Stormwater Mitigation – Part I: What is Stormwater Runoff?

Posted on March 26, 2015 by admin

Stormwater mitigation. It’s something we are passionate about here at RainHarvest Systems. But do you know why? You may hear the words ‘stormwater runoff’ or ‘stormwater erosion’ in the news or come across them on our website, but do you know what they mean? We believe that stormwater runoff and stormwater erosion are becoming a big issue for our environment. But, the good news is that stormwater mitigation is a great way to help solve this potentially devastating problem.

In natural landscapes, rain is almost always a good thing. It waters the foliage, offers wildlife relief from the heat in the summer, and helps rivers and lakes maintain healthy levels. In areas with plenty of tree coverage, the canopy captures and stores rainfall, then releases it back into the atmosphere via evapotranspiration. On the ground, plants, tree roots, and leaf coverage promote an environment that allows for slow infiltration back into the soil. From there, the water makes its way back into our groundwater supply.  By working together, the natural landscape and the rain create a healthy environment. Consider this graphic of the natural hydrologic cycle:

 

hydrologic cycle

 

[Photo Source]

But what happens when you remove the trees and soil from the picture? When paved surfaces make up more of the ground cover than natural elements, the equation is thrown out of balance and there becomes an unnatural amount of stormwater runoff. Consider this graphic with several surface scenarios:

Impervious Scenarios

 

[Photo Source]

The amount of runoff drastically increases as the percentage of impervious surface area increases, with the amount of water naturally cycled into the environment drastically decreasing at the same time.

Stormwater runoff is water that originates during precipitation events, such as rain or snowmelt. When water is no longer filtered by trees and soil, it quickly accumulates on paved surfaces and either causes flooding or runoff.  This runoff can pick up debris, chemicals, bacteria, sediment, and other pollutants as it travels from the paved ground and into the storm sewer system. From there, stormwater is discharged untreated into the bodies of water that we use for swimming, fishing, and drinking water.

Notice from the graphic the amount of runoff for natural ground cover (10%) verses runoff for 75-100% impervious surface (55%). Studies have shown that as the amount of impervious surface area increases, stream health in the same geographical area decreases. Stormwater runoff contributes to water pollution and is the top cause of stream impairment. And with 45% more water moving, our streams and rivers face an accelerated rate of erosion, endangering the habitat of the species that dwell in them.

Stormwater runoff is bad news for our environment. Given enough time and money, debris and pollutants can be removed or filtered from the bodies of water around us. However, neither species nor habitats can be re-created once they are destroyed. In Part II of this series, we are going to look at a few real examples of the affects of stormwater runoff and stormwater erosion. And finally, in Part III, we’ll look at some good news for a change, by discussing the ways that stormwater mitigation can help this issue. By working together in rain harvesting, rain can always a good thing.

Posted in Rainwater Harvesting, Stormwater mitigation | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

The ABCs of Frozen Pipes

Posted on February 17, 2015 by admin

‘Tis the season…for cold temps, frozen pipes and potential disaster. Yep, it’s winter.

But before you go running amok, let us help. We know that trying to prevent (and deal with the potential aftermath of) frozen pipes can be intimidating. But we break it down for you.

Behold, the ABCs of handling freezing temps and frozen pipes…

Photo credit

A: ALWAYS PREPARE.

According to Patch, as temperatures drop and winds pick up, “it is crucial to protect your home’s water pipes against freezing. Untreated pipes in your basement and crawlspaces can be an expensive and nightmarish scenario for any homeowner.”

And the three causes of frozen pipes include:

1. Quick drops in temperature

2. Poor insulation

3. Thermostats set too low

Photo credit

So, how can we prepare? Some top tips:

  • Check the insulation of pipes in your home’s crawl spaces and attic. Exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing.
  • A trickle of hot and cold water might be all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing. Let warm water drip overnight, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall.
  • Keep your thermostat set at the same temperature during both day and night.
  • Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to un-insulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.

B: BE CAUTIOUS.

Ok, let’s say you’ve done all you can – and yet, the pipes have frozen. Here’s what to do to deal with a potential disaster, courtesy of the American Red Cross.

