.5 meters to 2 meters (m), where tree roots may be located, whereas apparatus 100 may be positioned at a lower depth of approximately 5 m below ground. As a result, the seepage may exit apparatus 200, 250 at a higher ground level, which can facilitate utilization for certain applications, such as irrigation.

[0070] Trees and plants may provide numerous benefits in urban environments, such as to generate shade, remove excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, absorb pollutants, produce oxygen, lower temperatures, and provide green space. Tree and other plant roots require oxygen as well as water. As a result, some plant roots may extend down to a limited depth within the ground where air is still present, such as a depth of about 1 .5 meters (m). Plant irrigation may be particularly crucial during warm weather, such as summer seasons, and in dry topographies and climates. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an irrigation trough may be provided below an RHFS apparatus for facilitating use of the apparatus seepage for irrigation. Reference is made to Figures 6 and 7. Fig. 6 is an isometric view illustration of apparatus 200 (Fig. 4) above an irrigation trough, generally referenced 290, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 is an isometric view illustration of apparatus 250 (Fig. 5) above an irrigation trough 290, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Irrigation trough 290 is disposed under the outlet port (205, 254) of the RHFS apparatus (200, 250). Irrigation trough 290 may be configured as a walled receptacle with an open upper portion, enabling seepage from the apparatus (200, 254) to flow into trough 290 via the upper opening. The interior of irrigation trough 290 may be filled with an underground substance at the underground deployment area, such as to minimize occupied volume and required yield strength or tensile strength. For example, the walls of irrigation trough 290 may be thin and formed of a relatively soft material, such as plastic. Ground seepage from the apparatus (200, 250) may collect within irrigation trough 290, from which the roots of trees or other plants may draw water for irrigation. The filtered ground seepage may be used for plant irrigation throughout the year, including during warm temperatures (e.g., summer season), and in various climates and topographical areas. For example, the dimensions or volume of irrigation trough 290 may be adapted to provide sufficient irrigation for a particular area over a selected duration (e.g., for an entire season). In one example, filtered water may be pumped (e.g., using an electric pump) from the outlet port of a disclosed apparatus and into a piping network situated at a higher altitude, to facilitate irrigation. Irrigation trough 290 may be placed at a predetermined depth to ensure that plant roots also obtain sufficient oxygen as well as water, such as from the ground region between the apparatus (200, 250) and trough 290. For example, irrigation trough 290 may be positioned at a depth of approximately 1 m below the apparatus (200, 250). The apparatus (200, 250) may be positioned at a relatively shallow depth below the ground surface, such as to avoid interference with existing infrastructure elements 295 (e.g., a water pipe, a drainage pipe, a sewage pipe, an electricity cable, a telecommunication cable), which may pass underneath the apparatus (200, 250) and above or below trough 290.

[0071] Reference is made to Fig. 8, which is an isometric view illustration of a fourth exemplary apparatus, generally referenced 300, for harvesting, filtering and seepage of rainwater above an irrigation trough 290, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Apparatus 300 is generally analogous to apparatus 200 (Fig. 4) with certain differences. Apparatus 300 includes a main body 301 shaped as a rectangular prism. Main body 301 includes an inlet port 302 defining an opening at an inlet end (e.g., at an upper end) of apparatus 300, and an outlet port 304 defining an opening at an outlet end (e.g., at a lower end) of apparatus 300. The length of main body 301 extends perpendicular to the inlet end and outlet end of apparatus 300, defining a “longitudinal axis” thereof, and the width or depth of main body 301 extends parallel to the inlet end and outlet end of apparatus 300, defining an “axial direction” thereof. Apparatus 300 includes a multi-layer filter 320 disposed in the interior of main body 301 .

