Tag Archives: sustainability

Rainwater Catchment

Storming Weather Challenges – ARCSA Conference

The American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA) is co-locating its 2018 Annual Conference with the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) 2018 Convention & Expo in Atlanta, Georgia.

ARCA’s conference will take place on September 29 and 30 and will feature a full line-up of expert presentations on innovative water management topics,  with the Expo scheduled for October 1 and 2. Those who register for the ARCSA Conference will also receive free entrance to the Expo

Click here for registration details and options.

ARCSA was originally the Texas Rainwater Catchment Association (TRCA), a Texas 501c6 nonprofit formed by ARCSA members to conduct legislative lobbying in Texas. TRCA was reformed as ARCSA (a 501c6) and members were moved from the original ARCSA (501c3 association, now known as ARCSA Foundation) to the ARCSA (501c6, now known as ARCSA).

ARCSA’s Mission Statement

To provide resources and information on rainwater and stormwater collection to promote the advancement of rainwater conservation and to work with government at all levels in promoting rainwater and stormwater management.

Ken Blair, RainBank’s principal and founder, has designed and installed residential and commercial systems in the northwest United States for more than 10 years. Additionally, he is an ARCSA Certified designer, installer and Life Member.

Rainwater Catchment, Residential Rainwater Collection, Sustainability

Heron Hall’s Sustainable System

RainBank Rainwater Systems was pleased to work with 2020 Engineering and Jason McLennan on Heron Hall’s rainwater collection system.

While we at RainBank design our systems to be sustainable with no change to the customer’s lifestyle, we recognize that conservation is the key to water demands throughout the world.

Heron Hall exemplifies the concept of sustainable living and conservation of all resources and is a testament to the passion of change in order to use less in order to gain more for all. Please take the time to read through Jason’s article and find yourself inspired as well.

Rainwater Catchment, Residential Rainwater Collection

Seattle Home Saves Money on Water Bills

Four giant cisterns under the front porch collect and store up to 10,000 gallons of rainwater, used as the home’s primary water source. “Water gets purified by a series of filters and UV treatment and is used throughout the house,” says homeowner Andri Kofmehl. “When the tanks run low, the house can be supplied with utility water.” (Steve Ringman/The Seattle Times)

According to an article in The Seattle Times, a West Seattle family “live in Seattle’s second Built Green Emerald Star home, a supremely certified, super-sustainable showcase of so many features…”

The home, constructed by net-zero specialists TC Legend Homes, was built to the organization’s highest standard by TC Legend Homes and was featured on the 2018 Northwest Green Home Tour this past April.

With a design from RainBank Rainwater Systems, the home also features on-site cisterns that can hold 10,000 gallons of rainwater. According to Built Green program manager Leah Missik, “with a net-zero home plus a 70 percent reduction in water use, you can factor in you’re probably going to get money back from Seattle City Light for electricity, and you will save significantly on your water and sewage bills, and the upfront costs are mitigated.”

Homeowner Veena Prasad says “There’s a sense that going green sounds great, but people feel it’s too expensive or too much work. We need that extra push; sometimes that inspiration helps. When people see someone like us can do this — you don’t have to be a rich, retired executive; it’s something the middle class can aspire to. If we can do our bit to help inspire, we’re happy to do that.”

As we mentioned in our recent blog post titled Net-Zero Home Wins With RainBank Design, sustainable homes don’t necessarily have to cost more, plus can give you a higher return on your investment.