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With minimal pretreatment (e.g., gravity filtration or first-flush diversion), the captured rainwater can be used for outdoor non-potable water uses such as irrigation and pressure washing, or in the building to flush toilets or urinals. It is estimated that these applications alone can reduce household municipal water consumption by up to 55% ( Reid Homes, 2007). The capture and use of rainwater can, in turn, significantly reduce stormwater runoff volume and pollutant load. By providing a reliable and renewable source of water to end users, rainwater harvesting systems can also help reduce demand on water resources (such as groundwater aquifers and reservoirs) from which municipal water supplies are drawn. By reducing demand on water resources, rainwater harvesting can result in significant cost savings due to:

Rainwater harvesting reduces the volume of water that enters the municipal storm sewer system during wet weather, which frees up capacity for conveyance, storage and treatment in downstream stormwater infrastructure. It also conserves treated drinking water which provides cost savings to municipalities through reduced demand for municipally-supplied water and to property owners through lower water bills.

Rainwater is a better water source for irrigating vegetable gardens and landscaping because it does not contain residual chlorine and disinfection by-products found in municipally supplied drinking water. To maximize the runoff reduction and water conservation benefits it is best to substantially or fully drain rain barrels and cisterns between storms. </HalfLeft>

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<panelinfo> <panelHeading>RAINWATER HARVESTING</panelHeading> <panelBody></panelBody>

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<panelsuccess> <panelHeading>RAINWATER HARVESTING</panelHeading> <panelBody>Rainwater harvesting is the ancient practice of collecting and storing rainwater for later use. Roof runoff is directed into a rain barrel Figure 1 or underground storage tank (i.e. cistern) via downspouts from eavestroughs or roof drains and used for purposes not requiring potable water (e.g. garden irrigation, outdoor/vehicle washing, toilet flushing, fire suppression).</panelBody>

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<paneldanger> <panelHeading>RAINWATER HARVESTING</panelHeading> <panelBody>Rainwater harvesting reduces the volume of water that enters the municipal storm sewer system during wet weather, which frees up capacity for conveyance, storage and treatment in downstream stormwater infrastructure. It also conserves treated drinking water which provides cost savings to municipalities through reduced demand for municipally-supplied water and to property owners through lower water bills.</panelBody>

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<panelwarning> <panelHeading>RAINWATER HARVESTING</panelHeading> <panelBody>Rainwater is a better water source for irrigating vegetable gardens and landscaping because it does not contain residual chlorine and disinfection by-products found in municipally supplied drinking water. To maximize the runoff reduction and water conservation benefits it is best to substantially or fully drain rain barrels and cisterns between storms.</panelBody></panelwarning>

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Figure 1

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             <h4Blue>Figure 1</h4Blue>

This is a rain barrel! It has a __ L capacity and is located in Toronto. To read more about this installation click here to visit the case study.

References

Reids Heritage Homes. 2007. Leeds Home Showcased Features. http://www.ReidsHeritageHomes.com

Initial capturing and removal of unwanted contaminants, such as debris, sediment, leaves and pollutants, from stormwater before reaching a best management practice; Examples include, settling forebays, vegetated filter strips and gravel diaphragms.

The technique of removing pollutants from runoff as it infiltrates through the soil.

Human application of water to agricultural or recreational land for watering purposes. City of Toronto Wet Weather Flow Management November 2006 47

The portion of water precipitated onto a catchment area, which then flows as surface discharge from the catchment area past a specified point.

Water from rain, snow melt, or irrigation that flows over the land surface.

The total mass of a pollutant entering a waterbody over a defined time period.

The practice of intercepting, conveying and storing rainwater for future use. Captured rainwater is typically used for outdoor non-potable water uses such as irrigation, or in the building to flush toilets.

Layer of rock or soil that holds or transmits water.

The practice of intercepting, conveying and storing rainwater for future use. Captured rainwater is typically used for outdoor non-potable water uses such as irrigation, or in the building to flush toilets.

Movement of water from one location to another.

Reduction in applied water due to more efficient water use such as implementation of Urban Best Management Practices or Agricultural Efficient Water Management Practices. The extent to which these actions actually create a savings in water supply depends on how they affect net water use and depletion.

Tank used to store rainwater (typically roof runoff) for later use.

Tank used to store rainwater (typically roof runoff) for later use.