[0072] Inlet port 302 extends substantially across the inlet end of apparatus 300, such that the upper portion of main body 301 is substantially open. Correspondingly, outlet port 304 extends substantially across the outlet end of apparatus 300, such that the lower portion of main body 301 is substantially open. Accordingly, main body 301 may be configured as a plurality of (e.g., vertical) walls enclosing (e.g., horizontal) openings at the inlet end and outlet end of apparatus 300. A lid 305 of apparatus 300 is configured to cover inlet port 302 and includes a plurality of apertures 306 for allowing entry of fallen precipitation seeped into the ground into the interior of main body 301. Lid 305 may be selectively removable, such as to enable removal of filter 320 from main body 301 . Filter 320 may be disposed at a bottom portion of main body 301 adjacent to outlet port 304, such that filter 320 rests on a ground surface below the opening of outlet port 304. Accordingly, apparatus 300 may obviate the need for a filter support member for supporting or hanging filter 320 from above, i.e., similar to filter support member 110 (Fig.1 ) or 210 (Fig.4). Filter 320 includes a plurality of filter layers, each of which may be adapted to filter out selected types and / or sizes of debris. Apparatus 300 includes a pair of filter removal rods 326, 328 coupled to filter 320, such as a first filter removal rod 326 coupled to a first longitudinal end of filter 320, and a second filter removal rod 328 coupled to a second longitudinal end of filter 320. Each of filter removal rods 266, 268 is configured to allow manual removal of filter 320 from main body 301 , by pulling a respective filter removal rod 326, 328 upwards through inlet port 302, such as to facilitate cleaning or replacement of an existing filter 320. Each of filter removal rods 326, 328 is further configured to allow manual insertion of a new filter 320 into main body301 , by inserting via a respective filter removal rod 326, 328 through inlet port 302.

[0073] Fallen precipitation in the ground enter main body 301 and collects in an upper interior region 332 above filter 320. The precipitation passes through multiple filter layers of filter 320 which filters debris. The filtered precipitation seeps into the ground through outlet port 304. The seepage may collect in irrigation trough 290 positioned below apparatus 300 (e.g., at a depth of 1 meter below apparatus 300 and an overall depth of between 1 .5 to 2 meters below the ground surface), and may be used for irrigation of plants where the collected water in irrigation trough 290 is accessible to plant roots. Existing infrastructure elements 295 may pass between apparatus 300 and trough 290.

[0074] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, one or more components of a filter support member may be removably couplable to and / or detachable from at least another component, such as configured to be disassembled and reassembled to one another. For example, a base and / or a handle of a filter support member may be removably coupled to and detachable from a rod of the filter support member, such as to facilitate insertion of the rod through a filter. Reference is made to Fig. 9A, which is an isometric view illustration of an exemplary detachable filter support member, generally referenced 410, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Filter support member 410 includes a handle 413, a rod 415, and a base 417 and is generally analogous to filter support member 110 (Fig. 3), but rod 415 is detachable from base 417. In particular, a first end of rod 415 is coupled to handle 413, and a second end of rod 415 includes a detachable engagement member 416. Base 417 is configured as a horizontal frame with a mesh surface and a plurality of straight elongated bars 418 extending vertically upwards from the horizontal frame. Base 417 is depicted for exemplary purposes as having a substantially square-shaped frame, configured for supporting a square-shaped filter 420. Elongated bars 418 of base 417 may be configured to detachably engage with the detachable engagement member 416 of rod 415. For example, detachable engagement member 416 may include a first fastener (e.g., a pin or a rivet) configured to removably engage with a first bar 418 of base 417 (e.g., by being removably insertable into a hollow portion of bar 418), and a second fastener configured to removably engage with a second bar 418 of base 417. Elongated bars 418 of base 417 may be inserted through respective apertures of square filter 420, such as to prevent relative rotational displacement of individual filter layers of square filter 420 (i.e. , rotation about a longitudinal axis). In particular, elongated bars 418 inserted through square filter 420 may prohibit rotational misalignment of the filter layers of filter 420, which may alter the overall shape of filter 420 and impede the removal or insertion thereof from or into a square cross-sectional main body of the RHFS apparatus.

[0075] Reference is further made to Fig. 9B, which is an isometric view illustration of another exemplary detachable filter support member, generally referenced 450, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Filter support member 450 includes a handle 453, a rod 455, and a base 457 and is generally analogous to filter support member 410 (Fig. 9A), with an exception that rod 455 includes a detachable engagement member 456 having a single fastener, and base 457 includes a single elongated rod 458 extending from a horizontal frame 457 with a mesh surface. Accordingly, the fastener (e.g., a pin or a rivet) of detachable engagement member 456 of rod 455 may be configured to removably engage with bar 458 of base 457 (e.g., by being removably insertable into a hollow portion of bar 458). Base 457 is depicted for exemplary purposes as a substantially circular-shaped frame, configured for supporting a circular-shaped filter 470. It is noted that the fastening of a rod (415, 455) and a base (417, 457) of a detachable filter support member (410, 450) may be implemented during a manufacturing process using suitable techniques. It is further noted that a rotational misalignment of individual layers of a circular filter 470 relative to one another may not alter the overall filter shape (since filter 470 would still remain circular), and therefore there is no need to prevent such rotational misalignment of filter layers, such that a single elongated rod 458 of circular base 457 is sufficient (i.e., as opposed to multiple elongated bars 418 of square base 417).

