The Genesis of Your Green Dream
In the heart of Seattle, rain is as much a part of the landscape as the evergreen trees. Our homeowner embarked on an ambitious journey to transform their property. This project, partially funded by Seattle Public Utilities’ RainWise program, showcases how innovative stormwater management can blend seamlessly with landscape beautification.
Our story begins with a simple search for the Trees for Neighborhoods program that led discovering the RainWise program, a initiative that offers rebates for installing rain gardens and cisterns. This serendipitous find set the stage for a comprehensive outdoor upgrade that would not only enhance the property’s aesthetics but also contribute to Seattle’s environmental health.
Laying the Groundwork
Before diving into the stormwater harvesting system, the first order of business was to address the home’s existing gutters. This crucial step allowed us to reimagine the property’s water flow dynamics. By installing new gutters, we were able manage the water.
New Gutter Benefits.
Redirect water from the previous design
Create better drainage by strategically placing low points
Concentrate water distribution at the back of the house
The redesign of the gutter system played a crucial role in transforming this property’s water management capabilities. With the old gutters reaching the end of their lifespan, we seized the opportunity to implement a more efficient and purposeful design.
– It failed to provide adequate drainage
– Created problematic areas around the house’s foundation
– Allowed water to pool and flow back towards the structure
Our comprehensive redesign focused on several key improvements:
– Streamlined water flow: We eliminated several downspouts, simplifying the system.
– Targeted water direction: All runoff is now channeled towards the back of the house.
– Integration with stormwater management: The new design works in harmony with the property’s stormwater control system.
The RainWise Advantage
The RainWise program played a crucial role in making this project a reality. By providing rebates that cover most or all of the cost of installing cisterns and rain gardens, RainWise empowers homeowners to take an active role in managing stormwater[2]. In this case, it allowed our client to stretch their budget further, implementing a more comprehensive outdoor upgrade than initially planned.
A Model for Sustainable Living
This project stands as a testament to what’s possible when homeowners, local utilities, and innovative companies like Product Water come together. By capturing roof runoff and managing it on-site, we’re not just creating beautiful spaces—we’re actively contributing to the health of Seattle’s waterways and reducing the strain on the city’s infrastructure.
At the heart of our rainwater management lies a carefully selected 320-gallon Premier Plastics Slim Line rainwater tank. This choice was not merely a matter of preference, but a strategic decision driven by the constraints of the RainWise program and the unique characteristics of the property.
Why the Slim Line?
The selection of this particular tank was influenced by several factors:
– RainWise compliance: The program requires a 3-foot clearance between the edge of the rain tank and the property line. The Slim Line model was the only option that fit within these parameters.
– Space optimization: With the basement entrance limiting available space, a second tank couldn’t be added in the immediate vicinity.
Expanding Capacity
While the initial 320-gallon tank serves as the primary collection point, our design allows for future expansion:
Linked system: Additional rain tanks will be connected to the primary Slim Line tank.
Distributed storage: These supplementary tanks will be strategically placed around the house.
Benefits of the Expandable Design
This forward-thinking approach offers several advantages:
Increased storage capacity: The ability to add tanks means more rainwater can be harvested over time.
Convenient watering: Multiple tank locations will provide easier access to stored water for various outdoor needs.
Improved functionality: The distributed system allows for a more efficient and effective rainwater utilization design.
Our project really came together. First we started looking for trees, through the RainWise webinar, we found Product Water, who helped us expand the project and accomplish everything we wanted.