Commercial Rainwater Collection Systems
Investigating whether a commercial rainwater harvesting program is right for your business? Rainwater Management Solutions has developed resources and case studies to help you make an informed decision regarding a commercial rainwater collection system.
Contact RMS for Commercial Rainwater Harvesting Systems
Design Build Services for Commercial Rainwater Harvesting
When it comes to rainwater harvesting, commercial buildings present unique challenges. The design of your structure can vary, difficulties can arise from storage and a host of other concerns can develop. Rainwater Management Solutions alleviates those concerns with our host of design build services for commercial rainwater collection systems.
For Engineers & Architects
- Development of Performance Specifications
- Equipment and System Selections
- Engineering and Computer-Aided Design
- Full-Scale 3D Modeling
- Cost Analysis
- Exclusive Tank Sizing Analysis
- Design Analysis and Consulting
- Packaged Solutions
For Contractors & Property Owners
- Pre-plumbed and Skid-Mounted Labeled Systems
- Provide Electrical and Control Wiring Diagrams
- Onsite Startup and Training Services
- Provide Full-Service Maintenance for Installed RMS Systems
Commercial Rainwater Harvesting Applications
Commercial rainwater collection systems efficiently collect large amounts of rainwater. repurposing that water into a variety of applications. Rainwater harvesting can help businesses conserve millions of gallons of water over the lifetime of their system, saving them money at the same time.
By utilizing large-scale rainwater harvesting systems, companies can manage stormwater runoff onsite by alleviating a large section of impervious areas from their management plan. Rainwater harvesting isn't just an environmentally sound thing to do, it's economically beneficial as well. Here are a few of the applications for commercial rainwater harvesting systems:
- Stormwater Management
- Fire Suppression
- Irrigation and Agriculture
- Fixture Flushing
- Cooling Towers
- Vehicle Washing
- Equipment Washing
- Laundry
Wisy 4-Step System
Rainwater Management Solutions has identified the Wisy 4-Step System as the ideal method for rainwater harvesting to promote a healthy system and reduce maintenance.
Learn More About the Wisy 4-Step System ›Case Studies ›
Rainwater Management Solutions is a full-service provider of commercial rainwater collection systems. Customers from all sectors turn to us for design, construction and large-scale rainwater harvesting systems. Learn more about our capabilities from our case studies.
Resources ›
At RMS, we have developed several rainwater harvesting guides and articles to help prospective clients learn more about the benefits of commercial rainwater harvesting. Our goal is to provide customers with everything they need to make an informed decision when implementing commercial rainwater collection into their business. If you still have questions, don't hesitate to give us a call at (866) 653-8337 to speak with an expert regarding your specific rainwater harvesting needs.
News and Articles ›Commercial & Industrial Building Rainwater Harvesting Systems
Commercial rainwater harvesting systems are integrated into your current building's design. Utilizing rooftops and downspouts, commercial rainwater harvesting creates large catchment areas that redirect rainwater into storage areas for later use. In order to maximize a rainwater harvesting system, commercial buildings rely on RMS for design, expertise, and systems integration. Water conservation efforts are receiving heightened attention and businesses that choose to implement commercial rainwater collection systems not only help in that effort but can save companies money in the process.
Fixture Flushing
Flushing toilets/urinals can be one of the largest uses of municipal water in a large office building. By using clean filtered water from commercial rainwater collection businesses can replace potable municipal water, reduce their monthly costs, and conserve water at the same time.
Cooling Towers
Another heavy user of water in large commercial buildings is cooling towers. Commercial rainwater harvesting can be used as make-up water to replace what is lost during evaporation and blow down of most cooling systems. Rainwater is also naturally soft water, which means that it is more efficient as it can cycle more frequently. This reduces the amount of chemicals needed to treat municipal water for hardness and can help prolong the life of the cooling system.
