In today’s society and advancement, many commercial business owners actively seek innovative solutions to improve their company, including the efficiency, sustainability, and overall value of their building or buildings. One such solution is rainwater harvesting. Rainwater harvesting contributes to water conservation, stormwater management, and serves as an important part of green infrastructure techniques that can provide LEED credits. With the growing concerns with climate change and water resources, many consider now to be an important time to contribute to the solutions, such as through a rainwater harvesting system.
Brief Rainwater Harvesting Description
Rainwater harvesting is a practice that captures and stores rainfall water for use as needed and for approved uses1. In commercial applications, the practice typically involves collecting rainwater from the roof area of large-scale buildings, then storing it, filtering it, and many times purifying it for reuse2. Rainwater collection is proven to be an efficient and cost-effective way to lower the reliance on municipal water supply, meet stormwater management requirements, and in turn, reduce water demand and contribute to conservation3.
Introducing Rainwater Harvesting and Its Benefits
In our modern era where water scarcity and purity are becoming a pressing and growing concern, rainwater harvesting serves to provide a practical and sustainable solution. Collecting, storing, and purifying rainwater for on-site use is not only environmentally friendly but cost-effective4, where results are more profound and impactful for large businesses, organizations, facilities, agriculture operations, and institutions that annually use and require large volumes of water.
Primary Advantages of Large-Scale Rainwater Harvesting
Commercial rainwater harvesting systems provide many advantages, particularly by lessening water demand and strain on municipal5 and groundwater supplies. The following points highlight the advantages of rainwater system infrastructure and integration.
- Reduction in External Water Sources: Harvested rainwater used for on-site applications can lead to a considerable reduction in water usage and billing amounts, thereby enhancing the financial efficiency6 of the company, organization, or institution.
- Ecological Impact: Rainwater systems reduce stormwater runoff, which reduces erosion in landscaped areas7 and limits pollutant runoff, all-in-all helping organizations meet federal requirements. Rainwater systems also help to lower peak volume and velocity of stormwater to local water bodies and city-wide infrastructure, potentially preventing or lessening the severity of flood events8.
- Energy Conservation: Rainwater harvesting systems can reduce collective energy use, resulting in energy savings9 by lessening the demand on regional water treatment and pumping stations, lending to wider efforts in energy conservation.
- Groundwater Preservation: Rainwater harvesting provides a direct means of preserving and replenishing groundwater reserves by reducing withdrawal rates. Not only in supply volume, but rainwater harvesting also helps minimize nonpoint source pollution10 by lowering the amount of pollutant that reaches groundwater aquifers.
- Self-Sufficient Water Supply: Having a rainwater system can provide an independent supply during water restrictions, droughts, or in regions with limited water resources. Such self-sufficiency can allow business operations to be maintained under varied, and unforeseen, conditions.
Rainwater Harvesting Relevance Today
The benefits and needs for rainwater harvesting in 2023 have become much more relevant with recent concerns as we seek to understand and adjust to the effects of climate change and the increasing strain on our earth’s water resources. Rainwater harvesting as a practice can contribute to these concerns and offer a sustainable and helpful path forward towards change.
Key Benefits of Commercial Rainwater Harvesting
- Water Conservation: Harvesting rainwater reduces society’s need to rely on groundwater and surface water sources alone, thereby contributing to water conservation efforts.
- Environmental Sustainability: By tapping into a largely unused water resource (the rain) and changing our current methods (or large-scale pumping and distribution), rainwater harvesting can help to sustain our environment by preserving freshwater supplies, allow recovery, and reduce pollution.
- LEED Credits: Installing, using, and maintaining a rainwater system can qualify a company for LEED credits, where this can improve sustainability rating, value, and public approval.
- Better Water Quality: Rainwater is free of salts, minerals, and chemicals that can be present in municipal or groundwater supplies, in turn, making it better for plants, animals, and landscaping purposes11.
- Stormwater Management: Rainwater harvesting can help manage stormwater runoff, which reduces the risk of flooding and soil erosion12 and allows compliance with regulatory requirements and oversight such as Low Impact Development (LID) and Best Management Practices (BMP).
