Rainwater Collection Helps Mitigate Urban Storm Water Runoff

Federal Way Washdown_RainBankLLC_webWith less vegetation, more square footage of impervious surfaces, and more population density, cities contribute to the bulk of storm water runoff. Rethinking how we control storm water in our urban environments is essential to the health of our bodies of water.  During large rain events, a sewer system can be overwhelmed with runoff, causing intentional releases, with pollutants entering our rivers, lakes, bays, and estuaries.

The use of on site infiltration is mandatory for new construction, along with other practices such as swales along our roads rather than raised medians.  Green roofs, green areas within our cities and the use of rainwater collection all have a positive impact on storm water runoff. Common sense approaches to storm water within our cities is crucial to the health of our environment.

Rainwater collection for commercial construction and residential not only helps mitigate storm water run off, but also helps protect our water supplies by using rain water for irrigation, toilet facility, and other uses. The city of Federal Way in Washington state implemented rainwater collection for its new school maintenance facility by using rainwater for school bus wash down during the school year, and during the summer uses the collected water for irrigation.

Potential Unexpected Costs From GSI Mandate

Potential Unexpected Costs From GSI MandateThe GSI mandate or “Green Stormwater Infrastructure” can create unexpected costs for new commercial and residential construction. Controlling storm water through GSI compliance requires on-site infiltration and/or use.

Roof runoff, along with impervious surfaces, contributes to overwhelmed stormwater systems, which may result in pollutants entering our waterways and wetlands. A design using both methods of rainwater collection and infiltration can be the most cost-effective, while being beneficial to the environment.

Potential Unexpected Costs From GSI Mandate2Directing roof runoff for irrigation, toilets, laundry, or even pre-infiltration potable water, will reduce costs from municipal water supplies. During the rainy season, collected water can supply these uses while overflow from the cistern can be directed to infiltration. Irrigation in the summer months being supplied by the desired amount allocated from storage will enable the rain garden or infiltration system to be sized for a smaller amount of runoff while supplementing city water usage.

Rainwater Catchment is a Viable Source of Clean Water for Home

Seattle Downtown After RainSeattle residents are discovering that rainwater catchment is a viable source of clean water for their homes.

Many Seattle residents are having rainwater collection systems designed and installed to augment their city water usage.  A simple rain barrel system that the home owner can install is just the tip of the iceberg for the increased use of rainwater collection.

Irrigation demands of landscaping are being met by rainwater catchment in urban environments by residential and commercial consumers. Whether the application is for new construction or existing buildings and homes, many are opting for a greener way to control stormwater runoff. While new construction is mandated to infiltrate on-site runoff from roofs, existing buildings and homes are discovering rainwater collection can offset their water and sewer bill.

Rainwater is generally without chlorine or additives that city water has and is beneficial to the healthy growth of plants. A simple rain barrel system for small irrigation needs is easy to install and can supply enough water for a limited amount of irrigation. Larger systems for irrigation can be achieved with underground cistern or slimline tanks. These systems are generally gravity fed to the cisterns and pressurized with a booster pump to faucets or hose bibs.

Rainwater catchment for irrigation demands is the introduction to household usage such as toilet and or laundry facility systems. Approximately 50% of household use of water is for these purposes. Whole house use of filtered, disinfected rainwater can supplement city water usage with quality, safe, potable water thus reducing monthly water and sewer bills. An automated system, when designed and properly installed, allows a homeowner or commercial building maintenance personnel, hands-free switching from city to rainwater.

Seattle Downtown After Rain” by ruoyun is licensed under CCby2.0

Rainwater Systems