Rainwater Harvesting Growing In Popularity
Rainwater harvesting is something that many individuals and families in a number of countries have been looking to start incorporating into their way of living. And many will have a variety of reasons for doing it. Currently in the US, there are some rules surrounding the activity of rainwater collection.
There have been stories that have circulated about individuals allegedly being arrested and detained over their unauthorized use of rainwater that they've collected on their property. And this has prompted many to wonder as to whether or not it is legal or illegal for them to collect rainwater if they want to.
The rules are different depending on which state you're from, but there are some restrictions on what you can capture the rain with and if you can distribute that water and so on. This sort of infringement is criticized by many, yet defended under the justification of concerns for water supplies and droughts etc.
In the past several years, it seems like there has been a growing interest with people who have been eager to begin their own rainwater harvesting and there has been a push for authorities to allow for such activity to take place.
People want the freedom to be able to “recycle the rain.” For many, they don't see why it should be a crime for them to collect the rainwater that naturally falls on their home or on their property space.
In many areas around the US, it isn't illegal to harvest the rainwater and in some cases it's even encouraged by city officials. But you will find rules about things like storage restrictions and distribution rules etc.
Making it easier...
One company that is looking to try and make it easier for people to start collecting their own rainwater, is the Dutch company known as Studio Bas van der Veer. They've come up with a design for a small-scale rain barrel that they've called the “Raindrop.”
This design was unveiled several years ago and they've won several awards for the innovation; since then they've just recently unveiled a newer design for their product. And they expect to start selling this newer design for the Raindrop by 2018.
Those who are interested will be able to find this at garden centers and other business locations, as well as have the option to purchase online.
It's designed to be able to hold up to roughly 125 liters of water and it has the capability to be attached to any drainpipe that measures between 50-88 mm in thickness. It's a very convenient design that makes it easy for the user to opt for using rainwater for tasks like watering the garden or lawn, or washing the car etc, rather than turning on the tap.
There are many different ways that one can go about trying to collect rainwater. Aside from this small-scale device, there are many other options out there as far as what systems to go with, and how one can go about trying to get involved with this sort of 'rain recycling' activity.
Despite some areas frowning upon the activity of rainwater collection, there are multiple initiatives that are currently underway which are trying to encourage residents, businesses, and city officials to learn about rainwater harvesting and to start engaging in this activity for themselves.
Pics:
Pixabay
Studio Bas van der Veer via archdaily
Giphy
Sources:
http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2015/11/10/is-it-illegal-to-collect-rain-water-in-oregon/
http://www.ncsl.org/research/environment-and-natural-resources/rainwater-harvesting.aspx
https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/govbeat/wp/2015/03/24/it-is-actually-illegal-in-colorado-to-collect-the-rain-that-falls-on-your-home/?utm_term=.437c59684535
http://www.lasvegasnow.com/news/new-law-allows-rain-recycling-in-nevada/769732667
https://www.theweathernetwork.com/news/articles/colorado-residents-have-no-right-to-the-rain-that-falls-on-their-home/48084
http://www.archdaily.com/879288/small-scale-rainwater-harvesting-made-simpler-by-studio-bas-van-der-veer
https://www.geek.com/culture/leave-it-to-the-dutch-to-make-rain-barrels-attractive-1717065/
https://morningchores.com/rainwater-harvesting/
http://acerwatertanks.com/is-rainwater-harvesting-illegal/
http://www.azfamily.com/story/36440645/rainwater-harvesting-in-arizona
I didn't know this was a thing. I wonder how much one of these rain collector systems costs and the ongoing maintenance fees.
It would be great to have these rain collectors on top of city buildings. That way the collected water could be used for the irrigation of rooftop gardens and maybe even distributed to homeless people etc...
I think rainwater should be free to use, how can you make a weather phenomenon illegal?
We have two locations set up for rain barrel use should we harvest it. I believe they call rain water grey water if I am not mistaken. With a proper filtering it can be used for daily use. I think some cities are afraid of folks being too independent of the conventional water system by the city. It is all about money and the fear of losing customers in the end. Control and money. Thanks for the great read.
I live off-grid and collect rain water exclusively for all my personal, gardening and livestock needs. Thankfully, there are no regulations in my area in regards to that. They again, I do not live in a draught ridden area.
It's great to see new innovations being made on harvesting rain water. I love that "Raindrop" is a much more pleasing aesthetically than many of the big bulky barrel-like models I've seen. I would like to have one of these installed at my home, in SoCAl, where many times we don't get enough rain and washing our cars regularly on our driveways is discouraged by our community.
Water is life and this cycle if vital to all on this water planet. Gratitude for sharing and I am honored to be a water keeper! So, how many gallons do you collect for the system you have? What types of plants do you grow with rain water? So loving how the purity of it not having added chemicals, as the roots and intake of the microbes in the soil thrive too! Gratitude for sharing awareness and posting those links below!
It's a brilliant idea with very easy concept thanks for sharing.
Nice post
The name is very appropriate to their design
I find it interesting. My in-laws collect rainwater.