Rainwater Harvesting Basics

Rainwater Harvesting is first and foremost, a sustainable water supply, and is an ancient technique that is common place in many areas of the world and is enjoying a big revival in popularity in North America because of its inherent qualities. Rain or “living water” is valued for its purity and softness. Rainwater is almost neutral in ph, free of salts and minerals, and if collected properly, virtually free of natural and man made contaminants.

Never mind saving for a rainy day. How about saving for a dry one?

Rainwater harvesting is an ancient technique that is enjoying a big revival in popularity around the world because of its inherent qualities. Archeological evidence supports the capture of rainwater as far back as 4000 years ago and ruins of cisterns built as early as 2000 BC are still standing in Israel. Rainwater has a culture, it is attractive to our senses, and to some it is sacred. It is called sky supply, water from heaven, and nature’s watering agent.

Rain is Living Water

Rainwater is a renewable, sustainable and a high quality water source for your home or cottage.

It is soft, neutral in pH, free from disinfection by-products, salts, minerals, and other natural and man-made contaminants that cause staining, pipe corrosion or smell. As well as being “nature’s watering agent” for gardening, disinfected rainwater is an excellent water source for general household use – either on its own or as a supplement.

Is Rainwater Harvesting Safe?

Absolutely – providing it is collected, stored and disinfected correctly. Today, rainwater harvesting is popular in parts of Europe, Hawaii, and Japan, and mandatory in places like Bermuda, parts of Australia and New Zealand. There are over 250,000 known users in the United States, and a thriving rain collection industry in Texas, Hawaii, Arizona, California and Oregon.

In British Columbia rain is being harvested for:

  Rural and Island residents who need a sustainable water source for drinking and household use as an alternative or supplement to low volume wells that go dry in the summer
  Limited piped water supply
  Poor quality well water
  Those of us wanting an independent supply of water for fire and earthquake protection
  Conservationists who strive for sustainable, efficient use of water resources
  Gardeners who prefer rainwater for healthier plants
  Commercial green houses
  Urban public buildings for toilet flushing and outdoor use