Category Archives: Potable

Potable, Residential Rainwater Collection

Skagit County Rainwater Collection for Household Use


Close-up of a worn, metallic fountain pen nib on a black surface.Skagit County allows residents rainwater collection for household use.

Skagit County will consider rainwater collection as an alternative source for potable water for a single family residence in affected areas of the in stream flow rules and its well moratorium. This welcome decision will allow over 5,000 land owners to develop their properties while keeping with the treaty agreement of well allocations.

Recently, Guemes Island residents were successful in petitioning Skagit County to recognize rainwater collection as a viable source for single family dwellings due to saltwater intrusion.

The city of Anacortes has also joined in on allowance of potable use of rainwater as a water source for single family residence.

Systems must be designed by a recognized rainwater systems designer and wet stamped by a Washington State Engineer for approval. All system designs must meet current ARCSA/ASPE 63 standards and local plumbing codes and must be installed by a licensed plumber.

RainBank Rainwater Systems would like to thank Skagit County Planning Department on behalf of their residents in this action. RainBank Rainwater Systems meets all requirements set by the city and county for design and installation of all rainwater systems and would be happy to discuss your project.

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Potable, Rainwater Catchment

Proactive in the Advancement of Rainwater Collection


Close-up of a worn, metallic fountain pen nib on a black surface.RainBank has always been proactive in the advancement of rainwater collection. We designed and built the first potable system in Seattle, as well asthe first potable systems in Skagit, Jefferson, and Whatcom Counties.

Additionally, we havebeen designing and building rainwater collection systems for potable and non potable demands for more than15 years throughout Washington and Oregon.

RainBank beganin 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 allowthe 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 wishedto 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 acceptanceof a sole source potable system and was told they never heard of the practice. I sent documentation fromDepartment 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.

Potable, Rainwater Catchment

Can You Drink Rainwater?


Close-up of a worn, metallic fountain pen nib on a black surface.Can you drink rainwater?

Despite increasing awareness aboutrainwater harvesting and its benefits, there is still word to get out about how and why collecting rainwater makes sense in a world where resources are limited and sometimes nonexistent. Whether due to drought conditions or aging infrastructure, millions of people around the world don’t have access to safe, clean drinking water. Here is an article, originally published in June 2014, titled Is My Rainwater Safe to Drink?

Sanitization seems to be a most elusive and complicated topic in Rainwater Harvesting for the homeowner, as well as for the designer or operator. There are no general definitive answers as to what deviceor treatment is appropriate for all systems. The main question is “When is my water safe to drink?”

Presently, thousands of people die or become gravely ill due to lack of clean water throughout theworld. Rainwater is generally a safer potable source than surface water; however it may carry pathogensthat could pose a health risk.

RainBank has published a free article to help you determine when your rainwater is safe to drink. Click herefor a free download to the entire article and don’t forget to check the box below to receive new posts via your inbox. Of course, if you have questions – contact us – our team willrespond to your inquiry within 48 hours. You can also find RainBank on LinkedIn,FacebookandTwitter.