Collect and store rainwater for domestic use
Rainwater can be used as drinking water or to water lawns and gardens.
If rainwater is the sole source of water, the cistern may have to be quite large. Rainwater collection systems typically flush the initial rain off the roof before starting to collect water. This prevents dirt and contaminants from getting into the water supply. When used for human consumption, water must be filtered and treated. Note that the legality of rainwater collection is unclear in some western U.S. states with “appropriative water rights.”
Green points
LEEDLeadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED for Homes is the residential green building program from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). While this program is primarily designed for and applicable to new home projects, major gut rehabs can qualify. -H: Up to 4 points for a rainwater harvesting systems (WE 1.1).
NGBSNational Green Building Standard Based on the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines and passed through ANSI. This standard can be applied to both new homes, remodeling projects, and additions. /ICC-700: 6 points for collecting and using rainwater; 2 points for distributing rainwater with a renewable energy source or gravity (801.8).
Learn more in the Green Building Encyclopedia:
Profiled in our Product Guide