[0076] Reference is now made to Fig. 10, which is an isometric view illustration of a fifth exemplary apparatus, generally referenced 500, for harvesting, filtering and seepage of rainwater, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Apparatus 500 is generally analogous to apparatus 100 (Fig. 1 ) but with certain differences, such that apparatus 500 includes a circular-shaped flange 507 and a cable-based filter removal member, generally referenced 510, that differs from filter support member 110. Apparatus 500 includes a main body 501 , an inlet port 502, an outlet port 504, and a lid 505 with apertures 506, each of which is respectively analogous to corresponding elements of apparatus 100. Apparatus 500 further includes a multi-layered filter 520, which is generally analogous to filter 120 of apparatus 100 but with certain differences. For example, in contrast to filter 120, filter 520 is not suspended but rather rests on the ground surface and is positioned adjacent to outlet end 504. For another example, filter 520 includes a larger number of filter layers as compared to filter 120, as well as filter layers having varying thicknesses. Filter removal member 510 includes a cable 512, a rod 515, a cable fastener 514, and a base (not shown). Cable 512 may be a thin flexible structure composed of a suitable material and having a length adapted to main body 501 . Rod 515 may be configured as a straight elongated member, such as a bar or shaft that is aligned axially along the longitudinal axis of main body 501. Cable fastener 514 is configured to couple cable 512 to a first end of rod 515. For example, cable fastener 514 may be embodied by an opening of rod 515 or a loop attached to rod 515, allowing an end of cable 512 to be inserted through and tied around the opening or loop to securely fasten cable 512 to rod 515. Cable 512 may be supported by a portion of flange 507 or a coupling element disposed at or near flange 507. For example, cable 512 may be supported or removably coupled to a hook 509 (or other coupling element) on an inner surface of main body 501 or flange 507, enabling an operator to manually pull cable 512 from an end supported on hook 509, such as in order to lift and remove filter 520. Hook 509 may be removable from the inner surface of main body 501 , such as to facilitate removal or insertion of filter 520.

[0077] The base of filter removal member 510 is coupled to a second end of rod 515, i.e. , a lower end of rod 515 adjacent to outlet port 504. The filter removal member base is further configured to couple with and / or support filter 520. For example, filter 520 is mounted on and securely supported by the base. In another example, the filter removal member base may be at least partially embedded with filter 520, such as embedded within at least one filter layer of filter 520. Filter 520 may be characterized with a central aperture, such as to enable insertion of rod 515 therethrough. For example, filter 520 sits on the filter removal member base such that a lower filter layer of filter 520 is in contact with the base, and rod 515 extends axially through each of the filter layers of filter 520. Alternatively or additionally, at least a portion of the base may extend axially through filter 520 and be removable coupled to rod 515. Filter removal member 510 is configured to enable manual removal of filter 520, by pulling cable 512 upwards from inlet port 502, thereby also pulling upwards filter 520 which is supported by base of filter removal member 510. For example, a proximal (e.g., upper) end of cable 512 may be coupled to a cable winding device (not shown), such as crank or winch, to facilitate pulling up of cable 512 for lifting filter 520, and subsequently releasing of cable 512 for placing filter 520 back into main body 501 (e.g., following cleaning or replacement thereof).

[0078] It is noted that cable 512 of filter removal member 510 may be characterized by flexibility and may be less prone to deformation or breakage (and consequent malfunctioning) as compared to a filter support member 110 having a rigid rod 115 and handle 113 (as depicted in Fig. 3). Furthermore, cable 512 may be coupled to an external winch for facilitating the pulling and releasing of cable 512, as compared to a manual lifting and repositioning via a handle 113. It is further noted that filter removal member 510 may obviate the suspending or hanging of filter 520 from above (i.e., as with the suspension of filter 120 via filter support member 110), where filter 520 is supported by the ground adjacent to outlet port 504, allowing for an adjustable depth of main body 501 by defining an upper collection region 532 of a selected volume.

[0079] Reference is made to Fig. 11 , which is an isometric view illustration of the apparatus 500 of Fig. 10 with the flange integrated with a ground surface 140, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 11 illustrates an exemplary integration of apparatus 500 at a ground surface 140 having square floor tiles. Flange 507 may be sized and shaped as a function of the floor tile dimensions (e.g., having a length / width that is an approximate multiple of a length / width of an individual floor tile), so as to enhance physical integration and visual conformity and avoid having to cut or resize the existing tiles.

