What is rainwater harvesting?

Rainwater harvesting is the idea of capturing stormwater runoff and using it in place of a city or well water supply. Typically, water is captured from a rooftop and stored in a cistern for use.

How can I use harvested rainwater?

• Water for gardening
• Crop irrigation
• Vehicle washing
• Toilet flushing
• Clothes washing
• Drinking water (with special treatment)

What are the benefits of rainwater harvesting?

• Runoff volume reduction
• Reduction in pollutant load
• Monetary savings on water use
• Reduced demand on water supplies

Are there any limitations?

• Because a rainwater harvesting system depends on rainfall to recharge, a backup water supply may be required for some applications.
• Water must be treated for many home uses (ex: drinking water, washing dishes, etc.)
• A separate plumbing network is needed to keep harvested rainwater from mixing with city or well water.

How can I improve the appearance of the cistern?

• A cistern can be virtually invisible when installed underground.
• Cisterns can also be constructed from a variety of materials, including plastic, metal, and wood.

What's the difference between a rainwater harvesting system and a rain barrel?

• While both of these systems capture rainwater, the small size of a rain barrel greatly limits its practicality when compared with a rainwater harvesting system.
• Most rain barrel volumes are exceeded during even small rainfall events and only provide enough storage for casual uses.

How much water could I actually save?

• Take a look at Water Harvesting Lite to get an idea
• You can use a garden water meter, available from many online retailers for around $10, to monitor your current water usage for tasks that could be supplied by a water harvesting system.

Can I use harvested rainwater to irrigate during mandatory water restrictions?

• Because irrigation with a rainwater harvesting system does not rely upon municipal water sources, it may be exempt from mandatory water restrictions.
• It is important to check with your local public utilities department to ensure that you will not be subjected to any penalties for using harvested rainwater during periods of mandatory water restrictions.