Wholly H2o - California's Integrated Water Reuse Management Center

Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is growing in popularity in the United States, and why not? Rainwater is naturally a very high quality water source. Particularly in a water-challenged state like California,

It’s true! You will save more water and money by reducing waste, leaks, and inefficiencies in your current plumbing system and fixtures, indoor and out, than by adding a rainwater harvesting system. The Pacific Institute’s 2003 report “Waste Not, Want Not” estimated that the potential residential water savings

Remember, for every inch of rain, about 600 gallons of water can be collected per 1,000 square feet of surface collection area. Use our rainwater harvesting calculator widget (on this page in the right hand column) to determine the amount of water you can recover from your roof and other surfaces during an average year’s rainfall.

The indoor and outdoor water budgets are the calculated amount of water a household will require based on the size of the family, number and types of fixtures, and landscape needs. The landscape needs are based on turf water requirements only. Your water budget should be in-line with your collection potential and the amount of storage you can afford.

There are three general approaches to utilizing residential rainwater, decreasing use of other water sources, increasing groundwater supplies, and greatly decreasing stormwater runoff.

If you are attaching a simple rain barrel or cistern irrigation system to your downspouts, it is unlikely that a permit is required for your RWH system.  Even a more complex system designed only for landscape irrigation might not attract any concern if it has no connection to a municipal potable water supply.

A quick, inexpensive, do-it-yourself, daisy-chained rain barrel system for your home can provide early summer water for your landscaping and give you a lot of satisfaction for as little as $200.  Utilize your water budget information to determine your real storage needs.  Try to match them as closely as possible.  We encourage the creative use of recycled materials when possible.