Why Collect and Use Rainwater?
Collecting rainwater for later use, also know as rainwater harvesting, has many benefits for the collector, the community and the environment. Saving rainwater for later use is not new. It goes back to ancient
times. Many countries continue to use and encourage rainwater collection. Australia leads the
world in implementing rainwater harvesting, having actively supporting
it and requiring it for 20-30 years, as has New Zealand. It should be no surprise that many of our collection accessories are manufactured in Australia and New Zealand. Our Amanzi products are the first of their kind to manufactured in the world.
Our modern world has altered the surfaces and normal absorption of rainwater. With buildings, driveways, cement and pavement surfaces as well as our farming practices and use of fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals, we have reversed the usual 70-80% of water absorption to 20-30%. Now most of the rainwater flows prematurely into rivers, streams, creeks, lakes and to the ocean. With the fast flow it takes dirt, oils, silt and soil in its journey. The flows higher and faster earlier in the year. With less water in the ground to seep out later in the year, the rivers, streams, creeks and lakes suffer. They have less water and what they do get is warmer than normal for the fish and other aquatic life forms. Likewise, water tables drifts lower.
Population growth and wells take more water out of the ground every year, further lowing the water tables. Wells get lower volume or even go dry, requiring ever increasing depths for existing and new wells. Without being replenished with rainwater, the water tables have little chance to recover.
In summary saving rainwater and using it in place of high quality potable water:
- makes an immediate impact on natural resources
- saves domestic water resources and their associated costs, such as electricity
- keeps the watershed healthier for now and the future
- decreases storm runoff and silt and debris into streams, river, lakes and sewerage systems
- allows gardens to spreads its absorption time, enhancing the water table
- gives plants chlorine free water, which makes them much happier
- decreases the use of chemicals for processing potable water and sewerage and, of course,
- saves money for the household and business using rainwater
The United States is far behind other countries in the use of rainwater harvesting techniques, water conservation and supporting laws and building codes. All is not lost, however, for some states now require or encourage rainwater harvesting, including
Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Illinois, California, Washington and Oregon. Austin, TX, is one of the leading in this movement.
If you would like to start using rainwater around your house to save money, save water and help save the planet, contact Green Planet Dreams. We can design a specific system to meet your goals.
