Frequently Asked Questions - Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting saves money, reduces demand on municipal water supply, makes efficient use of a valuable resource, reduces flooding, erosion, and contamination of surface water, and mproves a communities water supply.

What is rainwater harvesting?

Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting rainwater from a impervious surface such as a roof and stored for later use.

What is harvested rainwater used for?

Harvested rainwater is used for:

irrigation

non-potable purposes – toilets, laundry…

sometimes for potable purposes.

What is a watershed?

A watershed is an area of land that drains to a common point

What are the most important issues with water usage?

30-50% of total water usage is used for irrigation

Populations will nearly double in the next 50 yrs

Major Aquifers are being rapidly depleted

Water Quality Being Impacted by natural processes and activities of man - As more impervious services are created natural systems are overwhelmed and polluted as a result – i.e. runoff contamination from parking lots, industrial sites…

Infrastructure failing – outdated or insufficient systems, lack of maintenance, corruption, incompetence, mismanagement,… Officials no longer acting in the public’s best interest

Corporate Lobbyist weakening and removing environmental laws and protections

Rising costs of fresh water - some areas have no access or resources readily available at all

Why harvest rainwater?

Saves money

Reduces demand on municipal water supply

Makes efficient use of a valuable resource

Reduce flooding, erosion, and contamination of surface water

Reducies Storm Water runoff

Decreasing supply of fresh water

Increasing Demand for a Decreasing Supply Escalating Environmental and Economic Costs

Health Concerns

Conservation and Drought

Providing Water to Areas Without Water

How much water do I use?

The average per person is 60-80 gallons a day.

How can I conserve water?

The number 1 household water user is the commode at 20%

Where does my water come from?

Well water, Surface lake, Rain…

Where can rainwater be used?

Residential/Commercial landscapes

Attract & provide water for wildlife, birds, and butterflies

Provide water for nurseries & green houses

Flushing toilets, laundry, wash cars

Treated and used for potable uses

Who can benefit and use rainwater?

Parks

Schools

Commercial Sites

Parking Lots

Apartment Complexes

Residential Homes

What does a rainwater harvesting system consist of?

Supply – rainwater

Demand – plants and other uses

Collection system

What are the types of rainwater harvesting systems?

Simple systems distribute rainwater immediately. Complex systems store some or all of rainwater for later uses.

Should I invest in a Complex rainwater harvesting systems?

Complex systems include water storage, they cost more to build but yield greater water savings.

Factors to consider in deciding whether or not to invest in a complex system:

Availability of other water supplies for irrigation

Need for professional assistance in design and construction

Cost of storage container, pumps, and maintenance

Long investment payback period – several years

Personal commitment to “water conservation ethic”

How can I reduce the cost of building a Complex rainwater harvesting systems?

Reduce the cost of a complex system by:

Building a smaller storage container to harvest less than the total landscape need

Limiting landscape area or reducing plant density

Replacing high water use plants with medium or low water use plants. Use native species.

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