  • If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out, leave the faucets turned on and call a plumber.
  • If your house or basement is flooding, turn off the water valve and immediately call 911.
  • Do not touch or use electrical appliances in areas of standing water due to electrocution concerns.
  • Never try to thaw a pipe with a torch or other open flame because it could cause a fire hazard.

C: COLLECT RAINWATER.

If your pipes are frozen and your water supply is unavailable, how can you go on? Glad you asked…

When water supply becomes limited, practical solutions can fill the gap. Rainwater harvesting systems provide distributed stormwater runoff containment while simultaneously storing water which can be used for irrigation, flushing toilets, washing clothes, washing cars, pressure washing, or it can be purified for use as everyday drinking water.

You can really take this as far as you want. But it all comes down to various filtration and processing systems.

And from simple systems (like a personal rain barrel) to complex solutions (like commercial-grade rain harvesting systems), we can get you on the road to water independence.

Visit us at www.rainharvest.com to learn more.

 

Posted in Catchment Systems, Commercial Rainwater Harvesting, Rainwater Harvesting | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

3 Steps to a Water-Smart Year

Posted on January 20, 2015 by admin

It’s January – and resolutions, new beginnings and fresh perspectives are still top-of-mind. As we move through the year, how can we be better stewards of our resources?

According to the Global Water Partnership, “the volume of freshwater is only 2.5% of [the] total volume” of water across the globe. And of that 2.5%, only 1% is available as drinking water – as the remainder is frozen.

While these numbers may be hard to reconcile in our everyday use – suffice it to say that we consider water to be a limited resource. For some perspective, check out this infographic from water.org. It shows how many people still struggle for clean water, globally.

Photo credit: http://bit.ly/1yznZIO

So, if we’re fortunate to have relatively unfettered access to water – how can we ensure we’re using it smartly?

Glad you asked…

1. Know your usage.

Per a local department of utilities, “the average American uses 140-170 gallons of water per day.” And our country is among the top consumers (and wasters!) of water as a resource.

Fortunately, there are many online and local resources to help us determine how much water we’re consuming. In fact, we recently shared a fun, hands-on way to get the whole family involved:

Photo credit: http://on.fb.me/1xkzvDA

Ask your local water department if they have a water usage calculator. Or, use this handy online tool to see how much water you’re household is using.

2. Customize your behaviors.

Once we know how much water we’re using or wasting, we can change what we’re doing. Here’s a look at some of the easiest ways to save water, courtesy of a previous blog.

We can also save water outside the home – like in our gardens. Again, there are many resources online that offer tips and advice re: how to best use water in our gardens throughout the year.

One of our favorites is a local nursery that provides month-to-month tips. Check your local area garden stores for insight about when to water and more. Also, consider planting water-smart gardens that include native plants and plants that require less water and maintenance.

3. Plan for the future.

In addition to discovering and changing our behaviors, we can take steps to ensure we have greater access to clean water. That’s where harvesting rain comes in.

Rain harvesting helps fill the gap when water sources become limited. For example, areas across the country continue to experience droughts and subsequent water restrictions. And having a reservoir of water, readily available to you and your family, is becoming more and more important.

Learn more about the practice and history of harvesting rain here. From personal systems for private homes to complete rain-harvesting systems for neighborhoods and/or commercial properties (i.e. as in the picture above), we have you covered from top to bottom.

For more information on rain harvesting – and more water-smart tips – visit us on Facebook, Twitter or Google+.

Posted in Catchment Systems, Commercial Rainwater Harvesting, Lawn and Garden, Rainwater Harvesting | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

4 Ways to Save Water During the Holidays

Posted on December 17, 2014 by admin

We all know and love the 12 Days of Christmas. Now, we take a cue from this festive favorite for some seasonal water-saving tips. After all, who doesn’t love a countdown?!

As we move through the busiest time of year, how can we continue to be good stewards of our resources? How can we remember to save water?

