Homeowners continue to place greater value on eco-friendly living and energy efficient homes. One way to differentiate your next landscaping or water management project is to incorporate a cutting-edge rainwater collection system to catch, filter, and reuse water that would otherwise become runoff.
Whether your client lives in a drought-prone region, is seeking sustainable gardening solutions, or wants to cut down on water bills during the summer, a rainwater collection system will reduce water waste and add resale value to their property.
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Benefits of Rainwater Harvesting
People have collected and utilized rainwater for all of human history, but with readily available clean water, we often let this abundant resource go to waste. Here are some top benefits you can share with property owners to help them understand the value of investing in private water management systems:
- Saves money on watering bills
- Reduces demand on municipal water supply
- Makes efficient use of an otherwise wasted resource
- Allows for the free use of water, instead of being subject to city restrictions
- Adds resale value to homes or developments
- Keeps plants and gardens flourishing through hot summer months or in drought-prone regions
- Rainwater benefits plants as it is pollutant free and nutrient rich
- Most systems are easy to maintain and simple to use
- Reduces flooding, erosion, and the contamination of surface water
- Potentially saves money by qualifying for rebates!
Types and Configurations of Rainwater Collection Systems
Residential rainwater collection configurations generally incorporate five elements:
- A catchment area (usually the roof)
- Conveyance (gutters, downspouts)
- Storage tanks (above or below ground)
- First flush diverters/filtration (remove pollutants and impurities)
- Distribution (pumped to an irrigation system or gravity assisted)
Swales and Water Gardens
Swales and water gardens add great visual interest to the landscape, help native plants and biodiversity thrive, and naturally filter runoff water. Switching out traditional gutters for rain chains, and asphalt driveways for porous pavers will complete the design. These systems are called passive rainwater collection, while engineered structures like pipes and tanks are considered active collection systems. Pairing both together can lead to the greatest environmental and aesthetic benefits.
Water Storage Tanks
Above ground tanks are easier to install, more affordable, and can be expanded upon if needed. They can also be elevated to improve water pressure. Below ground tanks hide the system, saving space and allowing for a greater focus on aesthetic design. They are more protected from damage and insulated from fluctuations in temperature.
If the property allows for it, the most efficient design would feature the water tank above the garden so that gravity can do the work of drawing water through the land. Landscaping solutions like rock-lined swales, water gardens, and careful grading can maximize water absorption and allow you to control how much water different types of plants receive. If this is not possible, you may need to install a larger system of pumps to connect the water to drip irrigation systems.
Rainwater Management Factors to Keep in Mind
Regional Considerations
Different regions maintain varied auxiliary water laws and regulations, and you can check compliance with local law through this searchable database: https://www.watercache.com/resources/regulations. For instance, Texas provides sales tax exemptions for rainwater harvesting system components and offers incentives and rebates for installation, in addition to preventing Homeowner Associations from prohibiting rainwater harvesting.Temperature
Many systems cannot keep operating during winter because they’ll expand when they freeze, damaging the container. Gutters, too, can become blocked with snow and ice. Investing in underground tanks, heavy duty gutter guards, or tanks with built-in drainage systems will preserve the longevity of each system.Climate
Choosing the right plants will drastically improve the outcome of the entire landscape. Xeriscaping is a great option for drought-prone regions, and native plants with deep root systems will thrive better in alternately flooded and dry conditions compared to non-native varietals.Safety
Keep in mind that if a system collects water from treated wood, copper, or asphalt roofing shingles, the water is not safe to use on edible plants due to possible chemical contamination.Overflow
Investing in a system with a built in overflow gauge and designing the rest of the property to account for overflow can prevent flooding and erosion.How to Choose the Right Rainwater Management System
How much space do you have to work with? The height of each home’s roof, the distance to the property line, and the slope of the ground will affect the size and configuration of the setup. For instance, elevating water tanks can improve water pressure, but then the system may need to be installed further from the house.
Choosing the right sized storage tank depends on a variety of factors, including the size of the roof (how much runoff can be collected), estimated rainfall, and estimated water usage. Residential tank sizes range from 500 to 10,000+ gallons, and on average homeowners will need to invest in the following tank sizes to keep up with demand:
- Small garden/yard use: 500–2,000 gallons
- Full-home non-potable use: 3,000–5,000+ gallons
- Whole-home potable systems: 10,000+ gallons, depending on rainfall
Residential Rainwater Collection System Manufacturers
With these design ideas and product specifications in mind, our team researched top manufacturers of rainwater collection systems, including ones fully designed with filters and pumps, plus accessories to maximize property design and water efficiency.
Featured Brand
Rainwater Management Solutions
Roanoke, VirginiaRMS has developed ready-to-install residential rainwater collection systems which feature pump, filtration, and pre-plumbed systems. They use a 4-step process for residential rainwater harvesting, filtering collected water before it reaches your storage tank.
Featured Brand
Innovative Water Solutions
Austin, TexasInnovative Water Solutions LLC is a full-service water conservation system design/build company that specializes in integrated water demand and supply management for residential and commercial projects. They create rainwater harvesting, graywater reuse, and irrigation systems as well as drainage improvements and landscape solutions.
Featured Brand
Texas Metal Tanks
Dripping Springs, TexasTexas Metal Tanks manufactures galvanized metal and stainless steel water and rainwater tanks from 150 gallons to 2500 gallons. Each tank is hand crafted in our shop in Dripping Springs, TX. A certified liner is applied to the interior to provide a protective barrier between the water and the metal.
Featured Brand
Gutter Helmet
Jacksonville, FloridaGutter Helmet custom manufactures their products to fit the unique needs of each home and structure. Their gutter guards employ an anti-corrosive, ribbed surface, to better direct water and filter debris. The interior is reinforced with aluminum to offer greater strength and improve filtering properties. Products even come with a lifetime performance warranty.
Featured Brand
RainChains.com
Los Angeles, CaliforniaRain Chains produce handcrafted rain chains from the highest quality copper, brass, aluminum, and steel. They can create custom products, with chains that vary in length. Chains serve as an alternative to traditional gutter downspouts, catching and drawing water downwards with pleasant sounds and an emphasis on visual display.
Featured Brand
Nicolock
Lindenhurst, New YorkNicolock creates eco-friendly permeable concrete, brick, and engineered pavers, perfect for maximizing the re-absorption of water into soil. They come in multiple shapes and designs, suitable for every home style.