Rain is one of the most amazing wonders of this earth, but it is something we often take for granted or even sometimes feel irritated by. In this article, we are going to look at the following:
1. What are Rainwater Harvesting Systems?
3. What is the rainwater used for?
4. Why is it beneficial to use a Rainwater Harvesting System?
5. Why purchase a Rainwater Harvesting System from Clearwater Creations?
Conserve water by using rainwater harvesting systems
Rainwater Harvesting Systems
1. What is a Rainwater Harvesting System?
Simply put, rainwater harvesting systems are designed to collect rainwater, store it, and distribute it for other uses. Primarily, rainwater is collected in gutters and then sent through pipes into a reservoir of some sort, either above ground like a rain barrel or underground in a cistern. There are both simple and more advanced systems.
2. How Does it Work?
As mentioned above, rainwater is collected from the exterior surfaces of your home, like your roof or even your pavement. The rainwater is collected, sent through pipes, filtered, and stored in a reservoir ready for your use.
In the diagram below from Aquascape, you can take a closer look at how typical rainwater harvesting systems work.
Rainwater is filtered and then stored for later use around your home and yard
3. What is the Rainwater Used for?
Unless you have a complex rainwater harvesting system designed for using the filtered rainwater indoors, most systems conserve water for outdoor uses such as:
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Watering and irrigating lawns and gardens
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General washing of buildings, cars, decks/patios, etc.
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Adding decorative fountains or water features (check out below for some great ideas from Clearwater!)
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Preventing damage from storm run-off and flooding
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Putting out fires (handy for those outdoor fire pits, eh?)
You can even use the water to help fill your pool or hot tub!
If you do have a more complex system that allows you to make use of your rainwater indoors, it can be used for flushing toilets or doing the laundry.
Lower your hydro bill by using your rainwater to water plants and flowers
4. Why use a Rainwater Harvesting System?
Many of us recognize the value of our natural resources here in Canada and the need to conserve water. By harvesting rainwater, we are reducing the amount of water we use from other sources whether it comes from municipal water systems or from other natural bodies of water.
And, using rainwater can help manage excess run-off after storms, solve problems related to drought and save you money on your utility bills.
Take a look at the graphic below to see some interesting statistics about water use that will help put in perspective how much water we actually use. Or, continue your reading here.
5. Why Purchase a Rainwater Harvesting System from Clearwater?
One of the great things about adding a water feature to your backyard is that it can actually be part of a rainwater harvesting system. Rainwater that enters a pond or waterfall area can actually be filtered on the surface with a mechanical and biological pump. From there, it is sent to the reservoir or storage basin along with other rainwater. So, your water feature adds beauty to your backyard but also functions to help conserve water.
Check out the video below that shows you how Aquascape installs rainwater harvesting systems with sustainable water features. As certified Aquascape contractors, Clearwater Creations is trained to transform any backyard into a work of art while protecting one of our most precious resources: water.
Watch the video to see how rainwater harvesting systems can incorporate water features.
Feeling inspired? Contact Clearwater Creations to have your own rainwater harvesting system installed and look at their portfolio of work to see their beautiful water features. Clearwaters staff members are graduates of the Horticulture Technician Program at Durham College and are certified Aquascape Contractors. With over a decade of experience serving Eastern Ontario, you can trust Clearwater Creations to give you a beautiful and more sustainable backyard!
Testimonials
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“Knowledgeable, industrious, creative and thorough are words that come to mind to describe my interactions with Tim and Joey.”
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“Joseph, Tim, Joshua and Matthew. We would like to thank you for your work here on our garden and waterfall. You did an amazing job and we enjoy it everyday. We were impressed with the way you worked together and had fun doing your work.”