Water Reuse: Rain Water Harvesting

Less than one percent of the world's water is accessible freshwater, a valuable resource for our environment. For scale, the Great Lakes hold about 20 percent of the world’s surface freshwater. Conservation of freshwater is important; since 1970, the earth has lost one-third of its freshwater ecosystems. The National Park Service’s Green Parks Plan calls for parks and partners to achieve net-zero water use for facilities and operations.Simple water conservation measures add up. A windsurfing concessioner at Padre Island National Seashore has successfully managed freshwater as a resource. Concessioners of all sizes can learn from their practice. A simple polyurethane drum placed outside to collect rainwater provides the majority of the concessioner’s non-potable water needs for operations like rinsing sand off gear and guests.

Ways to harvest

A rain barrel can be any container that collects rainwater (e.g., barrels, cisterns, buckets, etc.). The easiest and most cost effective way to harvest rainwater is by catching it in a large barrel. Barrels placed under the downspout of a rooftop gutter can hold anywhere from 40 to 75 gallons of water depending on the size.Rain water should be used as regularly as possible to reduce the opportunity for bacteria to thrive. Contaminants from the environment and roof can make their way into a collection barrel. Adding a lid, filter, or screen to your barrel can help limit debris and prevent mosquitoes from breeding. Regularly cleaning gutters and downspouts will result in cleaner rainwater.For concessioners in cold weather areas, it is important to drain, dry, and clean rain barrels before the winter months. When rain barrels are not in use, store them upside down to prevent damage.Rainwater is typically less acidic than tap water and is higher in nutrients, making it ideal for watering plants both indoors and outdoors. Non-potable water has practical uses in almost every operation. Collected rainwater can be used to douse campfires, rinse walkways, clean rental equipment (e.g., bikes, paddleboards, hiking poles, etc.), water landscaped areas, and much more.

Benefits

Collecting rainwater eases stress on the surrounding ecosystem and local bodies of fresh water, and reduces runoff that can lead to soil erosion. Using collected rainwater decreases our dependence on groundwater and municipal water sources. In addition to the environmental benefits, using rainwater in place of municipal water can save a significant amount of money over time.

Resources

WaterSense is a program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designed to encourage water efficiency. Review EPA information and guidance on implementing rain barrels. Understand the importance of GPP initiatives by reviewing the Green Parks Plan.