Tag Archives: Seattle

Rainwater Catchment, Sustainability

A Greener Approach in Yavapai County AZ

Yavapai countyThe Prescott News has reported that Yavapai County  (AZ) Government is including a greener approach to new construction for a few county buildings. Rainwater collection and solar were included in the “reduction of energy and water usage.” Solar and LED lighting are already proving to be a significant cost savings in existing county building and are expected to do so in future projects.

Rainwater collection will supply irrigation requirements for both the new library and the county health services in Yavapai County. Low flush bathroom fixtures and alternatives in new technology in irrigation nozzles will be used to further the conservation examples to reduce future costs and public education of practices.

Seattle fire stationFederal and state buildings in Washington and Oregon have included these practices as well fire stations, schools, county buildings and military projects. Private practice has also jumped in with conservation and sustainability through electrical and water.

At RainBank Rainwater Systems, we applaud the conservation efforts of our officials and the continued public education about sustainability, whether here in Seattle, throughout the Pacific Northwest, around the country, like in Yavapai County, AZ – and the world.

Commercial Rainwater Harvesting, Rainwater Catchment, Technical Information

Meeting the 2016 Seattle Stormwater Code

seattle-1027254_640The new Seattle 2016 stormwater code, effective Jan 1, 2016 addresses stormwater regulations in order to protect people, property, and the environment from damage caused by stormwater runoff. Drainage control, flow control and stormwater 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 the Municipal Stormwater Discharge National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit, issued by the Washington State Department of Ecology.

The city 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, and contamination of stormwater runoff entering our waterways. Collecting rainwater for beneficial use can have a significant effect meeting the requirements of the new stormwater codes on any new construction within city limits. Collecting the rain and using it reduces the impervious 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 these challenges?”, 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 commercial construction in reducing costs due to the new code and its requirements. RainBank Rainwater Systems has been designing and installing systems for more than 15 years in Washington State. Whether your project is commercial or residential, potable or non potable, RainBank and Contain have the answers for your next project. We work closely with architects, engineers, contractors, and most importantly, the customer to help meet the new stormwater codes with a knowledgeable staff and commitment of your project.

Rainwater Catchment, Water Tanks

Considerations for Underground Water Storage Tanks

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Xerxes underground tanksRainBank is experiencing increased interest in underground storage for our Seattle customers, requiring special considerations for underground water storage tanks.

Aesthetics and available space are the most common reasons from these customers. Many are building larger homes on small lots that once had a 1,200 square foot home with a front and back yard. New construction is trending towards a larger footprint, leaving less room for water storage tanks. Slimline tanks allow for less visual impact, but are restrictive on volume. Other residents are remodeling older existing homes that still have yard space available – and are looking for greater amounts of storage.  Below grade storage can be the answer, leaving a yard area that can accept landscaping right over the top of the water tanks.

Here are some things to consider with underground storage.

  • First and foremost – costs. Below grade storage will require excavation and. most likely, exporting much of that soil, which would have to be loaded and trucked off site.
  • Drainage needs to taken in account, with the new City of Seattle stormwater rules preferring infiltration for overflow. Where infiltration is not feasible, connection to the city storm system can be implemented for overflow as long as caution is taken to prevent sewer gases  or back flow from entering the tank.
  • Water tanks need to be properly vented and have a riser to access the tank for periodic cleaning and pump service. The installer must be sure that plumbing will not be compromised with slight settling or shifting of the tank.
  • Below grade tanks tend to be more expensive to meet engineering requirements of underground tanks, and once installed, are considered a confined space and caution must be taken if access is necessary. 

Underground-Tank-Construction3-1038x576For those who understand the considerations of underground storage, you have the luxury of landscaping that is free of visual impact and have different available options in tank sizes, styles, and materials. Tanks can be single or multiple, plastic or fiberglass. Cement tanks can be used for non potable use or lined with a NSF certificate for drinking water.