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Rainwater Catchment

Can Rainwater Catchment Help Protect Resources that Attract Tourism?


Large black tank beside a red corrugated metal building under a tree.Big Butte Springs supplies the majority of the Rogue Valley, OR water needs. Water usage at local residences is typically more than three times higher during the summer than the winter.

Can rainwater catchment help protect resources that attract tourism?

During the summer months, when water usage more than triples, Medford utilizes water from the Rogue River as well. Annual rainfall is18.31 inches, with only 1.87 inches of rainfall during the dry season (June through September). A population of over 76,000 increases use dramatically during the summer months withtourism, contributing to the demand on water resources.

What are the effects of these demands on the river, the very attraction that draws tourists during those summer months? Could the effects of the increased “draw down” of the river affect the salmon run? What impact does this have on tourism for Medford, Oregon?

Conservation of a fragile ecosystem involves investing in alternative technologies (like rainwater catchment), changing or improving existing practices and implementing different measures to increase the sustainability of our resources. Protecting our natural environment while protecting jobs in a small town dependent on summer tourism can be achieved with small practical changes.

How-to, Rainwater Catchment, Residential Rainwater Collection

How to Maintain a Rainwater Collection System

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A charming two-story barn with white-trimmed windows and doors.Whether your rainwater collectionsystem consists of simple rain barrels or whole house potable usage, maintenance of your system is essential to its successful operation. Simple tasks will keep clean water flowing for years to come with little effort.

Here are tips for how to maintain a rainwater collection system:
  • Gutters should be kept free of leaves and pine needles so as not to create tannins or discoloration of the water.
  • If possible, cisterns should be placed in a shady area so as not to promote algae growth. A screen basket at the entrance of the cistern to keep debris from entering should be cleaned as needed.
  • If a sump tank is used for transferring water to cisterns, periodic cleaning will help keep the water in the cistern cleaner.
  • Any PVC pipe should be painted for UV protection and protected from freezing.
  • Filtration elements should be changed as needed with canisters cleaned at time of changing elements.
  • If the system is for potable use, the UV bulb should be changed per manufacturers recommendations.
  • Shocking the system with chlorine during UV change will help keep the plumbing lines disinfected.
  • Finally, keeping a log of maintenance will help keep a schedule of your tasks.

You can Click Here to download a freecopy of RainBank’srecommended maintenance schedule.

Rainwater Catchment, Residential Rainwater Collection

Can Average Seattle Homeowner Benefit From Rainwater Collection?


A metal-roofed, cone-shaped greenhouse surrounded by greenery.A study by the American Water Works Association to determine end use of water in 100 single family homes was conducted back in 1999. Even though the study is dated, it is a good indicator of average single family usage with regard to rainwater collection.

The study finds that 27.7 % total household use of water is used in toilet flushing and 20.9% total household water use is by laundry facility. These uses can be improved by low usage fixtures such as dual flush toilets and front load washers, however, they do indicate an average of 48.6 % water consumption by these two fixtures.

By installing a rainwater collection system for this usage, homeowners can realizesignificant savings on their water and sewer bill in the Seattle area. Considering the expected price increases over the next 5 – 10 years on these utilities, a return in investment is a reasonable expectation.

New home construction in the Seattle area is required to mitigate roof runoff onimpervious surfaces on site. Costs of infiltration can be expensive. A well-designed and installed rainwater catchment system uses this runoff water for domestic use rather than infiltration. By redirecting the costs of infiltration design and construction and considering the savings on water and sewer bills, the average Seattle home owner can see a significant cost savings as well as a return on investment.

Rainwater cistern photo courtesy ofwater.epa.gov