Category Archives: Rainwater Catchment

Rainwater Catchment, Residential Rainwater Collection

Rainwater Harvesting Lets Seattle Area Residents Opt Out of City Water

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RAINWATER HARVESTING LETS SEATTLE AREA RESIDENTS OPT OUT OF CITY WATERDo you know that you can collect 624 gallons of water from 1 inch of rain with only 1,000 sq ft of roof area?  

That’s water that you can use for irrigation, toilet flushing, laundry, or even whole house potable (drinking) use. That’s right! 624 gallons. If you have a 1,500 square foot roof area in the Seattle area, this equates to 33,642 gallons of available water. Water that you don’t need to pay for. You can save money on your water, and sewage bill and, over time, pay for your system with that savings. Depending on the application of the captured rainwater, you can supplement your usage through a simple collection system for irrigation or by plumbing in your toilets and laundry facilities. Or, if you choose to have a whole house system designed and installed by a professional, you can eliminate your municipal water usage altogether and have city water as only a back up supply.

Water quality of collected rainwater after filtration and UV disinfection is above that of a municipal water supply, as long as the system is designed, installed and maintained properly. Annual costs of maintenance is much less than your current water bill and is easy to do. Periodic cleaning of your gutters and screening devices along with filter changes a few times a year and replacement of the UV bulb once a year is all there is to it.

Many people in the Seattle area are opting out of city water usage whether it is for potable or non potable use. Supplementary tanks with a small amount of storage can offset your water bill as much as 80%.

A decentralized private water system eliminates the possible threats to your drinking water from environmental concerns, water advisories, price increases,  additives such as chlorine and fluorides and possible rationing, such as in California. You are in control of the quality of your water and its use.Rainwater Harvesting Lets Seattle Area Residents Opt Out of City Water

Rainwater collection is a viable source of water that can sustain any household in Washington State. RainBank Rainwater Collection Systems has been designing and installing rainwater systems in Washington for residential and commercial applications for over ten years and is a American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association Accredited Professional.

Rainwater Catchment, Rainwater Harvesting Education

How To Check Rainwater Harvesting Company Credentials

RBRWC924158How can I be sure that the person and company designing and installing my rainwater collection system is qualified? 

ARCSA (American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association) is a non profit organization designed to educate and promote rainwater collection.

Seminars, conferences, continuing education, and resources are a few advantages that ARCSA members can benefit from, giving ARCSA members a host of opportunities to advance in the industry. After all it was ARCSA members that introduced Rainwater Collection to be a viable source for water and storm water runoff solutions.

RainBank Rainwater Collection Systems is a lifetime member and an accredited professional of ARCSA, as well as a leader in design and installations in the Seattle Area and throughout Washington State.

Here are some frequently asked questions covered by ARCSA.

Rainwater Catchment, Rainwater Harvesting Education

Rainwater Harvesting: Then and Now

Rainwater Harvesting: Then and NowI recently found this guest blog post on ValleyCrest Takes on Water Management.  The post was written by Mark Hopkins, a veteran leader in the landscape and irrigation industry.  Mark writes about the history of rainwater harvesting and shares some expertise and insight about residential and commercial rainwater collection today.

Here is an excerpt:

Rainwater harvesting can be traced back over 3000 years. In Jordan, King Mesha of Moab, commanded that all citizens dig cisterns for the collection of rainwater. Failing to comply with those water-saving guidelines probably resulted in more than a fine! In ancient Rome, atrium-fed rainwater collection cisterns were common place and were an important part of the region’s history. [Many of our grandparents had rainfall collection here in America in the 1800s and early 1900s.]

Due to rising costs and water shortages, there is a new buzz towards the age-old practice of rainwater harvesting. In a recent report by the Natural Resources Defense Council eight cities were studied for the potential economic impact of water harvesting. It is estimated the residents of these cities could save over 90 million dollars each year by adopting simple rain collection techniques. The study also finds that rainwater harvesting is not just applicable in residential settings; it can also be used on a commercial basis. Businesses can harvest rainfall from rooftops and parking surfaces with the potential of satisfying 21% to 75% of their annual water needs.

Many states are also getting into the act by providing resources for those individuals and businesses interested in water harvesting. For example, The Texas Water Development Board has created a Rainwater Harvesting Manual which outlines many methods of collection, formulas to estimate system sizing, available rebates and a wealth of other information.

When it comes to water harvesting, the need is now, resources are readily available and cost-saving benefits are measurable. Rainwater harvesting has evolved. [Even with a small amount of storage, those who choose to do the “right thing” can supplement their municipal water usage by an extraordinary 60, 70% and more.]  

Click here to read the entire article.