Category Archives: Rainwater Catchment

Rainwater Catchment

Will President Obama Support Rainwater Harvesting Petition?

water droplets on leavesOn November 17, at its national conference in Phoenix, Arizona, ARCSA (the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association) will launch a petition as an appeal to President Obama, in support of rainwater harvesting. After the initial launch, an email link will be distributed to supporters who want to sign the petition. The original petition email link will be launched via ARCSA’s newsletter, click here to subscribe.  After the petition reaches 150 names, it will be accessible on the Whitehouse.gov “We the People” website.

Once launched, 100,000 names must be collected within 30 days, (December 16, 2014). When the goal is reached, the petition in support of rainwater harvesting will be placed in line for an official response from President Obama.

The petition language is straightforward and concise:

WE PETITION THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION 

…to stimulate the emerging rainwater-harvesting industry through legislation or executive order, 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 many justifications include:

  • Worldwide demand for clean water exceeds supply.
  • Rainwater can help fill the gap and reduce stormwater pollution.
  • One inch of rain is over 600 gallons per 1,000 sq. ft. of roof.
  • Rainwater is a valuable resource that reduces demand on water infrastructure.
  • A new national standard, ARCSA/ASPE/ANSI 63 details safe design & installation.
  • Treated rainwater can easily surpass EPA standards.

We encourage you to click one of the share buttons below to ensure this information is seen by colleagues, friends and family, far and wide.  We want to ensure that this meaningful request gets in front of our President.

SIGN THE PETITION NOW (Please note: signing the petition is a 2 step process.  After you sign, you will be asked to reply to an email to verify your signature.)

Rainwater Catchment, Rainwater Harvesting Education

Simple Steps for Rainwater System Winterization

Snowy_street_in_downtown_SeattleWith the cold weather upon us, many rainwater systems need to be winterized.

Most whole house use rainwater collection systems are frost protected when installed, due to their use in the winter months. But, if your rainwater system is used for irrigation only, or if you have a simple rain barrel system, winterization is an important maintenance task that should be addressed before the cold weather hits. Broken pipes can lead to draining your cistern empty, or possible damage your pressure pump. Costly repairs or replacement of components can be avoided with little planning.

Be sure your pipes are not exposed to the weather by insulating, or draining. If draining, be sure to leave the valves open afterward. You can temporarily cover pipes with straw or hay if necessary.

Drain the pump of all water – including what is in the expansion tank, leaving this valve open, too.

Be sure to inspect your first flush device “dribbler valve” to be sure it is clear of obstructions so it will operate correctly.

Inspect systems to be sure there are no leaks from cisterns and that your gutter system is clean and ready to collect rain for spring and summer use.

Simple steps can be taken to insure your rainwater collection system will be operational for the next season and that you are collecting water during the winter months.

Snowy Street Downtown Seattle courtesy of Ekaune

Rainwater Catchment, Rainwater Harvesting Education

U.S. Water Supply Challenges

ARCSA conferencelogoSeattle based RainBank Rainwater Collection Systems to attend ARCSA conference addressing U.S. Water Supply Challenges.

This year marks ARCSA‘s 20th anniversary, and its annual conference will put the focus on Rainwater Harvesting: Solutions to U.S. Water Supply Challenges.

The annual rainwater collection conference, to be held in Phoenix, AZ this November, will offer presentations from educators, industry professionals, and keynote speakers, with topics including legislative action, codes and standards, guidelines, along with panel discussions, and workshops centered around rainwater collection.

Ken Blair, RainBank LLCRainBank’s president Ken Blair was tapped to present a session on Urban Rainwater Collection and its effects on stormwater runoff mitigation.

Additionally, Ken will participate in an advanced continuing education course to attain the designation of Inspection Specialist (IS), augmenting his already achieved, Accredited Professional (AP) qualification and lifetime member status.

Adding the IS accreditation to its list of qualifications solidly identifies RainBank as the leader in rainwater catchment systems design and installation for commercial and residential customers, especially for Seattle area customers and classifies RainBank as the most qualified, up to date, professional Rainwater Collection company in the industry.