Save 30% more water with responsive drip irrigation—an innovative solution from Product Water that, when combined with advanced rainwater harvesting techniques, transforms how Seattle homeowners manage their gardens. Save 30% more water with responsive drip irrigation and enjoy significant water savings, improved water management strategies, healthier gardens, and eco-friendly landscaping.
Discover how Product Water’s rainwater solutions make sustainable gardening easy
Basics of Rainwater Harvesting: Responsive Drip Irrigation rainwater gardens are revolutionizing sustainable gardening by combining advanced plant-responsive irrigation with efficient rainwater harvesting. At Product Water, we show how this innovative approach can save up to 30% more water, nurture healthier plants, and make eco-friendly gardening accessible for everyone.
Welcome to Product Water’s in-depth interview with our founder, Jack Guthrie. As a leader in rainwater harvesting and sustainable irrigation, we’re excited to share how our “Think Outside the Tap” philosophy and cutting-edge Responsive Drip Irrigation (RDI) system are transforming gardens and water use. Read on to discover Jack’s insights, real-world results from our Seattle test garden, and how you can bring these innovations to your own home or business.
Jack Guthrie is the founder of Product Water and a leader in rainwater harvesting and sustainable irrigation. With hands-on experience designing and operating low-pressure systems, Jack’s mission is to help others “think outside the tap” and achieve water security through innovative solutions.
Q: What inspired you to set up your test garden with Responsive Drip Irrigation (RDI)?
A:As a rain harvesting professional who works with low-pressure systems, I was excited to see how RDI would perform in a real-world setting. The ease and convenience of daily operation and setup have been exceptional. This is actually my first garden, and the plants are thriving. Regulating the pressure between one and two pounds per square inch is almost magical—seeing moisture at the soil surface at such a low pressure is a revelation. The hands-on experience of tweaking the setup has been incredibly valuable, and I can’t wait to enjoy a cucumber-tomato sandwich from my own harvest!
Q: How does GrowStream “talk to plants,” and what makes RDI unique?A:
A: GrowStream is the world’s first plant-responsive irrigation system. Its micro-porous tube is installed subsurface near the root zone and is made with a unique combination of hydrophobic and hydrophilic components. This means water is held in the tubing at very low pressure and only released when plant roots signal their need. From the very beginning, I realized the system was truly responsive—every plant has thrived, there’s been no maintenance, and the tape itself can last for years.
Q: What is the “Think Outside the Tap” philosophy at Product Water?
A: “Think Outside the Tap” is at the core of what we do. Conventional wisdom says water should come from the tap, but we show people how to create powerful rain collection and storage systems. Many people don’t realize how effective even two feet of gravity pressure can be for irrigation. Product Water has changed my view of water use in the garden by showing how to store larger amounts of rainwater than I ever thought possible, and by revealing the subtle benefits of low-pressure irrigation.
Q: What are the biggest misconceptions about rainwater harvesting and low-pressure irrigation?
A: People often underestimate the power of gravity and low-pressure systems. They think you need high-tech or high-pressure equipment, but with the right design, even a small elevation can provide all the pressure you need for efficient irrigation. The truth is, simple solutions can be incredibly effective.
Q: What has surprised you most about using RDI in your own garden?
A: Honestly, the biggest surprise has been how little maintenance is required. I haven’t had to fix or adjust anything, and the plants are all thriving. It’s also amazing to see how efficient the system is with water—our 85-gallon tank lasts for days, and the plants always get what they need.
Q: What would you say to someone skeptical about plant-responsive irrigation?
A:I’d say, “Try it and see the results for yourself.” The technology is simple but incredibly effective. Once you see how healthy your plants are and how much water you save, you’ll be convinced. Plus, the peace of mind knowing your garden is always getting the right amount of water is priceless.
Q: How has Product Water’s approach changed your view of water use in the garden?
A:It’s completely transformed the way I think about water. I used to believe that large-scale rainwater storage was out of reach for most people, but our systems make it accessible and practical. Low-pressure irrigation isn’t just possible—it’s the future of sustainable gardening.
Q: What will people gain from attending your workshop?
A:Attendees will walk away with the ability to do things they never thought possible—establishing water security for their homes and gardens. My teaching approach is unique because everything I teach, I’ve figured out through hands-on experience. I know the strengths and weaknesses of every technique I share, and I have complete confidence in their effectiveness,
Author’s Note: Jordan Blake is an experienced writer and editor covering trends and innovations across the home and garden industry, with a focus on both retail and business perspectives. With a keen eye for emerging technologies and practical solutions, Jordan delivers clear, actionable insights for professionals, retailers, and enthusiasts alike. His work bridges the gap between industry advancements, market dynamics, and everyday applications, helping readers stay informed and inspired.
Our Product Water test garden in Seattle demonstrates the power and efficiency of Responsive Drip Irrigation paired with smart rainwater harvesting. Spanning three rows of diverse crops—including tomatoes, cucumbers, celery, raspberries, blueberries, and lavender—this garden thrives on just 13 gallons of water per day, supplied from an elevated 85-gallon rainwater tank. Operating at an ultra-low pressure of 1–2 psi, the system delivers moisture precisely where plants need it, resulting in healthy growth with minimal maintenance. This real-world setup proves that sustainable, water-wise gardening is not only possible but highly effective.
GROWSTREAM™ IS THE WORLD'S FIRST AND ONLY IRRIGATION AND FERTIGATION SYSTEM THAT ALLOWS PLANTS TO SELF-REGULATE THEIR OWN WATER DELIVERY.
RDI is a low-pressure system delivering water precisely to plant roots, optimizing water use and plant health.
Our test garden uses just 13 gallons daily, significantly reducing typical irrigation water use.
Yes, with proper tank sizing and refill cycles, rainwater can sustainably meet garden irrigation needs.
The system runs efficiently at ultra-low pressure, between 1 and 2 PSI.
Yes, it uses simple gravity-fed components and requires minimal maintenance.
Vegetables, berries, herbs, and many perennials thrive with precise drip irrigation.
The modular design supports small gardens up to larger landscapes with multiple zones.
Join our workshops or contact Product Water for personalized guidance and support.
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