6 Features to Look for When Buying a Rain Barrel

Posted on January 18, 2016 by admin

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At the beginning of the year, many consumers take stock of their finances and the improvements they need to make to their landscaping once spring arrives. What if it’s possible to do both—save money and improve the functionality of one of your home’s biggest assets? Investing in a simple rain barrel can be a real asset to your lawn and garden. If you’re a novice at harvesting rainwater, here are some features to look for when shopping for your first rain barrel:

 

Make sure it’s child, pet, and wildlife-proof

A barrel full of rain may be good for your garden, but dangerous for a small child or the family pet. Check your barrel for specific design elements that prevent it from tipping over. For example, many barrels come with a flat back so it can be attached to the side of the house or a fence.

 

Ensure that your rain barrel has an overflow valve

An overflow valve helps regulate the flow of rainwater in your barrel. It kicks in when the barrel reaches capacity. Dual overflow ports provide optimum operation.

 

Look for a mesh screen filter to keep residue away

Hard rains and roving wildlife or insects can push debris into a rain barrel, making the water dirty and possibly damaging the inside of the barrel. A mesh screen filter will block all but the most minute of particles.

 

Check to see if the barrel is linkable to other barrels

If your landscape or gardening needs change—especially if you add a vegetable garden–you may need to expand your rainwater harvesting capacity. Make sure your barrel has the hardware to connect to another barrel.

 

Choose durable materials

Remember, your rain barrel will be outside during all sorts of weather, from baking sun to thundering rains to freezing ice and rain. While wood is recyclable, it isn’t the most durable material choice for a rain barrel. Heavy duty molded plastics, such as resin, will be able to withstand the elements; it won’t crack, peel or rot.

 

Ask for a warranty from your dealer

A warranty provides protection against defects in materials and manufacturing. Read your rain barrel’s warranty to make sure that it covers replacement parts and their shipping costs. Most warranties will not cover damages incurred by the homeowner, so be sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and maintenance.

 

If you’re ready to invest in a rain barrel, start your research on our website. We offer a variety of barrel designs with capacities ranging from 50 gallons to over 400 gallons. The exteriors come in various styles, ranging from standard opaque green barrel shapes, faux wood grain, and decorative stone in several colors. There’s sure to be one that fits your landscaping plan and your budget. Questions? Call us toll-free at 800-654-9283. 

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How Citizens around the World are Conserving the Gift of Water

Posted on December 10, 2015 by admin

 

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Water is our most precious gift; however, you don’t realize how important and precious it is until there is a shortage. In fact, many countries have not experienced the gift of the consistency of water. According to dosomething.org, more than 84,000 people die each year from a water-related disease. They have either experienced dirty or unsafe water for extended periods, or they have had to walk miles and miles to carry heavy jugs water when they do have access to it. Here are some ways citizens around the world are impacted by water woes.

 

  1. Protect water from pollution.

Environmental factors, economic troubles and corrupted development impacts water pollution in third-world countries. If you have traveled to a third world country, you know that rivers are often polluted, sewage can be abnormal, and sometimes, living in waste is common. Polluted water spreads illness.

 

  1. Importance of groundwater.

Groundwater makes up 25% of the water supply in the world. The other 75% is from lakes, rivers, oceans, and other bodies of water. Groundwater is the excess water found in the cracks and spaces in the ground. Groundwater is more crucial than we think. It helps grow our food, supply drinking water, and recharges lakes and rivers. If we can recognize the importance of groundwater and better conserve it, safe drinkable water will be easier to access. Access to groundwater is imperative for all countries.

 

  1. Control of the population.

When the population increases, the demand for water increases. If the population continues to grow the way it is projected to grow by 2025, the entire world will face water shortages. Even if there is enough water in 10 years, it still might not be enough to meet human needs. A study from fewresources.org shows that by 2030 half of the world could live under high water stress. If we keep population control in mind, this could have an impact on our conservation of water for the future.

 

 

There are many steps we can take to better conserve water. As long as we keep educating ourselves on other countries and how other citizens are conserving water, we can better ourselves. Water conservation begins at home! Ask us how we can make your world become more water-efficient. Visit our website for ideas, or ask us on Facebook or Twitter.

