A Few Benefits of Water Harvesting
A Foot of Rain Per Year
On average, Pima County receives about 12 inches, or one foot, of rain
per year. As our community has developed, large areas of land have been
changed from native desert vegetation to more impervious surfaces such as
houses, driveways, roads and parking lots. When it rains, these impervious
land areas shed a greater amount of rainfall, which in turn results in more
runoff in area washes and the possibility of local flooding problems.
So Many Benefits for so Little Effort
While many people may not realize it, those few inches of annual rainfall
are a valuable resource. Harvesting rainwater not only helps reduce the
possibility of flooding, but it also decreases the community's dependence
on groundwater for domestic uses. Unlike groundwater, however, rainwater
is remarkably pure with virtually no dissolved salts or minerals. Because
of this, rainwater is perfectly suited for landscape irrigation, use in
evaporative coolers, washing and many other home applications. Using harvested
water to irrigate plants, for instance, flushes salt buildup from the soil
and produces vigorous, healthy plants. When rainwater is used in evaporative
coolers or for washing needs, hardness deposits do no accumulate and there
is no problem with soap scum. Imagine not having to scrap your evaporative
cooler every year! Harvested water may also be used for personal consumption,
but it must be filtered and treated prior to use. By reducing runoff and
using rainwater that falls on your property, you can put a valuable water
resource to work around your house and yard.
Here's Just a Few Benefits from Harvesting Water:
- Conserves valuable groundwater and reduces your monthly water bill.
- Reduces local flooding and drainage problems.
- Flushes salt buildup from soils-- your plants and landscaping will
notice the difference!
- Decreases landscaping and property maintenance needs.
- Provides excellent quality water for many home uses.
