Tag Archives: American Water Works Association

Environment

Water Stress Increase

The rise in population along with climate change, influences water stress.

According to an article in American Water Works Association, the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service will modernize its research from 2011 explaining the correlation between watershed health and drinking water supplies.

Sally Claggett, program coordinator for the US Forest Service in Annapolis, MD, writes “Land‐use decisions related to water will become more important as the earth becomes more populated. In the United States, populations continue to grow, which means a larger urban footprint and more water needed for agricultural, industrial, and household uses in the country. So as pressure for clean water increases, land conversion and climate change also apply pressure on the resource. As the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service (USFS) and partners embark on an update to the 2011 Forests to Faucets analysis, the aim is to promote better understanding of the connection between natural landscapes, water quality, and water availability with an eye to the future.”

As populations increase and climate change continues, so does demand for water, inducing water stress.

Click here to read more about the research and scope of study.

Rainwater Catchment

At What Point is Rainwater Collection Too Expensive?

water-49024_640Collecting rainwater for potable and non-potable use should carry the importance of what it is “a safe, reliable source of drinking water” that protects the health and welfare of its users. What is that worth? At what point do we consider rainwater collection to be too expensive? Only hire those that are qualified, not those who are the cheapest.

As rainwater collection becomes an increasingly accepted, sustainable method of water conservation, costs have risen due to design and implementation regulations, as well as major components improvements. As in any industry, qualifications of designers and installers are, and should be scrutinized.

Liabilities need to be addressed for potable and non-potable use, not just for the designer or installer, but for the owner of the system as well.

For non-potable application, care must be given that fixtures, as well as plumbing, are clearly identified as “non-potable water unsafe to drink” and plumbed in such a way that cross contamination to potable water does not occur.  A reduced pressure backflow assemblies (RPBA) or air gap must be installed on city water side of plumbing if non-potable water is connected to any building or dwelling plumbing system. This protects the safety and welfare of users and their guests. A qualified designer/ installer must remain current with plumbing codes that are in effect for rainwater collection.

For potable application, great care must be given to design and installation, after all we’re talking about drinking water and the safety of the user and their guests. EPA standards of quality of drinking water must be met, or the designer, installer, and homeowner can be liable. The American Water Works Association (WWAA), the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) along with the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA) have written plumbing code for RWC which are continuously being updated. The designer needs to know what he or she is trying to remove from the raw water and use the best method of filtration and disinfection to protect the safety and welfare of others. All components including storage, conveyance, filtering, and disinfection must meet National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) requirements for drinking water.

Many counties in Washington State, including King County, require a licensed engineer, with experience in rainwater systems, or an individual who holds a class B water designer certificate or an ARCSA AP. Professionals that are installing pressurized systems are required to have a plumber’s license. This regulation helps protect the health and welfare of the system owner. ARCSA APs must submit continuing education credits to stay current with their endorsement.

We’ll let you decide when RWC is too expensive, but encourage you to consider the value of having your system installed safely and to meet city, county, state and federal mandates.