Rainwater Harvesting at Goose Creek Memorial High School
Mvula is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing sustainability education and environmental stewardship. We bring clean water through rainwater harvesting, sustainable electricity through renewable energy, and hands-on environmental education to schools and underserved communities in the United States and abroad.
Water. Energy. Education.
A local water project in Baytown, Texas
Our pilot project launches October 2026 — a $10,000 initiative bringing a working rainwater harvesting system and STEM curriculum to Goose Creek Memorial High School. A 6A public school in Baytown's Goose Creek CISD, with over 2,300 students, 68% economically disadvantaged, and over 50 inches of annual rainfall, it is an ideal site for a rainwater harvesting demonstration project.
The A.M.I.R. System — Accessible Modular Infrastructure for Rainwater
Capture
School rooftop collects rainwater via gutters and downspouts.
Settle
Round-bottom settling tanks separate sediment using gravity — no power.
Filter
5-micron carbon filters purify water between tanks.
Store & Use
Clean water used for toilet flushing and handwashing.
Designed by Amir Yechieli, M.Sc. — SavingTheRain | 200+ systems across Israel, Africa, U.S. & Caribbean.
200+ Systems Worldwide
From Israel and Kenya to San Diego and the Navajo Nation — the A.M.I.R. system has been installed in schools, community centers, and public buildings across the globe.
Install DayDeerfield, IL
Student-painted mural tanksIsrael school
Students installing guttersKenya
Settling tank + storageIsrael
Installed systemIsrael school
Photos: SavingTheRain / WRAP
Goose Creek Memorial High School — Baytown, TX
Build
Functional System
- Full A.M.I.R. rainwater harvesting system installed on school rooftop
- Round-bottom settling tanks, storage, gutters, and 5-micron filtration
- Connected to school plumbing for non-potable use (toilet flushing, handwashing)
Learn
STEM Curriculum
- Water science and sustainability curriculum for high school students
- Hands-on hydrology, filtration testing, and rainfall data analysis
- Based on an established school curriculum (200+ projects)
Engage
Volunteer Day
- Volunteer team members help with Install Day (Oct 2, 2026)
- Students, teachers, and volunteers assemble the system together
- Community mural painting on storage tanks by students and local artist
Estimated investment: $8,000–$10,000
| Line Item | Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Round-Bottom Settling Tanks | $3,500 | A.M.I.R. system components |
| Storage Tanks & Plumbing | $1,500 | Tanks, gutters, downspouts, connectors |
| Plumbing Connection (Non-Potable) | $1,500–$3,000 | Connecting to toilets & handwashing |
| Filters, Pumps & Fittings | $800 | 5-micron carbon filters, valves, pumps |
| Mural Supplies & Artist | $500 | Student-painted tanks, local artist |
| Contingency & Admin (10%) | $700–$900 | Unforeseen costs |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED | $8,000–$10,000 | — |
STEM-aligned water science curriculum
Curriculum Topics
- Rainfall distribution, quantity, and climate data analysis
- Storm runoff modeling and collection efficiency
- Water quality testing: turbidity, bacterial counts
- Cost-benefit analysis of rainwater vs. city water
- System design optimization and engineering
- Environmental impact and sustainability ethics
Adapted from Amir Yechieli's rainwater harvesting education program successfully implemented at a school in Deerfield, Illinois. Students work hands-on with the system, collecting data, testing water quality, and calculating the financial and environmental impact — real STEM research with real-world applications.
Recruiting young minds in the search for creative and practical solutions.
— Amir Yechieli, M.Sc., SavingTheRain
Getting involved in the community
Volunteer Opportunities
- Install Day (Oct 2, 2026): Students and teachers install the tanks, supported by volunteer mentors.
- Student Mentorship: Amir Yechieli leads hands-on demonstrations of filtration and water testing.
- Mural Day: Volunteers join students painting storage tanks — a team-building and community art event.
- Ongoing STEM Visits: Volunteers visit classrooms throughout the school year to discuss careers in water science.
From planning to operations
Planning & Procurement
- Finalize school agreement
- Procure A.M.I.R. components
- Schedule volunteer sign-ups
Install Day
- Volunteers + students assemble the system
- Professional plumbing connection
- Media coverage & photos
- System goes live
Activation & Mural
- Student mural painting day
- Curriculum launches
- First water quality testing
Operations & Reporting
- Students collect data all year
- Impact report published
- Expansion planning begins
Mission alignment + measurable impact
Existing School Relationship
Niagara Baytown already partners with Goose Creek CISD schools annually. This project builds on that established trust.
Measurable Impact
Thousands of gallons saved annually, 2,300+ students served, and quantifiable cost reductions — all documented in an annual impact report.
High ROI for $5K
A $5,000 grant matched by Mvula creates a permanent piece of water infrastructure serving students for 10–15 years.
Mvula is a 501(c)(3) public charity — all donations are tax-deductible. | EIN 41-4758221
The Team Behind Mvula
Clement Rams
Organizational leader and board president. Clement drives Mvula's strategic direction and partnerships. Based in Houston, TX — Niagara Bottling team member.
Melinda Lynn Lopez
1st grade teacher at Mayde Creek Elementary, Houston. Melinda connects Mvula's mission to classrooms and leads educational programming.
Jordan Price
Financial steward and fundraising lead. Jordan manages budget, grants, and donor relations from South Bend, IN.
Key Partners: Amir Yechieli, M.Sc. (A.M.I.R. System Designer — SavingTheRain, 200+ installations) | Henry Risasi (Field Coordinator, DRC)
A $10,000 investment that serves 2,300+ students
Bringing clean rainwater and STEM learning to Goose Creek Memorial.