| Traditionally, rainwater was collected, or harvested, in | | | | depending upon the intended use for the product. In |
| large below ground tanks, or cisterns. These tanks | | | | a simple harvesting system, the collected water is |
| have a reputation for being difficult to store and | | | | used immediately. At its most basic level, routing the |
| maintain as well as not realistic in residential | | | | gutter downspouts to a specific landscaping area can |
| applications. Today, however, many companies are | | | | be considered a form of rainwater harvesting. On a |
| developing a wider variety of options, including tanks | | | | more complex level, however, systems can |
| sized for residential homes. A few companies have | | | | incorporate elements of roof catchment, gutter and |
| even developed harvesting tanks appropriate for | | | | downspout routing, tank storage and irrigation or |
| vacation and part-time homes. Many of these options | | | | distribution systems. The more complex systems |
| include smaller sized tanks that can be easily placed | | | | often require professional assistance and sometimes |
| under decks or joists, alongside walkways or | | | | a permit depending upon local ordinances. It is best to |
| vertically against a wall. These features, coupled with | | | | contact your local green building industry expert. |
| the lack of space in many urban settings, make | | | | An example of a modern rainwater harvesting is the |
| these modern rainwater harvesting tanks very | | | | Rainwater H2OG, which is available in two distinct |
| appealing to earth-conscience homeowners. By | | | | designs. The company offers a potable water tank |
| contrast, rainwater harvesting tanks are also a good | | | | made from virgin food-grade polyethylene and a |
| option for homeowners in rural settings where | | | | non-food-grade tank made with 15% recycled |
| obtaining a supply of water from municipal sources is | | | | content. Both styles of tank hold approximately 50 |
| difficult. | | | | gallons of water and even offer potable water |
| There are a number of advantages to rainwater | | | | options (with the food-grade tank and after proper |
| harvesting, including conservation of resources and | | | | filtration). This particular tank has been recognized by |
| utilities and reduction of flooding and erosion. It also | | | | Environmental Building News as one of the Top-10 |
| provides a healthy alternative to chemical treated | | | | Green Building Products in 2008, a reward largely |
| water for plants and vegetation. The water quality is | | | | based upon the tank's functional, efficient and visually |
| typically classified as between groundwater and | | | | discreet characteristics. The Rainwater H2OG also |
| surface water, making it useful in a number of | | | | represents the move towards accommodation of |
| applications. Generally, collected (or harvested) | | | | harvesting systems to residential applications. |
| rainwater is suitable for all non-potable uses such as | | | | In the long run, the overall return on investment for |
| watering the lawn, washing the car, running a power | | | | rainwater retention systems is very positive. From |
| washer, air conditioner make-up water, and even cold | | | | both a financial and environmental stewardship |
| water toilet flushing and clothes washing. | | | | perspective, going "green" through rainwater |
| A rainwater harvesting can be simple or complex | | | | retention is a first-class initiative for homeowners. |