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November 20, 2009  |  Login
Making Good Use of the Rain with Rainwater Harvesting and Catchment
By Eric Corey Freed
 

Why pay for water when nature provides it for free? Instead of directing rainwater to the sewer, you can save it and put it to good use watering the yard. The idea of collecting rainwater is not new. In fact, people have done it for centuries. Based on your climate, a vast amount of valuable water may be available for your use. By using this water, you’ll save valuable resources and money at the same time.

The term stormwater refers to all the water running off your roof, driveway, or landscape, but rainwater catchment only refers to collecting rainwater from your roof.

Adding rainwater catchment to an existing home is simple. If your home already has gutters and downspouts, purchase a rain barrel or cistern (a small tank for holding water). Place the barrel below the downspout to capture water for your yard.

 Several companies — including Green Culture (http://www.composters.com) and Oak Barrel Winecraft (http://www.oakbarrel.com) — offer attractive barrels made from recycled wine barrels.

 Bioremediation

Bioremediation uses algae, plants, and bacteria to naturally clean polluted water to make it (nearly) drinkable. Often called living machines, they mimic the same cleansing function as a natural wetland. Think of it as a small man-made wetland on your property. Not only can a living machine clean stormwater, but it can be designed to filter the soapy water from a sink (called graywater).

Your landscape architect can help you design such a system. You can also find useful information on living machines at http://www.worrellwater.com .
 

 

 
 
 
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