We break it down for you.*

1. Let it thaw, let it thaw, let it thaw. Save water – and the energy used by your hot water heater – by thawing foods in the microwave or overnight in the fridge, instead of running hot water over them.

Photo credit: http://bit.ly/16pEL24

2. Never lighten the load. Holiday fun means party attire, snow gear and a whole bunch of laundry. Save water (and make that pile disappear a little faster) by only washing and drying full loads every time. Also, using cold water whenever possible can reduce the energy needed to wash your clothes, as well as your energy bills.

Photo credit: http://bit.ly/13ubeDl

3. Keep the tap tight. If you’re pulling out the fine china this holiday season, chances are you’ll have to hand-wash those beauties. When you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, don’t constantly run the tap. Plug the drain, fill the sink with soapy water and scrub away.

Photo credit: http://bit.ly/16pEWKP

4. Give the gift of rain. The rain barrel isn’t a new concept. However, improvements over time have produced models capable of offering maximum effectiveness and durability. Having a barrel specifically designed for rainwater collection means you may be able collect a greater volume of water.

We think a rain barrel could be a great gift to help your loved ones conserve water during the summer months, although you’ll need a pretty big stocking!

Photo credit: www.rainharvest.com/shop

*Tips courtesy of EPA.gov.

How are you saving water this holiday season? Tell us in the comments – or drop us a line on Facebook, Twitter or Google+.

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Go with the Flow: Picking a Pump Station

Posted on November 24, 2014 by admin

So, you’ve decided to start the rain-harvesting process. You’ve learned about rain collection systems and know your stuff. But, what’s most important? We cut through the noise for you.

One of the key components in your rain-harvesting system is your rainwater pump station. Just like many industries, several rainwater-collection product manufacturers offer bottom-of-the-barrel options that may be inexpensive – but fail to perform adequately.

Likewise, they may offer over-the-top selections that contain “bells and whistles” to increase the price, yet do not yield effective results.

Luckily, we’re middle-of-the-road folks here and will break down what you need to know when picking a pump station:

Our RainMaster Flow Inducer Rainwater Pump Stations feature high-performance, mid-range, automatic pump stations for large residential, commercial and light-industrial rainwater collection systems.

RainMaster Flow Inducer Kits are specially designed for rainwater collection systems using the highest quality components and packaged in a complete and easy to install bundle at an unbeatable price point. Using time-tested Goulds pump technology, these pump stations perfectly fill the performance gap between traditional standalone pumps and more expensive high-end pump stations.

All RainMaster Flow Induction Kits include:

  • High Performance Three Phase Motor, 230V
  • Single phase 230V supply to automatic pump controller
  • Variable Speed, Balanced Flow Pump Controller with Transducer (15′ cable)
  • Water End with Sand and Abrasion Resistant Floating Stack Design
  • Flow Induction Pump Chamber with 15 degree Inclination
  • 2″ Stainless Steel Floating Filter with 10′ hose
  • 8.2 Gallon Inline Pressure Tank (13.9 Gal on FI-6000 model)

For a look at how the different models perform, take a look at information about their efficiency and flow characteristics:

Screen Shot 2014-11-19 at 4.55.01 PM

Our kits also feature state-of-the-art technology and protections. Learn more about these features below:

Energy Efficient: By converting single phase input to 3 phase pump output, the controller can reduce energy consumption by 50%.

Raintight Controller: The controller is rated NEMA 3R (Raintight) so it may be located outdoors. It must be mounted vertically.

Dry-run Protection: This function protects the system from running dry. When the pressure transducer (included) detects inadequate water supply, the pump is automatically disabled. The controller will re-test for water supply until water is detected.

Broken Pipe Protection: The drive will turn off if the system pressure drops 20 PSI below the system set point pressure for a minimum of 30 seconds. (This fault must be manually reset, it will not clear automatically, this may prevent property damage if a pipe breaks.)

Auxiliary Switch Input: For connection of an external switch or control device used to start and stop the pump. Devices such as an over-pressure switch, level (float) switch or any other non-powered switch

So, what does this all mean? Our Flow Inducer Performance Comparison offers a great look at how the different models can best serve your needs:

For more information about pump stations, download our brochure here.