 

 

 

https://www.dosomething.org/facts/11-facts-about-water-developing-world

http://www.biologydiscussion.com/articles/13-outstanding-water-conservation-methods/2435

http://www.nrdc.org/international/safewater.asp

http://www.biologydiscussion.com/articles/13-outstanding-water-conservation-methods/2435

http://www.groundwater.org/get-informed/basics/groundwater.html

http://www.fewresources.org/water-scarcity-issues-were-running-out-of-water.html

 

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Saving Water in the Workplace

Posted on December 1, 2015 by admin

 

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As a business owner, have you ever wondered how you could save your company money on water consumption? Look no further, because our gift to you this holiday season is the gift of advice when it comes to saving water. Right now, there are many companies that are focused on setting big goals in water efficiency. Some of these companies include Coca Cola, Gap, Kraft, Pepsi, and General Electric. All of these companies have set goals to conserve water and most of them have reached their goals. Does your company have a goal to better conserve water? Have you thought about setting business goals to do so? Here are 5 ways your business can set goals to conserve water: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/26/business/coca-cola-expects-to-reach-its-water-replenishment-goal-5-years-early.html?_r=0

 

  1. Discuss water efficiency at team meetings.

What better way to bring your company together than to set a team goal of conserving water? If you set a company goal to better conserve water and challenge all of your employees, the goal can be achieved more efficiently. In order for this to happen, give them the proper steps. First, introduce the challenge. Next, give them steps to complete the challenge. Finally, ask them to contribute. Let them know that reaching this goal won’t be possible without them. Establish a water-saving baseline and set achievable targets for water conservation for each employee..

 

  1. Grass or turf?

Did you know that native grass uses up to 83% less water than turf grass? If you and your company are trying to conserve water, native grass landscaping is the better choice. Sometimes landscape companies offer rebates if you remove turf from your workplace. This will help individuals and companies save water in a big way. Check with your local landscape businesses for the rebates they offer.

 

  1. Check faucets!

There are many occasions where people walk in to a workplace restroom or kitchen and see the sink dripping. This is one major way water is wasted: a leaky faucet. Make sure you are constantly checking your faucets in your workplace. Check your water conservation by using this Drip Calculator: http://www.awwa.org/resources-tools/public-affairs/public-information/dripcalculator.aspx. This will help show you how much water you are wasting and how much money you could be saving.

 

  1. Low flow toilets.

Another water conservation tactic your company should consider is to install low flow toilets in all restrooms. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the largest share of water is in bathroom use. Inefficient toilets use up to 6 gallons of water per flush. Many local water authorities offer rebates to companies that switch to high efficiencytoilets.http://fruitguys.com/almanac/2015/04/23/10-ways-save-water-office

 

5.  Signage

Put up signs that are daily reminders of your company goals. In restrooms and kitchens, remind employees to turn off the water. This simple action can save up to 2 gallons of water per minute!

 

 

If everyone in the company contributes by setting goals, putting up signage, installing low flow toilets, checking for leaky faucets, and considering grass over turf, the workplace could have a smaller water footprint. And for the ultimate reduction in corporate water footprints, Rain Harvest Systems offers conservation solutions for businesses of all sizes. Check out our website: http://www.rainharvest.com/shop/ for the rainwater catchment system that suits your company’s budget!

 

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Our Nations Water Supply: Part II How can you conserve water?

Posted on October 16, 2015 by admin

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When we hear about an environmental crisis, we hope there is an easy solution. In Part 1 of http://rainharvest.com/blog/ we heard how the world is going through a water crisis and how much our lives depend on water. Water is not a resource we should take for granted. Is there a solution to the water crisis? With every problem we always seek a solution. There are more ways than one that you can conserve water. Here are 3 ways you can make a difference:

 

  1. Rain Harvest System products

Investing in rainwater harvesting products is something that can help you save more water than you could imagine. Rain harvest system products help store water so it can be used for irrigation, laundry, drinking water (after purification, of course,) and even flushing toilets. Check it out on our website http://rainharvest.com to find more detailed information.

  1. Home Water Challenge

The Home Water Challenge encourages you to find ways inside or outside your home to save water. It all starts with showering for less than 5 minutes, or even buying water- saving showerheads. Make sure you are checking for leaks in your toilets and faucets as well. Another way to contribute to the home water challenge is to check your water heater and water measure on a regular basis. The home water challenge is an easy, fast way to save! If we make an effort to create a habit of water conservation, we all benefit.

