Tag Archives: Rainwater collection

Rainwater Catchment

Greater Puget Sound Area Is Thirsty for Rainwater Collection


Modern office building with rooftop greenery and pool area.Thirsty 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 Basephoto above).

Close-up of a worn, metallic fountain pen nib on a black surface.Experience 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

Close-up of a worn, metallic fountain pen nib on a black surface.

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.

Commercial Rainwater Harvesting, Residential Rainwater Collection

Ancient Practice Becomes a Hot Commodity


Close-up of a worn, metallic fountain pen nib on a black surface.How is it that the ancient practice of rainwater harvesting is just catching on as a hot commodity to make and save money in commercial and residential worlds?

Businesses around the US are learning that in some areas, government is requiring better management of stormwater runoff, which necessitates the development of rainwater use across industries. Not just for drinking, captured rainwater can be used to toilet flushing and even to cool equipment.

At the recent ARCSA annual conference, held in drought-afflicted California, folks with an interest in rainwater harvesting gathered to learn how and why this ancient practice has moved from niche to mainstream. In the clip below, with excerpts from the ARCSA conference, CNBC’s Jane Wells talks about the business of capturing rainwater in California.

So, whether you’re a do-it-yourself kind of person and are seeking products, a Seattle homeowner in a small space wanting to design and installa residential system for lawn watering and laundry, or a commercial business in search ofa steel tank to mitigatestormwater runoff, there’s a rainwater solution that can save the environment while saving you money down the road.

As this ancient practice becomes more and more popular, be sure to know your professionals and visit the ARCSA resource guideto ensure your rainwater system is designed and built to the highest industry standards.

Rainwater Catchment, Residential Rainwater Collection

Truths and Myths About King County Rainwater Harvesting


Close-up of a worn, metallic fountain pen nib on a black surface.I have been designing and installing rainwaterharvesting systems in King County and throughout Washington State for 15 years and am still amazed and dismayed at the misinformation that is presented to the pubic wheninquiring about the legality, procedures, and permitting for rainwater harvesting.

TRUTH: Rainwater collection is legal throughout Washington State

Washington State Department of Ecology issued an interpretive policy statementclarifying that a water right is not required for rooftop rainwaterharvesting.Asdescribed by Washington State Department Ecology, Clarifications of Washington State Rainwater Law Pol 1017 in reference to RCW980.03 & RCW90.54 and the Environmental Protection Agency’s paper on Rainwater Harvesting Conservation, Credit, Codes, and Cost Literature Review and Case Studies

False: Rainwaterharvesting is not allowed for drinking water in Washington State.

It is up to each county and city in Washington State to allow for potable usage of rainwater. King, Jefferson, Whatcom, San Juan, Skagit, and Island are counties that currently allow potable use of rainwater for a single-family residence. It is the health department of those counties that are the typical authorities forregulations and permitting.

Here are some resources for gathering information about rainwater collection guidelines in Washington:

As Washington State counties arerecognizing thebenefits of rainwater collection and the fact that rainwater can provide a viable source of water for potable usage, other counties willadopt RWC as an alternative water source.

RainBank Rainwater Systems is the leader in rainwater collection system designs and installations in Washington State and president Ken Blair is the NW RegionalRepresentative for The American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA). RainBank is committed to helpingcustomers andcounties understand thebenefits, standards, and policies of rainwaterharvesting in order to provide a clean, safe, viable source ofquality water.

Seattle waterfront park photo is courtesy of Nicola under Creative Commons