Category Archives: Residential Rainwater Collection

Rainwater Catchment, Residential Rainwater Collection

Underground Rainwater Storage

2 Comments

Green Tank ExcavationMore urban customers are inquiring about underground storage for rainwater catchment systems. With limited space in a typical city backyard and the desire to keep what little space there is unobstructed by large cisterns, buried tanks are the solution.

underground tankThe decision to choose underground storage comes with added costs.

Below grade cisterns require considerations and costs that are not typical with above ground storage. Structural requirements, added excavation, and drainage are factors in costs. The costs of engineering and materials add to the manufacturing costs of below grade cisterns. Added labor, such as excavation, more than likely will include the need to export soil off the site and the import of drain rock. Buried tanks require cement hold-downs and proper drainage of tank placement to eliminate possible floatation of the tank when water levels in the tank are low and ground water levels are high. Below grade cisterns can be 2 to 2.5 times more expensive than above ground to design, purchase and install properly.

Buried tanksExperience in below grade cistern design and installation is the key factor in the success and costs of the project. Understanding the added costs before hand will help ease sticker shock.

 

Infrastructure, Residential Rainwater Collection

Can You Disconnect from a Municipal Water Supply?

drinking water from fountainWhile you cannot disconnect from most municipal water supplies in Washington State, you can include a non-potable rainwater collection system as a supplementary source statewide.

Since October 2009 Washington State legislature has accepted rainwater collection for non-potable use for residential and commercial application. Irrigation, toilet flushing, laundry facility and wash down are all acceptable usage of rainwater.

King, Jefferson, Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom counties have all adopted potable use of rainwater for a single-family residence as supplemental. Most allow for sole source or off grid use if there is a “hardship” involved with a well or community water source. Some cities within these counties do not allow potable use therefore it is recommended that homeowners who are considering rainwater harvesting should check with their county and city health departments for regulations and requirements.

RainBank’s President Ken Blair actively works with counties and cities to promote the practice of rainwater collection for potable use. With aging infrastructure, increasing demand, and water quality concerns, rainwater collection is being recognized as a viable source of drinking water.

Depending on your roof size, annual rainfall, and demand, you can supplement up to 100% of your household use. An average 2,000 square foot home with 36″ annual rainfall will yield over 44,000 gallons annually. Whether you are building a new home or own an existing home, urban or rural, rainwater catchment can provide a safe, reliable source of water, with quality of water exceeding most well and public water sources. A properly designed and constructed system with quality filtration and ultraviolet disinfection is easily maintained by the homeowner, allowing the homeowner to be in charge of their household water.

RainBank Rainwater Systems has been designing and installing potable rainwater catchment systems for 15 years and President Ken Blair is an American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA) accredited professional, Inspector Specialist, ARCSA Northwest Regional Representative, and lifetime ARCSA member.

Commercial Rainwater Harvesting, Rainwater Catchment, Residential Rainwater Collection

Rainwater Collection is Ramping Up

In a recent article for Forester Network, about the growing rainwater collection industry, ARCSA president David Crawford says, “The field is really ramping up…”

The article goes on to explain, “There are a variety of methods of collecting rainwater – rain barrels, aboveground or underground cisterns, and other collection devices. Such harvested rainwater is frequently used for irrigation, but can also be a source of water for flushing toilets, washing vehicles, and, in some cases, for drinking water.”

Starting off the year by hitting the ground running, RainBank Rainwater Systems of Seattle is currently designing and building systems from Portland, Oregon to Whatcom County, Washington.

As the industry grows beyond a small niche market and becomes mainstream, RainBank has met the call for new steel water tank options in the Washington commercial and residential market with Contain Water Systems Inc – which carry a 20 year, industry high, warranty.

1-onequarter inch coarse filter_RainBankA dealer for Wisy products, Davey Pumps and Viaqua ultra violet disinfection systems – are all available from RainBank (contact us for more information). Additionally, RainBank recognizes the need for ease of ordering rainwater system components online from a local dealer and is continuing to build its website shopping cart.

RainBank Rainwater Systems has 15 years experience in the rainwater harvesting industry and is recognized by top engineering firms, architects and builders in the Pacific Northwest for consulting, design, and construction as the most knowledgeable, experienced, and trusted firm available. Contact RainBank today.