The idea is thousands of years old.  But with a new twist. 

Collect rainwater, usually from roof downspouts,
but also from parking lot drains or storm runoff swales. 

Pipe it to a storage tank, pond, or underground structure. 
Here is where my ideas begin to differ and vastly improve on conventional rainwater harvesting.  Tanks are not the most efficient way to store water.  In tandem there is a lot of wasted space and complicated connections.  A single above ground tank may be the cheapest and easiest way to store water, but they take up space, and true, they're ugly.  Burying tanks solves the ugly problem, but they can pop up out of the ground under groundwater pressure if they are not well anchored.  I like ponds and or underground lined storage systems.  Many new commercial buildings in the U.S., Australia, and other countries store storm water under parking lots with modular components.  This new method can replace many of our traditional storm water retention ponds, as seen in every neighborhood and office park and mini mall.  We are beginning to see underground storm water management in new developments as space gets more valuable, and developers see that there is a better looking and more cost effective way of managing storm water.

Filter the water naturally by circulating it through a water garden and natural ecosystem. 
This is the really new and exciting part of Rainwater Harvesting.  I am doing well by the earth and beautifying it at the same time.  By moving the stored water through waterfalls, sediment pools, bogs, and fish and plant areas I am building a complete micro scale water cycle, and cleaning the water.  Have you ever smelled water that has sat in a tank for a few weeks, absent of sunlight?  Storing water is not new.  Using an ecosystem to clean the stored water is brilliant.  Having extra, safe water to use for irrigation and drought relief in this time of water emergencies is priceless. 

Use the water for irrigation. 
Irrigation is the biggest use of water in the U.S.  Beautiful green lawns are important.  However, we are putting too much demand on public water sources in many parts of the country, leading to low water supplies and use restrictions.  This is happening in drought areas, and getting a lot of press.  It is also happening in areas not hit by drought, but heavily developed and irrigated areas.  The world is 2/3 water, we are not going to run out.  Many regions cannot meet demand for safe, drinkable public water.  We are wasting water at an alarming rate, over-irrigating landscapes that need too much water instead of landscaping to meet the rainfall amounts of the region.  Most irrigation systems grossly over-water and actually runoff the landscape, and create unnaturally swampy areas as well.  (Later in this writing I will tell you about my invention to protect lawn and planting areas and at the same time intelligently drip irrigate.)  The water we collect and store and irrigate with can also be used to wash cars and patios, and in some areas of the country, can be used for flushing, laundry, and showers.  This grey water can also be returned to the Rainwater Harvest system in some areas of the country. 

Storm water Management.
Overflow of the Rainwater Harvest system is handled by releasing storm overflow into a Rain Garden that in the heaviest storms may flow into a percolation pit.  In normal rains the overflow will seep into the ground water supply in a depressed, bog planted area.  This is so much better than running onto the street, into the storm drain, and straight into the nearest river, fast!  The other half of the public water dilemma is the public sewer conundrum.  Our sewer systems are outdated.  In many cities there is no separation of storm sewers and sanitary sewers.  Many areas have developed over their natural flood protections.  With all the added use, impervious surfaces, and irrigation demands that come with highly developed areas, our infrastructure is overwhelmed.  Flooding is getting worse.  Trillions are needed to update water and sewer systems all across the U.S.  Rainwater Harvesting will slow the sewer overloading and flooding, one backyard at a time.  We can all do a little and see improvement.  We cannot wait for the government to fix it for us.  It is too monumental, even for our Big Government.  But everyone irrigating smarter and using rainwater and slowing storm runoff will make a huge difference.

Furthermore, current storm water management practices can benefit from the drip irrigation grid system.  Traditional storm water management involves retention ponds at the low point of every new building or development. Forward thinking engineers, landscape architects, and developers are looking for better ways.  Many alternatives are being explored.  Some of the methods are storing storm water under parking or green space, bio-swales, rain gardens, permeable paving surfaces, and green roofs, among others.  I applaud these methods, and have used many of them.  I add to these methods a new idea, furthering the green movement and stewardship of the land. 

In conjunction with other best practices of storm water management, the drip irrigation grid system can aid groundwater infiltration, freeing up valuable real estate to be developed at a profit.  For instance, a project may involve storing storm water under a parking area that is also permeable, using that water for irrigation, dispersal and infiltration, and using the green space for overflow parking. This rainwater harvesting, storm water management, and space efficiency is not only environmentally responsible, it is profitable as well.  Space can be developed more efficiently. This is a win win.  Good for the environment and developers at the same time.

The Rainwater Harvesting idea is not new.
It is thousands of years old.  It is time to get back to what works.  Water is a precious commodity.  Our ecosystem is being abused.  We have developed land and lost much of natures filtering and flood protection that God built into the environment.  Water runs fast through neighborhoods, down streets, yards and pipes to the stream, to the river, to the sea.  Floods are getting worse, and hitting closer to home.  We have cut down our protection.  But, we can slow the flooding and use the water smartly. 

By capturing rainwater that would otherwise run off or overflow the storm sewers, we can help our environment, reduce our water consumption and our water bills.  The rainwater can help alleviate drought stress and be used for irrigation purposes.  Many areas have been hit hard by drought, water restrictions and stiff penalties. 

The Rainwater Harvesting System collects water that would be lost, stores it discretely, filters and circulates it through natural waterfalls and aquatic plants, and allows it to be used for irrigation.  Storm overflow goes into aquifer recharge and rain gardens, instead of storm sewer systems.  We can be self sufficient, reduce water bills and add biodiversity and beauty to our yards, neighborhoods, and regions.  A beautiful water feature that is not only self supporting but can save you money, government intrusion and even help to save the earth is a Win, Win!

Please contact Kevin Soergel at 724 444 POND or info@YourEscapes.net for more information.