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*The [https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/120332 Ontario Building Code (OBC)] regulates the use of harvested rainwater as one of many non-potable water sources. <em>"Rainwater means storm sewage runoff that is collected from a roof or the ground, but not from accessible patios and driveways."</em>
*The [https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/120332 Ontario Building Code (OBC)] regulates the use of harvested rainwater as one of many non-potable water sources. <em>"Rainwater means storm sewage runoff that is collected from a roof or the ground, but not from accessible patios and driveways."</em>
*The [https://www.iccsafe.org/wp-content/uploads/110116-Draft-CSA_ICC-B805-Rainwater-Harvesting.pdf CSA  standard] separates <em>"roof runoff"</em> from all other sources, including landscaped areas and green roofs. Collectively the green roof/landscaped and paved areas result in <em>"stormwater runoff."</em>   
*The [https://www.iccsafe.org/wp-content/uploads/110116-Draft-CSA_ICC-B805-Rainwater-Harvesting.pdf CSA  standard] separates <em>"roof runoff"</em> from all other sources, including landscaped areas and green roofs. Collectively the green roof/landscaped and paved areas result in <em>"stormwater runoff."</em>   
<p>The current disparity between these two definitions affects all vegetated landscapes including green roofs. Confusion over terminology and regulation has been identified as a significant barrier to implementation of RWH since 2010[http://www.ryerson.ca/content/dam/water/education%20and%20outreach/GreenInfraTO/Identifying%20Barriers%20to%20Widespread%20Implementation%20of%20Rainwater%20Harvesting%20for%20Urban%20Household%20Use%20in%20Ontario.pdf].</p>
<p>The current disparity between these two definitions affects all vegetated landscapes including green roofs. Confusion over terminology and regulation has been identified as a significant barrier to implementation of RWH since 2010[http://www.ryerson.ca/content/dam/water/education%20and%20outreach/GreenInfraTO/Identifying%20Barriers%20to%20Widespread%20Implementation%20of%20Rainwater%20Harvesting%20for%20Urban%20Household%20Use%20in%20Ontario.pdf].
<h4>Cistern and Pipework</h4>
<h4>Cistern and Pipework</h4>
Cisterns must be installed in locations where native soils or the building structure can support the load associated with the volume of stored water. <br>
Cisterns must be installed in locations where native soils or the building structure can support the load associated with the volume of stored water. <br>
Expansion caused by freezing water will damage pipes, pumps and the cistern. There are two options for managing a RWH system in our climate:
Expansion caused by freezing water will damage pipes, pumps and the cistern. There are two options for managing a RWH system in our climate:
<ol>
#The entire system is drained and closed off ahead of [[sub-zero temperatures]]
  <li>The entire system is drained and closed off ahead of [[sub-zero temperatures]] </li>
#All pipework, pumps, filters and the cistern are protected from freezing during the winter
  <li>All pipework, pumps, filters and the cistern are protected from freezing during the winter </li>
</ol>
The first option may be suitable for systems optimized for exterior irrigation only. But regulatory authorities may not permit the use of such seasonal systems as part of a storm water control strategy. Year round systems can be protected from freezing by locating the pipes, pumps and cistern indoors and/or below the frost penetration depth[http://www.raqsb.mto.gov.on.ca/techpubs/ops.nsf/0/ee1f1756eacc00e18525808200628fbf/$FILE/OPSD3090.101%20Rev%231%20Nov2010.pdf].  
The first option may be suitable for systems optimized for exterior irrigation only. But regulatory authorities may not permit the use of such seasonal systems as part of a storm water control strategy. Year round systems can be protected from freezing by locating the pipes, pumps and cistern indoors and/or below the frost penetration depth[http://www.raqsb.mto.gov.on.ca/techpubs/ops.nsf/0/ee1f1756eacc00e18525808200628fbf/$FILE/OPSD3090.101%20Rev%231%20Nov2010.pdf].  
<h4>Design for Maintenance </h4>
<h3>Design for Maintenance </h3>
<p>Detailed inspection and maintenance advice can be found in [http://www.sustainabletechnologies.ca/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/LID-IM-Guide-7.7-Rainwater-Cisterns.pdf Sustainable Technologies' LID I&M guide]. </p>
Detailed inspection and maintenance advice can be found in [http://www.sustainabletechnologies.ca/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/LID-IM-Guide-7.7-Rainwater-Cisterns.pdf Sustainable Technologies' LID I&M guide].  
<p>The two primary operational concerns for RWH systems are:
The two primary operational concerns for RWH systems are:
<ol>
#A leak developing,
<li>A leak developing,</li> 
#Debris obstructing some part of the plumbing.  
<li>Debris obstructing some part of the plumbing. </li>
</ol>
Planning can help ensure that these are identified and fixed more easily and cheaply.  
Planning can help ensure that these are identified and fixed more easily and cheaply.  
Example questions:
Example questions:

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