[0080] In an exemplary aspect, one or more components of a cable-based filter member (such as filter removal member 510) may be removably couplable to and / or detachable from at least another component, such as to enable disassembly and reassembly thereof. For example, a base of filter removal member 510 may be removably coupled to and detachable from rod 515, such as to enable insertion of rod 515 through filter 520. Reference is now made to Figures 12A and 12B. Fig. 12A is an isometric view illustration of an exemplary cablebased detachable filter removal member, generally referenced 550, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 12B is an isometric view illustration of another exemplary cable-based detachable filter removal member, generally referenced 570, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] Filter removal members 550, 570 are generally analogous to respective detachable filter support members 410, 460 (Figs. 9A-9B) but having a structural configuration resembling filter removal member 510 (Fig. 10). For example, filter removal member 550 (Fig. 12A) includes a cable 552, a rod 555, a cable fastener 554, and a base 557, where rod 555 is detachable or removably coupled to base 557. In particular, a first end of rod 555 is coupled to cable 552 via cable fastener 554, and a second end of rod 515 includes a detachable engagement member 556. Base 557 is configured as having a square-shaped horizontal frame with a mesh surface for supporting a square filter 540, and having a plurality of straight elongated bars 558 extending vertically upwards from the horizontal frame, and inserted through respective apertures of filter 540. Elongated bars 558 of base

[0082] 557 may be configured to removably engage with the detachable engagement member 556. For example, detachable engagement member 556 may include a first fastener (e.g., a pin or a rivet) configured to removably engage with a first bar

[0083] 558 of base 557 (e.g., by being removably insertable into a hollow portion of bar 558), and a second fastener configured to removably engage with a second bar 558 of base 557. Multiple elongated bars 558 may also serve to prevent relative rotational displacement of individual filter layers of a square-shaped filter 540 (i.e. , rotation about a longitudinal axis of apparatus 500) and prevent rotational misalignment of the filter layers, which may alter the overall shape of filter 540 and impede the removal or insertion thereof from or into the square cross-sectional main body 501 .

[0084] Filter removal member 570 (Fig. 12B) includes a cable 572, a rod 575, a cable fastener 574, and a base 577, where rod 575 includes a detachable engagement member 576 having a single fastener, and base 577 includes a single elongated rod 578 extending from a circular horizontal frame with a mesh surface and inserted through apertures of a circular filter 560. Accordingly, the fastener (e.g., a pin or a rivet) of detachable engagement member 576 of rod 575 may be configured to removably engage with bar 578 of base 577 (e.g., by being removably insertable into a hollow portion of bar 578). It is noted that the fastening of a rod (555, 575) and a base (417, 457) of a detachable filter support member (410, 450) may be implemented during a manufacturing process using suitable techniques. It is further noted that a rotational misalignment of individual layers of a circular filter 580 relative to one another may not alter the overall filter shape (since filter 580 would still remain circular), and therefore there is no need to prevent such rotational misalignment of filter layers, such that a single elongated rod 578 of circular base 577 is sufficient (i.e., as opposed to multiple elongated bars 558 of square base 557). Filter removal members 510, 550, 570 may be composed of any suitable material (e.g., galvanized steel). Each of the components of filter removal members 510, 550, 570 may include a respective material and / or material characteristics. For example, each one of cable 512, cable fastener 514, rod 515 and base 517 may include a customized type of galvanizing and / or rust protection coating, or may be composed of stainless steel and not require a coating. The dimensions and / or other characteristics of the components of filter removal members 510, 550, 570 may be adapted to meet selected requirements or conditions, such as to conform with the dimensions and weight of a filter (520, 540, 560), such as to facilitate the removal and repositioning thereof. For example, cable 512 may be characterized by a flexibility and / or tensile strength adapted to enable supporting a substantially heavy filter 520 containing a large quantity of debris (e.g., having a weight of several hundred kilograms). For another example, the length of bars 558 of square base 557 may be adapted to the height (i.e., depth) of filter 540, and correspondingly the length of rod 578 of circular base 577 may be adapted to the height (i.e., depth) of filter 560, such as being of a sufficient length to encompass all of the filter layers of the respective filter 540, 560, while not being overly long so as to avoid interfering with other aspects of the apparatus 500, such as the conveyance thereof.

