Want to Learn More About Rainwater Collection in Seattle?

Want to Learn More About Rainwater Collection in Seattle?The practice of rainwater collection has been around for centuries. Until recently, it was thought to be a “hippie” or “doomsdayer” alternative, but rainwater collection is now increasingly recognized as a viable source of water. Cities throughout the US are supporting and encouraging rainwater catchment and  practicable water conservation. The combined practices of collection and conservation are beneficial to the environment, the economy, and quality of water resources.

Seattle Public Utilities has an informative and comprehensive website with quality information on the practicality, concept and legal requirements involved with rain water collection for residential and commercial applications.  With aging infrastructure, increased population and urban growth, cities like Seattle are adopting rainwater collection as a partner in water conservation.

Here are some links with more information about rainwater collection in Seattle:

How Can Rainwater Harvesting Benefit our Cities?

How Can Rainwater Harvesting Benefit our Cities?

Storm water runoff is a major cause of water pollution in urban areas, which is why  we ask the question: How can rainwater harvesting benefit our cities?

When rain falls in undeveloped areas, the water is absorbed and filtered by soil and vegetation. Not so in urban environments. Streets, parking lots and buildings are impervious surfaces and do not allow the natural process of infiltration. In most urban areas, storm water is drained through collection systems and discharged into our waterways. This storm water carries oils, bacteria, heavy metals and other pollutants into the receiving water. The storm water overwhelms the sewer system and intentional releases of sewer into our waterways is conducted to prevent a spill onshore.

Seattle is mandated by the federal government to address its storm water and sewage releases into the Puget Sound. With higher density development, the “Green Stormwater Infrastructure” (GSI) was mandated to address storm water runoff with infiltration techniques such as bio swells, green roofs, infiltration planter boxes, including green parking areas and streets using permeable pavers. While these techniques are helping to reduce run off they do not address the increasing demands on our water resources.

Rainwater that is harvested collects and stores rainfall for future use. When designed and installed properly, it, too, helps reduce runoff while providing a viable source of water for irrigation, toilet and laundry facilities, and when filtrated and disinfected can be an alternative to city water for potable use.

With increased demands on centralized water systems from population growth, aging infrastructure, and increased costs to upgrade and maintain, rainwater harvesting for commercial and residential use is a viable and economical solution.

Mt. Rainier and the Puget Sound photo courtesy of Andrew E. Larsen.

New Base for Sea Scouts Includes Rainwater Collection System

New Base for Sea Scouts Includes Rainwater Collection SystemSeattle based RainBank Rainwater Collection Systems is heading to Galveston, Texas to build 4- large water tanks for the Sea Scouts of America. This $25 million,  8 acre compound will be seeking the highest LEED rating of Platinum.

The rainwater collected will be used for irrigation provided by the 4 – 24,000 gallon, 12′ diameter by 32′ tall cisterns. There will be stormwater dry wells that can be used for the irrigation demands if the cisterns should run dry.

RainBank Rainwater Collection Systems is proud to be part of this worthwhile, state of the art complex and congratulates the Sea Scouts in their efforts to build green.