Downspouts from roof runoff, which is typically routed into sewer system, can be directed into a vessel specially designed to capture and temporarily store rainwater for various uses, including greywater reuse and landscape irrigation.

Applicability

Rain barrels and cisterns can be used at a variety of scales on new and retrofit buildings, but may not be an appropriate strategy for large amounts of runoff. The area and configuration of the roof will determine the size and location of the vessels.

Benefits

• Reduces runoff volumes from small to moderate rain events and prevents flow into the combined sewer system.
• Conserves water for reuse (e.g. irrigation of lawns and gardens).