Tag Archives: Puget Sound

Rainwater Catchment

Rainwater Harvesting in Greater Seattle

seattle-839652_640More and more, folks are reaching out for information on rainwater collection and harvesting practices in the Puget Sound area, especially Greater Seattle.

As we field inquiries, add products and services, we also try to educate about rules and regulations and overall benefits to including rainwater harvesting in new construction plans, as well as the value of capturing rain for renovation projects. Harvested rainwater can be used for so many applications – toilet flushing, laundry, irrigation, vehicle wash down, fire suppression and, in many municipalities, drinking.

Harvested rainwater can be supplemental to city or well water, which reduces load on public water supplies and aging infrastructure and puts the resident or business in charge of the quality of water.

We’ve shared quite a bit of knowledge in our blog posts; here are a couple of articles that may help you decide to move forward with your plans for rainwater collection in your new home, renovation or commercial project:

WHAT IS SEATTLE’S POSITION ON RAINWATER COLLECTION?

In October 2009 Washington State revised its water rights laws to allow rainwater collection. King County (Seattle) has adopted rainwater collection for potable use in single-family dwellings, as well. Read more…

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RAINWATER COLLECTION IN SEATTLE?

The practice of rainwater collection has been around for centuries. Until recently, it was thought to be a “hippie” or “doomsdayer” alternative, but rainwater collection is now increasingly recognized as a viable source of water. Cities throughout the US are supporting and encouraging rainwater catchment and practicable water conservation. Read more…

As always, we encourage you to know your contractor and be sure that the professional you hire for your project has the credentials to take you from start to finish. Ask if your contractor is an ARCSA accredited or certified professional. Members are trained and required to have continuing education in order to provide a safe source of water. Be sure the designer has understanding in the field of water systems and that your contractor has familiarity and expertise in installation.

For those seeking more information in Greater Seattle and Washington state, of course we welcome your inquiries. Go ahead and leave a comment, or contact us privately (we try to respond with 48 hours).

Environment, Sustainability

Northern Neighbors Considering Rainwater Collection as a Potable Source

Tank with treeOur neighbors to the North are considering rainwater collection as a potable source. Rainwater collection is just good practice for sustainability and conservation.

Last year, the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA) was joined by the Canadian Association of Rainwater Management (CANARM) in a joint effort to promote rainwater collection throughout Canada.

In a recent article in the Nanaimo Bulletin, Julie Pisani, regional district director of drinking water, is embracing rainwater collection for potable usage with regional directors approving the use of rainwater as amiable source. The directors are hoping the resolution will ultimately be considered at the Union Municipalities Conference this September. Dr. Paul Hasselback, Medical Health Officer stated “If they have the appropriate treatment in place, it may be a viable solution”. The BC ARCSA representative is Ken Nentwig and can be reached at ken (dot) nentwig (at) gmail (dot) com

As British Columbia moves forward in their efforts to promote rainwater collection as a potable source, we encourage the District Directors to contact counties and cities in the Puget Sound Region. San Juan County has supported RWC for potable use for more than twenty years. In 2009, the Greater Seattle area adopted RWC for potable use as well as others in the region.

Rainwater Catchment

Greater Puget Sound Area Is Thirsty for Rainwater Collection

Sea Scouts Galveston TxThirsty for Rainwater Collection.

With more than 15 years’ designing and installing rainwater collection systems in and around Washington State, RainBank moved operations to the Seattle area four years ago to meet demand for Seattle and the Puget Sound region (and beyond… see Sea Scout Base photo above).

20150720_145650-2Experience and knowledge.

Seeing increased interest, we recognized the need for an experienced and knowledgeable designer and installer in the greater Puget Sound area.

Credentials Matter

Most counties in Washington State require an American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association Accredited (ARCSA) professional or Washington State licensed engineer with experience in water systems to design a potable rainwater catchment system. If the system requires pumping or filtration, a Washington State licensed plumber is required for installation of a rainwater collection system and is subject to permitting and inspections by the Department of Health. RainBank Rainwater Systems met this challenge long before it was required by the state legislature with ARCSA accreditation and in-house, licensed plumbers.

Steel Tanks

In the commercial market, there has been a need for competitive pricing for steel water tank sales and installation. After more than five years of commercial installations in the Seattle area, RainBank is filling that need as the Northwest Regional Dealer and certified installer of Pinnacle and Contain Water Tanks.

Rainwater collection is moving from niche to mainstream.

A full-service company offering design, consultation, cost analysis, permitting, construction, and component sales, RainBank’s experience and knowledge is unmatched in the industry.

RainBank is there for you to get the job done right the first time.