- Cost Savings: Rainwater itself is a free resource. Systems require only the initial purchase and operation costs, and over time, can result in money saved from external water sourcing.
Understanding LEED Credits
LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a globally-recognized green building certification program13. The LEED program provides a system for creating environmentally healthy, resource-efficient, and money-saving buildings. Such buildings are known as green buildings and design implementations or architecture as green infrastructure. LEED credits are the program points that projects earn towards receiving a LEED certification status and award. The more sustainable the design and construction practices, the more credits and accolades a project earns.
Why Would a Company Want LEED Credits?
Earning LEED credits provides several benefits that can be attributed to the requirements of the program and project results:
- Enhanced Building Performance: LEED-certified buildings are designed to use less water and energy, conserving resources, improving building performance, and collectively reducing costs in the long run.
- Improved Health and Well-Being of Occupants and Workers: Green buildings often have better indoor air quality and better access to natural light, where both are known to improve occupant health and productivity.
- Positive Brand Image: Achieving LEED certification displays a company’s commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility, enhancing the company’s public and federal reputation.
- Increased Property Value: LEED buildings can often command higher rents and have increased property values due to their unique status and the amount of total investment that went into the project.
How Can Rainwater Harvesting Provide LEED Credits?
Rainwater harvesting and collection systems can contribute to earning LEED credits in several ways:
- Water Efficiency: By using rainwater for non-potable needs such as irrigation, toilet flushing, and cooling, a building can lower its potable water consumption and earn LEED Water Efficiency credits.
- Sustainable Sites: Rainwater harvesting helps manage stormwater runoff, reducing erosion, pollution, and strain on local water infrastructure, from which it can earn LEED Sustainable Sites credits.
- Innovation in Design: Innovative strategies like rainwater harvesting can earn project points under the LEED Innovation in Design category.
Motivating Factors
The world is facing unprecedented challenges due to climate change, and water scarcity is at the forefront as it is required for human life. Overpumping of groundwater resources to meet the demands of an ever-growing economy and population is worsening the issue. The practice of rainwater harvesting can provide an alternative water source and directly play a part in helping to alleviate these global issues and at the same time be rewarded with the numerous benefits to your commercial property.
The included infographic is a baseline water stress map for the United States that pulls data from the USGS, USDA, and USDM. The water stress map indicates the amount of strain placed on water resources while considering the amount of regional water use. The research indicates a growing strain that requires attention, especially as population and industry grows. Of particular note is the Eastern US where rainfall is abundant, yet data indicates medium to high water strain is being experienced. This should cause concern, yet it is also noteworthy that the Eastern US is a prime location for rainwater harvesting practices.
Rainwater harvesting is not only an investment in regional sustainability but the sustainability of our home planet. For large-scale commercial rainwater projects, galvanized steel storage tanks are a common choice and product solution to collecting rainwater. By using galvanized steel rainwater tanks, you’re choosing a durable, efficient storage solution that aligns with green infrastructure goals and a more sustainable future.
A Further Look at Climate Change, Water Scarcity, and Overpumping of Groundwater Resources
Climate change and water scarcity are interconnected issues that present significant challenges and concerns to our planet and way of life. The overpumping of groundwater resources increases these challenges and creates a worsening cycle of environmental and socio-economic problems that must be addressed. It is the held belief of us and the belief of many, that large-scale rainwater harvesting can help with the problem.
Climate Change and Water Scarcity
Climate change is disrupting seasonal precipitation patterns, in turn leading to an increase in both water scarcity and related hazards15 such as floods and droughts. Higher temperatures cause higher evaporation rates that can worsen droughts and water availability. Such concerns are increasingly making headline news, such as in Ventura County, CA where threats to their local groundwater resources16 have been reported due to the effects of climate change.
Contributing, when surface water supplies begin to be affected, people often resort to groundwater, leading to overpumping17. This shift to groundwater, while understandable from the standpoint of necessity for life and livelihood, also has far-reaching consequences.
