Category Archives: Residential Rainwater Collection

Rainwater Collection is Viable Alternative to Well Water

rural residential rainwater harvestingRural residents are finding that rainwater collection can be a viable alternative to well water.  Since rainwater is generally cleaner than surface water and well water, a rainwater system that is properly designed and installed can supply a household with good, clean water for potable use.

In a residential setting, the average person uses 30 to 50 gallons per day.  For a 2-person household, that would be 3,000 gallons per month.  A 2,000 sq ft roof will yield over 44,000 gallons of rainwater with 36 inches of annual rainfall, which is more than enough to supply a residence.

Steel and plastic water tanks are economical to install when considering the cost of a having a drilled well.

residential rainwater collectionRainBank will be happy to calculate your potential yield of available rainwater from your roof.  Contact us using the form below.

How to Build a Rainwater Harvesting System – Part 3

This is the third in a series on how to build a rainwater harvesting system.  Click to read the first and second articles on this topic.

pollenAfter the first flush device, secondary screening is needed before raw rainwater enters the storage tank or cistern. A fine mesh stainless steel screen should be ordered with your rainwater storage tank. Be sure each tank that is receiving rain from a downspout has a screen. The screen is easily removed for periodic cleaning.

During pollen season, a layer of cheesecloth or a manufactured cloth filter liner should be installed to keep pollen out of the storage area. Both cheesecloth or the cloth filter can be rinsed and reused many times before a replacement is needed.

vortex filterA vortex filter for underground transfer from gutter to a sump tank is a good way to remove debris before rainwater is pumped to the cistern. Only periodic cleaning of the vortex filter is needed. Vortex filters should meet the roof size requirements to work effectively and installed per the manufacturer’s recommendations. A vortex filter can be used instead of a first flush device when mounted between the gutter and the cistern.

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Rainwater Catchment Association Profiles RainBank

Rainwater Catchment Association Profiles RainBankThe mission of the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA) is to promote sustainable rainwater harvesting practices to help solve potable, non-potable, stormwater and energy challenges throughout the world. Visit ARCSA on Facebook.

RainBank is an ARCSA accredited designer and installer of rainwater collection, rainwater harvesting and rainwater storage systems and also designs water systems.  Click here to read ARCSA’s profile of RainBank’s efforts in rainwater collection and harvesting.