Tag Archives: potable

Potable, Residential Rainwater Collection

Skagit County Water Source


Close-up of a worn, metallic fountain pen nib on a black surface.RainBank Rainwater Systems hasbroken through the barriers that have restricted rainwater collection as anapproved water source for single family residences in Skagit County.

With the instream flow rules,many property owners in the Skagit River Basin were unable to develop their properties. WA State Department of Ecology encouraged SkagitCounty to adopt the practice as a solution that would benefit the river and salmon habitat, while providing a viable water source. Limited permittingfor the affected areas was consideredas recently as 2015.

A group of residents from Guemas Island petitioned the county to accept rainwater for potable use for homes that were experiencing salt water intrusion in their wells. RainBank Rainwater Systems, along Tim Pope, ARCSA educator and pastpresident, met with Skagit County in January 2017 to encourage acceptanceof potable rainwater collection as a viablealternative source,not only in the instream flow rules affected areasbut to those who are experiencing other hardships regarding potable water.

RainBank Rainwater Systems is pleased with the recent design approvals from Skagit County forpotable residentialRWC systemsoutside the instream flow rules, allowing for more property owners in Skagit County. We look forward to assisting Skagit Countyresidents with their dreams of developing or purchasing properties with limited water resources.

Residential Rainwater Collection

Quality of Harvested Rainwater


Close-up of a worn, metallic fountain pen nib on a black surface.Whether your rainwater harvesting system is for non-potable or potable use, there are key factors thatdictate the quality of that collected water and the success ofyour system.Collection surfaces shouldbe compatible with intended usage. Whilean asphalt shingle roofmaylend itself for collectionof a non-potable demand, abaked enamel, metal roof would be preferred for potable use.

Rainwater thathas beencollectedin a manner that reducesdebris and contamination will store betterthan that whichhas not. Bacterial growth can be kept to a minimum by prescreening and aerating rainwater entering storage. Diffusing, or calming water entering storage will reduce disturbance ofany sediment, allowing microorganismsto do their job by eating bacteria. All inlets and outlets of cistern(s) should be screened and protected from insects and vermin entering the storage tank.Mid-level in the water column is the cleanest source of water to be delivered to the pressure pump and can be achieved with a floating/screened suction.

Properly designed and installed conveyance and storage should require little maintenance, but should be looked after by the purveyor. Gutter system and screens should be inspected and cleaned as needed, especially during pollen season. Debrisin the gutter should not be allowed to enter the conveyance lines.Periodic inspections will reduce the buildup of unwanted debris that may cause odor or discoloration of your stored water.

Byconveying and storing your harvested rainwaterproperly, yourpressurizing and filtration system will operate to its greatest potential, producing quality domestic water for bothnon-potable and potable demands.

Rainwater Catchment, Sustainability

The Greenest Residence in the Country


Close-up of a worn, metallic fountain pen nib on a black surface.Seattle based RainBank Rainwater Systems is a proud participant in the construction of the greenest residence in the country.

Heron Hall, designed by Jason McLennan, included rainwater collection as itssole source of water for his residence.

RainBank Rainwater systems installed a 15,000 gallon Contain Water Tank, along with filtration and ultra violet disinfection for potable household use. Much of the vetting of materials were already part of RainBank’s design theory and were easily appointed for this project.

“Tracy and Jason F. McLennan discovered their front door in a corner at Earthwise Architectural Salvage in Seattle. Before serving as a department-store display, it was hand-carved in Afghanistan. “People were a little shorter then,” says Jason. “I’m 6-2. I had to build a pedestal for it.” Eventually, that pedestal will hold a quote: “All that can save us is a sustained awakening of the human heart.” (Steve Ringman/The Seattle Times)”

RainBank Rainwater Systems is pleased to be part of this worthy educational project.

Click here to read more about the resources used, as published in the Seattle Times.