The Overpumping Crisis
Overpumping of groundwater resources is a pressing and modern-day concern. For the United States, the natural underground aquifers across the nation are regularly shrinking. This not only threatens drinking water supplies but also America’s status as a food superpower as industrialized agriculture is a leading contributor to groundwater extraction. In regions like California, overpumping has caused local water tables to fall and make some wells unable to reach water18.
The large increase in groundwater depletion over the past few decades has even been speculated to have altered the Earth’s spin19 as well as contribute to sea-level rise20 since water pumped from the ground eventually makes its way to the oceans. These concerns further compound on the other problems connected to climate change.
Climate change, water scarcity, and groundwater overpumping are interconnected issues that need attention and a collective effort. Sustainable practices such as rainwater harvesting are important to moving forward and ensuring a reliable, stable future.
The Feasibility of Large-Scale Rainwater Harvesting
As we have reviewed, water scarcity is a pressing issue that many regions around the globe currently deal with or are preparing for. Large scale rainwater harvesting is one potential contributor to the solution; however, just how feasible exactly is the approach? Let’s look at potential collection volumes and the various factors that come into play with harvesting large volumes of clean, usable rainwater.
Millions of Gallons of Potential
Rainwater harvesting, on a large scale, has immense potential. According to the World Health Organization21, a roof area of just 1 square meter can collect approximately 0.85 cubic meters of water annually in a region that receives 1000mm of rainfall per year. To convert to US measurements, this is the same as collecting 224 gallons a year from 39 inches of rain on a 3 ft by 3 ft roof. Let’s be realistic, a 3 ft x 3 ft roof is small and 224 gallon jugs of water are a lot, and 39 inches of rain is a pretty average amount.
Now, let’s consider the vast expanses provided by the numerous rooftops in urban areas, large industrial complexes, or agricultural lands. If rainwater harvesting were implemented at-scale, the total rainwater volume collection potential for use is, quite literally, astronomical.
An Example Case Study
Let’s take an average-sized industrial complex as an example. The complex covers an area of about 10,000 square meters, equal to about 107,639 square feet. Given an annual rainfall average of 39 inches, the potential volume of rainwater that can be harvested is staggering.
Using the info from the World Health Organization, each square meter of roof can collect 0.85 cubic meters or 224 gallons of water a year. Using this info means that a 10,000-square-meter industrial complex can harvest a massive 8,500 cubic meters or 2.24 million gallons of rainwater in a single year. These very likely results clearly highlight the incredible potential for large-scale rainwater harvesting systems and how they can help with water supply and scarcity issues.
Points Affecting Large-Scale Rainwater Harvesting
With a few examples and thought, we can realize the effectiveness of large-scale rainwater harvesting rather quickly, especially if we were to imagine it being employed en masse. Note, several points must be considered so rainwater harvesting overall is successful, optimized, and maximized.
- Geographic Location: Rainfall amounts change from region to region. The locations best for rainwater harvesting are those regions with high annual rainfall. With this said, however, rainwater harvesting in arid locations is also largely beneficial as water is naturally scarce in these regions and even a few inches of rain can yield high volumes with a large enough catchment area.
- Infrastructure: Having the correct infrastructure for collecting, storing, and distributing rainwater is necessary to effective practice. Rain harvesting infrastructure includes gutters, downspouts, debris filters, storage tanks, and distribution systems which include pipes, pumps, filters, and treatment units.
- Quality Control: In large-scale collection and use practices, harvested rainwater must be treated to a set standard and tested regularly to ensure it is safe and remains safe for its intended use. This will be true regardless of whether the rainwater will be used for irrigation, industrial processes, flushing toilets, or for potable uses.
- Legal Considerations: In some areas, laws and regulations may restrict or govern the collection and use of rainwater. These legalities must be understood before implementing a large-scale harvesting system. Such requirements are often listed in the International Plumbing Code (IPC), the State Plumbing Code, or the regional legislation. Common points include rainwater treatment standards, plumbing standards, and prohibiting the use for potable water applications.
