Chris Grablutz
This blog is the final entry in a series describing various renewable and energy efficient technologies. If you missed the overview, click here and you’ll be able to catch up.
Irrigation and other outside water usage can be expensive if you use a lot of it. Water coming from an outside spigot or hose is the same as the treated water inside a building so no matter what you use it for, it costs the same. If you use a lot of water for outside irrigation or as part of your work production, installing an underground reservoir to contain runoff rainwater is a practical way to store free water. With a rainwater harvesting system you can reap the water from rainy Aprils and unleash it whenever you need it without metering charges.
In a correctly designed, safe and engineered collection system, rainwater is directed from downspouts and grates built into the ground into an underground bladder. An agitator prevents the water from becoming a Petri dish and keeping it covered (or buried underground) reduces loss from evaporation. Installing the right pump to pump the water out on demand is the final step in harvesting your water “crop”.
Is Rainwater Harvesting Right for Your Business?
Rainwater collecting (or rainwater catchment) is a smart economic decision for these businesses in particular:
- Golf courses can reduce their operating costs and still keep the courses green by installing a rainwater harvesting system. In addition, it keeps water runoff from nearby streams and other water resources reducing the spread of pesticides and fertilizers.
- Companies with large vehicle fleets can harvest water for washing cars and work trucks – low cost and accessible water especially when water restrictions are implemented.
- Corporate offices with expensive and extensive landscaping and lawns can use the stored water as a primary source for sprinkler systems.
- Any business using rainwater harvesting can use their forward thinking as a public relations tool – impress your customers, your neighbors and employees!
- Areas with water use restrictions can disperse their stored crop on their own terms.
Rainwater harvesting is a straightforward renewable system that allows properties to potentially slash a budgeted cost without any negative impact to their business.
Final Thoughts on Renewable Energy
As you’ve been reading, moving forward with any renewable energy technology has benefits well beyond just saving and generating money. The image you can establish with your employees, clients and community is impressive and personal satisfaction is priceless.
And, remember to think of more than one option! The combinations of technologies that save energy or create energy are endless but planning is crucial so that you can incorporate your goals as your company grows or ages. Whether it is a 5, 10, or 15 year plan, thinking today about what should happen when you need a new roof, new windows, better lighting, new landscaping, new parking and new buildings will help you meet your goals at the lowest ROI.
If you have questions, feel free to ask them below (I will answer), or visit the Pfister Energy website for more information. I’m in New Jersey but Pfister Energy is virtually everywhere – we can help!
