Tag Archives: potable

Rainwater Catchment

Interest in Rainwater Collection Sparks a Growing Industry

Interest in rainwater collection has sparked a growing industry throughout the country including the Greater Seattle and outlying areas.

How does one sort through the growing list of those who offer components, designs, and installations?

The first question you should ask yourself is “What am I looking to achieve with a rainwater harvesting system?” Am I looking for small irrigation like a few rain barrels?  Or, do I want a larger system that will supply my household with potable use? The type of system should steer you toward the appropriate expert.

After all, you wouldn’t take your car to a detailer if you were looking for a brake job.

Irrigation systems can be as simple as a few rain barrels on your back porch and is something you can easily do on your own. If a rain garden and passive infiltration  is what you are looking for, there are contractors listed, such as in Seattle’s Rain Wise program. A pressurized sprinkler system should be left to an irrigation company with experience in that field.

Rainwater systems used for domestic supply, such as toilet and laundry facilities, should be designed by a licensed engineer familiar with water systems, an American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA) accredited professional or a licensed plumber experienced in water systems. All should show past experience in the type of system you are looking for. Ask for that experience!

Residential, potable systems are allowed in many counties in Washington state and your consideration should be taken VERY seriously. The benefits of residential potable use are vast and can be supplemental or sole source. Only those who can prove a history of designing and installing potable use should be considered for this application, whether an engineer, ARCSA AP, or licensed plumber. Visit ARCSA for those accredited in this field.

Finally, let’s talk about components. There are a host of online dealers out there that are willing to sell you what they carry without much consideration other than cost. One may carry water tanks or another may carry ultra violet disinfection. A good rule of thumb would be that if they are selling unrelated products, they are not invested in the industry and may not have the knowledge of what is best. Our recommendation would be to seek a dealer that carries products specific to rainwater collection, not an added product to an array of different types of products. You don’t want to buy a car from a furniture company. Be a wise consumer and ask questions.

Contact us; rainwater collection is all we do.

Potable, Rainwater Catchment

Can You Drink Rainwater?

rain-316579_640Can you drink rainwater?

Despite increasing awareness about rainwater harvesting and its benefits, there is still word to get out about how and why collecting rainwater makes sense in a world where resources are limited and sometimes nonexistent. Whether due to drought conditions or aging infrastructure, millions of people around the world don’t have access to safe, clean drinking water.  Here is an article, originally published in June 2014, titled Is My Rainwater Safe to Drink?

Sanitization seems to be a most elusive and complicated topic in Rainwater Harvesting for the home owner, as well as for the designer or operator. There are no general definitive answers as to what device or treatment is appropriate for all systems. The main question is “When is my water safe to drink?”

Presently, thousands of people die or become gravely ill due to lack of clean water throughout the world. Rainwater is generally a safer potable source than surface water; however it may carry pathogens that could pose a health risk.

RainBank has published a free article to help you determine when your rainwater is safe to drink. Click here for a free download to the entire article and don’t forget to check the box below to receive new posts via your inbox. Of course, if you have questions – contact us – our team will respond to your inquiry within 48 hours. You can also find RainBank on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

Rainwater Catchment

Building a Potable Rainwater Collection System

sun-11129_640There are several stages to building a successful, potable rainwater collection system. Here is an article originally published in June 2014, under the title Ultraviolet Light Disinfection For Rainwater Harvesting. (Also see “How to Build a Rainwater Collection System, parts one, two, three, four, five, six, seven and eight.)

The final stage of treatment for a potable rainwater collection system is ultraviolet light disinfection (UV). Effectiveness of the UV system is determined by a few factors.  First, pre-filtration, which includes a sediment filter and a carbon filter that need to be upstream of the UV. This will help ensure the clarity of water entering the UV chamber, enabling the UV rays to penetrate the water stream.

When UV energy is absorbed by the reproductive mechanisms of bacteria and viruses, the genetic material is “rearranged” and can no longer reproduce, with risk of disease eliminated.

There are 2 classifications of UV light determined by the dosage of the UV light itself, and a class “A” UV is the only class recommended for disinfection of rainwater collected from a rooftop.

The American Water Works Association describes a class A ultraviolet system as an effective method of disinfection for water that is not determined safe to drink. A class B ultraviolet system is only effective for water already deemed safe to drink – such as a water source already treated with chlorine.

An alarm and or solenoid valve for system fail safe is always a good idea to include with your UV system. This method will shut down the system or sound an alarm if a sensor determines the water turbidity (clarity) is not sufficient for proper UV absorption.

Ultraviolet light is a natural, cost effective environmentally safe method of disinfecting drinking water as long as it is properly maintained and the bulb is changed according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

As always, before you take on a rainwater harvesting project, know the rules in your state, county and municipality. It helps to work with a RWC pro who can help you through the process, saving you time and money along the way, while also ensuring that the result is a functioning and safe water collection system that will serve you for many years.