Tag Archives: runoff

Sustainability

How To Reduce Stormwater Pollutants


A man waters his lawn while a pipe leaks underground toward the street.What can we do as families to help reduce pollutants entering our bodies of water?

We all know by now that stormwater runoff is the leading cause of pollution of our surrounding bodies of water. Stormwater is being addressed at local, state, and federal levels, with reduction of pollutants entering our lakes, rivers, and coastal regions by mandates of infiltration, separation of stormwater and sewer and other measures.

But what can the average household do to help?

You and your family can adopt simple changes, which will have positive results. You are probably doing some already! A healthy environment is what we can pass along to the next generation. As population increases, the need for protection rises. Here is a link from the EPA than can help guide you to a more proactive response to urban water pollution.

http://www2.epa.gov/urbanwaters/how-you-can-help

Stormwater awareness with a cloud and water droplet symbol.Every little bit helps to protectour water and natural resources.

Infrastructure, Rainwater Catchment

Failing Infrastructure is Among Reasons for Future Water Shortages in 8 Cities

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A coastal cityscape with high-rise buildings and a large body of water under a clear sky.According to the World Water Development Report by the United Nations “A 40% shortfall of freshwater would be experienced as soon as 15 years.”Eight citiesthroughout the world were cited to witness severe fresh water shortages due to failing infrastructure, saltwater intrusion, sewage and plumbing failures, population growth, and pollution. The report went on to recommend actions of capturing rainwater, recycling waste water, repairing and upgrading sewer and water conveyance, and education on conservation as methods to curtail this threat.

Seattle was brought up in the report as having a sustainable amount of rainfall to support rainwater collection. As stated in an earlier blog post, I wrotethat thePuget Soundregion would face 6.2 billion dollars in costs to upgrade, retrofit,and expand its freshwater infrastructure in the next 20 years.

Seattle has been progressive in recent years byrequiring infiltration or use of stormwater runoff for new construction for residential and commercial projects. But, more can be done in the way of incentives or tax credits for rainwater collection and infiltration for all existing buildings and homes. Retrofitting existing structures is relatively easy but does have costs. Rainwise rain barrel programscreateawareness, but fall short on actual conservation. A much more progressive program of promoting rainwater collection and education would recognize positive results in stormwater reduction, demands on freshwater infrastructure, and water consumption. Water districts should recognize that augmenting the water districts’ demands with rainwater collection would be beneficial rather than looking at Rainwater collection as a threat to their revenue. With Seattle’s fast growing population, demands on the infrastructure will rise accordingly. By offsetting demand with supplementary, private rainwater collection systems, demand will be reduced — as well as costs involved with supply.

Rainwater Catchment

What is Seattle’s Position on Rainwater Collection?


Workers installing large blue septic tanks in a trench.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.

Seattle and King County encourage the practice of rainwater collection. King County Health Department / Plumbing Division reviews designs, approves designs for permitting, and inspects installations of RWC for potable and non-potable use. Only an engineer, licensed in the State of WA with experience in RWC or an American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA) accredited professional can design systems for potable usage. Currently potable use is only allowed for single-family residences, not public. Non-potable use, such as toilet facilities, wash down, irrigation, and laundry is allowed for public use.

A simple irrigation system not connected to household water usually does not require a permit. If a rainwater collection system is connected to household plumbing a “reverse pressure back-flow assembly” (RPBA) is required to be installed on the city water line entering the dwelling or building and requires a yearly inspection by a licensed plumber that carries a current endorsement. The RBPA can be waived if an “air gap” is installed so there is no cross connection between city water and the collected rainwater.

There is current code for rainwater collection that must be met for permitting and installation. Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) was enacted to control stormwater runoff and mandates that all new construction, commercial and residential have a stormwater management plan in their design. Infiltration or use of runoff is mandated by City of Seattle, King County and State.

Seattle Public Utilities has initiated a rebate program called Rainwise a few years ago, which encourages infiltration on site and is seeing some success in stormwater with small residential rain gardens. Governor Inslee has requested a small amount of money for education on conservation from the emergency drought relief fund.

For more information, visit:
www.seattle.gov/DPD/Publications/CAM/CAM520.pdf