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Rainwater and Stormwater: Two Sides of the Same Story?

Rainwater and Stormwater: Two Sides of the Same Story? Credit: Hector

"Rainwater harvesting" (RWH) and “stormwater catchment” are often used interchangeably referring to a wide range of practices that capture and utilize or infiltrate rainfall on a site, rather than funneling it into storm drains.

In the context of Low Impact Development, RWH serves as one strategy among many for stormwater management. In urban areas, unused and non infiltrated rainwater is simply stormwater in the making.

Stormwater consists of rainwater and other water sources (such as water from hoses, industry or agriculture) that run across impervious surfaces and saturated soil into street gutters and storm drains, streams, rivers, and finally the ocean. It carries with it chemicals and toxins that are picked up along the way, becoming a source of pollution.

Additional Information:

Rebates and Incentives
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Collection Potential

Roof/Catchment Area:
(sq ft)

Average Annual Rainfall:
(inches)

Gallons on average that you can expect to harvest:

Annual Rainfall

Find the annual rainfall in your city.

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