With the upcoming storm we though we would share some information with you on rainwater harvesting, courtesy of GreenScaped Buildings Project Manager Kevin Norton.

Rainwater is typically used to supplement potable water for landscape watering. By capturing large amounts of rainwater you can guarantee your potable water use during the driest months will be a minimum in comparison to your current water usage. Rainwater is best used for lawns, flowers and vegetable gardens. In drought stricken areas like Australia and San Diego, rainwater is used to supplement typical household water uses like laundry, then it is “re-purposed” as greywater to the landscape. Also, it can be used for toilet flushing and car washing, etc.

There are various system designs to allow for these options and if considered, will need design elements to retrofit. To insure that in times of drought and watering restrictions a rainwater system should be designed to meet or exceed your watering requirements this can range from 60 gallons as a minimum, up to a system designed to  capture of upwards of 10,000 gallons available to supplement your landscape irrigation requirements  so you will be in great shape.

Last but not least, I highly recommend the use of an organic compost to be strategically introduced into your landscape as well as quality mulch. This will increase moisture holding capacity by 70% the mulch will also cool down the soil temperature and reduce evaporation by 40 percent, increase soil biology, plant health and reduce the amount of watering cycles.

To learn more information on rainwater harvesting or to purchase Rainwater Hogs, please contact Kevin at 858-430-0575 or email kevin@GreenScapedBuildings.com