"Rainwater harvesting" refers to the collection and storage of rain.  Collecting rain water makes sense for a variety of economic and environmental reasons:

• Rainwater is an economical alternative to public water, especially for exterior water uses that require minimal filtration, such as landscape irrigation.
• Rainwater can supplement limited ground water resources.  With reduced extraction rates, low-yield ground water wells and springs can last indefinitely.
• Rainwater can also supplement surface water resources threatened by rapidly growing municipal water use.
• Rainwater is low in minerals, making it ideal for washing clothes, dishes, hair, and cars.  Since it contains no chlorine, rainwater is also ideal for filling garden ponds and irrigating sensitive plants.
• Rainwater is not regulated by municipal water restrictions.  During periods of drought, rainwater can protect investments in landscaping, food sources, garden ponds, and swimming pools.
• Excess rainwater can cause leaky basements, eroded foundations, overflowing sewers, soil erosions, and water pollution.  Collecting rain water can eliminate these problems.

Rainwater harvesting systems can range from a single barrel at the bottom of the rainspout or multiple barrels connected to tanks above ground or below with pumps and controls.

Enough reasons!  Don't wait until it is too late - Do your part to conserve our precious water!  Let us help you design a rainwater collection system to meet your needs.

The Plant Place is a member of the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Associations (A.R.C.S.A.) and plans on becoming an accredited professional through this association before the end of the year.