Re: [GBlist] two questions-rainwater and concrete

[Michelle Lee Robinson <robinson@stanfordalumni.org>]

Danny,

Regarding the rain water.  I don't think you mentioned more details as to what you are collecting it for, but here are some things to think about:

* The roof material can really affect the quality of the water.  Some roof materials are better, some are really really bad (ex. asbestos tiles).  Depending on the type of roof you have, you may be limited on what you can use your water for.

* If you are using it in the house (for toilets, laundry, etc.) or connecting a hose to it (for watering the garden), don't forget to label the pipes that it's NOT drinking water.  Very important (especially in the US with liability) for guests in your house and for technicians working on your house.

*  If your cistern is going to be below ground, both concrete and plastic have pluses and minuses.  Concrete is REALLY heavy, so if you are adding it after the house is built, you have to have space for a crane-truck and your ground / driveway has to be able to support that weight (or you may then get to replace your driveway).  Plastic on the other hand is light weight, but if you have a high water table, you can have problems that the plastic container trys to "float up" above the ground.

*  I don't know the situation in the US, but I know that in many towns/counties in Germany it's illegal to use rain water.  Stupid laws, but all the same they are laws.  So you'd probably want to know about any applicable ones in VT in advance of buying and installing your cistern and piping.

Good luck!
Michelle Robinson
Energieberaterin, HWK
Munich, Germany


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