Find out more about the Home Water Challenge http://bit.ly/WBwhjX

  1. Monthly planner

Planning how to save water monthly is another option for conservation. You can do this by setting a water-saving goal each month. It can range from preparing your landscape and your home for the summer to planting low water use plants. Check out http://bit.ly/1ZGuSVb for lots of great water-saving tips!

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Conserving water is a serious issue. Droughts and multiple water crises are headline news all around the world. It is time for us to take the issue more seriously and save water. As stated above, there are more than 100 ways we can conserve water and make a change. What is going to be your method of saving water?

 

Keep up with us on Twitter: RainHarvestSys, or LinkedIn: rkauk@mindspring.com and share your thoughts with us!

 

 

 

 

Sources: http://wateruseitwisely.com; http://www.savingwater.org

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Our Nation’s Water Supply – Part I: Heading for Crisis

Posted on September 18, 2015 by admin

If you know us here at RainHarvest Systems at all, you know that we are passionate about saving and conserving water, whether it comes from the sky or not. But do you know why? Today we’d like to share some information that may come as a surprise to you: Global water supply is headed for crisis, and our country is following suit.

Here in Amercia, or the “Land of Plenty”, we are pretty removed from the global water crisis. For the most part, we all have toilets that flush and refill, we can turn the faucet on and get clean drinking water, and we can even use water for meanial things like watering our lawn or washing our cars.  So it is hard for us to think of the possibility of our water supply running short. What many of us don’t realize is that water is not a resource that we can take for granted. While it technically is a renewable resource thanks to the rain, if we aren’t careful, we can use it faster than it can be replenished – a problem that is happening right now in certain parts of our great nation.  And when it runs out, we’ll be in big trouble. Let’s take a look at a few facts:

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Slide2And just for added measure, here’s the most recent look at our nations groundwater supply. This particuler map shows the places where our groundwater levels are below normal:

below normal levels

All of those things and many more are behind our hearts for conserving and saving water. It’s not because it’s the cool, trendy thing to do right now. It’s not just a hobby or a crazy obsession. We care about conserving water because all of our lives depend on it. And if we can work together starting now, there’s a chance we can reverse the future we’re headed for if we don’t.

Stay tuned for Part II of this series! We’ll discuss things that you can do now to start making a difference (Hint: it starts with rain harvesting!)…

Until then, be sure to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!

 

Sources: http://groundwaterwatch.usgs.gov/  | http://www.capradio.org/articles/2015/08/19/california-drought-nasa-says-land-sinking-faster-in-san-joaquin-valley/ | http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/08/140819-groundwater-california-drought-aquifers-hidden-crisis/ | http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-ogallala-aquifer  | http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/wilderness-resources/stories/why-you-should-care-about-water-conservation-infographic | http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-6735/What-You-Need-to-Know-About-the-Worlds-Water-Infographic.html
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Water Quality: How You Can Make a Positive Impact

Posted on August 27, 2015 by admin

Water quality. It’s not something we typically worry about here in America. In fact, it is something we probably take for granted. Without a second thought, we turn on the faucet in our homes and clear, clean water comes rushing out, ready for drinking or washing or watering. But what if that was not the case? Even in America, there are many factors that can contribute to–or take away from–our water quality. And since August is National Water Quality Month, we’d like to share a few ways that you can ensure that your actions affect our water quality in a positive way.

1) Manage the Stormwater Runoff at Your Home and Place of Business.

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The top cause for water pollution in America is stormwater runoff. Rain or snowmelt collects everything from dirt to bacteria to chemicals as it runs into our storm drains. These drains then deposit the water untreated into our local water bodies. We took an extensive look at stormwater runoff earlier this year. If you’re not familiar with the term, it is defined and explained in this post. To see what kinds of damage stormwater runoff has caused, check out this post. And finally, to see what you can do to manage stormwater runoff, take a look at this post. If we each take responsibility for the water that lands on our homes and businesses, we can greatly reduce water pollution!

2) Know What You are Putting Down the Drain.

