Rainwater Systems, Inc.
Kerrville, Texas
2008 © Rainwater Systems, Inc.
Texas Rainwater Systems of Kerrville
Texas’ water supply planning process has identified that surface and groundwater supplies will not be able to meet future water demand. Water conservation and development of alternative water supplies is necessary to meet our growing demand for fresh water.
Rainwater harvesting is an innovative alternative water supply approach anyone can use. Rainwater harvesting captures, diverts, and stores rainwater for later use. Captured rainwater is often used in landscaping, because the water is free of salts and other harmful minerals and does not have to be treated. It is also useful in attracting and providing water for wildlife.
Implementing rainwater harvesting techniques directly benefits our state by reducing demand on the water supply, and reducing run-off, erosion, and contamination of surface water.
In many communities, 30 to 50 percent of the total water is used for landscape irrigation. Capturing rainwater for use in the landscape makes efficient use of a valuable resource, reducing water bills and reducing demand on water supply.
Rainwater harvesting can also help to prevent flooding and erosion, turning stormwater problems into water supply assets by slowing runoff and allowing it to soak into the ground. Reducing run-off also helps to reduce the contamination of surface water with sediments, fertilizers, and pesticides in rainfall run-off.
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Greywater is wastewater from bathtub, shower drain, sinks, washing machines, and dishwashers. Greywater accounts for 60% of the outflow produced in homes. It contains little or no pathogens and 90% less nitrogen than black water (toilet water). Because of this, it does not require the same treatment process. By designing plumbing systems to separate it from blackwater, greywater can be recycled for irrigation, toilets, and exterior washing, resulting in water conservation. When planned into new residential construction, the home's wastewater treatment system can be significantly reduced, resulting in cost and space savings.
Systems generally consist of a three-way diverter valve, a treatment assembly such as a sand filter, a holding tank, a bilge pump, and an irrigation or leaching system. The holding tank cools the water and temporarily holds it back from the drain hose. Systems can either be custom designed and built, or purchased as a package. Techniques include recessed or raised planter soilboxes, water injection without erosion, gravity or pressure leach chamber, and irrigated greenhouses. Some system components can retrofit existing irrigation systems.
There are several different varieties of systems for using rainwater, but there is no need to become overwhelmed by the options. The first decision you will need to make in starting the process of buying a rainwater catchment system involves the size and type of tank required to fulfill the needs of the site. After you know this, the filters and pumps can be properly sized and various other accessories can be specified. Answering the following questions will help you come to conclusions.
- What will the water be used for?
- Will the system collect only roof water or will surface water be included?
- Will water be collected from a parking lot?
- What type of filtration is required?
- Will pressure tanks and water treatment be required?
- How many gallons per minute will be required from the pump?
- Knowing how you feel about each of these elements will help guarantee a perfect fit for your rainharvesting products. Your will no doubt be able to benefit from a well planned rain collection system.
Harvesting Rainwater for Commercial Projects
More and more commercial buildings being constructed are concentrating on environmental concerns before breaking ground. One of the best ways to ensure that a project meets US Green Building Council LEED "green" standards is to focus on harvesting rainwater. With the use of the appropriate rainwater harvesting system, this process is simple. Collected rainwater can be used for irrigation, washing vehicles and in toilets and urinals to reduce water consumption. A rainwater catchment system is a great investment for helping the environment and for saving money on water bills.
Irrigation
Rainwater is a superior water source for irrigation. The pH is slightly acid to almost neutral, so plants love it. Rainwater has neither
dissolved minerals from the soil, nor chemicals from water treatment plants. An essential ingredient to successful gardening is water. The best water for the garden is rainwater. Ever notice how the lawn and garden seems to have a sudden growth spurt after it rains and also looks much greener? This is because rainwater does not contain salts and minerals that are found in tap and well water. Plants absorb rainwater irrigation more efficiently compared to tap and well water. Thus rainwater irrigation can be stretched much farther because plants do not need as much rainwater as tap or well water.
Graywater Reuse
Rainwater Harvesting