Rain & Snow Collection
By Steven Eggleston and Dave Sladek
Part 2 of a 3 part series
This article is part two of a three part series addressing water conservation in our built environment. The articles are designed to provide a gradual, in-depth, hands-on approach to evolving concepts in sustainability. The three main types of water conservation in the built environment include greywater (see HomeLink summer 2008 issue), rain/snow collection and blackwater.
Photo: David C. Holloway
Rain/ Snow Collection
Rain/snow collection is defined as the collection of runoff from rooftops, patios, decks, driveways and other impervious surfaces. The collected water can be filtered for non-potable water uses such as garden and lawn watering, water features, toilet flushing, evaporation coolers, pet and car washing, indoor plants, and pet and livestock watering. Or, depending on the level of filtration, it can also be a source of potable water for use in sinks, tubs, showers, dishwashing, clothes washing, and drinking water.
The three main components to a rain/snow collection system are collection, filtration and storage.
Collection
- Rain: roofing, gutter, downspout, gutter filter
Snow: snow cleats, snow fence, low-voltage wire, thermal collectors
Filtration
- First flush device, micron filters, spun-wound filters, ceramic filters, carbon filters, ultraviolet light, reverse osmosis
Storage
- Cisterns: fiberglass, cast concrete, plastic, foundations
sediment tanks, barrels
In Routt County, drilling a well can be cost prohibitive or geologically impossible. When this occurs, it is more common to find a cistern being used as the water supply for the home. The cistern is either filled by a water delivery truck, or residents fill a portable tank at a water source and haul the water home.
An alternative to hauling water to the home is the use of a water harvesting system, seen in this north Routt County residence. Constructed in 2002, this residence uses a typical gutter system, collects precipitation, filters it and stores it in a cistern.
The roof-collection system includes Polar BlockŪ snow fence to retain snow, a metal roof which minimizes the amount of debris entering the water, and gutters that connect to the western cistern. Between the gutters and the cistern, spun-wound filters remove particles above 50 microns in size. After flowing through the filters, the rain or snow melt enters a 7,000-gallon cistern where additional small particles settle out. The water then flows through a pipe to the eastern cistern. When a tap is turned on in the house, the water is pumped through a carbon filter and ultraviolet light system which eliminates bacteria, volatile organic compounds, or semi-volatile organic compounds in the water before it reaches the faucet.
The system is large enough to accommodate a large family, and could be expanded if needed by adding a gutter system to the north side of the home. The existing low-flow well is piped into the cistern, and is primarily used for outside purposes. A fill pipe also allows for the easy delivery of water, if ever needed.
Maintenance includes changing the spun-wound filters three times and the UV lamp once per year, for a total cost of under $200.
It falls out of the sky onto your roof, you own it-right? Not necessarily. Check with the Colorado Division of Water Resources and your local building, zoning and environmental departments for plumbing requirements, local restrictions, subdivision regulations or guidelines that may apply to your project. Water rights in the state of Colorado are a sensitive subject and should be investigated to ensure the system is legal. (See Who Owns the Rain? by Reed Morris in this issue for a further discussion of Colorado water rights issues.)
Rain/snow collection is a fast growing concept. It can be a source for your domestic watering needs including both non-potable and potable water uses. In this changing climate and growing population, the demand for safe clean water is increasing, as is the pressure to use this natural commodity more efficiently. Rain/snow collection can be a key component to a sustainable future. Good luck and go collect some rain. 
Features
The Water Issue
Building on the Water
Don't Use It Don't Lose It
The
Hydrological Effects
of Beetle Kill
Water Quality in the
Yampa River Basin
Departments
The Green Scene
How Many Miles per Gallon Does this House Get?
Builder Perspectives
Decor & Style
Real Estate
Foreclosure in Steamboat Springs: Emerging Business Opportunities
Artist Profile
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Winter 2007
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