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Our sewer treatment plants are not able to eliminate 100% of the chemicals and toxins that we put down our drains. Soaps, lotions, creams, pharmaceuticals, detergents – they all end up in our water supply. To cut down on this type of water pollution, consider switching to environmentally friendly and nontoxic cleaners and personal care products. You should also properly dispose of hazardous household chemicals (paints, prescriptions, motor oil, pool chemicals, insecticides, etc.), to ensure they don’t end up in our water supply.

Find an extensive list of things you can do to help clean up our water supply via this article by the NRDC.

3) Use Water Wisely.

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Did you know that our freshwater supply is not unlimited? In fact, of all of the water in the world, 99.7% of it isn’t usable by humans! And once the little bit of freshwater we have runs out, we won’t be able to get it back. Many areas of our country are already experiencing water shortage with the record-breaking drought that is happening right now out west. Obviously, without freshwater, we’ll have to figure out how to use sea water, and water quality will be a whole new ballgame.

So how do we use water wisely? A great place to start would be rain harvesting! Around 70% of freshwater in America is used for irrigation. Even the simplest rain harvesting systems will use the rain water that falls on your roof to irrigate your lawn. If we could cut water use back in domestic irrigation alone, just think of the amounts water we could save! Not to mention rain harvesting systems that recycle greywater or use rain water for households uses. If more of our country could rely on rain water, we could potentially reverse the water crisis that is impending if we don’t.

You can also find lots of tips on how to conserve water over at Water Use it Wisely.

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Right now, water quality in America is under control; BUT if our current habits continue, this could no longer be the case. Will you join us in protecting our nation’s water supply? We would love to answer any questions you may have. Find us on Facebook, Google +, or contact us via our website.

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Rain Harvesting Explained: Wet Systems VS. Dry Systems

Posted on July 24, 2015 by admin

If you’ve clicked around on our website at all, you’ve probably come across terms and phrases that are unfamiliar to you when it comes to rain harvesting. You might have also noticed that we are passionate about the topic, and love to educate the world on anything and everything related to rain harvesting. And since there’s only so much space under product listings, we figured we’d occassionally take the time to further explain rain harvesting here on the blog.

Today, we’re going to take a look at “wet” systems and “dry” systems. First of all, note that each of these systems refers to a set-up where the catchment tank is above ground. Here are the differences:

Wet Systems                                                                                                                                         A “wet” rain harvesting system is most often used for a large building where the collection tank is far from the catchment area. In such cases, the pipes that carry the water to the tank are put out of sight underground. Once the pipes reach the tank, they come back above ground and connect to a riser, which allows the water to flow into the tank.

With gravity at play, there will always be a little bit of water left in the underground pipes – there will never be enough water pressure to flush every drop into the tank – hence the term “wet” system. And since stagnant water is bad news, these systems must have a drain mechanism to allow that last little bit of water to exit the system.

Here is an example of a “wet” system (notice that the pipe that leads to the tank comes from underground):

wet system

Dry Systems                                                                                                                                         A “dry” system typically has a simpler set-up and is generally found on a structure with only a couple of downspouts. The collection tank in this case is also usually found right next to the catchment area, so there’s no need to run piping underground. With all pipes above ground, gravity is able to empty every drop of water into the tank – hence the term “dry” system.

Here’s an example of a “dry” system (notce how the downspout leads directly to the top of the tank):

dry system

 

So, which one is superior, you ask? While it really depends on the layout of the property and the size of the catchment area you are working with. We greatly prefer “dry” systems, even though “wet” systems are more aesthetically pleasing (with all of the piping underground). Since there’s no need for a drain in this type of set up, you’re able to make use of more water than with the “wet” system. The good news is that with the right equipment, you can have the best of both worlds! In-ground First Flush Water Diverters allow “wet” systems to become “dry”systems by ensuring that the diverted water and the water that would normally remain in the pipes empties out:

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Thus, you can have the piping underground and allow the pipes to run dry. It’s a win-win!

Still have questions? Be sure to connect with us on Facebook, Google +, or LinkedIn. We would be glad to help you!

