Rainwater Collection Can Cut Demands on Urban Water Supplies

Space_Needle_Mount_Ranier_Seattle_Washington_USAUrban growth, especially as seen in Seattle, can actually help cut demands on city water supplies. Still valid today, we wrote about this in July 2014 under the title Rainwater Collection Reduces Dependence on City Water in Seattle. Read more below:

As anyone who lives in Seattle can see, there is a massive amount of rental construction happening. With the growth of the South End of Lake Union and the Ballard area, over 23,000 units are expected to be added in the next few years.

A cultural shift in water conservation with simple technology can reduce the amounts of water usage through more effective water management practices. While the “Green Storm Water Infrastructure” or GSI mandates that runoff from impervious surfaces is to be infiltrated on site, other innovative and effective technologies are crucial in reducing the need for upgrading and expansion of sewer and centralized water systems.

Think of the reduction of the amounts of water coming off our roofs into stormwater if we diverted that water to usage such as toilet flushing and laundry facility. This practice could cut runoff by as much as 50% in high density housing complexes, while saving hundreds of thousands of dollars that would be used to meet the demand.

Bio swells and rain gardens do very little for infiltration during the rainy periods when the ground is already saturated. Rainwater collection used for toilet and laundry facility could be using that water during those months rather than having it overflow, and it would reduce the run off during those periods. The end product would be reduction of stormwater runoff, less dependence on city water and its infrastructure, cost savings to the building owner and tenants, better use of our natural resource, while reducing pollutants in our waterways.

Learn more about rainwater collection and whether it is a good fit for your home or commercial project. Use the form below to request a quote for a feasibility study.

Proactive in the Advancement of Rainwater Collection

mt.rainierRainBank has always been proactive in the advancement of rainwater collection. We designed and built the first potable system in Seattle, as well as the first potable systems in Skagit, Jefferson, and Whatcom Counties.  

Additionally, we have been designing and building rainwater collection systems for potable and non potable demands for more than 15 years throughout Washington and Oregon.

RainBank began in San Juan County, which at that time, was the only county that allowed rainwater harvesting in the state. San Juan County had an exemption to the state’s water rights laws that considered rainwater a tributary and therefore not subject to those laws. It wasn’t until 2009 that Department of Ecology convinced the legislature that rainwater collection was beneficial and therefore should be allowed. More counties began to come on board to allow  the use of treated rainwater for potable use, with King County adopting in 2011. Since then, many counties in Western Washington now allow the practice, but there are still those who have not.

We were recently contacted by a customer from Wahkiakum county in southwest Washington, who wished to use rainwater collection for potable use on his property. The spring that was grandfathered in did not pass the last well report and was deemed unsafe for consumption. I petitioned the county health department for acceptance of a sole source potable system and was told they never heard of the practice. I sent documentation from Department of Ecology, King County policies, ARCSA (American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association), a list of Washington counties that have adopted rainwater use, a few case studies, and our website.

I am pleased to announce that Wahkiakum County responded that they will consider a design for residential potable use for this project.

It is through experience, expertise and commitment that RainBank Rainwater Systems is the leader in Washington State’s rainwater catchment industry.

Orcas Island Students Embrace Farm to School

11174691_945156938838944_8341151891330574139_o-1According to the National Farm to School Network, “Farm to school enriches the connection communities have with fresh, healthy food and local food producers by changing food purchasing and education practices at schools and preschools.”

We wrote about this last year when Orcas Island School embraced the concept:

RainBank Rainwater Systems is very pleased to learn that the Farm to Cafeteria program is flourishing at Orcas Island School, thanks, in part to the Orcas Island Education Foundation.

Ken Blair Orcas Island SchoolRainBank was asked to construct a system and then teach the children about rainwater collection and water conservation. The water is collected from the school’s roof and stored in a 5,000-gallon cistern to be used for irrigation of a vegetable garden. The vegetables are used as part of the school lunch program and to teach the students about sustainability.

“Farm to school empowers children and their families to make informed food choices while strengthening the local economy and contributing to vibrant communities. NFSN provides vision, leadership and support at the state, regional and national levels to connect and expand the farm to school movement, which has grown from a handful of schools in the late 1990s to approximately 40,000 schools in all 50 states as of 2012.  Click to learn more about farm to school nationwide.

10668727_810384465649526_2201333603360116460_oThe Orcas Island School garden is flourishing and community involvement is extraordinary. We are proud to part of this exceptional project and hope other communities will offer similar programs. Sustainability is the future for these young persons.

We all benefit when our children have the opportunity to learn about, but also have access to healthy, local foods.