An 1,100-gallon “pre-fabricated“ rainwater harvesting tank is pictured March 24, 2014, at York Farm in the 1400 block of James Street in Bellingham. ANITRA ACCETTURO — Courtesy to The Bellingham Herald
A new program that encourages rainwater collection awareness is being offered to the public for small rainwater harvesting systems in Bellingham.
Anitra Accetturo, program coordinator for the city’s Water Use Efficiency Program, which will provide the grants is also an ARCSA and Bank on Rain member and has spearheaded the program.
Whatcom county already allows potable rainwater collection for residential but this program is proactive in encouraging conservation and awareness.
Click here to read more about this rainwater collection program in the Bellingham Herald.
Seattle residents want their rainwater catchment systems to make a positive impact on the environment, as well as the quality of their water and rely on professionals to design and install their systems to meet these requirements.
An ARCSA accredited professional, ARCSA lifetime member, and ARCSA regional representative, RainBank’s founder and president Ken Blair has been designing and installing rainwater systems for residential potable usage since 2004.
Ken started his business in the San Juan Islands when it was the only county in the state that had an exception to the water rights law. 100 % of the systems RainBank installed in the San Juans were for potable usage because of salt water intrusion or low producing wells.
Ken moved operations to the Seattle area in 2010, shortly after the statewide change in the law allowing rainwater collection throughout the state, and has met the challenge of design and installation that works within the urban environment. Click here for more info on Seattle rainwater.
Whole house usage requires enough storage to be a viable sustainable system. Buried tanks and slim line tanks make storage requirements possible in restricted areas.
A non potable system used for toilet flushing and laundry facility requiring little space for storage can be designed to supplement city water. As much as 49% mitigation of city water usage can be achieved when used with dual flush toilets and water saving washing machines.
For potable or non potable use, a rainwater catchment system must be safe, reliable, and easy to maintain for the customer. Rainwater collection system designs for household usage, potable and non potable are regulated by King County Health Department General Department Policies and Procedures for Rainwater Harvesting: before permitting is awarded. Storage, conveyance, filtration and disinfection must be designed and installed in accordance with plumbing codes for public safety. “Rain water systems that are intended for potable uses must include plans prepared by a licensed professional engineer licensed to practice in Washington AND who is experienced in designing drinking water systems, a group B water system designer licensed by Public Health holding a valid certificate OR accreditation issued by American Water Catchment System Association.”
We all are aware of the commercial building boom in Seattle. With larger roof areas and increased demand on our centralized water systems, many projects are turning to rainwater harvesting to meet the new requirements of retention of runoff water on site. Irrigation, toilet flushing, and wash down systems are being designed with rainwater collection being the source of water as a practical use of this runoff.
RainBank Rainwater Systems meet these projects needs with the most experience in metal tank construction and consulting in design in the Seattle area.
Whether you are on city water, well, or rainwater catchment, leaks cause not only money, but possible damage to crawl spaces, insulation, sheet rock, and flooring. Leaks can be a cause of black mold, which can turn into a health concern in your own home. If you are on a rainwater collection system, 14% of your water use is a considerable loss. Nationwide, water leaks affect our aquifers, reservoirs, and municipal water supplies on a large scale. The cost of water is so inexpensive, many shrug off a small leak as a nuisance, rather than take a proactive response to correct the problem.
Occasional inspections of your water system and plumbing can save thousands of dollars in repairs if caught early – before damage is done. It can be as simple as checking under sinks, looking in the basement at plumbing connections, even turning off all use in the house and monitor the meter for a short period to see if it records any use.
If you’re on a rainwater collection system, gutters and downspouts can be a source of leaks you might not have thought of. The next time it rains, go out and look at your gutters and downspouts. Leaks usually will be from clogged down spouts, resulting in gutters overflowing. Take a look at the seams of downspouts, particularly any horizontal runs. If you find any leaks, repair with a marine adhesive or replace with solid PVC 3” or 4” pipe with glued connections. Look at the connections of your pump and filtration to be sure they show no signs of leaking. A toilet running can use a significant amount of water. If you find your toilet is running continually, check your flush valve and flapper. This is a simple and inexpensive repair that homeowners can conduct themselves.
With simple diligence, leaks can be avoided or fixed, which saves money, time, and water. Be water wise.
Whole house usage requires enough storage to be a viable sustainable system. Buried tanks and slim line tanks make storage requirements possible in restricted areas.
According to the