Why Harvest Rainwater?
Rainwater is conserved, or “harvested,” when it is captured from the roofs of residential or commercial buildings and stored for future use. In Southern California, nearly 60% of all the water that is consumed has to be imported from another part of the state. In a drought, water becomes more scarce and more costly; therefore, if more local water can be stored for later usage, Southern California can lower its dependence on imported water. Harvested rainwater can be used for indoor or outdoor residential needs. Further, from the point of view of pollutant loading on receiving waters due to stormwater pollution, less runoff means less loading. Links: Harvested Rainwater Sourcebook Low Impact Development Center Design Tools Am. Rainwater Catchment Systems Assoc.