[0085] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the filter of a RHFS apparatus is characterized by a volume or a thickness, such that a dimension of the filter substantially extends along the depth of the apparatus, rather than being substantially flat. For example, a height or depth of the filter may extend substantially along the height or depth of the respective apparatus, i.e., between the inlet end and outlet end thereof, such as a filter 120, 520 substantially extending longitudinally along the respective main body 101 , 501 , or a filter 220 substantially extending axially along main body 201. For example, the filter of a disclosed apparatus may have a height or thickness in the range of approximately 10 - 200 centimeters (cm). It is appreciated that a substantial filter thickness may enable the disclosed filter (170, 220, 250) to contain a greater volume of debris while maintaining proper functioning, such that the precipitation continues flowing through accumulated debris trapped within the filter, in contrast to a relatively flat filter in which debris can accumulate rapidly on the surface, which may quickly lead to blockages and filter malfunctioning. A capacity for a greater volume of debris may increase the lifespan of the disclosed filter, such that the filter may need to be cleaned or replaced at more infrequent intervals (e.g., replacement every 3-4 years rather than yearly or even after several months), which may provide for more efficient and economical maintenance.

[0086] The filter of a RHFS apparatus may include multiple filter layers. Each filter layer may be composed of at least one material having filtration properties, such as an extrusion material (e.g., polyethylene, polyester, polypropylene, and the like) or a reticulated foam material (e.g., polyester, polyurethane, and the like). Each layer may be characterized with a respective material and / or respective material properties, which may be adapted to filter particular types or sizes of debris, such that the entire filter may be capable of filtering a wider range of debris overall. For example, a first upper filter later may have a first pore size, such as approximately several centimeters (e.g., 2-3 cm) and adapted to capture a first group of debris having a relatively large size, such as rocks, stones, leaves, and the like, while other (e.g., smaller) debris passes through the upper filter layer. One or more intermediate filter layers may be characterized by a second pore size, such as approximately tens or hundreds of micrometers, and adapted to capture at least one second group of debris having a smaller size than the first group of debris, such as sand, while other (e.g., smaller) debris passes through the intermediate filter layers. A lower filter layer may be characterized by a third filtration spacing, such as approximately several micrometers, and adapted to capture a third group of debris having a smaller size than the first debris group and second debris group, such as dust, dirt, fine particulates, and the like. At least some of the filter layers may be characterized by a PPI (pore per inch) in the range of about 1 to 100, or 1 to 200 (e.g., for a foam-based filter layer), or a GSM (grams per square meter) in the range of about 100-700 (e.g., for an extrusion-based filter layer).

[0087] It is further noted that each of the filter layers may be composed of a sufficiently rigid material, such as a rigid polymer, configured to prevent the filter from collapsing under its own weight (e.g., from accumulated debris), and to avoid sagging or reduction in volume which may adversely affect the filter functioning and ability to encompass a large quantity of debris. The main body and the lid of a RHFS apparatus may be formed of concrete in various shapes and finishes, or other materials, such as plastic or steel, where the composition material may be selected to conform with existing materials at the installation point (e.g., for aesthetic and / or construction purposes).

[0088] Reference is made to Fig. 13, which is a sectional view illustration of an exemplary adapter 609 for a flange composed of a first material and a main body composed of a second material, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Adapter 609 is coupled to an RHFS apparatus, generally referenced 600, which includes a flange 607 composed of a first material, such as concrete, and a main body 601 composed of a second material, such as plastic or steel, with a welded base for flange 607. Adapter 609 is configured to connect main body 601 and flange 607, in such a manner as to prevent leakage of retained rainwater out from main body 601 , and such that the surface or walls of main body 601 is maintained substantially continuous (e.g., without changes in profile), to enable non-interfering insertion and removal of the filter.

[0089] It is appreciated that the walls or surfaces of the main body of a RHFS apparatus may be impermeable, such that seepage of filtered rainwater takes place only from below the apparatus, via an outlet port defined by a bottom opening of the main body, allowing only filtered rainwater to reach the ground. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the main body of a RHFS apparatus is sealed and the walls of the main body fully enclose and is in abutment to the filter, such as with minimal or no gaps therebetween, such that substantially all rainwater entering the main body passes through the filter, allowing for adjustment of the position of the filter along the depth of the main body while ensuring substantially all of the collected rainwater undergoes filtering. For example, the filter may be positioned at different locations along the height (depth) of the apparatus between the inlet end and outlet end, such as to establish a selected a collection region volume (i.e., where the volume is defined by the surface area multiplied by height). According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the filter is positioned substantially at the bottom of the main body, such as resting on the ground and adjacent to the outlet port. The position or depth of the filter within the main body may be defined by the length of the rod of a handle-based filter support member (e.g., the length of rod 115 of filter support member 110 may define the depth of filter 120 within main body 101 of apparatus 100). It is noted that a RHFS apparatus having a larger depth (e.g., larger distance between inlet end and outlet end) may allow for collecting a greater volume of precipitation at a faster rate (e.g., particularly at ground surfaces characterized by reduced drainage or permeability characteristics), yet a larger depth may also serve to hinder the removal and insertion of the filter that may be positioned lower down in a deeper apparatus. The filter may be manually removed from the main body by means of a filter support member or filter removal member, and may be placed back into the main body (also via the filter support / removal member), such as following the cleaning or replacement of the filter. The disclosed apparatus may be capable of handling heavy bursts of rainfall over short periods, such as cloudbursts.

[0090] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a plurality of RHFS apparatuses may be dispersed over a selected region of a selected deployment location. The number of apparatuses and selected properties of each apparatus (e.g., volume of collection regions) may be adapted to meet selected conditions, such as hydrological requirements, budgetary constraints, characteristics (e.g., types or amount) of potential debris at the deployment location; and a desired water cleanliness level (e.g., a lower water cleanliness requirement may allow for a smaller filter and / or fewer filter layers). For example, adjustable properties of a RHFS apparatus may include: a depth of the main body; a surface area of the main body; a volume of the main body; a depth or volume of an interior region above the filter (e.g., upper collection region); a depth or volume of an interior region below the filter (e.g., lower collection region); a depth of the filter within the main body; characteristics of the filter (e.g., number of filter layers, dimensions, filtration spacing, material compositions); a quantity of rainwater to be collected for a particular surface area of land (e.g., for a given plot size of square meters); and a number of RHFS apparatuses to be deployed for a particular surface area of land. It is noted that an apparatus may be deployed remotely from a given treatment area. For example, surface runoff may flow along the ground over large distances, such as from a water source (e.g., at a higher elevation) to a drainage basin or catchment area (e.g., at a lower elevation), where a group of apparatuses may be deployed. In one example, a unit area of land may require a minimum volume of rainwater collection (i.e. , of the deployed apparatuses for the treatment area, which may be physically remote from the actual treatment area) and a total seepage area (i.e., made up of the areas of the outlets of all the deployed apparatuses).

[0091] Reference is made to Fig. 14, which is a sectional view of an assembly 640 of multiple RHFS apparatuses with a common rainwater collection region, constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Assembly 640 is positioned below a ground surface 642. Assembly 640 includes a rainwater inlet 644, a collection region 646, and a plurality of rainwater harvesting and filtration apparatuses arranged in series, including a first apparatus 645A, a second apparatus 645B, and a third apparatus 645C. Apparatuses 645A, 645B, 645C are positioned at a lower portion of assembly 640 to filter collected rainwater before seeping into the surrounding soil. Rainwater enters inlet 644 and collects in collection region 646. The collected rainwater is filtered via one or more RFHS apparatuses 645A, 645B, 645C. The filtered rainwater exits through a respective outlet port of at least one RFHS apparatus 645A, 645B, 645C and seeps into the ground. In one aspect, properties of a deployed apparatus may be selected in accordance with a permeability rate of a ground surface substance at the deployment region or location. For example, soil may be characterized by a permeability rate of approximately 3 centimeters per hour (cm / hr), and sand may be characterized by a permeability rate of approximately 9 cm / hr, while a permeability rate of a filter of a disclosed apparatus may be approximately 20 to 30 cm / hr. The permeability of the filter may be maintained higher than the permeability of the ground, so as not to cause a further delay in water seepage. In one example, for ground surfaces having a lower permeability, the interior volume below the filter may be increased, such as to increase the volume of filtered rainwater undergoing seepage from the apparatus, while maintaining the filter at a depth within the main body that can allow for ease of removal and subsequent insertion. In general, adjusting a first property of a deployed apparatus to optimize a first characteristic may necessitate a tradeoff relating to a second property associated with a second characteristic of the deployed apparatus, where various requirements, constraints and / or objectives may need to be taken into consideration. For example, the depth of the filter along the main body may be limited by certain factors, such as to facilitate the removal of the filter using a filter support / removal member, to minimize a likelihood of the filter getting stuck, or of a portion of filter support / removal member breaking or malfunctioning.

[0092] In one example, a plurality of the RHFS apparatuses may be serially coupled, such as via connection pipes or ground flow of surface runoff, to provide backup or act as auxiliary reinforcements in the event of a failure of one or more individual apparatuses. For example, if a first RHFS apparatus in the serial linkage malfunctions or ceases to operate, the remaining RHFS apparatuses in the serial linkage will maintain operation.

[0093] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a filter of the disclosed embodiments may be disposed in and / or integrated with a rainwater storage receptacle, such as: a tank, cistern, well, pit, reservoir, aquifer, and the like. Filtered water from the filter may undergo purification treatment to produce recycled water suitable for use, such as for irrigation. According to another, a filter of the disclosed embodiments may be used for filtering sewage or wastewater, in addition to or instead of rainwater.

[0094] In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for harvesting, filtration and seepage of rainwater includes deploying a rainwater harvesting, filtration and seepage apparatus under a ground surface. The apparatus includes a main body, including at least one main body surface enclosing a hollow interior forming a receptacle for retaining harvested rainwater. The apparatus includes at least one inlet port, including an opening at an upper inlet end of the main body. The apparatus includes at least one outlet port, including an opening at a lower outlet end of the main body. The apparatus includes a filter, disposed in the interior of the main body at a selected depth between the inlet end and the outlet end. The filter includes a plurality of filter layers, each of the filter layers having a filter layer width extending along a depth of the main body. The filter layers include an upper filter layer, having an upper layer pore size, and configured to filter out a first group of debris, and a lower filter layer below the upper filter layer, the lower filter layer having a lower layer pore size, smaller than the upper layer pore size, the lower filter layer configured to filter out a second group of debris, smaller than the first group of debris. The apparatus includes a filter member, disposed in the interior of the main body and coupled to the filter, the filter support member configured for removal and insertion of the filter through the inlet port. The method includes receiving rainwater in an interior collection region of the main body above the filter, and filtering the received rainwater sequentially through the filter layers of the filter, such that filtered rainwater seeps into the ground through the outlet port. The method may further include removing the filter through the inlet port using the filter member when needing to clean or replace the filter. While certain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter have been described, so as to enable one of skill in the art to practice the present disclosure, the preceding description is intended to be exemplary only. It should not be used to limit the scope of the disclosed subject matter, which should be determined by reference to the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A rainwater harvesting, filtration and seepage apparatus, deployable under a ground surface, the apparatus comprising: a main body, comprising at least one main body surface enclosing a hollow interior forming a receptacle for retaining harvested rainwater; at least one inlet port, comprising an opening at an upper inlet end of the main body, for receiving rainwater; an outlet port, comprising an open lower outlet end of the main body, for conveying seepage; a filter, disposed in the interior of the main body at a selected depth between the inlet end and the outlet end, the filter comprising a plurality of filter layers, each of the filter layers having a filter layer width extending along a depth of the main body, the filter layers comprising: an upper filter layer, having an upper layer pore size, and configured to filter out a first group of debris; and a lower filter layer below the upper filter layer, the lower filter layer having a lower layer pore size smaller than the upper layer pore size, and configured to filter out a second group of debris smaller than the first group of debris; and a filter member, disposed in the interior of the main body and coupled to the filter, the filter member configured for removal and insertion of the filter through the inlet port, wherein an interior collection region of the main body above the filter is configured to receive rainwater, and wherein the filter is configured to filter the received rainwater sequentially through the filter layers, such that filtered rainwater seeps into the ground through the outlet port.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a lid, removably coupled to the main body to cover the inlet port, wherein the lid comprises at least one aperture configured to enable entry of rainwater into the main body.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the filter layers further comprise at least one intermediate filter layer, disposed between the upper filter layer and the lower filter layer, the intermediate filter layer having an intermediate layerpore size, smaller than the upper layer pore size and larger than the lower layer pore size, the intermediate filter layer configured to filter out an intermediate group of debris smaller than the first group of debris and larger than the second group of debris.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the upper layer pore size is in a range of several centimeters, the intermediate layer pore size is in a range of tens or hundreds of micrometers, and the lower layer pore size is in a range of several micrometers.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the filter layer width is between 0.5 cm to 1 cm.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a flange, projecting radially outward from the inlet port, and configured for integrating the apparatus with the ground surface.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the filter member comprises a filter support member, configured to suspend the filter at an intermediate portion of the main body.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the filter support member comprises: a rod, aligned along a depth of the main body; a base, coupled to a lower end of the rod, and configured to support the filter, wherein at least a portion of the rod or the base extends through an aperture of the filter; and a handle, coupled to an upper end of the rod, wherein the handle is supported by a portion of the main body, to maintain the filter positioned at a selected depth within the interior of the main body, and to enable removal of the filter from the main body through the inlet port by pulling of the handle.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the filter member comprises a filter removal member, configured for removing the filter by pulling a cable of the filter removal member.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the filter removal member comprises: a rod, aligned along a depth of the main body; a base, coupled to a lower end of the rod, and configured to support the filter, wherein at least a portion of the rod or the base extends through an aperture of the filter; and a cable, coupled to an upper end of the rod, wherein the cable is supported by a portion of the main body, to enable removal of the filter from the main body through the inlet port by a pulling of the cable.11 . The apparatus of claim 8 or claim 10, wherein the base is removably coupled to the rod, to enable detachment of the rod from the base for inserting the rod through the aperture of the filter.

12. The apparatus of claim 8 or claim 10, wherein the base comprises a horizontal frame and at least one elongated bar extending vertically from the frame and extending through the filter layers of the filter.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the filter is disposed on the ground surface at the outlet port.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the main body is cylindrical, and at least one of: the inlet port; the outlet port; and the filter, is annular shaped.

15. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the main body comprises a rectangular prism shape, and wherein at least one of: the inlet port; the outlet port; and the filter, is a quadrilateral shape.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the main body comprises an intermediate surface, disposed between the upper inlet end and the loweroutlet end, and above the filter, the intermediate surface comprising at least one inclined portion, configured to direct rainwater from the interior collection region to an inlet of the filter.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein: the inlet port comprises a first inlet port at a first end of an upper surface of the main body, and a second inlet port, at a second end of the upper surface; and the filter member comprises a first filter member coupled to a first end of the filter adjacent to the first inlet port, and a second filter member coupled to a second end of the filter adjacent to the second inlet port, such that the filter is removable and insertable through each one of the first inlet port and the second inlet port.

18. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the outlet port is positioned above an irrigation trough at a selected depth below the ground, the irrigation trough comprising an upper opening configured to receive seepage from the outlet port for irrigation.

19. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the filter is in abutment to the main body surface without gaps therebetween, such that rainwater entering the main body unavoidably passes through the filter.

20. The apparatus of claim 6, comprising an adapter, configured to couple the flange composed of a first material, to the main body composed of a second material, while preventing leakage of rainwater out of the main body and maintaining continuity of the main body surface for enabling removal and insertion of the filter therethrough.

21. A system for harvesting, filtration and seepage of rainwater, the system comprising a plurality of apparatuses as claimed in claim 1 .

22. The system of claim 21 , wherein the plurality of apparatuses are serially coupled.

23. The system of claim 21 , wherein the plurality of apparatuses receive collected rainwater from a common collection region.

24. A method for harvesting, filtration and seepage of rainwater, the method comprising: deploying at least one rainwater harvesting, filtration and seepage apparatus under a ground surface, the apparatus comprising: a main body, comprising at least one main body surface enclosing a hollow interior forming a receptacle for retaining harvested rainwater; at least one inlet port, comprising an opening at an upper inlet end of the main body, for receiving rainwater; an outlet port, comprising an open lower outlet end of the main body, for conveying seepage; a filter, disposed in the interior of the main body at a selected depth between the inlet end and the outlet end, the filter comprising a plurality of filter layers, each of the filter layers having a filter layer width extending along a depth of the main body, the filter layers comprising: an upper filter layer, having an upper layer pore size, and configured to filter out a first group of debris; and a lower filter layer below the upper filter layer, the lower filter layer having a lower layer pore size smaller than the upper layer pore size, and configured to filter out a second group of debris smaller than the first group of debris; and a filter member, disposed in the interior of the main body and coupled to the filter, the filter member configured for removal and insertion of the filter through the inlet port; receiving rainwater in an interior collection region of the main body above the filter; and filtering the received rainwater sequentially through the filter layers of the filter, such that filtered rainwater seeps into the ground through the outlet port.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the filter layers further comprise at least one intermediate filter layer, disposed between the upper filter layer and the lower filter layer, the intermediate filter layer having an intermediate layer pore size, smaller than the upper layer pore size and larger than the lower layer pore size, the intermediate filter layer configured to filter out an intermediate group of debris smaller than the first group of debris and larger than the second group of debris.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein the upper layer pore size is in a range of several centimeters, the intermediate layer pore size is a range of tens or hundreds of micrometers, and the lower layer pore size is in a range of several micrometers.

27. The method of claim 24, comprising suspending the filter at an intermediate portion of the main body using a filter support member of the filter member.

28. The method of claim 24, comprising periodically removing the filter through the inlet port using a filter removal member of the filter member for cleaning or replacement of the filter.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the periodically removing the filter comprises pulling a cable of the filter removal member.

30. The method of claim 24, wherein the filter is disposed on the ground surface at the outlet port.

31. The method of claim 24, comprising deploying a plurality of apparatuses under the ground surface, and filtering received rainwater by the plurality of apparatuses.

32. The method of claim 31 , wherein the plurality of apparatuses receive collected rainwater from a common collection region.

Images