Category Archives: Residential Rainwater Collection

Rainwater Catchment, Residential Rainwater Collection

Rainwater Collection Systems in Oregon & Northern California

Rainwater Collection Systems in Oregon & Northern CaliforniaWhile Seattle area is the main focus for RainBank Rainwater Collection Systems, we recognize the need for our rainwater harvesting expertise in Oregon and Northern California.

RainBank has recently completed a 10,000 gallon potable rainwater catchment system in Medford, Oregon, for a residence with a low producing well. With approximately 2,000 square feet of roof area and 18 inches of annual rainfall, 22,428 gallons can be collected. This stored water is enough to provide this household with water during the dry season and supplement well use during the rainy seasoned needed.

Many residences in the area are experiencing increased “drawdown” of their wells during the summer months. With an average of 18 inches annual rainfall, a supplementary rainwater collection system will augment a low producing well and provide household water during these dry months.

RainBank looks forward to working with local suppliers in these regions to increase awareness and use of rainwater collection for residential customers.

Rainwater Catchment, Rainwater Harvesting Education, Residential Rainwater Collection

New International Rainwater Harvesting Alliance

New International Rainwater Harvesting AllianceContinuing its efforts to promote rainwater harvesting education and propagation, The American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association and the International Rainwater Harvesting Alliance recently announced a newly formed partnership to work for the inclusion of rainwater harvesting within integrated water resource management strategies and to promote the practice of recharge, retention and use of rainwater.

The mission of IRHA, formed in 2002, is to reinforce and unify the movement of the Rainwater Harvesters and to promote rainwater harvesting as a management of a water resource.

ARCSA, whose mission is to promote sustainable rainwater harvesting practices to help solve potable, non-potable, stormwater and energy challenges throughout the world, hopes the IRHA alliance is the first many.

ARCSA and IRHA agree it is important to raise awareness, share knowledge, and increase local water capacity through rainwater harvesting techniques and project implementation, resulting in local ownership and a shift of project management to non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders in developing countries.

To learn more about this historic partnership toward developing rainwater harvesting education and awareness, please click here.

“Water Drops In Green Stem” courtesy of SweetCrisis / www.freedigitalphotos.net

 

How-to, Rainwater Catchment, Residential Rainwater Collection

How to Maintain a Rainwater Collection System

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How to Maintain a Rainwater Collection SystemWhether your rainwater collection system consists of simple rain barrels or whole house potable usage, maintenance of your system is essential to its successful operation. Simple tasks will keep clean water flowing for years to come with little effort.

Here are tips for how to maintain a rainwater collection system:
  • Gutters should be kept free of leaves and pine needles so as not to create tannins or discoloration of the water.
  • If possible, cisterns should be placed in a shady area so as not to promote algae growth. A screen basket at the entrance of the cistern to keep debris from entering should be cleaned as needed.
  • If a sump tank is used for transferring water to cisterns, periodic cleaning will help keep the water in the cistern cleaner.
  • Any PVC pipe should be painted for UV protection and protected from freezing.
  • Filtration elements should be changed as needed with canisters cleaned at time of changing elements.
  • If the system is for potable use, the UV bulb should be changed per manufacturers recommendations.
  • Shocking the system with chlorine during UV change will help keep the plumbing lines disinfected.
  • Finally, keeping a log of maintenance will help keep a schedule of your tasks.

You can Click Here to download a free copy of RainBank’s recommended maintenance schedule.