Rainwater Harvesting: Then and Now

Rainwater Harvesting: Then and NowI recently found this guest blog post on ValleyCrest Takes on Water Management.  The post was written by Mark Hopkins, a veteran leader in the landscape and irrigation industry.  Mark writes about the history of rainwater harvesting and shares some expertise and insight about residential and commercial rainwater collection today.

Here is an excerpt:

Rainwater harvesting can be traced back over 3000 years. In Jordan, King Mesha of Moab, commanded that all citizens dig cisterns for the collection of rainwater. Failing to comply with those water-saving guidelines probably resulted in more than a fine! In ancient Rome, atrium-fed rainwater collection cisterns were common place and were an important part of the region’s history. [Many of our grandparents had rainfall collection here in America in the 1800s and early 1900s.]

Due to rising costs and water shortages, there is a new buzz towards the age-old practice of rainwater harvesting. In a recent report by the Natural Resources Defense Council eight cities were studied for the potential economic impact of water harvesting. It is estimated the residents of these cities could save over 90 million dollars each year by adopting simple rain collection techniques. The study also finds that rainwater harvesting is not just applicable in residential settings; it can also be used on a commercial basis. Businesses can harvest rainfall from rooftops and parking surfaces with the potential of satisfying 21% to 75% of their annual water needs.

Many states are also getting into the act by providing resources for those individuals and businesses interested in water harvesting. For example, The Texas Water Development Board has created a Rainwater Harvesting Manual which outlines many methods of collection, formulas to estimate system sizing, available rebates and a wealth of other information.

When it comes to water harvesting, the need is now, resources are readily available and cost-saving benefits are measurable. Rainwater harvesting has evolved. [Even with a small amount of storage, those who choose to do the “right thing” can supplement their municipal water usage by an extraordinary 60, 70% and more.]  

Click here to read the entire article.

Can Seattle Benefit From Green Infrastructure?

Can Seattle benefit from green infrastructure?
Orcas in Puget Sound, by Mark Sears

The EPA is helping cities by offering guidelines on controlling storm water management and the effect that runoff has on our environment.

Here in the Pacific Northwest, our lives revolve around the Puget Sound. Being good custodians of this natural resource that provides jobs, beauty, food, and recreation to many of us is essential to our quality of life.

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Seattle Homeowners Save Money With Rainwater Collection

Seattle Homeowners Save Money With Rainwater CollectionAs many commercial buildings are finding out that rainwater catchment can save money, Seattle homeowners are discovering that a well designed-rainwater collection system for potable usage can save money for them as well.

With storage of a few thousand gallons of rainwater and its proper filtration and disinfection, the average home in Seattle can provide good, clean, potable water for their household regardless of roofing material. You no longer need to have a metal roof to collect rainwater for household use.

RainBank has recently designed potable systems in Seattle for single family homes with asphalt shingle roofs by using deionization – a process that is proving to provide ultra pure water. The deionization process can remove all toxins from the roofing material. Samples from raw water from the downspouts are taken and the deionization filtration is designed specifically to remove the specific toxins. A custom deionization filtration system along with UV disinfection is allowing Seattle homeowners with asphalt shingle roofs to collect and use rainwater for potable use.

Seattle Homeowners Save Money With Rainwater Collection2Buried tanks allow a homeowner to store a significant amount of rainwater without taking up any of the yard area or having tanks alongside the house, leaving landscaping to be the focal point not water storage. RainBank is a leader in innovative designs to fit customers’ wants and needs for residential and commercial water use of rainwater collection.