Tag Archives: potable

Potable, Rainwater Catchment

Does Rainwater Need Treatment for Drinking?

clear-water-glass_smAlthough it is fairly clean at the outset, when it comes in contact with impure surfaces, rainwater may need some treatment before drinking. A rainwater collection system designed with filtration and disinfection will get the job done.

Harmful bacteria, pathogens, and cysts removal is a must in a potable (drinking) rainwater collection disinfection train. This is typically achieved with a class “A” UV light. Flow rates are calculated to achieve the correct amount of contact time with the UV spectrum for proper disinfection. The correct class of UV for a specific application is required. A class “A” UV must be used for water that is not deemed safe to drink. A class “B” is only used for water that has already been safe to drink.

But there are other considerations for water treatment. The raw water must be relatively free of sediments, turbidity, organics and inorganics before entering the UV chamber. The UV spectrum will not be able to penetrate the water column effectively otherwise. Special consideration of environmental constituents should also be addressed for proper treatment.

Environmental concerns can include location of collection area. Where is the house located? Possible hydrocarbons from a nearby freeway would be a concern. Pesticide use from farming or city landscaping maintenance should be considered. Roof material and manufacturing process could pose a health threat and should be addressed – all of which can be corrected with proper filtration, whether it is accomplished with canister elements or back flush devices.

Rainwater is typically acidic, approximately 5.5 to 6.0 ph; nominal being 7.0 ph. The lower ph levels, while not considered harmful to humans, can have a negative effect on plumbing and fixtures. A more nominal ph level can be achieved with proper treatment.

RainBank Rainwater Systems designs and installs custom treatment systems to meet customers’ specific needs.

This Throwback Thursday post was originally published under the title Considerations for Water Treatment

Rainwater Catchment

5 Primary Storage Vessels For Rainwater Collection System

tank below grade w_ concrete foundationAs pervasive drought and aging infrastructure affect our ability to have enough water to meet our household, agricultural and commercial needs, rainwater collection has become a necessary avenue to meet public demand for potable and non-potable water. This post may help you decide among the 5 primary storage vessels when considering a rainwater collection system.

Whether you’re looking for a potable, or non-potable system, storage is always a big decision in the design and installation of a rainwater harvesting system. RainBank Rainwater Systems has experience in installations of buried tanks, plastic above ground tanks and steel tanks to meet its customers’ storage needs.

  1. Buried tanks have less visual impact than that of above ground tanks. Careful planning and engineering is required for this type of installation. Care must be given to surrounding vegetation and tree root systems. Grading and drainage requirements must be met so impact is reduced.
  2. Steel tanks generally can have increased volume and are usually constructed in more of a rural environment. Steel tanks require an engineered slab and must meet seismic requirements. Many find that the industrial look is aesthetically pleasing.
  3. Plastic tanks are the most cost effective and come in many sizes from 50 gallons to 10,000 gallons. Multiple tanks can be manifolded together. While most are guaranteed for UV protection, shading from the sun will increase longevity of the tank.
  4. Slimline tanks offer a compact install for the urban customer, requiring little area for storage. They can be connected together to increase volume.
  5. Cement vault storage under the dwelling can be achieved with proper engineering. This type of storage allows a large volume with no visual impact or area used up for the cistern other than below the structure itself. Care must be given structurally, as well as moisture and condensation concerns need to addressed.

With more than 15 years designing and installing rainwater collection systems in Washington, Oregon, and other states, RainBank Rainwater Systems has the experience, knowledge, and engineering to get the job done right the first time.

This is a throwback Thursday blog post, originally published under the title Choose Right Type of Storage For Water System at RainBank.info

Rainwater Harvesting Education, Sustainability

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.