Tag Archives: non potable water system

Rainwater Catchment

Sustainable Rainwater Harvesting Practices


Speaker at podium during ARCSA event with display table beside him.RainBank Rainwater Systems president Ken Blair isARCSA’sWestern Regional Representative

RainBank Rainwater Systems president Ken Blair is excited to accept the position of Western Regional Representative for the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA), whose mission is “to promote sustainable rainwater harvesting practices to help solve potable, and non-potable, stormwater and energy challenges throughout the world.”

Ken has more thanten years’ experience in design and installation of systems and supports ARCSA as a lifetime member. He is an accredited professional, inspector specialist, as well as a published contributor to magazine articles, case studies, books and publications.

Ken will be reaching out to local agencies and community organizations to educate them on best practices and benefits of rainwater collection and sustainable rainwater harvesting. RainBank Rainwater Systems will share scheduled ARCSA events on our blog, as well as lending a hand with ARCSA events and education classes. Ken will be an advisor to the education committee of ARCSA and will assist with planning of local events and classes.

If you are interested in more information, or have questions or comments concerning rainwater collection, please contact Ken Blair using the easy form below.

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How-to, Rainwater Harvesting Education

What is the Key to Having a Safe Source of Water From Your Rainwater Collection System?


This is Part 8 in the series. Click to see partsone,two,three,four, five,sixand sevenof “How to Build a Rainwater Collection System”.

Two large rolls of plastic wrap, one white and one brown.Whether potable (drinking water) or non potable (irrigation, toilet, laundry), filtration and disinfection are key to having a clean and safe source of water from your rainwater collection system. Of course, pre-screening the rainwater before it enters the storage tank is essential as discussed in part 3of this series. Filtration for a non potable irrigation system consists of a sediment filter after the pressure pump.

A 5 micron poly sediment cartridge filter will keep particles from clogging your soaker hoses and emitters. Cartridge filters come in various sizes. Smaller 2″x 8″ filters will need to be changed more often. Whereas larger cartridge filters, if not used regularly can hold bacteria and develop a bad odor. Generally for average irrigation needs, a 4″ x 10″ 5 micron poly sediment cartridge filter will do the job. Be sure to remove and discard the cartridge after the watering season so filter does not go sour during the non-use months.

Two large rolls of plastic wrap, one white and one brown.For non potable, toilet flushing and laundry facility systems,it is recommended to add a 10 Micron carbon filter. This filter will remove organics and inorganics, color and odor from you stored rainwater. By having the cheaper 5 micron sediment filter upstream of the more expensive 10 micron carbon filter you will save money by not fouling the carbon filter with particulate less than 5 Microns. Depending on how much use for this type of system, a 4″ x 20″ cartridge will mean less changing of filtration. If the system is to be shut down for a lengthy period, it is recommended that filter cartridges be removed so water will not become septic by decaying bacteria.

Lastly if a potable system is desired, a 1 micron absolute filter that is certified NSF 61 for cyst removal is recommended downstream from the sediment and carbon filter. A 1 micron absolute sediment filter will remove cysts but is not intended to be the final disinfection for potable water. Again, a 4″ x 20″ cartridge will mean less change outs of the filter. A 1 micron absolute filter is intended to be used in addition to UV sterilization. With the UV to be the final element in the treatment system. We will discuss UV disinfection in part 9 of this series (check the box below to receive new posts via email).

Regular inspection and maintenance of your filtration system will insure safe, and proper operation of your potable and non potable rainwater catchment system.