Posted in Catchment Systems, Commercial Rainwater Harvesting, Rainwater Harvesting, Rainwater system installation, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Do You Know Your Water Footprint?

Posted on October 3, 2014 by admin

A footprint is a trace left behind that represents where you have been.  It’s a statement of  “I was here.”  Sometimes the impression is positive as in the quote:

“Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.”  ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Sometimes a footprint left behind is not such a great thing.  It is a piece of evidence that can incriminate you:

“We all leave footprints in the sand, the question is, will we be a big heal, or a great soul.” ~ unknown

Going about our daily lives, we are leaving a water footprint for the present and future generations.  The water footprint of a consumer is the total volume of freshwater used to produce all the goods and services consumed, whether you are an individual, community or business.  Your footprint represents both direct and indirect uses of water.

Screen Shot 2014-10-01 at 9.32.52 AM

Direct uses of water are obvious and the solutions for reducing your footprint here are relatively easy and offer instant affects to your monthly budget.  For example:

  1. Turn off the water when brushing teeth and shaving.
  2. Install water-saving toilets and showerheads.
  3. Fill up the sink when washing dishes and turn the water off.
  4. When using the washing machine or dishwasher, always wash full loads.
  5. Use greywater  to water plants and landscaping.
  6. Harvest your rainwater by capturing water from downspouts or install an underground system, which can come in various sizes and shapes depending upon your needs.

These tasks, as well as other direct uses, make up ONLY 5% of the water used in the average American lifestyle.

Screen Shot 2014-10-01 at 9.33.06 AM

Indirect uses of water requires conscious lifestyle changes and advocacy.  You might say that our day-to-day lives are “all washed up.”  According to WatersWorthIt.org,  the amount of water that it takes to produce the average American diet is still more than the global average footprint of 900 gallons per day for diet, household use, transportation, energy and the consumption of material goods.  More than 50% of your water footprint goes to growing and processing the average American diet.  Consider these indirect sources:

  1. It takes 88 gallons of water to produce a 3 oz. serving of poultry.
  2. It takes 108 gallons of water to produce a 3 oz. serving of pork.
  3. 634 gallons is required to make one hamburger.
  4. A gallon of cow’s milk uses 880 gallons of water to produce.
  5. A gallon of gasoline uses nearly 13 gallons of water and almost 670 goes toward daily electricity production.
  6. It takes 700 gallons to make a cotton shirt and 2600 gallons to make a pair of jeans (most of the consumption is in the growing of the cotton.)  This means on average, each dollar spent on clothes and shoes costs about 23 gallons of water.

Everything we buy requires water to manufacture.  Additionally, we share in the footprints of many businesses such as restaurants, hospitals, and schools.  The opportunities to indirectly make an impact on your footprint are not as easy as choices that make a direct impact.  It could mean making conscious lifestyle choices, such as reducing the amount of meat you eat per week or researching and choosing manufacturers of goods and services who are actively pursuing water reclamation and conservation.

Ready to find out what mark you are leaving behind?  Click here for a quick individual water footprint calculator.

If you want more information about reducing your footprint, let us know below or ask us a question on our Facebook, Google+ or Twitter pages.

Posted in Catchment Systems, Commercial Rainwater Harvesting, Lawn and Garden, Rainwater Harvesting, Rainwater system installation, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

School is back in session! 5 tips to creating a more sustainable campus:

Posted on August 11, 2014 by admin

With all the little ones back in school that can only mean one thing: the fall college semester is right around the corner for all of the older kids. But what does that mean for our environment? It is a question we don’t think about when we talk with our children about their classes, that pesky locker combination that they just can’t seem to remember or their favorite new teacher. But that can change- Next time, try talking to your children about 5 simple things they can do differently to create a more sustainable campus:

1) Stop using disposable items: Plastic forks, cups, knives or anything else that can be thrown directly into the trash. Most of these things are not made of biodegradable materials, which means that they sit in a landfill for HUNDREDS of years!

