What are the best rainwater harvesting systems for sustainable landscaping projects?

Barrel systems capitalize on the natural flow of rainwater, diverting it from traditional runoff pathways into storage containers strategically positioned beneath downspouts. By leveraging gravity, collected rainwater can then be utilized for various landscaping needs, from irrigation to water features, reducing reliance on municipal water sources. Additionally, integrating filtration mechanisms into these systems ensures the purity of harvested water, enhancing its suitability for vegetation and minimizing environmental impact.

It depends on the size of the project. A lot of money can be invested trying to catch, keep and reuse rain water for irrigation. Unfortunately, people have to remember when you need to irrigate it isn't raining and the tanks soon empty. However, for some reason it ticks the box to help with planning permission so that makes it more desirable.

1. Indigenous plants specifications 2. Landscape with more 80% of area with natural ground or managed infiltration system 3. Creation of Infiltration trenches and pits with interconnected storm water drainage system

Barrel system is one of the simplest way for rainwater harvesting but the calculation of runoff should be appropriate so that the water doesn’t overflow.

Barrel system is one of the simplest way for rainwater harvesting but the calculation of runoff should be appropriate so that the water doesn’t overflow. This system can be useful for small areas.

Dry wells serve as a sophisticated solution for handling substantial volumes of rainwater in sustainable landscaping projects. These subsurface structures are typically constructed using perforated pipes or chambers surrounded by aggregate material, allowing for the controlled infiltration of rainwater into the surrounding soil. While the installation of dry wells may entail greater complexity compared to conventional barrel systems, their efficacy proves invaluable in environments characterized by intense precipitation and a demand for efficient water management strategies. Considerations include proper sizing, placement, and soil conditions to ensure optimal functionality and long-term effectiveness in managing rainwater runoff.

This system helps in recharging groundwater and can cover large area. The drawback of this system is that we cannt use the water directly.

In my experience, I also concur that rain gardens are the best sustainable way of harvesting rainwater in the landscape in this era of increased concrete junk.

Rain gardens are the best solution for public spaces. It’s not only useful for rainwater harvesting but also add a value to the space bring people and nature together.

En el entorno urbano los jardines de lluvia se usan para retener el agua que cae en los torrenciales y propician que se filtre lentamente en el terrreno evitando inundaciones y da?os a la infraestructura, incrementando a su vez la biodiversidad de fauna y flora en las ciudades.

Now a common sight in our everyday cities, green roofs used to be a cutting-edge approach to rainwater management in urban environments. By utilizing a layered system of vegetation, soil, and drainage, green roofs absorb rainfall, reducing runoff and alleviating pressure on urban sewage systems during peak precipitation events. Beyond their hydrological benefits, green roofs also offer insulation for buildings, contributing to energy efficiency, and provide additional green space in densely populated areas, enhancing urban biodiversity and aesthetic appeal.

A robust solution for water harvesting in landscapes requiring substantial water supply, cistern systems consist of sizable storage tanks, strategically positioned either above or below ground, designed to accumulate rainwater collected from roof surfaces. With huge capacities, cisterns offer ample storage for irrigation and other non-potable applications, minimizing reliance on public water sources. Equipped with filtration mechanisms and pumps, cistern systems ensure the harvested water is free of contaminants and readily available for efficient utilization in landscape maintenance and conservation efforts.

Aquascapes has a very simple, yet effective system available as a flexible sized package, depending on requirements & demand. There products are typically quite good. I have used many of them successfully over the decades & I do recommend them.

d'après moi Damme nature trouve toujours son chemin si on la donne une chance de faire Valloire c'est droit. Je veut dire par là que le pavage perméable est la meilleur moyen pour faire une architecture paysagère durable car en laissant l'eau s'infiltré dans le sol on laisse les plantes qui sont capables de se faufilées parmi les trous des pavés de se nourrir et contribuer à la vie sur Terre.

When my customers ask about saving rain water, my mantra is, Go big or go home. A rain barrel is nice. 55 gallons. Enough to water your house plants most of the year or three 4’ X 8’ raised vegetable beds in the summer for about one week. Many residential yards have the room for larger tanks. A 500 gallon tall tank has a 4 foot round footprint. It’s a tall black (or green)plastic structure with a pleasing shape. Think NYC roof water tank silhouette. It’s not for everyone, but most people are not aware of this option. Let’s declare war on global climate change and water our Victory Gardens with rain water! Does your client know they have this option?

The selection of an appropriate rainwater harvesting system depends on various factors, including the project's scale and whether it is a new or existing development. For instance, when considering a small existing villa, a simple and cost-effective solution such as rain barrels would be suitable. Rain barrels offer an easy-to-implement and affordable method of collecting rainwater, making it readily available for irrigation purposes and reducing water consumption in the landscape.

1. Sistemas de Coleta em Cisternas ou Tanques. 2. Sistemas de Infiltra??o no Solo. 3. Sistemas de Irriga??o por Gotejamento ou Microaspers?o. 4. Utiliza??o de Swales ou Valetas de Infiltra??o. 5. Telhados Verdes ou Tetos Verdes com Capta??o. 6. Uso de Pavimentos Permeáveis para Infiltra??o. 7. Sistemas de Recircula??o da água.

In the Phoenix desert, the amount of rainfall is less than 7 inches a year. Some people may say, "Why use rainwater harvesting? There's no water to harvest." I would respond that collecting this precious resource is even more important when it's scarce. My favorite method is to look at the area and slopes of your roof to determine where the rain is collecting and falling to the ground. You can then use strategic planting in the areas where the water lands or swales to move the water to areas where you need it. I also use passive rainwater harvesting techniques to keep water on the site. By using berms and swales, you can detain water so that it soaks into the ground instead of flowing into a city's sewer system.

Before you choose the best rainwater harvesting system, you must understand your site and why you want to harvest the rainwater. Here are a few points for consideration: Site How much rain falls on your site yearly, and what is the average per event and peak rain event? How much area and expected volume do you have to capture? How much area do you have for the system? Do you have any underground services that need to be avoided? Goals: Are you trying to slow down the rainwater during storms to reduce system overload during peak storm events? Are you planning on capturing the water for reuse in the gardens or water features?

A Complex ecology, including many layers, with trees for an upper canopy. A living biotic community that continues to grow and evolve over centuries as trees do is a superior way to harvest rainwater because living systems re invest the surplus seamlessly into themselves. Biology and living systems need to be maximized and robust large scale rain water storage that can be gravity fed for watering needs. Buildings and roads need to be thought of for their catchment opportunity and maximized for water harvesting and gravity feeding.