Overview
What is rainwater harvesting? |
Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is a way to collect precipitation with the intent of using it for secondary or even tertiary purposes. The system can collect rainwater from streets and roofs among other surfaces. A rainwater harvesting system can be used residentially, industrially and even commercially if the money is available. (6)
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How It WorksA rainwater harvesting system collects precipitation through a catchment area where it is then transferred to the first flush-diverter. The diverter takes the first five gallons of runoff, which are typically contaminated, and diverts them while the rest of the water enters the storage tank.
Before the water is transferred to the storage tank it must first pass through a filtration system that will allow the owner to use the water for any uses except potable uses. Once the water is in the tank it can be pumped to the household but must first pass through another filtration process that will allow the rainwater to be used for drinking. (7) Diagram |
Uses & BenefitsThe main reason to consider a rainwater harvesting system is because it decreases the amount of drinkable water we use for things like landscaping, toilets, and laundry washing. (8) In a lot of cases the water collected from the rainwater harvesting system can be used as potable water with the right filtration. Other benefits to harvesting rainwater include:
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