Earth Energy Unlimited
Rainwater Collection
Providing Environmentally Friendly Alternative Power
Sources for Residential and Commercial Use.
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Earth Energy Unlimited Rainwater Collection Providing Environmentally Friendly Alternative Power Sources for Residential and Commercial Use. |
Rainwater Collection We can use the phrases rainwater harvesting, rainwater utilization and/or rainwater collection to describe the same process of collecting and using rainwater as an alternative or supplemental water source for non-potable (Not for Drinking) applications like: landscape irrigation, washing vehicles, process water, flushing toilets, laundry, cleaning and custodial services, and chiller makeup supply. Using existing structures and technologies, rainwater harvesting offers many advantages and has few negative environmental impacts compared to other technologies for water resource development. Before the advent of today's municipal water treatment facilities, many people relied solely on the collection of rainwater for household, landscape, and agricultural uses. In some parts of the world, such as Bermuda, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and even parts of Australia, people still depend upon rainwater collection systems to meet most of their water needs. Even in those communities where many residents are supplied with public water for drinking, homeowners and businesses are turning to rainwater collection systems to meet non-potable water needs, such as landscape watering, especially in dry regions of the U.S. Why Rainwater Harvesting? As much as 60,000 gallons of precipitation falls on a 2,000 square foot roof in Mid-Atlantic States each year. By multiplying this amount by just 100 homes in a single neighborhood we could easily conserve 6,000,000 gallons annually. How many neighbors do you have?
Introduction to Rainwater CollectionRainwater collection systems were widely used before well drilling equipment and treated municipal water supplies became available. In many parts of the world, rainwater still provides the majority of the water needed to meet agricultural requirements and, in some cases, potable water as well. Most rainwater collection systems are designed to capture rainwater from the roofs of buildings. The water is then transported through gutters and other pipes into cisterns or tanks, where it is stored until needed. The water collected can be used for irrigation, laundry, hygiene, or even potable water, depending upon the materials used and the treatment undertaken by the homeowner. A typical rainwater collection system consists of the following:
Provided the rainwater is for non-drinking water purposes, virtually any materials can be used in the collection system. However, if the rainwater will also be used to meet the potable water needs of a home's residents, it is important that the homeowner use care in selecting materials and coatings which will come into contact with the water as it is collected, since some impurities can be picked up by the rainwater as it travels through the collection system. Some materials, such as the asbestos roof materials used in older homes, should not be part of any system used to provide drinking water. In addition, products such as asphalt shingles can contribute particulate matter into the water, requiring additional filtration before the water reaches the storage tank or cistern. In addition, lead materials in any form, such as lead flashing, should not be used in a rainwater collection system. There are several options when it comes to selecting a storage container for the water. Most storage tanks or cisterns are constructed from concrete or fiberglass and can be located either above ground or below. If you do plan to use the collected rainwater for drinking, make sure the materials and/or coatings used in the construction of the storage reservoir have been tested to ensure they do not leach harmful contaminants into the water being stored. Regular microbiological testing should be performed on all non-municipal drinking water supplies to ensure the water does not contain any harmful forms of bacteria. The U.S. EPA recommends that consumers have their private water supplies checked at least annually for bacterial contamination by the local health department. In some situations, it may be necessary to install a home water treatment system to disinfect the water or to filter other impurities from the rainwater supply. In addition to the advantages that rainwater is free of charge, it doesn’t have to be treated nor transported over long distances, the two most important arguments supporting the utilization of rainwater are: 1. Supplement drinking water resources 2. Protecting water quality by reducing impacts of stormwater runoff
BRAE Complete Systems Take the guess work out of which parts are best for your rain harvesting project. Choose BRAE Complete systems and transform your puzzle of pumps, filters and tanks into single sourced rainwater harvesting solutions.
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