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| This article is about large, integrated rainwater harvesting systems. For smaller, seasonal, outdoor, residential systems, see [[Rain barrels]] | | This article is about large, integrated rainwater harvesting systems. For smaller, seasonal, outdoor, residential systems, see [[Rain barrels]] |
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| ==Overview== | | ==Overview== |
| + | [[File:STEP Minto Cistern P1 - Copy.jpg|thumb|Rainwater harvesting is commonly employed on zero-lot-line projects like downtown condos. This cast in place concrete vault in one corner of the parking level is a typical design.]] |
| Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is the ancient practice of collecting and storing precipitation for later use. Although Ontario is a region with relatively abundant fresh water, RWH is increasing in popularity for a number of reasons: | | Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is the ancient practice of collecting and storing precipitation for later use. Although Ontario is a region with relatively abundant fresh water, RWH is increasing in popularity for a number of reasons: |
| *The simplicity of selecting and installing a system, owing to improvements in the technology and the development of a local industry, | | *The simplicity of selecting and installing a system, owing to improvements in the technology and the development of a local industry, |
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| *Increasing transparency of storm sewer costs in some municipalities, and | | *Increasing transparency of storm sewer costs in some municipalities, and |
| *Increasing utility rates for potable water supply. | | *Increasing utility rates for potable water supply. |
− | {{TextBox|1=Rainwater harvesting is an ideal technology for:
| + | <blockquote>Rainwater harvesting is an ideal technology for: |
| *Sites which cannot infiltrate water owing to contaminated soils or shallow bedrock, | | *Sites which cannot infiltrate water owing to contaminated soils or shallow bedrock, |
| *Zero-lot-line developments such as condos or dense urban infill, or conversely | | *Zero-lot-line developments such as condos or dense urban infill, or conversely |
− | *Projects with extensive gardens and landscapes which would benefit from free irrigation water.}} | + | *Projects with extensive gardens and landscapes which would benefit from free irrigation water.</blockquote> |
− | <p><strong>The fundamental components of a rainwater harvesting system are:</strong> | + | <strong>The fundamental components of a rainwater harvesting system are:</strong> |
| *the catchment area where the rain lands (e.g. rooftop), | | *the catchment area where the rain lands (e.g. rooftop), |
| *a screen or filter to remove coarse debris (mostly leaves), | | *a screen or filter to remove coarse debris (mostly leaves), |
| *a cistern which will store the collected rainwater and preserve its quality, | | *a cistern which will store the collected rainwater and preserve its quality, |
− | *the connecting pipe network including roof drains. </p> | + | *the connecting pipe network including roof drains. |
− | <p><strong>Additional components may include:</strong>
| + | <strong>Additional components may include:</strong> |
| *pumps to lift water to higher elevations, depending on the layout of the components, | | *pumps to lift water to higher elevations, depending on the layout of the components, |
− | *additional water filtration and treatment, depending on the intended use of the water. </p> | + | *additional water filtration and treatment, depending on the intended use of the water. |
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− | STEP Minto Cistern P1 - Copy.jpg| Rainwater harvesting is commonly employed on zero-lot-line projects like downtown condos. This cast in place concrete vault in one corner of the parking level is a typical design.
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