Rainwater Recovery & Irrigation System from Rainstay

Posted November 1, 2009 06:22 by Robert

Tags: rainwater, collection, ma rainstay

We were very excited to connect with Ken Dews from Rainstay, who helped us install a rainwater recovery/reclamation collection system that will meet almost 100% of our irrigation needs during peak watering seasons. Ken is one of the few people in the area who specializes in these systems, and he has been a pleasure to work with. As droughts become more prevalent, I think it’s going to be harder and harder to water your lawn with drinking water, making a gray water solution the only viable approach. Here is how it works.

Water Collection
Every gutter on the house is connected to a plastic pipe that sends rainwater to the filtration system. As an added benefit, all water is directed away from the house.

Filtration
Water from the downspouts is transported by pipe to a Graf underground filter, where water and debris flow across a fine stainless steel screen. Clean water falls through the screen and exits the filter; debris and a small amount of rinse water washes out through a separate pipe and is directed away. The clean water then travels to the storage tank. The water that enters the tank is clean enough to pass through the pump and through the small-diameter emitters in a typical irrigation system.

Water Storage
After it is collected and filtered, rainwater is stored in an underground tank. Our tank holds approximately 1,800 gallons and is buried 3 feet down. Access to the tank is provided by a 22-inch cap and riser system. The tank is strong enough to support the weight of the ground above but light enough to be easily transported and installed.  These tanks come in a range of sizes from 500 gallons to 2,000 gallons.

Water Supply
Rainwater pumped from the storage tank supplies the irrigation system. However, during extended dry periods, municipal water can be used as a backup. The task of coordinating the backup supply is handled by a SmartBox™ from Munro. The SmartBox is connected to the irrigation system timer/controller. When the controller turns on the irrigation system to start a watering cycle, a signal is sent to a relay that turns on the power to the cistern pump. At the same time, a valve is closed to prevent municipal water from entering the irrigation system. If the cistern runs dry, a sensor will detect a drop in pressure in the line from the pump and send a signal to the SmartBox. The SmartBox then turns off the pump and sends a signal to open the valve, letting municipal water complete the watering cycle.  At the end of the cycle, the SmartBox automatically resets itself.

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