We can use the phrases rainwater harvesting, rainwater utilization and/or rainwater collection to describe the same process of collecting and using rainwater as an alternative or supplemental water source for non-potable (Not for Drinking) applications like: landscape irrigation, washing vehicles, process water, flushing toilets, laundry, cleaning and custodial services, and chiller makeup supply. Using existing structures and technologies, rainwater harvesting offers many advantages and has few negative environmental impacts compared to other technologies for water resource development.

Why Rainwater Harvesting?

As much as 60,000 gallons of precipitation falls on a 2,000 square foot roof in Mid-Atlantic States each year. By multiplying this amount by just 100 homes in a single neighborhood we could easily conserve 6,000,000 gallons annually. How many neighbors do you have?

BRAE distributes Complete rainwater harvesting systems capable of putting this water to beneficial use. With active BRAE systems currently conserving millions of gallons annually, BRAE systems are offsetting demands on municipal and private water supplies while conserving valuable drinking water resources.

In addition to the advantages that rainwater is free of charge, it doesn’t have to be treated nor transported over long distances, the two most important arguments supporting the utilization of rainwater are:

1. Supplement drinking water resources
    -with the benefit of saving precious potable water.

2. Protecting water quality by reducing impacts of stormwater runoff
    -with the benefit of limiting flooding and degradation of streams and lakes.