What Kind of Pump is Used to Transfer Water Stored in Rainwater Collection?


This is Part 7 in the series “How to Build a Rainwater Collection System”. Click to see partsone,two,three,four, five and six.

Submersible water pump with float switch and control box.Either a submersible pump or centrifugal pressure pump will be required to transfer water from storage to filtration and use. A submersible pump will need means of regulating flow.

A pressure tank with a pressure switch will tell the pump when to turn on and off by a drop of pressure in the pressure tank. This application is much like well system and is intended for household use. It could be used for irrigation, but keep in mind that the pressure tank will need to be frost protected.

A stainless steel cylindrical gas heater with a black front.The most common method of conveyance would be a booster pump. These pumps are generally centrifugal pumps and can be placed in the mechanical room or well shed. A centrifugal booster pump is used without an exterior pressure tank and is considered an “on demand” pump, meaning that when the faucet is opened, the pressure in the pump drops down to low pressure – usually 20 PSI, and the pump will start running and maintain constant pressure while the faucet is open. Once the faucet is closed, the pump will continue to run until it meets its high pressure cut off.

Either pump system should always be used before filtration and disinfection — which will be our next topic.

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Rainwater Harvesting Cuts Costs & Reduces Stormwater Runoff


Modern commercial building with greenery and pedestrian pathways.RainBank Rainwater Collection Systems is pleased to announce completion of two 5,300 gallon rainwater collection tanks for the new Kirkland Public Safety Building. Both tanks will collectwater from a segment of the building’s roof and divertto irrigation for new plantings. The Safety building was a former Costco building remodeled for the city of Kirkland to be usedasthe new courthouse, police station and jail.

New landscaping will be wateredautomatically by the rain tanks via a computerized controller which will regulate how long and what times watering will take place. With 10,600 gallons of storage and a roof collection area of approximately 20,000 sq. ft., even a small amount of rain in the summer should supply the new plantings with rainwater.

Infiltration ofTwo large metallic grain silos standing side by side.the soil during watering will reduce the building’s stormwater runoff and save money by not using city water.

RainBank Rainwater Collection Systems is proud to be a part of this and other commercial projects making the Seattle area a better place to live.

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