Rain Water Harvesting

Rainwater Harvesting Information

Rainwater harvesting is a technique used for collecting, storing, and using rainwater for landscape irrigation and other uses. The rainwater is collected from various hard surfaces such as roof tops and/or other types of manmade above ground hard surfaces. This ancient practice is currently growing in popularity throughout our communities due to interest in reducing the consumption of potable water and the inherent qualities of rainwater. This web site will mainly focus on general information about rainwater harvesting systems, rain water system advantages and disadvantages, and helpful links and references

Rainwater Harvesting Advantages and Disadvantages

Rainwater Harvesting Advantages

·         Makes use of a natural resource and reduces flooding, storm water runoff, erosion, and contamination of surface water with pesticides, sediment, metals, and fertilizers

·         Reduces the need for imported water (the San Diego region imports between 80%-90% of its water from Northern California and Colorado River)

·         Excellent source of water for landscape irrigation, with no chemicals such as fluoride and chlorine, and no dissolved salts and minerals from the soil

·         Home systems can be relatively simple to install and operate May reduce your water bill

·         Promotes both water and energy conservation

·         No filtration system required for landscape irrigation

Rainwater Harvesting Disadvantages

·         Limited and uncertain local rainfall

·         Can be costly to install - rainwater storage and delivery systems can cost between $200 to $2,000+ depending on the size and sophistication of the system

·         The payback period varies depending on the size of storage and complexity of the system

·         Can take considerable amount of time to "pay for itself"

·         Requires some technical skills to install and provide regular maintenance

·         If not installed correctly, may attract mosquitoes (i.e.; West Nile Disease and other waterborne illnesses)

·         Certain roof types may seep chemicals, pesticides, and other pollutants into the water that can harm the plants

·         Rainwater collected during the first rain season is generally not needed by plants until the dry season. Once catchment is full, cannot take advantage of future rains