Basics: In June 2013, WRAP, in collaboration with EcoPeace Middle East, finished construction of a cistern rainwater harvesting system at the Battir Girls High School, located near Bethlehem in the Palestinian village of Battir.
Battir is WRAP’s third project since the organization was founded in 2009, but marks its inaugural project in the West Bank and first cistern-style rainwater harvesting system. The project serves 120 Arab female students, most of whom are descendants of Palestinian refugees from Israel.
Details: The system collects and directs rainwater from the roof into the cistern, a concrete underground storage tank. A pump then directs the water from the cistern into the back of the toilets located within the school’s three restrooms. The water is used primarily for toilet flushing, greatly reducing the school’s municipal water usage and associated costs. Additional benefits to the school and surrounding community include continued usage of clean restrooms throughout the entire school year.
While the cost of the system and time required to build it were greater than past WRAP projects, the resulting benefits increase as well. This system can hold up to 62,000 liters, over 16,000 gallons (much more than a standard rain barrel system), resulting in additional water security for the school.
Results: Since the cistern has been installed, the school has realized reduced dependency and significant savings on municipal water. Reporting from Fall 2014 showed cost savings of over 40% on school water bills during the rainy season as a result of the cistern. Student leaders of the environmental club are responsible for collecting water data related to the cistern, reporting it back to, and discussing it with other students in the club.
Ongoing Commitment: WRAP and its partners continue to work with the school to ensure the system is functioning properly and the educational program is successfully implemented. The program at Battir complements EcoPeace’s Good Water Neighbors program and that partnership is continuing to grown.
How it’s possible: The Jerusalem Fund provided WRAP with a $3,000 grant for the project. Remaining financing was provided by WRAP member contributions and donations. The accompanying educational program and 
maintenance has been budgeted, cost-shared, and overseen, for no less than three years, by way of a joint effort between WRAP and its local partners, EcoPeace’s Bethlehem Office and the Battir Girls High School. All labor and materials related to the construction, maintenance, and educational programming at the school will continue to be employed through local providers.
