Did you know that just 1 inch of water on a 1,000 square foot roof will yield over 600 gallons of water? With an average annual rainfall in Santa Rosa of 30 inches, you could harvest and reuse over 19,800 gallons of water per year with that 1,000 square foot roof.
What is rainwater harvesting?
A rainwater harvesting system can range from simple catchment devices, such as rain barrels, to more complex systems such as cisterns and large storage tanks.
How can I get more information?
Check out our free past webinars on rainwater harvesting at www.srcity.org/workshops.
What equipment is needed to create a rainwater system?
Part | Quantity |
Rain barrels | As many as desired |
Cinder blocks | One for each barrel to elevate the barrel to create system pressure |
Window screen material to cover hole in barrel | 1 inch, or as needed to cover small hole |
Inline diverter | 1, or as many downspouts are being diverted |
2” PVC male adapter | 1 |
2” electric conduit nut | 1 |
2” PVC street elbow | 1 |
Metal gutter screws to attach diverter | 2 |
¾” outdoor host bib faucet | 1 |
Rubber hose | 1, as needed to connect diverter to barrel |
More information about rainwater harvesting can be found at: https://greywateraction.org/rainwater-harvesting-resources/.
Rebate available
Santa Rosa Water offers a rebate for the capture rainwater of $0.50 per gallon of storage. The rebate does not include the cost of labor and cannot exceed the cost of materials. 100-gallons minimum of storage is required. More rebate information is available at www.srcity.org/rebates. If you are a City of Santa Rosa Water customer and are interested in this rebate, a pre-inspection is required before work can begin. Please contact [email protected] or call 707-543-3985.