Monthly Archives: April 2015

Infrastructure, Rainwater Catchment

Rain Harvesting in National Spotlight


A serene waterfall cascading over rocks surrounded by greenery.The American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association, ARCSA, is adrivingforce in placingrain harvesting in the national spotlight by petitioning President Obama’s administration to focus on the broad economic value of supporting and encouraging growth in the rainwater harvesting industry.

According to ARCSA’s petition, rain harvestingis not just a sustainable source of water, the rainwater harvesting industry is building infrastructure “creating new jobs in design, installation, education, R&D, sales, plumbing, landscaping, roofing, monitoring and maintenance, which could propel the U.S. to international leadership, with compounding fiscal benefits.”

The petition has been submitted and is seeking 100,000 signatures in order to qualify for an official response. Please click here to read more and to sign the petition.

Rainwater Catchment

Drought Emergency Declared in Washington State


Person walking on snowy and muddy terrain.While rainfall amounts in Washington State are at100%, it is the snowpack that has Governor Inslee expanding drought declarations.

Urban water supplies expect to be unaffected; the reservoirs are about where we want them to be. “The snow pack above Coulee Dam is running above normal”, according to Michael Hansen, Bonneville Power Administration. Hansen goes on to say, “We’re not anticipating that we’re going to have any problem meeting our obligations”.

A map of Washington showing highlighted regions in yellow and orange.Snow pack in the Cascades is 7-50% of normal and the Olympics at only 7% at the end of March. The US Drought Monitor shows that the affected areas of “abnormally dry” is the North Eastern part of the state with the South Eastern being “moderately dry” while the Olympics are at “moderately dry”.

The reduced snow pack and its limited runoff, will have a negative effect on in stream flow rates in most of our rivers this summer. Joe Stohr, Department of Fish and Wildlife, commented that “Drought could also reduce streamflows that make it harder for fish to migrate.” It is expected that rural areas will see more of the effects than urban areas such as Seattle, Tacoma, etc. But, this could change, as we get further into the normally drier months.

Most of us aren’t even aware that the last statewide drought declaration was in 2005, because of large reservoirs and reserves. We’re fortunate for our climate and our mountains to make drought conditions short lived. With a little conservation and emergency procedures for irrigation of our farmlands, little effects on our lives will be experienced. Reduction of demand on wells will help our in stream flow rates, and temporary closures or limits on fishing will help our salmon. Conservation now rather than waiting to see what happens is good policy. While it is unlikely we will ever see drought like California is experiencing, we should practice measures to ensure our natural habitat and protect it for future generations in Washington State. Simple conservation techniques will support a healthy environment and balance of our eco system.

Rainwater Catchment

University Adds Rainwater Collection System for Irrigation


Diagram showing water collection and usage in a rainwater harvesting system.St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Tx has added a rainwater collection system to its campus to assist with irrigation.

A 5,050-gallon tank will collect some of approximately240,000 gallons of rain that fall onto that area of the campus annually. Using a small pump, the collectedrainwater will be used forlandscaping irrigation in that section.

An idea fueled by students, the project was pitched to the administration. It is the first of its kind on campus, and willbecome the centerpiece of St. Mary’s sustainability efforts. Similar systems could be considered elsewhere oncampus.

To read more, please visit the university’s website.