- Cost: The initial setup costs for large-scale rainwater harvesting can be significant, with the total depending on the scale and intended use. However, the long-term benefits of sustainability and reduced reliance on municipal water supplies often outweigh the costs and can result in a ROI over time.
At this point, if you’re considering a large-scale rainwater harvesting system, our expert team is here to help provide answers, direction, and products. We specialize in rainwater harvesting tanks with the types and manufacturers ranked among the best in either polyethylene, fiberglass, stainless steel, or galvanized steel.
Recommended Uses for Rainwater
Rainwater harvesting has been proven (and widely known) to have many environmental and economic benefits. So far, we have taken a look at these benefits as well as contemporary socio-climate concerns and the role rainwater harvesting can play in helping those concerns. Now let’s look at the top recommended and common uses of rainwater as a whole and in large-scale applications.
Irrigation
One of the largest uses, in both popularity and water volume, for harvested rainwater is in the irrigation of landscapes, plant, crop products, pastures and livestock animals associated with agriculture, which includes greenhouses, nurseries, aquaponics, hydroponics, crop farms, organic farms, poultry houses, cattle ranches, dairy farms, etc. In general, rainwater has high purity and is ideal for, and in many cases better suited for, these applications. Consider this review from Auburn University on how rainwater harvesting could revolutionize the poultry industry22.
Toilet Flushing
Toilet flushing is a major source of water consumption, especially for commercial properties, large institutions, and industrial complexes. Many state jurisdictions and local districts approve rainwater for this use, have standards in place, and do not require potable grade water for this purpose23. Using rainwater to provide the water needed for restroom facilities in toilet flushing can conserve significant volumes of potable water.
Cooling Towers
In many large properties and multi-building complexes, cooling towers are used as part of the air conditioning or industrial cooling system and require a substantial amount of water to work. Considerable volumes of water can be saved by replacing municipal or groundwater supplies with rainwater for cooling towers. Some maintenance and machine wear-and-tear may also be saved as rainwater is naturally soft, free of the minerals and chemicals that can cause scale buildup or other mechanical problems.
Vehicle Washing
If the business or organization includes a fleet of vehicles, harvested rainwater can be used to wash the private vehicle assets, equipment, and machinery. This can save on water use without compromising cleaning effectiveness.
Fire Suppression Systems
Rainwater can be harvested and stored on-site for use in emergency fire fighting, whether this is on-site, as at a construction site, or mobile, as in filling another tank on a vehicle, or used as part of a fire suppression system. This not only conserves water but provides a reliable source of water in case of an emergency24 and should the main supply be unreliable or damaged.
Many Other Uses
With the right setup, equipment, standards, and regulation requirements in place, a rainwater harvesting system can effectively be used for any application that requires water as long as the activity is not strictly prohibited by regional legislation. This in turn opens the door to many other uses for harvested rainwater.
How to Implement a Large Scale Rainwater Harvesting System
A large scale rainwater harvesting system is a three-for-three project and reward. It is a strategic, smart, and valuable move towards sustainability, conservation, and cost-efficiency. The overall process does indeed require careful planning along with selecting the right equipment and performing regular, ongoing maintenance for operation. The following steps are our recommended guide towards planning for a successful rainwater harvesting system.
Step 1: Assess Your Water Needs
First, evaluate the property’s regular water consumption and any patterns in use change due to certain seasons or application demands. Identify the areas where harvested rainwater could be used and make sure it is legally approved for that use.
Step 2: Calculate Your Rainwater Catchment Potential
Second, calculate the property’s rainwater catchment potential, meaning the amount of rain the property will be able to harvest. The total rainwater will depend primarily on the local rainfall average and the size of the catchment area, which is usually the roof.
Step 3: Design the System
Third, design the system and choose the working components so they will be able to meet the needs of the application and so the components will match the catchment potential of the entire rainwater system. Main components include:
- Catchment Surface: This is the surface used to collect rain from and is often the roof of a building or multiple buildings.
- Gutters and Downspouts: These work to channel rainwater from the catchment surface to the storage tank and must be sized to match potential rainfall volumes and velocity.