2) Go digital: Now, not all schools will allow this but for those that will, this is a great alternative. It reduces paper usage and lets you keep all of your info in one convenient place that you can take anywhere!

3) Get cycling: Cars produce pollution. When at all possible, take a bike to your destination!

4) Hold off on heating/AC: As hard as it might sound, we all reach for these options way too quickly. Instead, next time you are a little chilly, grab a blanket or put on a few extra layers of clothes. If you are getting too warm, try opening the windows.

5) Last but not least, RECYCLE! It seems so obvious but it is a small step that makes a huge difference and we seem to forget it so often. Whether it be paper, plastic, electronic or clothing, there is almost always a place that will recycle it for you!

To sum it all up, creating a sustainable campus that will make school at least visually appealing, is something easy that we all can be a part of. Keep your kids informed and show them how they can make a difference!

Are you looking for more information about recycling in schools or how to help your campus go green? Check out these links from:

http://www.topuniversities.com/blog/8-tips-more-sustainable-campus

http://www.universitybusiness.com/article/most-sustainable-campuses

http://www.nature.org/greenliving/gogreen/everydayenvironmentalist/go-green-on-campus.xml

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Building a rain barrel:

Posted on June 26, 2014 by admin

As we mentioned in our previous blog, drinking rainwater is something that is extremely safe and a great step toward helping your family live a more eco-friendly life style. But, some may wonder, what is the best way to collect rainwater? Simple: A rain barrel. This is a device that catches that rainwater for you. A rain barrel can either be built or bought from a water conservation company such as our own, at rainharvest.com.

Rainwater that is collected in a rain barrel before it hits the ground is free of many contaminants that water picks up as it soaks into the soil. This soft, warm-water is perfect for plants, lawns, and many other outdoor applications.

Collecting rainwater in rain barrels can save thousands of gallons of tap water every single year. A typical 40-by- 40-foot roof is capable of collecting 1,000 gallons of water from only one inch of rain. A large rainwater collection system that squeezes every drop from your roof can provide most, if not all, of the water used throughout your home.

So, if DIY projects are your thing, here’s a step by step process to creating your own Rain barrel for your home:

Tools and Materials
• Drill/driver
• Screwdriver
• Hack saw
• Rain barrel
• Hose & fittings
• Base material (pavers)
• Downspout adapter and extension
• Teflon tape

1. Select a location for the barrel under a downspout. Locate your barrel as close to the area you want to irrigate as possible. Make sure the barrel has a stable, level base.
2. Install the spigot. Some kits may include a second spigot for filling watering cans. Use Teflon® tape at all threaded fittings to ensure a tight seal. Connect the overflow tube, and make sure it is pointed away from the foundation.
3. Cut the downspout to length with a hacksaw. Reconnect the elbow fitting to the downspout using sheet-metal screws. Attach the cover to the top of the rain barrel. Some systems include a cover with porous wire mesh, to which the downspout delivers water. Others include a cover with a sealed connection (next step).
4. Link the downspout elbow to the rain barrel with a length of flexible downspout extension attached to the elbow and the barrel cover.
Variation: If your barrel comes with a downspout adapter, cut away a segment of downspout and insert the adapter so it diverts water into the barrel.
5. Connect a drip irrigation tube or garden hose to the spigot. A Y-fitting will let you feed the drip irrigation system through a garden hose when the rain barrel is empty.
6. If you want, increase water storage by connecting two or more rain barrels together with a linking kit, available from many kit suppliers.

So, to sum it all up, building your own rain barrel can seem a little intimidating at first. But do not let this fear stop you from conserving water in your home! With our simple guidelines, you’ll be building rain barrels like a pro in no time.

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How do you know rainwater is safe for drinking?

Posted on June 20, 2014 by admin

When it comes to sustainable living and water conservation many people conserve water—but they also wonder, “How do I really know if the rainwater I collect is safe for drinking?” Though it is an understandable question and concern, we are going to explain why this is simply not correct.

So, time for some mythbusting. The fear of drinking rainwater is an understandable misconception, given that most people in today’s society get their drinking water after it has been filtered and bottled into a neat pack, labeled, and thrown on a shelf at the local Kroger. So one can see how we tend to think drinking water = filtered water.

