Imagine waking up one morning only to find that there’s no running water. While it may be hard to imagine, freshwater shortages are a very real problem that we may have to face in the future.

As the population grows, areas are becoming increasingly urbanized and aquifers are becoming depleted (and even contaminated in some cases). Each of these facts are affecting both the quality and quantity of freshwater available to us. Collecting rainwater just may solve these issues, allowing us to work with nature to positively impact the planet... and our wallets.

Why is Collecting Rainwater Useful?

Do you know how much water you use on a daily basis? The average American uses about 88 gallons of freshwater per day. That puts a lot of strain on aquifers, municipal water systems, and rivers. Rainwater helps to reduce this strain because it can be used for pretty much any purpose that requires water, including fire suppression! Collecting it not only provides you with an additional free source of water, but it also helps to protect the environment in the process by reducing the amount of water entering and polluting rivers and streams, ultimately reducing non-point source pollution.

While collecting rainwater might be something you’re eager to do, there are a few things to keep in mind before you begin:

State Regulations

Some states have regulations when it comes to collecting rainwater while some incentivize it. The federal government has left it up to the State Governments and local jurisdictions to create laws and regulations pertaining to rainwater collection and reuse. Some states embrace this practice by offering incentives to home and business owners while others have strict regulations. Find out about your state here.

Roof Size & Type

The area of your roof will determine what size pre-filter you’ll need and can give you an idea of how much water you’ll be able to collect. Additionally, it’s important to factor in your roof type when considering rainwater collection. For instance, if you have a roof constructed with toxic materials (asphalt, cedar shake, or copper) you wouldn’t want to use this water for drinking purposes, only non-potable uses. The ideal roof is constructed from metal or membrane material, allowing for cleaner runoff. To get an idea of how much water you can collect, you can use this formula:

Inches of Rainfall x Roof Sq. Ft. x 0.62 (evaporation) x 0.95 (Wisy Filter Efficiency) = Approximate Amount of Collected Rainwater

What Geographic Area Do You Live In?

Where you live can impact what type and the location of your harvesting system. For example, if you live in an area that frequently freezes, it may be better for you to either go with an above-ground seasonal system or opt for a below-ground system that can be placed beneath the freeze-line. If you’re unsure, RMS is always available to help you figure out what’s best for your home!

What Are You Using the Water For?

Depending on whether you’re planning on using the water collected for drinking water, household needs, or irrigation, RMS will help you determine what accessories you will need to complete your system. If you’re having trouble with this step, give us a call and we will gladly help you figure it out.

Don’t Pass on the Pre-Filter!

Pre-filtration is the key to a long-lasting, healthy, low maintenance system. Pre-filtration removes large particulate matter, which frequently both carries and feeds bacteria. An added benefit? Less cleaning! Our Wisy pre-filters are self-cleaning and only require maintenance two to three times a year! Plus, you’ll never have to clean your tank - saving time and money!

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