Category Archives: Infrastructure

Infrastructure

Lead in Seattle Water

Seattle Public Utilities asked residents to run their water for two minutes before drinking over concerns of lead exposure.

SPU is testing water that MAY have their supply line connection to the house service line using gooseneck fitting. As of Friday, SPU estimates 2,000 older homes may have this gooseneck fitting, with Tacoma estimated at 1,700. Both Utilities have been testing and mapping throughout the weekend.

It shows a "gooseneck" lead fitting that connected galvanized steel pipe to the main water line in older homes.
It shows a “gooseneck” lead fitting that connected galvanized steel pipe to the main water line in older homes.

This gooseneck lead fitting is the sort connecting water mains to pipes leading into older homes. In Seattle, it’s typically in homes built before 1930, and only some of those. (Chris Gleason/Tacoma Public Utilities)

According to SPU, “Seattle drinking water sources do not contain lead. However, lead can leach into water from plumbing and materials built with lead-based solder, brass fixtures, or some types of zinc coatings used on galvanized pipes and fittings.”

NSF/ANSI 372 has an updated definition of the “no lead” ruling allowing a weighted average of 0.25 % lead in fittings, pipe, and solder – a far cry from 8.0% in the past. Galvanized pipe and plumbing has not been used for potable water supplies for decades. However, copper plumbing and its solder was not held to the above standards until January 2014. Copper plumbing or brass fittings used before this standard may cause an elevated level of contamination above the allowed EPA drinking water standards for lead. You can have your water tested for levels from a certified lab in your area; a list of certified labs can be obtained by the Department of Ecology.

RainBank’s’ post Is Decentralized Water and Sewer Systems the Answer to Puget Sound Region’s Infrastructure, dated July 2014, talks about the effects of this growth, demand and aging infrastructure and how it will impact our water and sewer systems economically.

As time will tell, more concerns will arise with our centralized water system. Costs to upgrade, renovate and repair will be high. Rainwater collection as a source of domestic water will become more mainstream – as already seen in Seattle and other cities throughout the US in the past few years. Proper filtration and plumbing techniques can be implemented for the homeowner to protect a household from lead leaching because older materials were used in the past. RainBank Rainwater Systems designs these systems for both those who wish to collect rainwater for domestic use and those who remain dependent on city water supplies.

Infrastructure, Rainwater Catchment

Rainwater Collection Industry Alliance

wave-64170_640ARCSA (American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association) recently announced an alliance with the Green Water-Infrastructure Academy (GWI), where they will work together to cultivate and execute an integrated “expert-based” and “service-based” process for “information-sharing and research” within the United States and other countries to promote the use of rainwater.

In its announcement, ARCSA reports “Both organizations are dedicated to global water-resource sustainability through knowledge transfer and capacity building. These organizations recognize that rainwater and stormwater are underutilized resources and that their harvest and appropriate uses can alleviate water challenges related to scarcity and poor quality of existing potable and non-potable water sources, stormwater runoff management and energy consumption.”

The rainwater collection industry is riding a wave of growth as individuals and communities become aware of the fragility of our current infrastructure – as aging systems increase potential for lead in pipes carrying water into our homes and businesses. As the industry grows, there is a need for standards and best practices that will result in systems that can provide clean and safe water to the public. This alliance addresses that need for education and standards.

The mission of the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA) is to “promote sustainable rainwater harvesting practices to help solve potable. non potable, stormwater and energy challenges throughout the world.”

RainBank is a lifetime member of ARCSA, and ARCSA’s Northwest regional representative, RainBank offers workshops for education and promotion of rainwater collection. With 15 years of establishing, applying and promoting rainwater collection best practices, RainBank Rainwater Systems’ practices dovetail with ARCSA’s mission statement.

Infrastructure, Residential Rainwater Collection

Rainwater Has Many Uses For Seattle Residents

Seattle-Rain

Seattle residents enjoy the advantage of being able to collect rainwater for both non potable and potable use.

A single family residence can supplement city water for whole house use with rainwater. Rainwater collection has many benefits to the home owner – whether intended for irrigation or household use. Toilet flushing, laundry facility, and wash down are non potable uses that can save water consumption and money on monthly bills.

Systems can be easily installed for new construction or retro-fitted for existing homes. According to the American Water Works Association (AWWA) non potable usage accounts for approximately 52% of residential usage. We know that collected rainwater helps supply nutrients to soil and provides naturally soft water for bathing and washing. With proper filtration and disinfection, the collected rainwater can be used for potable demands (sinks, showers, and drinking water), which account for the other 48% demand.

An average 2,000 square foot roof in Seattle will see over 44,000 gallons of roof runoff annually.

This runoff either enters the city’s stormwater system or enters its combined sewer system. The latter can result in intentional release into the Puget Sound when system are overwhelmed. The City of Seattle is mandated by the Federal Government to meet these challenges by requiring onsite infiltration of all new construction.

Seattle Public Utilities, along with King county, have the daunting task of mapping, upgrading and replacing an outdated public stormwater system. This federally required mandate will be lengthy and expensive.

Decentralized systems are the future.

RainBank Rainwater Systems designs and constructs systems for our clients’ specific needs. We calculate amounts available, usage, storage and automate systems to switch from city water to rainwater, depending on the seasons’ rainfall amounts and the desired usage. This technique optimizes roof runoff to demand, reducing stormwater while lowering city water usage. The water quality is superior, it is good for our Puget Sound and waterways, and it will reduce monthly water bills. We live in an area that is ideal for rainwater collection are you taking advantage of that.