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<br />Rainwater Harvesting Policy <br /> <br /> <br />cisterns every 2 years for accumulated sludge and remove it each 5-10 years as needed. Make <br />sure that proper ventilation and assistance are in place before attempting to clean a cistern. <br />Do NOT enter a cistern alone; it's dangerous & suffocation <br />hazards exist. <br />· An overflow (pictured left), at least the same size than the inflow, is <br />needed to direct excess water to a storm drain or other appropriate <br />area. <br />· Overflow: Typically in Eugene, using the same stormwater drain that <br />existed before the RWH system was installed or using a pennitted <br />drywellare methods that don't require additional permits (if the <br />water use is nonpotable outdoor). However, your city, health <br />department, plumbing &Ior land use codes followed to be certain <br />you are upholding the law & avoiding hazardous situations. <br />· Label hose bibs or other water outlets, "Unpurified rainwater, do not drink" as needed. <br />· If rainwater falls in areas with high industrial, agricultural or volcanic air pollution, water <br />~C30-' .... ';'.''''.''....''...... quality will be decreased. Acid rain is one example. Oregon rarely <br />~ ~_ . . experiences such poor air quality. <br />, ~. . <br />. '.. . · Insulation for cold weather may be required for <br />pipes. Insulate as needed (pictured at right). <br />· If desired, check with your local fire department for <br />suggestions on fittings for the water tank that would allow <br />easy access.for fire fighting. <br />· Potable .rainwater harvesting systems: Because rainwater may carry biological, physical or <br />aesthetic contaminants that are lethal or harmful, rainwater should never be <br />consumed without proper filtration & purification. <br />Water used for potable purposes should receive continuous disinfection or other best <br />management practices to ensure safety & meet drinking water quality <br />standards (local, state & federal). Potable rainwater systems must meet <br />drinking water quality standards, which require: [List water quality <br />parameters here & the level that must be met. Usually, the absence of E. <br />Coli & the absence of fecal coliform is required. Nitrates should not <br />exceed 10 milligrams per liter. Further reference to Household Water <br />Treatment (Parrott, Ross & Woodard, 1999) or other excellent sources may be helpful. <br />Provide sufficient information & directions for implementation locally.] <br />As with wells, periodic water quality. testing is required. Fecal coliform testing may be the <br />minimal water quality parameter to test & is a commonly used indicator of potentially <br />harmful bacteria. <br />Avoid drinking hot tap water or hot rainwater as disease causing agents (pathogens) may be <br />. gher in hot water. Further, hot water pipes are more likely to erode. <br />Sewage infiltration & contamination must be prevented when using underground water tanks. <br />If rainwater is the sole source of water, it is advised that the cistern have an <br />alternate filling point with adequate air gap & backflow prevention. <br />If a rainwater system will use the same pipes as potable water, adequate cross <br />contamination & backflow prevention. are necessary. <br />System components for potable systems, including roofing materials, should be approved by <br />the National Safety Foundation (www.nsf.org). <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Tammie Stark, M.A. @ <br /> <br />Page 6 of 8 <br /> <br />5/312006 11 :53:57 AM <br />