Rainwater Harvesting Systems

Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting, storing, and later reusing rainwater from surfaces such as roofs. Rainwater harvesting has long been used for agricultural irrigation and as a source of drinking water, and allowed ancient civilizations to flourish in semi-arid and arid regions. Rainwater harvesting systems are in use today in many water-limited locations, especially in several western US regions. As population growth increases pressure on water resources in the more humid eastern US, rainwater harvesting is being considered to reduce the demand for potable water. Why Harvest Rainwater? Harvesting and storing rainwater can reduce the use of municipal and well water. Roofs are often the largest impervious surfaces in a residential lot and produce large volumes of water that would otherwise enter the stormwater water system. Intercepting rainwater that falls on roofs can reduce stormwater runoff and the need for downstream stormwater management and treatment. Rainwater is itself very clean, although contaminants that are present on roof surfaces should be appropriately addressed. How Can Harvested Rainwater be Used