From the industrial age onward, many people seem to think that water bought from the grocery store is the purest form of water and thus, best for drinking. This could not be further from the truth. To put things into perspective, we have a few fun facts for you to mull over:

• People seem to think rain can hurt you when it becomes acidic. But what they don’t understand is that “acidic” simply means the water has pH less than 7. A lot of beverages have a pH less than 7. Orange juice has a pH of around 4. Coffee has a pH of around 5. Rainwater is rarely that low—and even if it was, it would taste sour—and would not cause you any harm.
• The first signs of toxic rain would be seen in aquatic life. To fish, water is like air. They would begin to die off immediately as they would be absorbing the toxic rain into their gills.
• In the United States, the above scenarios have not occurred since the Clean Air Act. Yes, there was severe pollution in the 19th century—fish died. Some forests were affected. But the toxicity never reached the point of destruction described above.

A study funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council and Water Quality Research in Australia ran tests with hundreds of families and concluded that “…expanded use of rainwater for many household purposes can be considered and in current times of drought, we want to encourage people to use rainwater as a resource.”

Want to learn more about rainwater harvesting? Ask us here, or on our FB, Twitter, or G+ pages!

Posted in Commercial Rainwater Harvesting, Lawn and Garden, Rainwater Harvesting, Rainwater System Maintenance | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

20 Tips for Spring Gardeners

Posted on March 18, 2014 by admin

rain harvest blog

 

Spring is here! It may not feel like it’s sprung where you live—especially if there’s still snow on the ground—but trust us, the thaw will happen. Will your lawn and garden be ready? Here are 20 tips on how to plant and landscape smart, conserve water, and get your outdoor spaces spiffy for the warmer weather.

20. Plant species native to your region. They’ll be hardier and easier to care for.

19. Plant in the spring and fall, when the water requirements are lower. Save time and money!

18. Reduce the amount of lawn in your yard. Plant shrubs and ground covers that thrive in your yard and are appropriate for your region.

17. Think about xeriscaping. It’s a landscaping technique that utilizes low-watering plants, such as succulents. These water-hardy species are enjoying great popularity, especially in containers and drier climates.

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Succulents are perfect for any climate. Their bright blooms and large green leaves are especially pretty in containers.

 

16. Use concrete, rocks or other porous materials for walkways and patios. It helps prevent water runoff!

15. Start composting. A compost pile is not only good recycling sense–the material adds water-holding organic matter to the soil.

14. Don’t go on a trimming spree! Leave lower branches on trees and shrubs intact so they can keep the soil cool and reduce water evaporation.

13. Use a layer of organic mulch on your flower beds. It minimizes weeds.

12. Organic mulch can help you save water. And that saves you money on your water bill, and time spent doing watering!

11. Know when it’s time to water the lawn? When you leave footprints and the blades of grass don’t spring back up when you step on them. NEVER before that!

10. Apply the minimum recommended fertilizer. While fertilizers promote plant growth, they also cause the plant to consume more water than may be necessary.

9. Adjust your lawnmower blades to 1.5 to 2 inches. Taller grass shades roots and holds soil moisture better than short grass.

8. Use ice cubes to water hanging baskets. It gives your plants water without overflowing. Try it in planters and containers, too.

7. Prune with discretion. Let your shrubs and trees use water at their top efficiency.

6. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean concrete. Why are you watering your driveway, patio or sidewalk? Sweeping is good exercise, too!

5. Install a pool cover if you have a pool. It helps prevent water loss through evaporation.

4. What about pool pumps? Make sure all of yours use recirculating water.

3.Use a grease pencil to conduct a bucket test to check for pool leaks. An unnatural water level drop may indicate a leak.

2. Use a rain barrel to trap runoff from gutters.  See ours here!

1. And the number-one thing you can do to get your garden ready for spring? Ask us to install a rainwater harvesting system that suits your landscape and your budget. It’ll save you money, water and time.

Questions? Leave a comment here, or chat us up on Facebook, Google+, or Twitter!

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