Rainwater Harvesting

Everywhere around the world, water is becoming an increasingly precious resource.  Buildings are a major consumer of our freshwater supplies, so it’s important to foster a more efficient use of water both inside and outside the building envelope. Decreased water use is typically achieved through more efficient appliances and plumbing fixtures, as well as water-wise exterior plant selection and landscape maintenance systems. Rainwater harvesting is the practice of collecting rainwater, usually from roof areas, and putting it to use in and around buildings. Utilizing collected rainwater offers building owners a free water source, while easing pressure on municipal water-treatment facilities and reducing stormwater runoff often associated with flooding. Capturing rain as it falls on your roof and reusing it can save you between 25-100% on your water utility bill when substituted for use in irrigation, toilet-flushing, clothes washing, bathing, and cooking.  However, filtration and purification are strongly encouraged and often required for potable use of the rainwater. While some projects are independent of the municipal infrastructure, most are designed with a back-up utility connection for use in times of extreme drought and during periodic maintenance.