Rainwater Catchment is a Viable Source of Clean Water for Home

Seattle Downtown After RainSeattle residents are discovering that rainwater catchment is a viable source of clean water for their homes.

Many Seattle residents are having rainwater collection systems designed and installed to augment their city water usage.  A simple rain barrel system that the home owner can install is just the tip of the iceberg for the increased use of rainwater collection.

Irrigation demands of landscaping are being met by rainwater catchment in urban environments by residential and commercial consumers. Whether the application is for new construction or existing buildings and homes, many are opting for a greener way to control stormwater runoff. While new construction is mandated to infiltrate on-site runoff from roofs, existing buildings and homes are discovering rainwater collection can offset their water and sewer bill.

Rainwater is generally without chlorine or additives that city water has and is beneficial to the healthy growth of plants. A simple rain barrel system for small irrigation needs is easy to install and can supply enough water for a limited amount of irrigation. Larger systems for irrigation can be achieved with underground cistern or slimline tanks. These systems are generally gravity fed to the cisterns and pressurized with a booster pump to faucets or hose bibs.

Rainwater catchment for irrigation demands is the introduction to household usage such as toilet and or laundry facility systems. Approximately 50% of household use of water is for these purposes. Whole house use of filtered, disinfected rainwater can supplement city water usage with quality, safe, potable water thus reducing monthly water and sewer bills. An automated system, when designed and properly installed, allows a homeowner or commercial building maintenance personnel, hands-free switching from city to rainwater.

Seattle Downtown After Rain” by ruoyun is licensed under CCby2.0

Rainwater Collection at New Sea Scout Base

Sea Scout Base Galveston RainBank rainwater harvesting projectIn an earlier post, we told you about RainBank’s rainwater collection project for the new Sea Scout base in Galveston, Texas.

The team from Seattle-based RainBank is winding up the installation of four 25,000 gallon water tanks for the Sea Scout Base.

Sea Scout Base Galveston, A RainBank rainwater harvesting projectThe base and it’s platinum LEED rating is a credit to the Sea Scouts of America and their commitment to creating a better place for young seafarers. RainBank is proud to be a part of this worthy project and wishes smooth sailing for all those involved.

Will President Obama Issue a Rainwater Collection Proclamation?

Will President Obama Issue a Rainwater Collection ProclamationThe American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA.org), a  non-profit organization whose mission is to promote and educate on sustainable rainwater collection practices, has asked President Obama to issue a proclamation, as well as to support enabling legislation, which would embrace rainwater collection as a solution toward national economic and resource challenges.

The rainwater collection industry, according to ARCSA President David Crawford, can foster job creation in areas associated with design, installation, education, research and development, component and consumable sales, plumbing, landscaping, roofing, guttering and maintenance of rainwater collection systems – the result of which would bring nationwide economic benefits.

Regional water shortages, reduction of demand on aging infrastructure, ease of treatment to high standards, security of decentralized water systems and the superiority of rainwater to nourish plants and animals are just some of the underlying reasons for this request.

Do you think President Obama will support the rainwater collection industry?  Leave a comment below.