Professional Development

ARCSA Professional Development for Rainwater Harvesting Professionals – January 2015

arcsa-new-logoRainBank is ARCSA’s Northwest Regional Representative and will share and promote ARCSA’s mission to promote sustainable rainwater harvesting practices to help solve potable, non-potable, stormwater and energy challenges throughout the world.

Here are some upcoming ARCSA education opportunities that would benefit rainwater harvesting industry professionals at varying levels of professional development.  Subscribe to RainBank’s blog (check box below) to receive more notifications, or subscribe directly to ARCSA’s newsletter.

 

Rainwater Catchment

Where Does a Rainwater Collection System Begin?

gabled houseA Rainwater collection system begins at the roof and ends at point of entry or use.

A well designed rainwater collection system considers what type of roofing material is to be used as the collection surface and what environmental hazards may be present in the surrounding area.

For instance, collecting rainwater for potable usage from a roof adjacent to a stockyard would not be a good idea, for airborne particulate from fecal matter can land on the roof.  Additionally, collecting from a roof near an interstate could have petroleum deposits. Cedar is poisonous, therefore should not be considered for collection for a potable system. Check with the manufacturer of any asphalt shingle type roofing for possible contaminants used in manufacturing.

It is recommended that a “raw water” sample be taken from the downspout and tested for contaminants before construction of a potable system.

Metal is the best choice of roofing material for collecting rainwater for potable usage, however clay, ceramic tile, fiberglass, and plastics are all compatible with collecting rainwater for potable use. Other materials can be considered if not used for potable usage or if carefully evaluated for safety.

“Gabled Houses” courtesy of duron123 / www.freedigitalphotos.net

Do you have more questions about your rainwater collection system?  Contact us!

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.

Rainwater Systems