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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).

<p>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

([[#References| Reid Homes, 2007]]). The capture and use of rainwater can, in turn, significantly reduce

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 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 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.

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