Licensed Contractor with ARCSA Training

     When you decide to install a rainwater harvesting system you will inevitably talk with different companies to quote your needs.  Make sure you are dealing with a Licensed Contractor that has Liability, Workers Comp, and is bonded.  Ask them if they are or have on staff an ARCSA "Accredited Professional" in good standing.  If so, this identifies they have attended and passed classes in Rainwater Harvesting and accrue Continuing Education Credits to keep their knowledge up to date.  Ask them for references or to see completed jobs in the area.  This will help you be able to make an informed choice.  This page was created to help you understand the design considerations, elements, and cost drivers of a rainwater system.  You don't need to know the specifics here, your licensed contractor does!  The quote you receive should have a statement of work identifying in detail what is included.  Don't be afraid to ask questions.  Rainwater systems can be simple or complex, small or large, less costly or more costly and this page isn't intended to scare you.  It is intended to inform you of the thought process and design considerations and decisions a credible contractor goes through to come up with the right design for your needs!

System Design Considerations

• Understanding the needs of the client
• Analyzing the physical attributes of the home and property
• Knowledge of the project budget

System Design Elements

• Active, Passive or Both
      Actively storing water in tanks or passively letting rainwater flow to bio-swales
  
• Above or Below Ground
• Permitting Requirements
• Water Quality Requirements for End Use
      Non-Potable, Potable, or both 
• Site Preparation
      Soil Conditions, Elevation Change, Terrain   
• Filtration Options
      Pre-filtration
      Floating Extractors
      Post Filtration
• Storage Options
      Plastic, Fiberglass, Steel
      One Piece or Modular
      Round, Slimline, Tall, Small
• Distribution Options
      Gravity Flow
      Pump, Controller, Pressure tank
  
• Disposition of Excess Water from Overflow
• Ongoing Maintenance Requirements
  

System Cost Drivers

• Permits
• Architectural Design
• Site Preparation
•     Excavation, Retaining Walls, Concrete Pads
• Gutters
• Filters
• Tanks
• Pumps
• Connections to an existing irrigation system
• Installing new irrigation systems
• Labor
• Mark-up

See Some Examples

Simple site preparation, gravity flow water for garden needs.

Simple site preparation, more advanced filtration, and pumping options.

Complex and costly site preparation with concrete pad, footings, and retaining wall. Larger tanks with pump and pressure tank to pump water 45 feet up hill to lush gardens.