While the debate abounds concerning the effects of global climate change, deforestation and increasing world population, one thing is clear. Water is a precious resource.  Whether a necessity, honorable stewardship of the planet’s natural resources, or just good business sense; the efficient use of water is an environmental initiative worth the challenge.  Individuals and businesses that take voluntary steps to plan and implement water saving projects are differentiating themselves as socially responsible and economically savvy.

The Georgia drought of 2007-2009 reached historic proportions and included state Environmental Protection Department bans on outdoor water use.  In July, 2009, the US District Court ruled that metro Atlanta cannot continue to use Lake Lanier as its main source of drinking water, and directed the governors of Georgia, Florida and Alabama to settle their “water wars” and negotiate a water-sharing agreement by 2012.  Residential consumers, business owners and municipal water providers rallied to conserve and implement efficient water use practices.  Commercial landscape industry leaders used the experience to innovate and implement water efficient systems.

In September, 2009, Ruppert Landscape initiated a rainwater harvesting program at their Lilburn, Georgia facility.  Rainwater is fresh water that is normally in abundant supply, and is not “graywater” or “recycled water.”  Rainwater harvesting systems collect, convey and store precipitation for non-potable applications (toilet flushing, cooling tower make-up, outdoor irrigation systems, etc).  The Ruppert system collects rainwater from a 5,000 square foot area of the building roof and the surrounding paved surface areas.  The rainwater is channeled into a 10,000 gallon above ground collection cistern.  The rainwater harvesting system works in conjunction with a groundwater well using pumps, float valves, and back flow preventers to makeup water supplies from the well when lack of rainfall prevents the cistern from filling with harvested rainwater.  The harvested water is used to irrigate the 1.5-acre landscaped grounds and a 5,000 square foot commercial plant nursery. The cistern is plumbed into the outdoor spigots and harvested water is used to clean the truck fleet and the building exterior.  Indoor water use continues to tie into city water supplies.  Additionally, the project is a highlight of customer and employee education and training programs.

Cistern

In addition to using rainwater to reduce potable water use, rainwater harvesting systems also reduce stormwater runoff.   Stormwater runoff is an environmental concern since rainwater typically runs across parking lots and highways, through land that may have been treated by pesticides, down storm gutters, and into the lakes and streams, releasing pollutants into the natural habitat.  Rapidly flowing water may overwhelm stormwater systems, creek and stream banks, and cause erosion and ongoing ecological degradation.  Capturing rainwater also reduces pressure on municipal water supplies and the associated higher costs to consumers.

Planning is essential before you get started on installing your system.  Evaluate existing site conditions of the project to ensure compliance with state and local requirements during the initial phase.  A stamped civil drawing includes stormwater and flooding information.  Use historical weather and water use data for your area to determine average rainfall amount, such as the National Climate Data Center.  Properly estimating the size of the rainwater harvesting system is critical to balance the volume of water that can be captured and stored (supply), compared to the volume of water used (demand).  A potential system may be constrained by the size of the collection surfaces (building footprint) and/or the volume of storage capacity that can be installed due to cost or space constraints.  The overall footprint of the building determines the collection area, regardless of the pitch, the shape, or the complexity of the roof surface.  Only the area drained by the gutters is used in the calculation.

Use the following formula to calculate Rainwater Harvesting Collection Capacity:

Depth of rainfall (in.) x Catchment area (sq.ft.) x 0.623 (conversion factor) = Harvested Water (gal)

The Ruppert cistern is located about twenty-five feet from the building and adjacent to the nursery and landscaped grounds to reduce the distance water is conveyed.  In order to efficiently supplement the rainwater with well water, the site selection of the cistern is near the well house.  An above ground cistern was installed to ease the load on the pump by placing the cistern as high as practicable.  Above ground cisterns are also less costly to install than underground storage systems.    The cistern inlet must be lower than the lowest downspout from the catchment area.  Since this system is only for outdoor use, minimal filtration is required.   Stainless steel vortex filters were installed at the downspouts to remove debris and dust from the captured rainwater before it goes into the cistern.  The clean rainwater and fresh well water do not require treatment or disinfection.  Ruppert Landscape employs certified irrigation technicians and the system was installed with in-house expertise.  Equipment manufacturers and vendors were consulted to ensure proper installation.

Vortex Filter

Calculating the return on investment (ROI) and payback of a rainwater harvesting system is sound business practice.  Ruppert Landscape estimates a three year payback for their system with potable water use in the first year reduced by 95%.   In addition to the materials and labor associated with system installation, other indirect costs should be considered.  An audit of energy and water bills is necessary to identify costs prior to installation, and to track savings after the system is operational.  While energy costs may increase slightly to operate the pumps and controls, water costs will surely drop.  Though the comparably low cost of water is a factor in the payback analysis, pending issues such as the water and sewer capacity of aging infrastructures, will sustain upward pressure on the future cost of water.  In Atlanta, the $4.1 billion costs of the decade-long Clean Water Atlanta Initiative to upgrade the city’s network of new pipes, lift stations, and sewage treatment facilities, has resulted in realized and projected water rate increases in excess of 200% over 2003 levels.

As you move forward with your own water efficiency programs, remember to check for governmental and financial incentives.  The Atlanta Regional Commission’s Certified Green Communities Program encourages local governments to earn points in ten categories including water use reduction and efficiency.  The Georgia Peach Green Building Rating System became law on July 1, 2010, and recommends standards for all state buildings that include energy efficiency, water use reduction and use of local building materials.  And on June 4, 2010, Georgia House Bill 1069 became law.  The bill provides a $2,500 tax credit for projects that reduce energy or water usage.

Rainwater harvesting systems can range from a barrel located at the bottom of a downspout, to elaborate designs with underground cisterns, electronic pumps and valves, and interconnections to back-up water supplies.  Remember, rainwater is a free water source once the initial investment is returned in a reasonable payback period.  Successful business leaders in the twenty-first century must be focused on articulating a brand image, controlling costs, and creating innovative products and services.  Incorporating a Sustainability Plan into your business operations can serve as your guide to meeting these challenges and making a positive commitment to the natural environment.  Go ahead - take the plunge!

Bibliography and References

• LEED Reference Guide for Green Building Operations and Maintenance, 2009 Edition
• Georgia Rainwater Harvesting Guidelines, In accordance with Appendix I Rainwater Recycling Systems of the 2009 Georgia Amendments to 2006 International Plumbing Code
• Atlanta Water, Sewer Rates among Nation’s Highest, by D.L. Bennett, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, October 5, 2009

Ruppert Landscape
The Ruppert Landscape organization is dedicated to providing the highest quality landscape management, landscape construction and tree growing and moving services available.  With over three decades of experience in the landscape contracting and nursery industries, Ruppert has continued their positive impact on the environment with the 2008 construction of a LEED certified corporate campus in Laytonsville, Maryland.  Ruppert Landscape has operations in Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington DC.  Please visit their website at www.ruppertlandscape.com

About the Author
Annette Gorelick is Founder and President of G4 Green Connections, an education consulting company specializing in the sustainable operations and maintenance of commercial buildings.  The company mission is to build an enduring culture of sustainability through education and training.  Annette has worked in facility and property management since 2001, primarily as a service provider for landscape installation and maintenance.  Annette sits on the Board of the Atlanta chapter of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), and also serves on the IFMA Sustainability committee.  She is also a member of the Atlanta branch of the Georgia chapter of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), serving on the Education committee.  G4 Green Connections is based in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia.  Please visit their website at www.g4greenconnections.com