Vehicle/Equipment Washing
Because rainwater is naturally soft, it results in little to no water spotting. This makes it excellent for washing vehicles. Whether you have a large car dealership or transit facility, using large-scale rainwater harvesting systems for vehicle washing reduces your water costs and saves on long-term maintenance/replacement of windshields and paint.
Laundry
Harvested rainwater is a great alternative to municipal water for commercial or large residential laundry facilities such as those found at hotels, apartment complexes, and dormitories. Commercial rainwater collection systems reduce water costs for the building and decrease required maintenance on machines as the naturally soft rainwater will cause less scale buildup.
Stormwater Management
Harvesting rainwater is also an integral part of Stormwater BMPs. By collecting rainwater from buildings and putting it to use, you reduce the runoff from these facilities and decrease your impervious surface area which can reduce the size of any potential onsite detention/retention. A commercial rainwater harvesting system can also be integrated with a stormwater reuse system for a more robust water conservation effort.
Fire Suppression
Large commercial buildings can utilize rainwater harvesting to store large amounts of water for automated fire suppression systems and other emergency situations.
Industrial
Rainwater harvesting can provide water for a variety of industrial applications. Rainwater is used frequently in boiler systems and thermal HVAC systems as make-up water. Additionally, blowdown treatment systems and the automotive industry all have high demands for process water free of contaminants.
Irrigation and Agriculture
Using rainwater harvesting, commercial buildings can replace municipal water for landscape irrigation. As businesses implement the design of green spaces around and in their buildings, rainwater can be a valuable resource for helping keep those areas green and reduce costs by supplementing or replacing the municipal source. Harvested rainwater can also be a great resource for large agricultural businesses (greenhouses/grow-houses). Having a pure, “organic” source of water to feed your crops is much better for them than chemically treated municipal water and reduces your monthly watering costs.Commercial rainwater harvesting systems typically require some kind of post-tank filtration and can vary depending on the end-use. Depending upon the degree of supplementing municipal, the upfront cost can come as a shock. RMS can provide an estimated return of investment. This is typically done in 2-10 years – depending on the scale.
Commercial Rainwater Collection System FAQ
Explore answers to common questions about our commercial rainwater harvesting systems and design. From understanding how these systems work to choosing the best design for your needs, this FAQ covers essential information.
How do you size a commercial rainwater collection system for large buildings?
System sizing begins with an evaluation of the roof catchment area, local rainfall data, and projected water demand. RMS also considers storage volume, detention requirements, peak usage, and operational goals to recommend an appropriately sized system for your facility.
Can a commercial rainwater harvesting system integrate with existing plumbing and HVAC systems?
Yes. RMS designs systems that integrate with toilets, cooling towers, irrigation, and other nonpotable uses. All designs include proper backflow prevention, control valves, and required treatment stages to ensure safe and code-compliant operation. Retrofit projects may present additional challenges compared to new construction, so close coordination with engineers, designers, and the AHJ is essential.
Are commercial rainwater harvesting systems eligible for rebates or incentives?
In many jurisdictions, incentives, rebates, or tax credits are available for rainwater and graywater reuse systems. RMS can help identify applicable local programs and assist with estimating return on investment for your project.
What treatment or disinfection is required for a commercial rainwater harvesting system?
Treatment requirements depend on the intended end use and local code. For nonpotable applications such as toilet flushing or irrigation, systems typically include filtration and UV or other disinfection methods. Specialized applications may require advanced treatment to meet water quality standards and AHJ requirements.
How can my business monitor system performance and health?
RMS’ custom, in-house controllers allow end users to easily monitor system performance. Optional sensors, alarms, telemetry, and dashboards can track tank levels, pump activity, water quality, and flow rates—enabling proactive maintenance and reliable long-term operation.
Contact RMS for Commercial Rainwater Harvesting Systems
Let RMS help you determine how a commercial rainwater collection system can help you save money and protect our most valuable natural resource. We are here to answer all the questions you may have about commercial rainwater harvesting. Contact us by phone or email to get started.