December Topic and Key Point
The Lastest on Rainwater Harvesting
December 8, 2005
(Click on the panelist's names to jump to their key points below.)
A panel of green building professionals discussed the key issues of rainwater harvesting from the perspective of their professions. The panel included rainwater system designer Pat Lando of Lando & Associates Landscape Arrchitecture, landscape designer Amy Witworth of Plan-It Earth Design, homeowner Ole Errson who harvests rainwater at home, and Lori Graham from the Bureau of Development Services who spoke about the City's codes.
Afterward people broke into small groups to ask questions and talk with one another. Along with the panelists, Brad Crowley and Hillary Ayliffe also lead discussions.
Key Points
Here's what our panelists think people should know about Rainwater Harvesting.
Homeowner
Ole Errson
http://ersson.sustainabilitylane.com/
1. Rediscover a forgotten resource.
The key to really good rainwater harvesting is to make use of and enhance the beauty of water that flows off our roofs and other impermeable surfaces. Traditionally, "storm water" has been considered a nuisance that we have done our best to hide. Only recently has there been a renaissance in thinking about this as a resource to actually show off in our environment. I encourage everyone to simultaneously exploit the utility of and enhance the beauty of this "liquid sunshine" that drops so freely from the Oregon sky.
2. Delight in creating rainwater landscapes.
In doing so one can delight in the joy of tinkering and invention. This can be a form of play for those of all ages. We all can create little fountains, ponds, streams, and other water features powered by falling rain, thereby decorating our homes and built environment. Is this not preferable to hiding our rainwater inside gutters, downspouts, and sewers?
3. Maximize rainwater's utility.
We can even, if so inclined, go to the extent of ensuring our rainwater is adequately clean for indoor, household use. Our family has done this in Portland starting almost ten years ago. Although this process entails more effort than many are willing to undertake, for those devotees of rainwater this can be a next step on the pathway to fully utilizing this resource. For details about our rainwater harvesting and purification system, see our web page, Experiments in Sustainable Urban Living.
Rainwater System Designer
Pat Lando
Lando & Associates Landscape Architecture
www.lando-landscapearchitecture.com
503-233-6600, pat@lando-landscapearchitecture.com
As a designer of RWH systems I tend to look at the project more comprehensively than simply inserting water storage into the project there are a series of issue and options to examine prior to settling on a RWH system. With that said, some of the most critical feasibility issues that need to be resolved may include:
1. End use of water Potable / nonpotable use
2. Placement and size of the cistern(s)
3. Cost
Portland City Codes
Lori Graham
Bureau of Development Services - Code Development,
www.portlandonline.com/bds/
503-823-3448, grahaml@ci.portland.or.us
1. Installation of any rainwater harvesting system that brings water into a building requires a permit.
2. There are two types of systems:
- Non-potable (used for water-closets, hose bibs, irrigation)
- Potable (used for all water uses including drinking water) Also known as "whole building systems"
3. Systems have been allowed for both residential and commercial buildings.
4. Potable systems always require an appeal.
5. Things to consider when designing your system:
- How will you provide separation between the potable system and the non-potable system in a multi-system household? There must be separate piping systems.
- How will you provide back-up water supply to either your whole house or non-potable system when it is the dry season?
- How will you provide sterilization for your potable water system?
- How will you label the different pipes?
Lanscape Designer
Amy Witworth
Plan-it Earth Design, www.plan-it-earthdesign.com
503-239-0105, plan-it-earth@comcast.net
Storm water Solutions - Alternatives to Rainwater Harvesting
1. Know your soils
Does the water soak in or run off the surface? Our soils are the best place to purify and recharge water. Using the forest as a model, we learn that healthy soils with large amounts of organic matter are one of the best ways to eliminate runoff into streams. Storm water solutions may be different on East and West sides. The city's Downspout Disconnect Program is slated only for certain eastside addresses at this time. There are solutions for the heavier clay soils of the west side, but there are often more considerations when choosing one.
2. ABC's of Drainage
The water has to go somewhere (hopefully not in your basement). It's all about gravity and infiltration. When you begin to think like water, you will begin to understand how to control it. Small landscape changes can have a huge impact on properties downhill from you. Water picks up speed as it moves downhill. The keys to drainage involve slowing the flow and providing water loving plant material to drink it up.
3. It's not only about how it works, but also how it looks
Consider Decorative ways to: Disconnect the downspout (winter water features, dry stream beds, rain chains, bioswales), Obscure the cistern (vines, climbing plants, hedgerows for wildlife), Direct water (rills and channels).