Tag Archives: runoff

Rainwater Catchment

Rainwater Collection From Whatcom to Wahkiakum


Close-up of a worn, metallic fountain pen nib on a black surface.From Whatcom to Wahkiakum, rainwater collection is gaining popularity in most Washington counties.

Whether potable or non potable, rainwater collection and use is proving to be a solution to new, stricter storm water codes throughout Washington State and elsewhere. The 2016 storm water code became effective in January 2016 and its regulations are to protect people, property and the environment from damage caused by runoff. The new code is in compliance withthe new Stormwater Discharge National Pollution Discharge Elimination Systems (NPDES).

The new Stormwater Code addresses;

  • Drainage control submittal and plan review requirements
  • Where stormwater from your site needs to go
  • On-Site Stormwater Management best practices (previously known as Green Stormwater infrastructure)
  • Erosion control requirements
  • Flow control and treatment requirements
  • Enforcement of the code

In keeping with the 2016 new Stormwater code, a Drainage Reviewfor your project is required if you are;

  • Disturbing more than 750 square feet of land
  • Adding or replacing more than 750 square feet of hardsurface
  • Adding or replacing more than 750 square feet of a building

Rainwater collection and use can help mitigate the hard surfaces such as pavement or roof area for new construction or remodels. On site infiltration by the way of rain gardens, drywalls, irrigation and retention of rainwater is an effective practice used in stormwater management. The use of rainwater for toilet flushing, laundry facility, wash down, cooling towers, and domestic household potable use can reduce the amount of storm water run off and a reduction of city water usage. The benefits environmentally and finically for the property owner and city can be recognized as a viable solution and is excepted as part of the reduction of storm water run off.

Ifyou’re locatedin or around theSeattle area – fromWahkiakum toWhatcom, for further information on the new stormwater code, visit: http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/codesrules/codes/stormwater/

Commercial Rainwater Harvesting, Rainwater Catchment, Technical Information

Meeting the 2016 Seattle Stormwater Code


Close-up of a worn, metallic fountain pen nib on a black surface.The new Seattle 2016 stormwater code, effective Jan 1, 2016 addressesstormwater regulations in order to protect people, property, and the environment from damage caused by stormwater runoff. Drainage control, flow control andstormwater treatment, and “On Site Stormwater Management”, are key factors in what you can and cannot do with runoff caused by impervious surfaces. The new code satisfies Seattle’s obligation to be in compliance with theMunicipal Stormwater Discharge National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit, issued by the Washington State Department of Ecology.

Thecity of Seattle has put out new publication of “Best Management Practices.” The Primary purpose of the BMPs is to protect beneficial uses of water resources, while reducing erosion, andcontamination ofstormwaterrunoff entering our waterways. Collecting rainwater forbeneficial use can have asignificanteffect meeting therequirements of the newstormwater codes on any newconstruction within city limits. Collecting the rain and using it reduces theimpervious surface of your project. Whether its use is for irrigation,toilet flushing, laundry facility, or potable use for residential, adding rainwater collection to your project’s design can be the answer to “what do I do with the runoff to meet thesechallenges?”, to comply with the new stormwater code.”

Contain Water Systems Inc. and RainBank Rainwater Systems can help your Seattle building project meet the 2016 stormwater code requirements.

Contain Steel Water Tanks can be an integral part of design for commercialconstruction in reducing costs due to the new code and its requirements. RainBank Rainwater Systems has been designing and installing systems for more than15 years in Washington State. Whether your project is commercial or residential, potable or non potable, RainBank and Contain have theanswers for your next project. We workclosely witharchitects, engineers,contractors, and most importantly, the customer to help meet the newstormwater codes with aknowledgeable staff andcommitment of your project.

Rainwater Harvesting Education, Sustainability

Sustainability Key Rainwater Harvesting Benefit


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

Colorado needs to look no further than Seattle and Washington State for the sustainability benefits of Rainwater harvesting.

The Colorado rainwater harvesting narrativeshows that as time marches forward, some laws that were passed almost one hundred years ago should be reconsideredbecause they are just no longer practical. Sustainability wasn’t a factorback then, but it sure needs to be part of the equation now.

In October 2009–after years of argument–the state of Washingtonofficially declared thatpeople could collect and store rainwater captured from a rooftop or other “guzzler” system without a water right, as long as it is used on site and essentially isn’t hurting anybody else. San Juan County was the only one that allowed rainwater collection and potable use for single family residence as an exemption to the water rights issuebefore the 2009 decision.

Since then, King County recognized thebenefits of rainwater collection in January 2011 for householdusage, with support from State Department of Agriculture. So now, King County Department of Health not only allows, butencourages rainwater collection.

Commercial, private, andcommunities all are findingbenefits to rainwater collection and the positive effects on the environment of the Pacific Northwest and our water supplies. The Washington State Department of Ecology continues to support rainwatercollection and studies the effects of in stream flow rates (Skagit) and salmon habitat.

All Washington State counties allow for rooftop collection for non-potable use, with some allowing for potable use. Non-potable use includes irrigation, toilet facility, laundry,wash down and others that are not intended for consumption or bathing. Commercial applications are directing roof runoff to irrigation and toilet facilities, rather than having this runoff enter our bodies of water withpollutants picked upalong the way.Households are not only using rainwater for non-potable use, but are having systems installed that treat and disinfect therainwater to potable standards that aresuperior to city drinking water, thus conserving water by simply not allowing it to become runoff. Ruralhouseholds are using rainwater collection that benefits aquifers by rainwater collection and household use, through infiltration after use.Communities areorganizing communal gardeningapplying rainwater collection, removing the strain on small water systems, while promoting communityevolvementand education.

We congratulate Colorado on its progress in exploring new (to them) sustainability methods. We welcome Colorado’s steps towards better understanding of thebenefits that we in WashingtonState currently enjoy.