The Watershed

Uncontrolled rainwater flow can cost you money!

Pump protection and pump control is important for proper rainwater harvesting system management. Good system controls should offer a variety of functions on a myriad of system designs. Float switches and digital controllers allow the homeowner to determine when they use their stored rainwater, and helps them to be a good steward of their water supplies.

Float switches are simple, yet effective, devices that can be used to trigger a variety of actions in a rainwater system. The only problem with using a float switch is that it does not allow you to have precise control over the switching points (the point where you switch to or stop your back-up water supply.)

The RainMaster Multifunction Float Switch is an inexpensive way to monitor your rainwater reserves.

The RainMaster Multifunction Float Switch (pictured above) is a good example. It provides pump protection and control, 3-way valve control, and tank water level management. A float switch is the simplest, cheapest solution to system control. As the tank is drained, the float switch will begin to lower with the water level. Once the float switch has dropped 45° below parallel, it will turn on your back-up water supply. If you are using a tank back-up system (where you refill the tank with municipal water) this means that it will open the solenoid valve attached to your domestic water line, allowing the tank to fill with municipal water. If you are using a direct back-up system (where you use a 3-way valve to switch directly to municipal water) it will rotate the valve to the position of the municipal water. As the tank fills with water, the float switch will raise with the water level. Once it rises 45° above parallel, it will close your fill valve or switch the 3-way valve back to rainwater.

The Rainwater System Controller manages all of the functions required in a typical residential or commercial rainwater collection system.

Alternatively, a digital rainwater system controller gives you precise control over when you use each source of water. The Rainwater System Controller (pictured above) automatically monitors and reports on water levels and backup water supplies. It also manages overflow transfer functions, filter rinse cycles, the first flush drain valve and service interval alerts. The device uses a transducer that sits near the bottom of the tank and constantly provides a water level reading. With a digital controller, you can precisely program each switching point that you want to have for your system. Additionally, it allows you to monitor the water level in your tank and provides a simple indication of which water source your system is currently using. This device is the best way to keep a watchful eye on how your system is running.

Several solutions are available that allow you to either control your rainwater harvesting systems back-up water supply or simply monitor the status of it. Let our experts help you find the controls that work best for you. With a properly functioning system, rainwater and stormwater can be used for irrigation, flushing toilets, washing clothes, washing cars, pressure washing, or even purified for everyday drinking water. Save rain, and you’ll save water and money!

The severity of the drought in the United States  has spurred interest in water recycling and rainwater harvesting within the building industry. New homeowners and business entrepreneurs alike are more aware than ever of their carbon footprint and want to reduce its impact. As a result, many of them turn to the US Green Building Council, a voluntary consensus-based standard that rewards certification in LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) buildings through innovative, environmentally conscious design. How can an LEED-certification lead to reduced costs and greater value for homeowners and business owners? And what are the objectives for water usage in an LEED-certified building? Here are six parameters that guide certification:

1. Reduction or elimination of storm water runoff. In a rainwater catchment system or rainwater conservation , runoff water from storms is stored in a tank and then commonly used for landscape irrigation. This recycling eliminates the use of municipal, potable water.
2. Reduce or eliminate polluted runoff. Water in rainwater harvesting is run through a filter system that can be as simple as a grit screen or as complicated as a reverse osmosis filter. Either way, it removes pollutants and allows rainwater to be re-used.
3. Increase water efficiency in buildings. Rain harvesting systems can supply treated rainwater for non-potable uses such as flushing toilets, thereby reducing the home or office’s municipal water bill and dependency on the system.
4. Reduce or eliminate use of potable water on landscapes. Rainwater recycling into irrigation systems is a primary function of a rain harvesting system. The extra cost burden on the home or business owner is reduced, and more potable water is available for drinking.
5. Reduce demand on drinking water. Because rain harvesting systems recycle water for non-potable uses, it reduces demand on water production for cities, towns or county systems.
6. Provide architects and construction engineers the opportunity to achieve innovation in building and landscape design. By awarding builders and designers the LEED certification through integration of a rainwater catchment system and other parameters, more and more buildings will become environmentally efficient. Consumers will appreciate the reduced environmental impact and cost efficiency, and begin to demand these standards more frequently. If this type of building becomes the norm, individuals and businesses can finally operate with less waste and greater cost-efficiency.

If you’d like to investigate the possibility of LEED-certification for your new office building or home, and want to incorporate a rainwater catchment system, RainHarvest Systems is a good place to start. Our in-house CAD department, experienced LEED AP design staff, rainwater lab and industry-leading selection of rainwater storage options, filtration, high-capacity pump stations and water treatment systems make any water retention and detention system greatly simplified and achievable.. Contact us via our website  and let us help you. You can ask a question on our Facebook page, Google+ or on Twitter, too.