Rainwater Harvesting and Purification System

In January 1996 we installed a rainwater catchment system to capture
Oregon’s abundant rainfall. Portland receives between 3 and 4 feet of
rainfall annually. During a gentle rain a typical Oregon downspout sheds
several gallons per minute. Our approximately 1000 square foot roof
captures on average 3000 cubic feet (22,500 gallons) of water per year.

In 1998 we received approval from the city of Portland to use this water
for all household use. This system, which cost less than $1,500,
consists of the following components:

* A 1500 gallon plastic cistern, approximate cost: $500. Purchased from
Northwest Irrigation, Tangent, Oregon, 541-928-0114. Contact local
agriculture/farm stores for best prices.

* A 1/2 horsepower shallow-well pump to pressurize the water to between 20
and 30 psi (pressure is adjustable), approximate cost: $250. I utilized
a Jaccuzzi brand pump.

* Plastic (outdoor PVC and indoor CPVC) piping to connect to the household
cold water system.

* Two particulate filters in series, rated at 20 and 5 micron particle
size, approximate cost: $20 each; replaceable filter cartridges cost
$3-5 each.

* An ultraviolet light sterilizer rated at 10 gallons per minute. It is
capable of sterilizing water at its rated flow. This appliance was
recently approved for use in Oregon. I used the PURA (1-800-292-PURA,
Valencia, California) model UV20-1, cost approximately $350. Uses about
40 watts. Fluorescent ultraviolet light rated at 9600 hours, about one
year of continuous use. Replacement cost of fluorescent tube: about $80.

* Screen covering the cistern to prevent entry of mosquitoes and to catch
any large particles that make it past the gutter screening.

* A roof-washer which wastes the first 12 gallons of captured water which
has “washed” the roof. Simple plans are described in the Texas Guide
(page 11) referenced below; it describes a vertical length of 6″
plastic pipe (with a drainage faucet and cleanout at the bottom) which
intercepts the initial flow from the roof. Once the pipe has filled, the
rest of the water flows to the cistern.

* A 20 gallon water butyl rubber diaphragm pressure storage tank,
approximate cost: $150.

* A reduced pressure backflow prevention device. This was required by the
city to “protect” the public water system from accidental flow of
rainwater into the public system. Cost: $120. This would not be
necessary if we used rainwater exclusively. However, Oregon has very dry
summers and our cistern is exhausted by July. We currently depend on
city water during the summer.

* A water meter to measure rainwater output, approximate cost: $45.

Maintenance consists of keeping gutters and cistern screen clean.
Filters and ultra-violet lamp will need periodic replacement. The tank
is thoroughly cleaned annually in the summer when it empties. Backflow
prevention device requires annual inspection. Public health authorities
recommend periodic testing of water for fecal coliform bacteria, as for
any private water system. A recent test showed none.

At the current time we continue to use the public water supply for
summertime water and occasional drinking and cooking. In fact, during
the rainy season, which lasts from about September to June, our only
connection to the public utility is one faucet at the kitchen sink which
uses less than one gallon per day, which got us into hot water with the
city water bureau. Meanwhile, our rainwater meter has shown total
household consumption of less than 60 gallons per day. This includes all
bathing, dishwashing, laundry, watering of houseplants, small amount of
outdoor use, and an occasional toilet flush by guests.

One notable advantage of rainwater is its softness. Rainfall in the
Portland area contains about 5 mg/liter of dissolved minerals. Compare
this with some hard groundwater which exceeds 500 mg/liter. Portland
city water is rated at 18 mg/liter.

In my research on rainwater catchment systems, I have not come across
any detailed design guidelines available on the internet(update see bottom of page). However, the
Texas Water Development Board publishes the free Texas Guide to
Rainwater Harvesting. They can be reached at telephone 512-463-7955.
According to two officials in Alaska and Hawaii with whom I have
communicated, there is a long established tradition of rainwater
collection in some parts of their states. According to Sourcebook
Harvested Rainwater, in some areas of the Caribbean, new houses are
required to have rainwater capture systems. Hawaii apparently is
currently developing (or has already developed) guidelines. In Oregon,
there is no regulation of water quality for individual residences — this is left up to the homeowner.

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Rainwater Harvesting and Purification System / Feedback welcome /
revised October 8, 1998

Check out “rainharvester.com” for design info (update july 21, 2003)