Tag Archives: potable

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.

Rainwater Catchment

Drought and Climate Change Fuel Demand for Rainwater Collection

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clouds-21041_640For Immediate Release

For more info, contact Sonia Schenker
[email protected], www.rainbank.info

August 5, 2015

Drought and Climate Change Fuel Demand for Rainwater Collection

Climate change is undeniably altering the global landscape. Here in the US, President Obama’s Clean Power Plan addresses the climate predicament by introducing a new rule requiring power plants to cut carbon dioxide emissions to 32 percent below 2005 levels by 2030.

In one of the most severe droughts on record, Californians are forced to conserve water, and after Governor Brown’s mandate, have reduced water use by 27.3% in the first month that the new emergency conservation regulation was in effect. Many Californians have begun collecting rainwater and graywater, learning that even a small amount of rain goes a long way when watering plants and flushing toilets.

In Washington State, the record shattering hot, dry weather is affecting stream flows and endangering fish, as more than 80 percent of Washington’s rivers and streams are running at below normal or record low flows. The health department reports that water systems are switching to emergency water supplies, driven by the demand for water created by 90-degree temperatures.

Since 2013, RainBank Rainwater Systems has experienced a striking increase in projects for potable and non-potable rainwater collection system designs and installations for commercial and residential applications. While located in the Seattle area, covering King County, many requests for systems come from Skagit County, as residents are affected by limited water availability due to the Skagit Instream Flow Rule. A good portion of rainwater systems on the San Juan Islands were built by RainBank, with most of them still operating effectively, even more than ten years later. With drought conditions deepening, RainBank also receives inquiries from Oregon and northern California.

In line with its progressive attitude toward the flourishing rainwater collection industry, RainBank is pleased to announce that it has assembled a team of professionals to meet the increased demand for rain harvesting systems:

kenKen Blair, President, ARCSA AP, IS

A rainwater collection systems designer and consultant, Ken has designed and installed residential and commercial, potable and non potable systems, primarily in the northwest United States for 15 years and, also consults for and manages builds nationwide. Ken is an accredited ARCSA Professional, Inspector Specialist, Designer / Installer and Life Member, a Pacific Coastal Regional ARCSA representative and advisor to its education committee. Architects, engineers, government agencies and related professional associations rely on Ken to provide lectures or participate on expert panels to discuss Rainwater Collection Systems design and builds. Ken is a United States Navy veteran, having served on active duty during the Vietnam War era. He attained the rate of E-4 Machinist Mate.

Chad LindslyChad Lindsly:  Chad has been an energetic member of the RainBank team since September 2013, working as a consultant, designer, foreman and installer of residential and commercial rainwater systems. A mechanical engineer, Chad earned a degree from Michigan State University and has seven years’ project management with a focus on resource conservation – including water collection, reuse and treatment for residential and manufacturing processes.  He also has four years’ previous experience in commercial and residential building and residential renovation. Chad’s strong pull toward sustainability is prevalent in his solid work ethic, which makes him a good fit for RainBank’s progressive outlook toward rainwater systems.

TracyBellTracy Bell:  As a former co-owner of Clearview Mechanical Inc., Tracy brings his 30+ years’ experience in alternative energy and water systems, commercial and residential new construction & renovation, off-grid and semi-grid living, and problem solving skills to the RainBank team. A Seattle native, Tracy is a 30-year licensed Journeyman commercial plumber and pipefitter; a licensed commercial property and residential home inspector.  Tracy is an avid organic gardener, enthusiastic fisherman, treasure hunter, reclaimed and sustainable materials artist; and he is an ardent social entrepreneur.

Sonia Schenker HeadshotSonia Schenker, Administrator
(Chief Virtual Officer):  Sonia has worked behind the scenes as an administrator for RainBank since January 2010. She has 25 plus years’ experience as an executive administrative assistant and also teaches modern office options to adults seeking to improve workplace skills. Based in the northeast US, Sonia manages and advises on all business aspects for RainBank Rainwater Systems, including blog, website and social media management and overall business strategy.

Rainwater collection is a sustainable tool for combatting climate change, drought and aging infrastructure.

As rainwater collection for potable and non-potable applications moves into the mainstream, RainBank encourages prospective users, commercial and residential, to vet a potential designer, contractor or installer and use only those that have the appropriate credentials to ensure systems meet all technical, legal and health mandates.

About RainBank Rainwater Systems: RainBank is an ARCSA accredited designer and installer of rainwater systems for both potable (drinking water) and non-potable for landscaping irrigation and toilet flushing. RainBank’s full-service approach offers design, installation and packaged systems from 2,500 gallons to 50,000 gallons. RainBank’s customers are eco-friendly homeowners and commercial establishments. RainBank provides customers with an integrated, progressive and modern approach to sustainable water systems.

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To download this media release, click here.

Rainwater Catchment, Residential Rainwater Collection

When is Permitting Required for a Seattle Rainwater System?

When is permitting required for a rainwater collection system in Seattle?

wave-499476_640According to Department of Ecology, State of Washington, collecting rainwater is nothing new. Humans have been doing so for thousands of years. Washington State Department of Ecology began allowing rainwater collection without a water rights permit in October 2009.

In January 2011, King County Department of Health adopted rainwater collection for potable use for detached single-family dwellings. The policy applies to systems intended to capture and store rainwater from surfaces for supply to plumbing fixtures. Systems that supply untreated rainwater to serve non-potable fixtures may be used for both residential and nonresidential occupancies. Systems that treat rainwater for potable use may be used only in detached single-family dwellings.

Rainwater systems are subject to plan review and applicable fees by the Department of Health and the Building Department. Harvested rainwater that is not treated to potable standards may only be used for water closets, urinals, hose bibs, industrial applications, domestic clothes washing, irrigation and water features.

Rainwater collection systems require a water use permit by King County Department of Heath. A non-pressurized stand-alone irrigation system does not require permitting. All pressurized systems do require review and permitting by King County Heath.

Systems for residential, potable use must be designed by a licensed engineer with experience in water systems design, an individual with a group B water systems designer licensed by King County Health, or an American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA) accreditation.