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Rainwater Harvesting Overview
Steps to Harvesting
Advantages & Benefits
Product Selection
Rainwater Harvesting System Packages
LEED/Green Building Design "A Green Idea"

American Rainwater Catchment Association :: ARCSA Rainwater Catchment Systems Association Members

USGBC

 Advantages of Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting technology is simple to install, operate, and maintain. It is convenient in the sense that it provides water at the point of consumption and operating costs are negligible. Water collected from the roof catchment is available for use in non-potable applications such as toilets and urinal flushing, laundries, mechanical systems, custodial uses, and for site irrigation. Since rainwater is collected using existing structures, i.e., the roof, rainwater harvesting has few negative environmental impacts compared to other water supply project technologies.

Rainwater Harvesting - A rainwater collection system along with other sustainable systems can increase the value of a building and conserve natural resources :: Rainwater UseBenefits of Using Rainwater
  1. It is free; the only cost is for collection and use.


  2. It lessens demand on the municipal water supply.


  3. It saves money on utility bills.


  4. It makes efficient use of a valuable resource.


  5. It diminishes flooding, erosion, and the flow to stormwater drains.


  6. It reduces the contamination of surface water with sediments, fertilizers and pesticides from rainwater run-off resulting in cleaner lakes, rivers, oceans and other receivers of stormwater.


  7. It can be used to recharge groundwater.


  8. It is good for irrigation and plants thrive because stored rainwater is free from pollutants as well as salts, minerals, and other natural and man made contaminants.


  9. It is good for laundry use as rainwater is soft and lowers the need for detergents.


  10. It adds life to equipment dependent on water to operate, as rainwater does not produce corrosion or scale like hard water.


  11. You receive LEED Green Building Rating System™ Credit under Water Use Reduction.
Industrial, Commercial, Military, Residential and Supplemental Benefits of Rainwater Harvesting
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The Rainwater Re-Use Process, A Commercial Application Illustration
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