- First-Flush Diverter: This accessory diverts and discards the initial volume of rainwater that may contain roof-bound contaminants so it does not reach the storage tank. May or may not be needed based on the use case but is often recommended.
- Debris Filters: These accessories catch and remove larger debris from rainwater, such as plant and animal matter, to keep it out of the storage tank and from causing clogs in the plumbing.
- Storage Tank: The tank is the central figure of a rainwater system as it stores the harvested rainfall. The size capacity of the tank should be based on water use needs and catchment potential. Rainwater harvesting tanks are available made from polyethylene, fiberglass, stainless steel, or galvanized steel with storage capacities ranging from 90 gallons to 100,000 gallons.
- Delivery System: This includes all the pumps, pipes, and valves that will deliver the rainwater harvest to wherever it is needed.
- Post-Tank Filtration and Treatment: For large scale rainwater uses, additional filtration and treatment is often required (by standards or regulations) and is at minimum recommended for health and safety assurances. Common rainwater filtration and treatment often involves multi-stage cartridge filtration down to 5-microns or less and purification through ultraviolet (UV) treatment units, chlorine chemical treatment, or through reverse osmosis.
At this stage of the planning process and the following step, consider consulting with a professional contractor or engineering firm experienced in designing and installing rainwater harvesting systems.
Step 4: Install the System
Once the system has been fully planned, designed, and blueprinted, it’s time for installation. Due to the large scale and likely work-intensity of the project, installation should be carried out by professionals so all goes correctly, safely, and with accountability.
As a nationwide supply company and one with many contact networks, we are glad to work with contractors to supply rainwater harvesting equipment for installation. For our assistance or input in this process, consider reaching out to our support staff.
Step 5: Maintain the System
Due to the multiple parts and the value of what is being handled, regular maintenance is vital to the longevity and effectiveness of the rainwater harvesting system and to ensure it continues to work optimally. Maintenance can include cleaning gutters and debris screens, inspecting the tank for leaks or damage, replacing filtration cartridges and UV lamps, restocking chemical treatment solutions, and regularly checking water quality.
Technical Specifications of Large-Scale Rainwater Harvesting Systems
Knowing the options and the technical specifications of rainwater harvesting systems and setups can make sure the most suitable and effective solution for the project is being selected. This can involve evaluating the specifics of the different rainwater storage tank products, the different types and the storage solutions they offer, capacity ranges, manufacturing material types and associated lifespan expectations.
Types of Water Tanks and Storage Solutions
When it comes to large-scale rainwater harvesting applications, there are various rainwater tank types and storage solutions available:
- Above Ground Tanks: Typically the most cost-effective and easiest to install. Above ground tanks often have the most options and provide the best versatility. These tanks are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), fiberglass, galvanized steel, or stainless steel and can be conveniently placed on a solid base near the rainwater collection point to minimize the amount of plumbing.
- Underground Tanks: Built to be installed beneath the ground, underground rain tanks are ideal for landscapes where space is limited, when aesthetic considerations are important, or when freezing is a concern. These tanks are usually built from polyethylene or fiberglass.
- Bladder Tanks: Also known as pillow tanks, the bladder tank is a flexible storage solution ideal for temporary installations or when available space is not a problem. These tanks are commonly made from polyethylene.
Storage Capacity
The storage capacity needed will depend on water usage and catchment area size. The available storage capacity for rainwater tanks typically ranges from 90 to 100,000 gallons. Of note, we offer 100,000 gallon capacity galvanized steel rainwater tanks made in the USA by companies with decades of experience.
Materials and Lifespan
The build material of the rain tank will influence its durability and lifespan. Polyethylene tanks are resistant to rust and corrosion and can provide a lifespan of 20 to 25 years or more. Galvanized steel and stainless steel rain tanks, if well-maintained, can last 30 years or more. Fiberglass tanks are incredibly durable with potential lifespans of 50 years or more.
Please note, these tank and material lifespans are approximate values and reported based on client-customer experience under optimal care and use conditions. Tank service life is variable and affected by a range of factors. This data is for reference and insight and is not intended to serve as a guarantee for tank lifespan.
