FAQS

What is the least expensive rainwater harvesting system?
Rain barrels. Installation is generally easy and one can be added at each downspout as your finances permit. One of best on the market is sold at Pastime Ace Hardware (located on San Pablo Ave. near Central Ave. in El Cerrito). They are ready to use, have small but important features and can easily be interconnected so that you can expand your storage capacity. They are made of a material that is not suitable for potable water and therefore any water collected can only be used in the garden. Pastime Hardware is my favorite hardware store in the area and they are locally owned.

Can I use collected rainwater in my home?
City and County Building Codes vary, but they are being changed due to what is now seen as a long term drying trend in California. Both San Francisco and San Leandro have permitted systems that allow rainwater to be used for clothes washers and flushing toilets, as well as the universally permitted use in the garden. Local Building Departments only need to see a system design that will provide potable (drinkable) water... that is part of my service.

Do I need a permit to have a rainwater collection system installed?
As long as the storage capacity of the cistern is under 5,000 gallons (you may have more than one cistern, but all need to be below 5,000 gallon capacity), no major alterations to your home's electrical system are made, and the water does not enter your home, the answer is no. This would only limit you to using the water for garden and landscape use.

Is this something anyone can do?
If you have the building skills and the tools the answer is yes. Rainwater harvesting is open source in the sense that much of the information is available on the internet. That said, nothing can replace training and experience. For any installation beyond rain barrels I recommend consulting an accredited professional.

Can you tell me how much a low cost system would cost?
No. Each property has its pluses and minuses that alter the final cost of an installation. An onsite evaluation is needed to give an estimate.

Is there an ideal system?
Yes and no. Yes, in the sense that there are essential elements that need to be incorporated to provide a safe & low maintenance system. No, in the sense that each client will know what they want and their property will determine what is possible.

What is an ARCSA Accredited Professional?
Someone who has taken the ARCSA training, passed their exam, and continues to update their education in the field. You can learn more here.

What about grey water? Is it legal to use re-use it?
As of August 14th of 2009, it became legal to install greywater systems from laundry machine to garden or from bathroom shower to garden or from bathroom sink to garden WITHOUT A PERMIT in households that use under 250 gallons of water a day.