What Are the Benefits of Rainwater Collection?

Many people collect and store rainwater to use for landscaping, laundry, flushing the toilet and washing their car. Treated rainwater can be used for drinking water. Collecting rainwater, often called rainwater harvesting, has many benefits.

Saves Energy and Money

Using rainwater instead of purified drinking water for landscaping, flushing toilets and other water needs reduces the use of energy and chemicals to create pure drinking water. Using rainwater will also lower your water bill.

Reduces Run-Off

Collecting rainwater reduces rainwater run-off, which is the water that flows off an impermeable surface, such as concrete. Rainwater collects chemicals, such as pesticides, as it flows over impermeable surfaces, which introduces pollutants into streams and groundwater.

Considerations

You may need special permits to use rainwater inside the home, such as for flushing toilets or drinking water. Contact your city council or water department for more information.

Potential

Estimate your home's rainwater harvesting capacity by multiplying the square feet of your available collecting area by the inches of rainfall your area receives annually. Divide this number by 12 to find approximately how many cubic feet of water you could collect each year. Convert this number to gallons by multiplying it by 7.43.

References

• City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability: Rainwater Harvesting
• Texas A&M's Water Program: Texas Water -- Rainwater Harvesting
• Low Impact Living Initiative: Rainwater Harvesting