www.rainwaterconnection.com
BOB BURGESS Tel 250.246.2155 Gulf Islands Rainwater Connection Ltd. Thetis Island, BC Email: bob@
rainwaterconnection.com
What do you do with your rainwater?
R
The Japanese, refer to rainwater as sky supply– its’ part of their culture.
ainwater harvesting is an ancient technique. Archeological evidence supports the capture of rainwater as far back as 4000 years ago and ruins of cisterns built as early as 2000 BC are still standing in Israel. Closer to home in the Cowichan Valley, collecting rainwater was commonplace in the 1920-40’s and is still in evidence today especially on farms, for watering animals and crops. Here in BC, our moderate Mediterranean climate has provided us with wet winters, and dry summers. A perfect climate for growing garden produce, special plants and flowers. However, because of our topography, we are groundwater sensitive -especially in the summer when little rain falls to replenish our underground aquifers. A report from the University of Victoria “Beyond Pipes and Pumps” presented 10 ways of “…managing water demand as a core element of sustainable water management”. The researchers recommended
that we “Look to the Sky”, and make more use of rainwater collection and localized storage as an alternative source of water for our everyday needs. Thousands of rural, water-scarce households in BC already use rainwater for all their water needs, and in water scarce areas such as Yellowpoint, rainwater capture and storage for outdoor use is becoming mandatory in new construction. Rainwater is perfectly suited for use in the garden. It is relatively easy to collect and plants love it. Rainwater is living water, nature’s watering agent. It is just the right temperature and ph (acidity), and contains no chlorine or other chemicals. Collecting the rain that falls in winter and using it for gardening in summer is reliable and realistic. In Duncan, with an annual average rainfall of 44 inches, and 1,000 square feet of rooftop catchment, you can expect to collect about 19,000 Imp. Gallons(86.4 m3) of rainwater
For full design/build service, give us a call
250.746.5372 • coulsondesign@shaw.ca • www.davidcoulsondesign.com 22
Valley Voice Magazine -Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley