Cob: enviroshake/rain collection

[Wendy Smyer Yu]

Being new to the list, I'm not sure if you've already covered this,
but what about ceramic tile?  I'd bet that the biggest drawback is
probably the weight (and in earthquake prone areas that's a
potential problem)... but, in terms of something that could safely
collect water (providing the glaze is ok), that could be produced
locally, is this a decent option?  I'm in China and all the old
buildings (and some of the new) are topped with ceramic tiles.
It's amazing to see the old rammed earth walls with the classic
tiles running along the top...

Wendy







>From: billc_lists at greenbuilder.com
>Reply-To: billc_lists at greenbuilder.com
>To: coblist at deatech.com
>Subject: Re: Cob: enviroshake/rain collection
>Date: Sun, 27 Apr 2003 03:50:35 -0500
>
>Hi folks,
>
>That certainly doesn't sound like any actual lab testing has been done.
>
>I would suggest being *very* cautious about using a product such as this 
>for rainwater catchment for drinking water.  Tires have plenty of nasties - 
>heavy metals like cadmium and if I remember correctly mercury (I'd have to 
>ask my neighbor who's with the Sierra Club and is constantly battling 
>cement kilns that want to burn tires as fuel). Anyway, the point is there 
>can be leaching and physical breakdown even if the water doesn't look or 
>taste funny.  And the cumulative effects of drinking water containing 
>certain substances are pretty well known in the water utility industry.
>
>Personally, i wouldn't trust 'em without a full test - that means putting a 
>test installation through enough freeze/thaw, UV, heating, and other cycles 
>to simulate 15 or 20 years in service, THEN collect water off it and have a 
>thorough lab analysis run.
>
>I'd also want to know what exactly that discoloration is from. Something 
>natural from the hemp?  Something from the tires? Some other ingredient?  
>And is the discoloration only after the initial installation, or after any 
>long period of no rain?
>
>Anecdotal answers such as the ones below are not good enough when it comes 
>to human consumption.
>
>>Hi folks, if anyone is interested in what the enviroshake people have to 
>>say, here it is...
>>
>>In response to your email.  I can not say that there is any off-gasses 
>>from
>>the product,  but what I can say is that the composition of tire rubber is
>>only 8%, of the actual shake.  I have had a lot of inquiries about the
>>effect of the sun on the product,, and of the sites that have been done, 
>>we
>>haven't experienced anything except discolouration in the water.   Usually
>>after 3 or 4 rains the water is back to its natural colour.  Quite a few 
>>of
>>our customers use rainbarrels to collect water, and we have not had any
>>complaints or any damage.
>>
>>One of our customers is in Florida, and he hasnt had any problems, with 
>>his
>>flowers or vegetables.
>>
>>If there is any thing else , please do not hesitate to contact me back.
>>
>>thanks
>>Chris Jackson
>>Product Specialist
>>Wellington Polymer Technology Inc.
>>
>>Phone: 519-380-9265
>>Fax: 519-380-0689
>>Tol Free: 866-423-3302
>>
>>Jenny Walker
>>Freelance Graphic Designer
>>& Illustrator
>>613-741-7980
>>http://www.jwalkerdesign.ca
>>jenny at jwalkerdesign.ca
>
>
>--
>Bill Christensen
>http://greenbuilder.com/contact/
>
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