Homeowners are always looking for ways to be more sustainable and efficient, and Oklahoma City residents are no different. After all, OKC can experience some pretty extreme weather throughout the year. If you’re looking for a way to make the most out of these changing conditions, rainwater harvesting systems could be the answer!
At Roof Pro Local, we know how important it is to make the most out of the resources you have, especially when it comes to taking care of your property. While we don’t provide rainwater harvesting system installations, we do know how a well-built roof makes it possible for your rooftop rainwater harvesting to run smoothly. If your roof is in good shape and well-maintained, it can be a great partner in catching rainwater for your system.
So, let’s talk about why a rainwater collection system could be the perfect addition to your home and how it can work alongside your roof!
What Is Rainwater Harvesting?
Rainwater harvesting is a simple, age-old technique of collecting rainwater from rooftops and other surfaces, storing it, and using it later on. It’s a practical way to gather water that would otherwise go to waste. Instead, you can use the collected rainwater for things like watering your landscape plants, washing your car, toilet flushing, or even turning it into drinking water through proper purification.
There are two main types of harvesting systems: rooftop rainwater harvesting and surface runoff harvesting:
Roof-Based Harvesting
This is the most common setup. There’s a collection area to capture rainwater (usually your roof), a conveyance system like gutters to channel the water, a storage tank for storing rainwater, and a filtration system to make sure the harvested rainwater is clean and safe for use. With proper installation and maintenance, you can collect enough rainwater to make a noticeable difference in your overall municipal water usage.
Surface Runoff Harvesting
This type captures rainwater that flows off other surfaces like driveways or lawns. Since this water can pick up more dirt, it usually needs more filtration but still serves as a helpful water source for non-potable uses.
Benefits of Rainwater Harvesting in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City’s climate is a mix of hot summers and the occasional spring rain. During the warmer months, water can be scarce, and relying on tap water can get expensive. Rainfall in the area is usually concentrated in the spring and fall, which makes it the perfect time to collect and store water for later use during dry spells.
So, how exactly can these rainwater collection systems benefit homes and businesses here in OKC?
1. Save on Your Water Bills
One of the most obvious perks is the potential savings on your water bill. Every gallon of rainwater you collect is a gallon you don’t have to pay for. Instead of relying solely on city water for non-potable uses (like garden watering and livestock watering), you can use the water supply in your rainwater storage tanks. It’s an eco-friendly way to save a little money each month.
2. Conserve Water
Using rainwater for tasks that don’t require treated tap water helps conserve potable water for more important uses like drinking and cooking. So, when you store rainwater and use it around your home, you’re already contributing to water conservation and reducing your environmental footprint.
3. Sustainability
Many people in OKC are looking for ways to become more eco-conscious, and installing a rainwater harvesting system is an excellent way to do that. By relying on harvested water, you’re reducing your reliance on the municipal water supply and making your home or property more sustainable.
4. Help the Environment
Collecting rainwater can also help reduce stormwater runoff that can lead to flooding or soil erosion. This is a good thing for your property as well as the environment as it guarantees that rainwater doesn’t just flow away untreated.
5. Backup Water Supply
In times of drought or water restrictions, having a backup supply of water can be a big relief. Collected rainwater can be used in dry periods to keep your garden healthy or handle basic outdoor chores. While it may not replace your entire water supply, it’s always good to have an extra resource when you need it.
6. Protect Your Roof and Extend Its Lifespan
Installing a rainwater harvesting system can actually help protect your roof in the long run. When you use gutters and downspouts to direct water into storage tanks, you prevent algae growth, damage, and potential leaks since you keep water from pooling on the roof. Plus, having a good drainage system can help keep your roof in good shape overall.
Components of a Rainwater Harvesting System
1. Roof Surface or Collection Surface
This is where the rainwater will first land, which is also called the catchment area. Generally, the best roofing materials for a catchment surface are aluminum, galvanized iron, and slate. It’s best to prevent rainwater from touching roofs or roof components with heavy metals, lead, or treated timber. Additionally, roofs that are steep and have fewer obstructions (like chimneys or vents) will make collecting rain much easier.
2. Gutters and Downspouts
The rainwater that falls on your roof is then transferred into your gutters. These are connected to downspouts that carry the water to your storage tank or rain barrel. It’s important to regularly maintain these gutters to keep the system working properly. Clogs can stop the flow of water, so make sure to clean them every now and then.
3. First Flush Diverter
To make sure your collected rainwater is clean, these systems often use a first flush diverter. This is basically a device that diverts the first part of the rainwater runoff (which may contain dust and pollutants) away from the storage tank. This way, you can improve the quality of the rainwater you collect.
4. Rainwater Storage Tank
The water flows into a storage system like tanks, rain barrels, or underground cisterns, which can vary in size and storage capacity. The size of your tank will depend on your needs and how much rain you expect or want to collect.
5. Filtration System
If you plan to use your stored rainwater for more than just watering plants in your garden or washing the car, you likely need to install a filtration system. This guarantees that the water quality is clean enough for uses like washing clothes or flushing toilets.
6. Pump and Distribution System
Once your water is collected and stored, a pump can move it from the storage tank to wherever you need it. This can be connected to your garden hose, irrigation system, or even your plumbing if you’re using it indoors.
How Much Rainwater Are You Allowed to Collect?
In Oklahoma, you’re free to collect as much rainwater as you’d like—there aren’t any strict regulations limiting how much you can store. This means homeowners can set up anything from a few barrels to a full-scale tank system without worrying about hitting a legal cap.
Now, on a federal level, the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) encourages rainwater harvesting as part of water conservation efforts, mainly in federal buildings. While it doesn’t directly apply to individual homeowners, FEMP’s guidelines are a good reminder of the benefits of the harvesting system as the rainwater can be used for landscape watering or even non-potable indoor uses.
Is Rainwater Harvesting Right for Your Property in OKC? Here’s What to Consider
Now that you know how it works, you might be wondering if a rainwater harvesting project is a good fit for your home. Here are some things to think about:
1. Roof Type and Size
The larger your roof, the more rainwater you can collect. If you have a larger home or business property, you can collect a decent amount of rainwater with a well-designed system. A roof with a good pitch (i.e., not too flat) will also help with water flow.
2. Annual Rainfall
Oklahoma City gets around 36 inches of rain per year on average, with spring and fall being the heaviest seasons. This means there’s plenty of opportunity to collect water. It is worth noting, however, that your location within the city might influence how much rain you can expect. Make sure to track rainfall patterns in your area so you have a better idea of how much water you can collect.
3. Budget
Installing a rainwater harvesting system means you have to invest in equipment and installation services. Still, the long-term savings on water bills and the environmental benefits it brings can make it an investment worth making. But if you’re working with a budget, you can start with smaller systems and upgrade over time.
4. Maintenance
Like anything on your roof, rainwater harvesting systems require regular maintenance. You’ll need to check gutters and clean filters to keep things functioning as they should. But once set up, it’s relatively a low-maintenance system that can benefit you for many years.
Roof Pro Local: Your Partner for a Rainwater-Ready Roof
Setting up a rainwater harvesting system starts with a solid roof and a good gutter setup. You need a roofer in Oklahoma City that you can trust, so give us a call and we’ll make sure your roof is in top shape for whatever you need—whether it’s to harvest rainwater or to keep your home safe from the elements!
Give us a call today at (405) 886-7663 and let’s get your roof ready for rainwater harvesting!
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