Polyethylene Rain Tanks Fiberglass Rain Tanks Stainless Steel Rain Tanks Galvanized Steel Rain Tanks
Galvanized Steel Rainwater Tanks: The Preferred Choice
When it comes to comparing and evaluating the different storage options for rainwater systems, the galvanized steel rainwater tank stands out above the rest. These tanks are not only durable as they are made from steel, they also resist rust due to their galvanized finish, are visually appealing, and are designed to store larger volumes of rainwater. In short, galvanized steel tanks are ideal for large scale rain harvesting and commercial properties due to their high capacity, design, and longevity. Galvanized steel tanks have therefore emerged as a popular choice due to their durability and versatility24 and have done so with good reason.
Resilience and Durability
The primary role of a storage tank is to provide a reliable and resilient solution for holding harvested rainwater safely and securely, preventing outside contamination or exposure concerns. For galvanized steel tanks, both the metal and the zinc galvanized protective coating work together to offer exceptional strength, reliability, and weather resistance. The tank’s overall engineering ensures secure containment for the rainwater resource.
Application Versatility
Galvanized steel tanks offer a high degree of versatility. Their general design and engineering make the tanks suitable for a wide range of placements and applications, from potable water provision to stormwater management to agriculture to landscapes to fire suppression systems. This versatility makes them an excellent choice across work settings and conditions.
Large Storage Volume
Galvanized steel tanks are known for their large volume range that outperforms other materials like plastic and stainless steel25. This makes the tanks the best choice (next to fiberglass) for high-capacity rainwater harvesting systems and large scale applications. The tanks can also be connected together in sequence to increase the total storage capacity of a collective system when even larger volumes are needed.
Economical Choice
Despite their high-quality features, galvanized steel tanks are an economical choice on a by-volume, by-lifespan comparison and analysis. Their strength reduces the need for replacement, their steel construction allows for easier repairs if ever necessary, and the metal is oftentimes recyclable, creating an end-of-life value.
Customizability
Galvanized steel rain tanks offer many options and choices for customization. The tanks can be designed and manufactured in a variety of sizes, roof angles, and designs to fit the specific requirements of an application.
Components and Costs for Commercial Scale Rainwater Harvesting
Implementing a commercial scale rainwater harvesting system requires careful planning and an understanding of the components involved. Here is a look at key elements, along with cost estimates.
Key Components and Expected Costs
The total cost of a commercial rainwater harvesting system can vary greatly depending on the size of the project, local labor rates, and specific equipment. Here is a general estimate:
- Catchment Area: No additional cost if the existing roof or roofs are used.
- Conveyance System: $3 – $10+ per linear foot26.
- First-Flush Diverter: $40 – $300+ per unit27.
- Storage Tanks: Galvanized steel tanks can range from $1.05 to $2.00+ per gallon of capacity28.
- Treatment System: Costs can range from $700 to $5,000+ and can vary widely depending on the complexity and needs of the system.
- Delivery System: Pump and distribution systems can cost anywhere from $500 to $5,000 and up29 when combining pump(s) with piping.
Note, these are estimated costs and not a guarantee of price expectation as actual prices will vary on the specific setup, labor rates, inflation, and location.
Large-Scale Rainwater Harvesting Examples
The practice and environmental conservation practice known as rainwater harvesting has been progressively adopted by various sectors across modern society, with numerous renowned businesses, organizations, and educational institutions installing and using large-scale systems. Below are a few significant instances:
- Commercial Use: Medium to large-scale rainwater harvesting systems are being installed and used30 in commercial settings. The systems offer a practical solution for water sourcing, provide an independent water supply, and contribute to environmental sustainability.
- Mexico City’s Approach: A study by Mexico City31 showed the potential of rainwater harvesting towards water-related challenges. The city collects rainwater from rooftops, purifies it, and then puts it to various uses. The practice has helped to alleviate local water issues and could be repeated in other regions facing similar problems.
- Federal Sector’s Adoption: The federal sector views rainwater harvesting and project systems32 as a viable water-saving technology ideal and promoted for commercial applications and large buildings. The government’s use of rainwater systems at public buildings highlights both the viability and benefit of rainwater harvesting.
