The Advantages and Benefits of Rain Water Harvesting (Kirshna 2003)

• The water is free; the only cost is for collection and use.
• The end use of harvested water is located close to the source, eliminating the need for complex and costly distribution systems.
• Rainwater provides a water source when groundwater is unacceptable or unavailable, or it can be augment limited groundwater supplies.
• The zero hardness of rainwater helps prevent scale on appliances, extending their use; rainwater eliminates the need for a water softener and the salts added during the softening process.
• Rainwater is sodium-free, important for persons on low-sodium diets.
• Rainwater is superior for landscape irrigation.
• Rainwater harvesting reduces flow to storm water drains and also reduces non-point source pollution.
• Rainwater harvesting helps utilities reduce the summer demand peak and delay expansion of existing water treatment plants.
• Rainwater harvesting reduces consumers’ utility bills.
• Easy to clean items with.  Does not leave streaks.
• Lowers the amount of soap you have to use because of its softness.
• Odorless.  Does not smell like minerals (well) or chlorine (city).

Reference: Krishna H. 2003. An overview of rainwater harvesting systems and guidelines in the United States.  Proceedings of the First American Rainwater Harvesting Conference; 2003 Ag 21-23; Austin (TX).

When These Apply Rainwater Harvesting Should be Considered.

Do you need to drill a well?

Like most is 40%-60% of my water used for irrigation?

Is water eroding your soil?

Is water causing havoc with your foundation?

Does water pool where you don’t want it too?

Are there water restrictions in your area?

Is your groundwater unacceptable for you?

Are you tired of scale on fixture and appliances?

Utilities reduce summer water, would you like to have more control of your water usage?

Have you seen the numbers for people moving into Texas?

Did you know T. Boone Pickens is one of those?

Is splash back destroying structures?

Are you watching storm water runoff while watering your landscape?

Fear of fire without enough water?

Do you need or want to eliminate salt from your water?

Are you concerned about our water treatment infrastructure and reducing taxes to pay for changes?

And so on.  I’m sure you know of a water situation that is not desirable.

If you do then call us and we will come out, evaluate your situation and go over the options for you to turn a negative into a positive.

I Think it’s too Expensive

Like most things it depends what your circumstances are.  If you have these items you have cut into any potential investment requirements:

Catchment surfaces like a house, outbuilding, barn or the like.

Gutters = a way to move the water.

Storage containers – you may be storing well water currently.

Gravity – the lay of your land may let gravity work for you to move the water.

Let’s say you are deciding between drilling a well or Rainwater Collection. This will be a competitive situation with rainwater providing a higher quality product.  We strongly suggest that consumers look into both options to get a clear understanding of the trade offs, benefits, advantages, disadvantages and maintenance issues of each. There probably is not a reason not to get an estimate for rainwater in this situation.  Many localities are requiring that new construction include a water harvesting system.  If you are attempting to qualify for the LEED (Internationally recognized Green Building Program) Program it will help you do that.

http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1988

Maybe you are in an urban area with city water. Going to rainwater for potable is expensive and impractical since Texas has a law that forbids mixing water system water and rainwater even though rainwater is a cleaner resource after filtering with no chlorine and low ph.  For landscaping or vegetables it will not be that large of an investment.  One has to tie into the gutters and store the water.  Gravity can work for drip irrigation and a small pump if pressure is needed.  Your investment is the tank, some pipe and a pump.  The drip irrigation or sprinkling products would be purchased no matter what water is used.  Plants thrive with rainwater.  You have reduced storm water and you have done something that is practical.  Few people will look back and say it was a bad investment.

You might have a well. If you want to supplement or replace the well with rainwater it will require investing money.  Will you make it back?  It depends on the length of time and degree you want to go to in setting up a system.  What is the reliability of the well and its components?  Are you using a water softener or are you considering it?  What is the quality of the well water?  How much damage has it done to plumbing fixtures and appliances?  How hard is it to clean with?  Does it have a bad odor? Do you have a storage tank to take pressure off the well pump?

Suffice to say money has been spent on a well and the maintenance thereof.  If you replace or supplement with rainwater maintenance costs will reduce, the wearing out and quality of operation for fixtures and appliances will be enhanced, salt will go away and you will get quality water that is better for hair, your body and for drinking.  Each situation has to be figured individually.  That is what we will do for you.