ECOVIE Rainwater Collection Systems

Why Collect Rainwater?

The Drought:

Now that Lake Lanier is full and 2009 brought the most rainfall in 50 years, why should you be interested in rainwater collection?

One thing is certain, Atlanta's area water supply is challenged to keep up with demand --- whether it rains or not.  Water demand is expected to increase 50% by 2035 and our ability to draw from traditional watersheds like the Chattahoochee basin is in jeopardy from court rulings.

In fact, measures to reduce municipal water consumption will continue to be important to our well being for a long time to come.  Therefore, it's likely that the benefits of rainwater collection will increase over time. (Go to Resources for more on Atlanta's water challenges.)

An ECOVIE rainwater collection is a long term investment  that will give benefits for many, many years through drought and heavy rainfall periods.

What are the benefits of rainwater collection when it rains a lot?

During periods of high rainfall you will have plenty of rainfall for any water use indoors and outdoors to save on water bills and to keep landscapes at their best.

Rainwater collection is a perfect way to control drainage issues around the home and collected water fills your storage tanks when it rains rather than causing erosion. Rainwater collection and sound storm water management practiced on a widespread basis helps prevent flooding versus increased development which increases flood risk.

What are the benefits of rainwater collection during droughts?

Even during the drought of 2006-2008, plenty of rain fell in the Atlanta area to collect rainwater to irrigate gardens and make a major impact on municipal water demand.  And, rainwater collection is exempt from any watering bans that might occur.

How much water can you collect?

In the Atlanta area, even during the 2007 drought, Atlanta received 32 inches of rain --- from which PLENTY of water could have been collected. 

Consider this example:

What About Summer Rainfall?

No worries.  There's plenty of collectable summer rainfall even during drought conditions.  In fact, during the last 5 years, monthly summer rainfall in Atlanta has actually increased during summer months.

Furthermore, did you know that Atlanta receives more rain than Seattle or Portland?  As a result, rainwater collection can provide most or all non-drinkable water needs for the typical family household. In the arid parts of the US, rainwater collection is starting to be REQUIRED for indoor non-drinkable water uses such as toilet flushing and laundering.  Even with very low rainfall, these areas are successful at using rainwater for these purposes.