- University of Arizona: The University of Arizona has undertaken a high-tech rainwater harvesting project33 at its campus auditorium. The project contributes to sustainability efforts and increases awareness by providing students with first-hand experience and knowledge.
- Case Study: Valle de Las Palmas: A rainwater harvesting system was proposed for the Valle de Las Palmas academic unit34 to show how it could be used in university settings, promoting rainwater harvesting potential for educational institutions.
- Texas Public Schools: The Texas House Bill 3391 (legislature) is designed to encourage regional school districts to install rainwater harvesting systems. As a result, various public schools in Texas35 have set up small-to-large-scale rainwater collection systems.
- Evolution Beyond Backyard Barrels: Rainwater harvesting has grown past simple backyard barrels. This is demonstrated by commercial-scale projects across Texas36 that have set up rainwater capture and reuse strategies to better manage their local resources.
- UNEP’s Promotion of Rainwater Harvesting: The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) has promoted rooftop rainwater harvesting37 as a key part of climate adaptation efforts to ensure water remains safe and accessible, particularly in regions like Uganda.
- Solar Industry’s Influence: The success of the solar industry in upscaling can offer valuable insights for rainwater harvesting. By adopting a legislative approach similar to renewable energy, businesses and governments could significantly increase the awareness, popularity, and use of rainwater harvesting systems. Such a strategy could lead to collecting trillions of gallons of rainwater38 and significantly contribute to water conservation.
Real-World Case Studies on Large-Scale Rainwater Harvesting
In the following section, we will explore a few real-world case studies where large scale rainwater harvesting systems were planned, installed, used, and then evaluated to further expand on the practical implications and advantages of rainwater harvesting systems.
Case Study 1: Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The Maracanã Stadium39, one of the world’s iconic stadiums located in Rio de Janeiro, has installed a renowned and impressive rainwater harvesting system.
- Water Conservation: The system can store up to 390,000 gallons of rainwater, which helps to save approximately 47.5 million gallons of municipal water every year.
- Cost Savings: The stadium has reported significant cost savings on its annual water bills, amounting to thousands of dollars each year.
- Environmental Impact: By reducing the amount of stormwater runoff into the surrounding areas, including the local rivers, the project has improved local water quality and reduced strain on stormwater systems.
Case Study 2: Microsoft’s Silicon Valley Campus, USA
The world-renown US computer-superpower Microsoft installed a large-scale rainwater harvesting system at its Silicon Valley campus40 as part of the company’s commitment to sustainability and philanthropy efforts.
- Water Conservation: The system collects and filters rainwater from rooftops around the campus and has a total storage capacity around 250,000 gallons. The water is used for landscaping purposes and annually saves an estimated 4.3 million gallons of potable water.
- Cost Savings: As would be expected by reducing municipal water use by 4.3 million gallons of volume, Microsoft has reported substantial reductions in their water utility costs at this campus.
- Environmental Impact: The project contributes to local water resource preservation and helps reduce the campus’s overall environmental footprint.
Case Study 3: The Bullitt Center, Seattle, USA
Regarded as one the world’s greenest commercial buildings and as an advocate for change and innovation, The Bullitt Center in Seattle41 features a highly efficient and effective rainwater harvesting system that provides 100% of the building’s water and returns excess to the soil.
- Water Conservation: The system collects rainwater from the Center’s roof and stores it in a 56,000 gallon underground cistern. This has enabled the building to achieve net-zero water use.
- Cost Savings: The system has virtually eliminated the building’s need for municipal water, in turn meaning minimal-to-no outside costs.
- Environmental Impact: By achieving net-zero water usage, the Bullitt Center hopes to showcase and stand as a testament towards a path of more sustainable urban development and conservation of our natural resources.
These case studies illustrate the very tangible benefits of large-scale rainwater harvesting systems, and there are indeed many more with the growing interest, awareness, and need for alternative practices such as rainwater harvesting. The studies not only prove the results of operational savings and water conservation but also the contribution that can be made to environmental preservation and sustainable development.
