Category Archives: Residential Rainwater Collection

Infrastructure, Rainwater Catchment, Residential Rainwater Collection

Skagit County Water Rights Battle

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The ongoing battle of water rights continues in Skagit County – with Senate Bills 5129, 5136, & 5407 introduced by Republican Senators Bailey & Pearson. The bills, if passed, would repeal some in stream flow rules from the original 2001 ruling. 

On January 15, 2015, Department of Ecology Director Maia Bellon denied the petition to reallocate water from the Skagit river and its tributaries.  According to an article in The Skagit Valley Herald “In her response to the petition, Bellon said that finding durable, legal water solutions for homes and businesses was a priority for Ecology, and that they are “working very hard to help resolve water supply concerns for Skagit Basin residents.” 

Also mentioned in the GoSkagit.com article, Zach Barborinas representing Just Water Alliance, commented that “Ecology should set aside water first and for most for human domestic use.”

Swinomish Tribe Chairman Brian Cladoosby stated “the tribe has a high threshold for lawsuits, but if parties break an agreement with the tribe or break the law, the tribe is willing to go to court.”

The three senate bills introduced by the Senate Committee challenges the 2001 ruling of exempt wells in the Skagit river basin and its tributaries which according to Ecology and the Swinomish tribe “would adversely effect salmon habitat.”

Since rainwater collection for potable use was approved by Skagit County in 2014 for single family residence, a solution to this lengthy expensive battle could be readily at hand. Promotion, incentives, or grants for the age-old practice of rainwater harvesting should be in place to supply residences affected by this ruling. Rainwater Collection is a safe, viable source of water, and is most often a cleaner source than well water. The Department of Ecology states that rainwater collection is beneficial to in stream flow rates and salmon habitat.

Residential Rainwater Collection

How to Achieve Potable Harvested Rainwater with UV Disinfection

file0002019685404UV disinfection is the most common method used in residential rainwater collection systems.

UV light is generated by  supplying voltage across a mixture of gas, causing a discharge of photons, disrupting the DNA of microorganisms which prevents them from reproducing.  If the microorganism cannot replicate, it cannot infect, so viruses, bacteria, Cryptosporidium and Giardia cyst threats are effectively reduced.

A residential UV system typically consists of a power supply (ballast), a UV lamp housed in a Quartz sleeve inside a stainless steel chamber. The flow is directed close to the UV light while passing through the chamber. Effects of turbidity or clarity of the water before entering the chamber must be reduced by proper filtration upstream. Sediment and carbon filtration is used to reduce solids and solution contaminants, which can reduce the effects of UV disinfection. Filtration and UV bulb most be routinely changed in order for all to work effectively. It is recommended to follow manufacturer’s instructions closely, and filters should be changed out as needed.

Some UV systems offer an alarm or sensor with solenoid shut down if the UV system is not working properly. A class “A” UV is the only system considered to purify water that has NOT been deemed “safe to drink”, therefore caution is recommended in the use of a class “B” filter which maybe more tempting to use because of price. The difference between the two is the dosage of the UV light; the lower dose is not as effective in disinfecting. If a more advanced filtration system is used prior to disinfection, you can increase the effectiveness of the class “B”, but caution must be taken for proper results.

UV disinfection provides a relatively low cost, dependable, efficient, chemical free method of water purification that the homeowner can operate to disinfect his or her water supply.

With proper design, installation, and maintenance, clean, safe, and dependable potable water can be achieved from UV disinfection and rainwater collection.

Residential Rainwater Collection

Does Skagit County Allow Potable Rainwater Collection?

RWC snowIs Skagit County allowing potable rainwater collection for single family construction?

WSR 13-21-044 “in stream resources protection program” and “minimum water flows & levels” are in full effect without the 2006 amendments validated as of 10-11-13. The supreme court upheld the Dept. of Ecologies findings and the 2001 original decisions. (see)  www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wr/nwro/skagit-wtrsolut.html

More than 5,000 land owners are affected in the Skagit River Basins and many are wondering what to do for a source of water to develop their properties. The Dept. of Ecology has determined that rainwater collection actually augments “instream flow rates, and encourages its use , (see)  www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wr/hq/rwh.html

Additionally, from the Department of Ecology WA State…

Alternative Water Supplies – “We encourage Skagit and Snohomish County to remove any remaining obstacles to property owner’s use of rainwater and trucked-in water for property owners who find this option attractive and who wish to build without delay.”

Skagit County is allowing alternative sources such as rainwater collection for residential single source use, but should also be encouraging those who have no other viable source. For more information go to www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/HealthEnvironment/watermain.html or contact Skagit County Health Dept.

Of course, RainBank is available for consultation and offers assistance with the permitting process to its customers.