What Is a Commercial Rainwater Harvesting System?
A commercial rainwater harvesting system collects rainwater from rooftops and other structures. A series of downspouts and channels collect all the viable rainwater that falls on a property and routes it to a cistern, which may be an above or below ground tank. Then, the water can be treated and pressurized for applications ranging from toilets and car washing to landscaping irrigation to drinking water.
Rainwater systems can vary in complexity and capabilities based on the end-use water quality needs. Rainwater systems for simple spray irrigation require little or no treatment while those for potable systems require more treatment to meet regulatory codes.
Why Would an Organization Need a Rainwater Harvesting System?
Your organization might either need or benefit from a rainwater harvesting system. For example, properties facing drought conditions may need a rainwater collection system. Alternatively, rainwater systems are also used to meet stormwater runoff requirements. Consider:
- Scarcity
- Water quality â saltwater intrusion
- Runoff contamination of waterways
- Protect landscape â watering restrictions
Even outside of these circumstances, improving your commercial property with a rainwater collection system offers advantages like the following:
- You can supplement watering and irrigation with captured rainwater to reduce your facility’s footprint and water bill.
- Stormwater harvesting can help control drainage overflow and prevent flooding and damaging landscape and property.
- Using decentralized rainwater reduces strain on municipal water treatment plants.
- You can advertise to consumers that you use green technologies like commercial rainwater harvesting systems, which will appeal to eco-conscious customers and business partners. Along the same lines, rainwater collection qualifies for credits under certifications such as LEED and LBC.
How Does This Impact the Environment?
Along with the beneficial effects for your business, customers, and local community, there are several environmental benefits from using a rainwater collection system. These benefits include:
- Reduced energy use: Storing, filtering, and distributing water in your facility uses less energy than drawing from regional water supplies. This reduces carbon footprint.
- Slowed, consistent rainwater release: If your area experiences a heavy rainstorm, the local environment will not be prepared for it. Sudden precipitation can cause dangerous flooding, erosion, soil displacement, pollution, and clogged drains. By collecting water, you can help minimize that environmental strain.
- Preserving potable water for where it’s needed: Treating and re-treating water to make it potable is an intensive process, and that effort goes to waste when facilities use potable water for non-potable water applications.
Interested in Learning More About a Commercial Rainwater Harvesting System?
Invest in a high-quality commercial rainwater harvesting system built exactly to your facility’s specifications. At Ecovie Water Management, we develop rainwater harvesting and collection solutions for businesses and residential rainwater collection systems. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits and how to get started with a rainwater collection system for houses or commercial properties.