Rainwater harvesting is collecting the run-off from a structure or other impervious surface in order to store it for later use. Traditionally, this involves harvesting the rain from a roof. The rain will collect in gutters that channel the water into downspouts and then into some sort of storage vessel. Rainwater collection systems can be as simple as collecting rain in a rain barrel or as elaborate as harvesting rainwater into large cisterns to supply your entire household demand.

 

The idea of rainwater harvesting usually conjures up images of an old farm cistern or thoughts of developing countries. The reality is that rainwater harvesting is becoming a viable alternative for supplying our households and businesses with water. It’s not just for the farm anymore! There are many countries such as Germany and Australia where rainwater harvesting is a norm. Due to the green building movement, you will be seeing rainwater harvesting systems become more popular here in America.

 

The collection of rainwater is known by many names throughout the world. It ranges from rainwater collection to rainwater harvesting to rainwater catchment. In addition, terms such as roofwater collection or rooftop water collection is also used in other countries. We believe that rainwater harvesting is a viable technology in an urban setting. All that is necessary to take advantage of this resource is to capture the free water falling on your roof and direct it to a rainwater storage tank. By doing this, you can take control of your water supply and replace all or at least a substantial portion of your water needs. Rainwater harvesting systems can be configured to supply your whole house and/or your landscape needs.

 

Rainwater is a relatively clean and absolutely free source of water

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You have total control over your water supply (ideal for cities with water restrictions)

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It is socially acceptable and environmentally responsible

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It promotes self-sufficiency and helps conserve water

 

Rainwater is better for landscape plants and gardens because it is not chlorinated

 

It reduces stormwater runoff from homes and businesses

 

It can solve the drainage problems on your property while providing you with free water

 

It uses simple technologies that are inexpensive and easy to maintain

 

It can be used as a main source of water or as a back up source to wells and municipal water

 

The system can be easily retrofitted to an existing structure or built during new home construction

 

Systems are very flexible and can be modular in nature, allowing expansion, reconfiguration, or relocation, if neccesary It can provide an excellent back-up source of water for emergencies

 

Rainwater harvesting is important for several reasons but one of the biggest is the fact that we are tapping out water conservation gains inside our homes so we need to start looking outdoors for more opportunities.

 

The following graph shows the gains that have been achieved with our indoor water fixtures through the combination of governmental standards and innovation by fixture companies. As you can see, we don’t have much more room to go in terms of achieving more efficiency gains with our indoor fixtures. What’s next… the 0.2 gallon per flush toilet? Probably not!

 

This phenomenom is known as the law of diminishing returns. So where will the next revolution in water conservation take place? We believe we offer services in the areas where this revolution will take place.
 

 The amount of rainfall that you can collect is governed by the following formula:

 

1″ of rain x 1 sq. ft. = 0.623 gallons

 

Easy to Remember Formula:

 

1″ of rainfall over 1,000 sf will yield 623 gallons

 

To calculate the amount of rainwater you can collect, you need to know your annual average precipitation for your area. You can use the precipitation map below to find an approximate amount for your area.