Photo Sources: “wet” system & “dry” system
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A Case for Environmental Stewardship

Posted on June 26, 2015 by admin

Environmental Stewardship refers to the responsible use and protection of the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices. The EPA defines it as the responsibility for environmental quality shared by all those whose actions affect the environment. By acting responsibly with what we have today, we are investing in tomorrow. Here’s why we believe this investment is so important:

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It’s 2015. We can make video calls on tablets, access the internet on our televisions, and even control the lights in our house from across town on our cellphones. But even with all of the advancements that have been made over the years and centuries of human existence, scientists have yet to find a way to duplicate our environment. There’s no other planet for us to live on, there’s no way to control the weather, and there’s no way to recreate species that go extinct. There’s no reproducing nature once we destroy it. We have only one earth to sustain life, and it depends on each and every one of us to care for it.

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Since it is no secret that we have only one earth to live on, there is growing concern amongst the general public on the topic. Consumers are beginning to vote with their dollars on the matter, and they are choosing businesses that do their part in protecting the environment over ones that don’t.

According to the U.S. Green Building Council, the top two reasons for building green are client demand (35%) and market demand (33%). A recent Nielsen global survey on corporate social responsibility reports that more than half (55%) of those polled said they are willing to pay extra for products and services produced or offered from companies that are committed to positive social and environmental impact.

Although many companies choose to go green purely for the environmental benefits, improved publicity and public image are another reason to consider doing so.

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Finally, businesses may choose to become more environmentally conscious due to the many financial benefits of building and operating “green”. While green projects are typically more expensive investments, they can recoup those extra costs over time and even make money for the company. For example, many municipalities offer tax credits for businesses that achieve certain green building goals. Expedited permitting processes and fee reduction could also be available for those who build green. Find more benefits that pertain specifically to building green here.

Once the project is complete, businesses can expect to see a reduction in operating costs. One study on green building reports that operating costs decreased by 13.6% for new construction and 8.5% for existing building projects. The same study revealed that building value increased by 10.9% for new construction and 6.8% for existing building projects, leaving owners with a hefty and immediate return on their investment.

 

Rain harvesting is one of the many ways that a business can choose to become more environmentally responsible. At RainHarvest Systems, we provide planning, design, implementation and maintenance services for commercial and industrial systems of all sizes. When you are ready to go green and begin rain harvesting, our in-house CAD department and experienced LEED AP design staff will be ready to serve you.

Have questions about industrial or commercial rain harvesting? Visit our website for more information, or connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Google+.

 

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Stormwater Mitigation Part III: What To Do About It.

Posted on May 25, 2015 by admin

Now that we are in the final part of our series on Stormwater Mitigation, let’s do a quick recap of what we’ve discussed so far…

In Part I we defined stormwater runoff and examined the science behind the problem:

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In Part II, we reviewed a few real-life examples of the effects stormwater runoff on our environment:

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And now, for Part III, we are going to talk about what can be done about this damaging environmental issue:

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Obviously we can’t control when or where the rain falls. BUT, we can control what happens to the rain when and where it falls.

By installing a stormwater management (SWM) system at your home, place of business, or both, you can use the water that lands on your property for good, instead of allowing it to contribute to the pollution of local water bodies, the detriment of ecosystems or the flooding of our communities.

SWM systems can provide storage for water to be reused on the property and they can also be used to infiltrate water back into the ground.

If you are using your SWM system to store water for use on your property, there are a variety of ways to do so. For starters, it is quite popular for rain water to be used to irrigate gardens and landscaping. Free of chlorine and added chemicals, rain water is the best option when it comes to watering natural environments. With proper filtration, rain water can also be used indoors, for things such as toilet-flushing, dish/laundry washing and even drinking water.

Stormwater management systems are also designed to allow water to infiltrate back into the ground. This is a crucial process, as it allows water to go back to where it came from, and complete the natural hydrologic cycle (see graphic here).

Our groundwater supply is dwindling, and it can only be replenished in this manner. We rely on groundwater for drinking water and agriculture. It is an important component of many industrial processes. Groundwater is also a source of recharge for our lakes and rivers. We simply cannot afford to lose it! Thus, SWM systems play a vital role in keeping our groundwater supply alive. 

If you are interested in learning more about the types of SWM systems or how they can be incorporated into your home or business, please contact us today. We are happy to get you started! Together, we can make a difference today for a better tomorrow.

