Tag Archives: American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association

Rainwater Collection Industry Alliance

wave-64170_640ARCSA (American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association) recently announced an alliance with the Green Water-Infrastructure Academy (GWI), where they will work together to cultivate and execute an integrated “expert-based” and “service-based” process for “information-sharing and research” within the United States and other countries to promote the use of rainwater.

In its announcement, ARCSA reports “Both organizations are dedicated to global water-resource sustainability through knowledge transfer and capacity building. These organizations recognize that rainwater and stormwater are underutilized resources and that their harvest and appropriate uses can alleviate water challenges related to scarcity and poor quality of existing potable and non-potable water sources, stormwater runoff management and energy consumption.”

The rainwater collection industry is riding a wave of growth as individuals and communities become aware of the fragility of our current infrastructure – as aging systems increase potential for lead in pipes carrying water into our homes and businesses. As the industry grows, there is a need for standards and best practices that will result in systems that can provide clean and safe water to the public. This alliance addresses that need for education and standards.

The 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.”

RainBank is a lifetime member of ARCSA, and ARCSA’s Northwest regional representative, RainBank offers workshops for education and promotion of rainwater collection. With 15 years of establishing, applying and promoting rainwater collection best practices, RainBank Rainwater Systems’ practices dovetail with ARCSA’s mission statement.

Where Can You Learn About Rainwater Harvesting?

The American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA) is a rainwater harvesting industry membership organization with a broad range of professionals working in private, city, state, and federal government, academia, designers, installers, manufacturers and suppliers of rainwater harvesting equipment, consultants, and individuals interested in preserving, growing and supporting sustainability through rainwater collection.

arcsalogoThe mission of The American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association is to promote sustainable rainwater harvesting practices to help solve potable, non-potable, stormwater and energy challenges throughout the world.

In 1994, Dr. Hari J. Krishna of Austin, Texas founded the 501(c)(3) non-profit American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA) to bring renewed attention to the ancient practice of rainwater harvesting. For thousands of years collecting rainwater was a common method for providing water, but over the last century, wells and municipal water supplies took over as primary water sources. The diminishing supply of fresh water in wells and aquifers, concerns of quality and population growth are among the top reasons for the resurgence of rainwater catchment. The American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA) was created to promote sustainable rainwater harvesting practices throughout the United States and the world.  Read more.

ARCSA is involved in efforts including:

  • Favorable regulatory atmosphere
  • Educating professionals and the public regarding safe rainwater design, installation and maintenance practices
  • Community outreach education through a volunteer board of directors, augmented by regional directors located in various parts of the United States as well as in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Europe

RainBank Rainwater Systems president Ken Blair is lifetime ARCSA member, ARCSA accredited Professional, ARCSA Systems Inspector, and ARCSA Northwest regional rep. Ken is a available for ARCSA workshops for interested parties as well as local governmental agencies, engineering and architectural firms. Contact Ken using the form below for more information about a workshop for your agency or group.

ARCSA Leadership’s Sound Business Practices

waves-768777_640As we’ve shared in the past, the 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.

Let’s also congratulate ARCSA for its sound business practices and for having attained the GuideStar Exchange Gold participation level, a testament to the organization’s leadership. This level demonstrates ARCSA’s deep commitment to transparency and accountability.

“Through the national and international work of ARCSA’s Board of Directors and its members, representing government, academia, trade groups, and industry, ARCSA is helping to transform a local and renewable water resource into a global solution for water challenges.  This transformation is helping to create jobs, to boost local economies, to improve water quality of receiving waters, and to reduce the dependence on strained municipal clean water supplies.”

You can learn more about ARCSA and rainwater collection by visiting its FAQ page.

ARCSA is engaged in many initiatives for 2015, including its popular annual conference, now in its 11th year, to be held in November in Long Beach CA. This year’s theme is “Beyond The Garden”,  and will offer valuable information about residential and commercial rainwater collection ideas, opportunities, and initiatives – for potable and non potable applications.