Rainwater Collection in Washington State is an increasingly popular green solution offering many benefits to homeowners with its potential to conserve water, reduce stormwater runoff, and save money. Harvesting rainwater can help reduce water bills and conserve our natural resources, helping to reduce the impact of climate change.
Rainwater Collection systems normally consist of a catchment surface (gutters, downspouts, or canopies) directing rainwater to a storage tank, connected to a pump and a filtration system, which regulates the the water flow into a home.
Using this collected rainwater, you can use it for many purposes including outdoor and indoor watering, or even swimming pools. Rainwater is especially useful for specific activities such as watering vegetables in personal gardens, car washing, and window cleaning.
Environmental and Financial Benefits of Rainwater Collection in Washington
Rainwater collection systems are beneficial to the environment. In Washington State, it helps to reduce the impact of development by allowing rainwater to be collected and reused rather than being washed away as runoff into the Puget Sound. By using rainwater for watering plants and crops, gardeners can reduce their carbon footprint by consuming less water that has been chemically treated.
From a financial perspective, collecting rainwater can also save homeowners a great deal of money. Homeowners in Washington can save money by installing rainwater collection systems as they can reduce water bills, and potentially reduce the cost of sewage fees. It can reduce the need for water-intensive development projects, and thus benefit infrastructure costs.
Types of Rainwater Harvesting Systems in Washington State
The most common rainwater harvesting systems include gutters connected to a closed-top cistern tank, collection ponds, and modular tanks of different sizes. Gutters should be placed around the home for effective collection, and the tank should be buried in the ground for optimal results. Collection ponds are a good choice for people who want to capture large amounts of water.
Cisterns are the most common type of rainwater collection system as they are easy to install and maintain and the most affordable of the systems. Additionally, modular tanks can be designed according to the size of a storage space, making them a great option for smaller areas.
One important factor to consider when choosing the type of system to install is the size of the area that will be irrigated by the collected rainwater. It is important to consider the amount of space available, the amount of rainfall expected, and the anticipated usage of the water.
Steps to Maintain a Rainwater Collection System in Washington
- Regularly inspect all components of the rainwater collection system, including pipes, gutters and downspout strainers.
- Keep debris, dirt and plant matter away from the collection system.
- Ensure that the tank is properly mosited and free of standing water.
- Regularly clean filters to keep the tank and piping free of contaminations.
- Prune trees and bushes to minimize the amount of leaves and sticks that can block the collection system.
- Disconnect the system in times of heavy rain to avoid damage.
Conclusion
Rainwater collection systems offer numerous financial and environmental benefits to Washington homeowners. From reducing energy bills and sewage fees, to conserving water and reducing stormwater runoff, rainwater harvesting can be a great solution for green living. With careful maintenance and inspection, Washington homeowners can reap the benefits of a rainwater collection system and help reduce the impact of climate change in the process.