Tag Archives: ARCSA

Rainwater Catchment

Big Box Stores Embrace Rainwater Harvesting


Close-up of a worn, metallic fountain pen nib on a black surface.In the June ARCSA newsletter, Dr. Hari J. Krishna, ARCSA Founder & Past President,Austin, Texas writes:

“My mission for the past 25 years has been to help people become aware of the benefits of rainwater harvesting, and to make the technique as popular a practice as possible. It is with that intent that I founded ARCSA and have been pleased with all the progress we have made, thanks to the efforts of many others who have followed me at ARCSA and contributed greatly over the years.

In 2010, I met with managers of several local big box stores such as Home Depot, Lowe’s and Sam’s to encourage them to start selling rain barrels. Most of them did not know what I was talking about, so it was more of an educational process to make them aware, but it still did not yield the desired results. I was told that there was plenty of city water available, and that there was no need to collect rain water. Then shortly thereafter, we got hit with a crippling multi-year drought in Texas, and when water restrictions were imposed, folks began recognizing the value of rainwater. So ironically, the drought helped bring rainwater harvesting into focus. I see a sharp increase in big box stores selling rain barrels.”

Read more about rainwater news from ARCSAhere.

Potable, Rainwater Catchment

Is Rainwater Clean and Safe to Drink?


A clear glass of water placed upside down on a countertop.Rainwater is generally considered clean to begin with, however, water is an excellent medium for growth and transport of disease causing organisms.

The good news is rainwater is relatively easy to filter and disinfect, and disinfected rainwater may significantly improve drinking water supplies.

The clean water act of 1974 and recent amendments have enhanced the protection of drinking water. But, news bulletins throughout the United States of contaminated municipal supplies have spawned an increased interest in rainwater harvesting as a source of drinking water. People are looking toward alternatives to an aging, overwhelmed infrastructure to provide a safe, clean source of drinking water for the household and family.

Water quality problems associated with rainwater harvesting systems most often originate in the catchment area, conveyance system, or storage components caused by:

  • System was poorly maintained
  • Collected water was not properly disinfected
  • Conveyance and storage were poorly designed
  • Simple measures were not taken toensure the quality of the water

All harvested rainwater that is intended for potable use must be treated effectively to minimize the risk of harming human health. To ensure a RWH system is producing high quality water, proper techniques in design, construction and maintenance along with testing need to be conducted.

Recent plumbing codes set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) along with the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA) have been adopted at the national level and must be adhered to by designers and contractors installing rainwater collection systems meant for potable and non potable use.

Rainwater harvesting can be a safe, reliable source of drinking water if codes and practices are conducted. Ask if your designer and installer are ARCSA Accredited Professionals and are up to date on the latest plumbing codes.

Rainwater Catchment

How to Find a Rainwater Harvesting Contractor


A row of houses behind a field and trees under a clear sky.When we start a project of some magnitude, we wantto finda trained professional. Right? We want to find the best mechanic for our car, the top electrician to light our homes and businesses, and we certainly want the highest credentialedcontractor when it comes to providing safe, life-sustaining clean water. Ask yourself:

How can I find a qualifiedcompany to design and install my rainwater collection system?

ARCSA (American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association) is a non profit organization designed to educate and promote rainwater collection.

Seminars, conferences, continuing education, and resources are a few advantages that ARCSA members can benefit from, giving ARCSA members a host of opportunities to advance in the industry. After all, it was ARCSA members thatintroduced Rainwater Collection to be a viable source forwater and storm water runoff solutions.

RainBank Rainwater Collection Systems is a lifetime member and an accredited professional of ARCSA, as well as a leader in design and installations in the Seattle Area andthroughout Washington State.

Here are some frequently asked(and answered) questionscoveredby ARCSA.

There are many choices – which may be confusing – when choosing a contractor. Seattle based RainBank wantsto be your supplier of steel tanks and rainwater systems components in the Pacific Northwest – as well as your go-to designer, installerand rainwater harvesting consultant. Use the form below to contact us today.

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