Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is the collection, storage, and use of rainwater for beneficial purposes rather than allowing all of it to become runoff.

Once collected, rainwater can be used for a variety of applications, including irrigation, toilet flushing, laundry, cleaning, fountains, and other commercial and non-potable uses. With appropriate treatment and regulatory compliance, harvested rainwater can also be used for potable purposes.

As stormwater requirements for new construction become more stringent, rainwater harvesting can provide a way to capture and manage rainfall on site while reducing demand for municipal water. Properly designed systems can therefore address two needs at the same time: managing stormwater and reducing potable-water consumption.

Why Collect Rainwater?

Rainwater is particularly well suited for irrigation because it does not contain the chlorine and other treatment chemicals found in municipal potable water. Properly collected rainwater is generally soft and has relatively low concentrations of dissolved minerals and salts, making it useful for irrigation and other applications where high mineral content can be undesirable.

Rainwater harvesting can also provide an alternative to using groundwater from wells. Groundwater is an important resource, but wells can contain minerals or other constituents that require treatment before the water can be used. Groundwater withdrawals can also affect local aquifers and connected surface-water systems, particularly when withdrawals are substantial or occur during drought conditions.

Rainwater, by contrast, is a renewable source that is replenished through precipitation. Capturing a portion of that rainfall for later use can reduce reliance on both municipal water supplies and groundwater.