Archive for the ‘Rainwater Harvesting’ Category
As I talk with folks in Tennessee about rainwater harvesting, I’m noticing that everyone handles rainwater a little differently. Some people don’t treat the rainwater at all, while others bring it to a standard equivalent to potable water. So I’m here to explain how our rainwater systems work, and why we do things the way we do.
As rain falls on a building’s roof, the rain is usually soft, clear and free of microorganisms. During collection and storage, however, there is a potential for microbiological contamination. This contamination can come from a number of sources, including fecal matter from birds, squirrels, mice and other critters. Even leaf litter, if kept damp for long enough, can turn the water in your tank a little funky.
So how should you handle rainwater capture?
In my last post, I praised Chattanooga’s Climate Action Plan. Today’s post will examine how the city is encouraging smarter stormwater management by offering commercial developers incentives to harvest rainwater.
Like most cities, stormwater runoff is a problem in Chattanooga. After heavy rains, water collects on impervious pavements, like parking lots and driveways, and floods the storm sewers. Along the way, the water collects motor oil, pesticides, cigarette butts, gum wrappers and anything else that happens to be on the ground, sweeping all pollutants into the nearest lake, river or stream.
The city’s Water Quality Fee covers the costs to manage and reduce these pollutants. So in order to make everyone’s life a little easier, the good folks at the Public Works department have put together a number of incentives to encourage better runoff management and to help you save money on your annual Water Quality Fee.
If you own a commercial property, our rainwater systems can earn you a credit (as much as 75% in the first year and 50% thereafter) for capturing, storing, treating and redistributing the water. By doing so, you are helping to protect Chattanooga’s water supply. And, oh yeah, you are putting money back in your pocket too.
For a complete list of credits, go here. For a free rainwater system quote, go here. Once you provide us with your project specifications, we can make an accurate system recommendation. Heck, we’ll even help you complete those pesky government forms.
Ever wonder what really happens when a raindrop hits a puddle? This video shows a drop of water falling at 2,000 frames per second. It’s no wonder we say that God dwells in the details.
Vampires and mummies, witches and wolf men. You know what else is scary: when a 10,000-gallon rainwater system starts emitting an odor so foul it’s enough to raise the dead. Reflecting on such thoughts this fine Halloween morning, I was curious, what are the EPA’s regulations on rainwater systems?
It turns out that the EPA has no single stance on rainwater harvesting. Instead, the EPA encourages municipalities to establish their own system of codes and regulations. The result is that rainwater harvesting guidelines vary from county to county and city to city.
