Rainwater harvesting helps LEEDing Edge achieve Platinum

546 Edgewood Avenue in the Old Fourth Ward is the location of an ecohome representing the leading edge in energy and environmental design for Atlanta. Architect/Builder Michael “Fletch” Fletcher has achieved LEED Platinum status with the project – christened LEEDing Edge – making it the first single family residential unit to earn the distinction within the city of Atlanta.

Rainwater harvesting makes a key contribution to the home's certification, earning a total of 7 points for the project. Collecting, filtering, storing, and purifying the rain that falls on the roof allows the future homeowner to enjoy an estimated 82% reduction in household water needs. This tiny water footprint is sure to be an increasingly desirable feature as Atlanta's water rates continue to escalate.

RainCatchers was contracted to install the rainwater harvesting system. During a rain event, rainwater from the roof drains to the ground floor mechanical room. The water flows through a WISY inline downspout filter before entering a 600 gallon cistern. The WISY filter is a German innovation that separates all but the very finest particulates, oxygenating the water in the process. When needed, the cleanest water in the cistern is removed through a floating filter. The water then passes through a three stage purification unit consisting of a micron, UV, and carbon filter configuration.  This process delivers  water that is purified to a standard that exceeds the municipal supply. The output  provides 100% of the water needed for toilet flushing, clothes washing, and irrigation under normal rainfall conditions. The cistern is automatically recharged with municipal water in the event of inadequate rainfall.

The home is currently being offered for sale at $399,000 [FMLS #3849895].

For more information on the ecohome's LEED features, visit: http://www.ecohomeguy.com/LEEDingEdge

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