Browse the SWM systems that we carry here. And find us on Facebook, Twitter, Google +, or LinkedIn. We’ll be waiting for you!

 

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Stormwater Mitigation Part II: How is the Environment Affected?

Posted on April 30, 2015 by admin

Now that you are familiar with stormwater runoff, let’s take a look at a few real-life examples of its effects [if you missed Part I, be sure to check it out for a full explanation of stormwater runoff]:

1) Beach Closures due to High Bacteria Levels. 

When stormwater runs through the environment, it picks up everything in its path, including viruses and bacteria. During any precipitation event, the amount of bacteria present in the water is highly concentrated, making it dangerous not only for humans, but for the species that inhabit each body of water involved.

For example, let’s look at Topanga County Beach in Los Angeles, CA.  The Topanga Creek mouth dispels stormwater runoff into the ocean at this beach, causing bacteria levels to skyrocket with each precipitation event. This beach has received a failing grade for 6 out of 12 tests this year alone regarding water safety [source].

topanga[Photo Credit: Topanga Copyright © 2002 – 2014 Kenneth & Gabrielle Adelman, California Coastal Records Project, www.californiacoastline.org]

 

2) Fish Kill due to Water Pollution.

While phosphorous and nitrogen are naturally part of our environment, high quantities of either element can create a deadly scenario. Stormwater picks up these nutrients when it runs over fertilizer, leaves, pollen, or animal manure. Faulty septic systems can also contribute phosphorous and nitrogen into our environment. The two nutrients fuel algae growth, which can quickly disrupt the natural habitat and degrade water quality. Large algae blooms block sunlight from the oxygen-producing plants under the surface, depleting water of this crucial element. Without oxygen, aquatic life cannot survive.

Some algae varieties can produce deadly toxins, such as the blue-green algae bloom reported last week in Ocala, Florida. Thousands of fish are dead due to high levels of cyanobacteria in Lake Weir. The culprits? Fertilizer and septic tank overflows brought to the lake via stormwater runoff.

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[Photo Source]

 

3) Groundwater Depletion.

In some places around the world, groundwater is being used faster than it can naturally be replenished. While this situation is caused by multiple factors, stormwater runoff is also to blame. Over time, urban development has disrupted the natural hydrologic cycle and enough rain is not being absorbed by the soil and or making its way to underground aquifers. This process takes time and it takes even more time when rain is channeled away from the ground it lands on.

In California, for example, groundwater has been over-tapped for use in agriculture and human consumption. Aquifer levels are so low in some areas of the state that seawater is seeping in from the ocean, making the resource near impossible to use. Last month it was reported that the situation has become so dire in the Pajaro Valley, that some farmers are forced to rely solely on delivered water to grow their crops, which will only make the problem worse [source].

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[Photo Source]

 

4) Soil Erosion and Sediment Pollution.

Stormwater runoff can cause rapid soil erosion in two different scenarios, both of which lead to sediment pollution. The first example of soil erosion happens anytime the open ground, such as that of a construction site, is subjected to precipitation events. Rain falls on the soil, and carries it away because there are no trees or plants to hold it in place. Soil erosion also occurs when fast-moving stormwater is funneled in to our rivers and streams. Such volumes of water rushing through these water bodies are likely to cause an accelerated rate of riverbed erosion.

Sediment pollution occurs when eroded soil is deposited in our lakes, rivers and streams. Sediment causes cloudy, or turbid, water and eventually destroys fish spawning grounds and other aquatic habitats.

For the last three years, a non-profit organization called Huron Pines has worked hard to restore the Pine River in Northeast Michigan. The South Branch of the Pine River “provides quality coldwater fish habitat for brook, brown and rainbow trout as well as the occasional steelhead, seasonal salmon and northern hogsucker” according to the Huron Pines website. Unfortunately, the wildlife was put in danger when eroding stream banks created unstable habitats along the river. Large portions of soil were washed downstream, posing a threat to those habitats as well.

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[Photo Source]

 

As you can see, the effects of stormwater runoff are many and they impact us all. Thus, we feel that everyone has a part to play in reversing these damaging consequences and preventing future problems. Stay tuned for Part III of this series, as we will discuss how YOU can do your part to protect our precious environment.

If you have questions in the meantime, feel free to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Google +.

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