Category Archives: Environment

El Nino Affects Snowpack and Water Supplies

cascades_amo_2015123Forecasts indicate that the El Nino weather pattern is expected to continue bringing wetter, warmer forecasts for the winter, and continued dryer weather for next summer for the west coast. It is expected that we will see the same weather this next year as we did this year. Less snowpack in the Cascades will mean once again a limited amount of water for municipal water supplies. A warmer and wetter winter will fill reservoirs, but Seattle’s experience this year showed that without that snowpack to replenish stored levels, supplies fall short as summer stretches on. Many small water districts in the Pacific Northwest found themselves running extremely low, while Seattle Public Utilities is continuing to ask its customers to scale back usage.

There has been an increase in interest in rainwater collection for single-family residences in Seattle and other areas of Western Washington this summer for potable and non-potable systems. Non-potable systems are being sought primarily for irrigation, but the real increase is in whole house potable demand. As our population in the Seattle area has increased dramatically and drier conditions in the summer are causing higher demands, many are preparing in advance for next summer.

A well-designed and installed rainwater catchment system can provide water to a single-family household year-round or supplement city water use during the summer. A non-potable system can ease the demand on city water by using collected rainwater for irrigation during those dry periods. Many of RainBank’s customers are commenting once again “that this is the right thing to do” – a message that I used to hear often before the recession. Folks want to do the right thing for the environment regardless of a crisis.

We must take population growth and protection of our natural resources seriously. Water is the one thing we cannot do without.

Labor Day Water Safety

life-belt-498453_640Here in the United States, we are embarking on the Labor Day weekend, the unofficial last gasp of summer. Traditionally, for many folks, Labor Day is a chance to spend a long weekend with family and loved ones. Many of us spend this downtime outside, either on or near water.

Here are some tips for keeping your family safe on, in and around bodies of water:

  • Never leave children alone around with water whether it is in a pool, wading pool, drainage ditch, creek, pond or lake.
  • Constantly watch children who are swimming or playing in water. They need an adult or certified lifeguard watching and within reach.
  • Secure access to swimming pools. Use fences, self-closing and latching gates, and water surface alarms.
  • Completely remove pool covers when the pool is in use.
  • Store water toys away from the water when not in use so they don’t attract a small child.
  • Don’t assume young children will use good judgment and caution around water.
  • Be ready for emergencies. Keep emergency telephone numbers handy and learn CPR. F Find out if your child’s friends or neighbors have home pools.

For more information about water safety and children, visit Watch Kids Around Water

Have a safe, happy and healthy Labor Day holiday.

Protect Your Home and Business from Wildfires

wildfire-568617_640Over 600,000 acres have burned in wildfires in Washington State this fire season and 5,100 homes are currently threatened.

Fire is a frightening concept, but an unfortunate reality. In rural areas, away from municipal resources, a water tank used strictly for fire suppression may be the only way to protect your family, farm, house, or business.

An exterior wildfire suppression system includes an array of sprinklers supplied by a water source. If there is no natural w
ater source, a water storage tank designated as the source of water supply can make the difference in protection. Sprinklers attached to the roof and around the perimeter of the building are meant to saturate and create humidity. The idea is to soak the property’s vegetation and roof of the home.

The amount of time a system will run depends on amount of water available. A system with 30,000 gallons of storage can prodsteel tanksuce 30 gallons a minute for 16.6 hrs. If used with a wetting agent, the solution will stay intact for a longer period. Having a source of water designated for fire protection can be an investment that could save your home.

RainBank Rainwater Systems has been installing corrugated steel water tanks for over 15 years and recognizes the benefit of onsite water storage for wildfire protection. The National Fire Protection Association provides codes and standards for fire protection that are available for free for online viewing.

Through its Fire Adapted Communities Program, the NFPA offers information and specific actions you can take, to lower your risk in the event of a wildfire. Take a look to learn about how you can protect your home and your community from the devastation of wildfires.