Install a Rainwater Harvesting System

What is rainwater harvesting?

Rainwater harvesting is the collection and storage of rain from roofs or from surface catchment for future use. The water is stored in tanks to be saved or directed into mechanisms used for groundwater recharge.

Why install a system?

In most communities, about 35% of water use is applied to landscape irrigation. Using a rainwater harvesting system can help reduce demand on our water supply as well as reduce water bills.

Rainwater harvesting can also help prevent flooding and erosion, reduce contamination of run-off, and turn storm-water problems into a usable water supply.

 Approximately 0.62 gallons per square foot of collection surface per inch of rainfall can be captured. This tends to vary because some water is lost in the first flush of the system, splash-out or overshoot in hard rains, or possible leaks. Some rainwater can be lost if the tank is full.  Smooth run off surfaces provide a more efficient method for capturing rainwater during intense rainfalls.

What supplies will you need?

· Catchment surface

· Gutters and Downspouts

· Leaf screens

· Storage tanks

· Delivery system

· Treatment/Purification

Cost of installation

The cost of a rainwater harvesting system can be as small or large as you choose to make it. There are various types of materials that can be used in each stage of the system. You can choose these pieces according to your budget. The size of storage tank and choice of potable or non-potable water will be the main expenses in your system. The tables below show average costs of the different options for each component of the system.

For more information view our rainwater harvesting page at www.pgcd.us.

Our rainwater harvesting system located on our office building. This 2500 gallon tank can be filled with just one inch of rainfall.

Rainwater harvesting systems can be as simple as this and can be used to water nearby plants. Average cost of barrel like this is around $100.