Banking on Green Infrastructure: Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting presents a high-value opportunity for commercial properties, industrial businesses, farms, organizations, and institutions alike to achieve environmental and economic goals that contribute to the growing concerns of water scarcity and climate change the world over for the future livelihood of humankind. By implementing rainwater systems, properties can reduce their operational costs, optimize water use, and contribute to water management practices.
Rainwater harvesting is more than just an eco-friendly, DIY, backyard initiative; it’s a strategic move towards sustaining our water and environment. For owners and organizations looking to make a positive environmental impact while also realizing cost savings, “banking on green” through rainwater harvesting is a smart and forward-thinking choice.
Final Thoughts
Currently, the top motivation for the increase in rainwater harvesting practice appears to stem from the need to manage stormwater runoff and reduce nonpoint source pollutants. This is largely due to the regulatory requirements and financial incentives of state agencies and local utilities. It is our belief that interest for rainwater harvesting will only increase and will be used more and more to supplement municipal supplies and the on-site needs of large companies, farms, facilities, institutions, and more.
A current trend in society and a newfound ability due to modern technology is wide scale collaborative effort. With awareness, need, and need for improvement, when rainwater harvesting has its turn, the collective effort will be great. Indeed, already, new and innovative technologies are being engineered to pave the way for the automated operation of these systems, offering the potential for better water control through rainwater harvesting systems.
The shift towards rainwater harvesting across the United States is a trend we strongly believe in. Rainwater’s potential as an alternate water supply, its role in mitigating the effects of droughts and floods, its capacity for managing stormwaters, and its contribution to water and energy conservation are all areas of critical focus at a critical time in human history with the primary significance of rapid global population growth, climate change, and the extensive pollution caused by human activities for the past century.
We support the continued exploration and use of rainwater harvesting as a solution. By doing so, we can address and work together on these pressing environmental challenges while also ensuring that a sustainable and secure water supply is in our future.
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- Auburn and Extension Experts Say Rainwater Harvesting Could Revolutionize Poultry Industry
- RWH and GWR Myth Busting – Waterwise
- Foreword by Andy Lipkis to Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond, Volume 2, 2nd Edition – Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond by Brad Lancaster (harvestingrainwater.com)
- Galvanized Steel Water Storage Tanks (protank.com)
- Rain Tanks | Plastic vs Steel Rainwater Harvesting Tanks (ntotank.com)
- 2023 Cost of Gutters – Estimates and Prices Paid – CostHelper
- First Flush Diverters (ntotank.com)
- Galvanized Steel Water Tanks | Plastic Water Tanks (ntotank.com)
- Water Pumps For Sale : Buy a New Water Pump (sprayersupplies.com)
- SAC: Eco Centro : Events : Rainwater Harvesting: Medium to Large Scale | Alamo Colleges
- Study Paves Way for Rainwater Harvesting in Mexico City (columbia.edu)
- Water-Efficient Technology Opportunity: Rainwater Harvesting Systems | Department of Energy
- Rainwater Harvesting at the University of Arizona
- (PDF) Rainwater Harvesting at Universities. Case study: Valle de las Palmas (researchgate.net)
- Large-Scale-Rainwater-Collection-at-Texas-Public-Schools.pdf (hillcountryalliance.org)
- Modern rainwater harvesting efforts evolve beyond backyard barrels | Texas Water Newsroom
- Promoting rainwater harvesting – UNEP-CCC (unepccc.org)
- America Should Harvest a Trillion Gallons of Rainwater | Time
- Water Reuse and Recycling in Australia — History, Current Situation and Future Perspectives – ScienceDirect
- Building a Sustainable Campus in Silicon Valley – The Official Microsoft Blog
- Rainwater Harvesting | Bullitt Center
- Banking on Green: A Look at Green Infrastructure (dep.wv.gov)
- Capturing Stormwater as Source Water for Reuse Resources | US EPA
- Pre-Storage Treatment | Rainwater Harvesting (tamu.edu)
- Rainwater Collection | Private Water Systems | Drinking Water | Healthy Water | CDC