A simple solution to Georgia's water crisis

A special task force put together by Governor Perdue came to a simple conclusion last week: There are no easy alternatives to Lake Lanier.

While it may be true that there is no easy button to Georgia's water problem, there is a viable, relatively simple solution. It starts with the understanding that there is no shortage of water given, but a shortage of water received. Mark Brown of RainCatchers outlined the solution in a letter to the task force prior to their meeting with the Governor:

I am writing to offer a solid solution to the impending water crisis in Georgia. I am writing as a concerned citizen and an expert in the field of rainwater harvesting. Several years ago I chose Rainwater Harvesting as a new career path. As an already successful entrepreneur in another industry I made this choice, because it was obvious to me that water was fast becoming a major issue in our state as well as around the world. In my endeavor to become an expert, I sought out the authorities in the field, and spent much time researching and learning from these experts. I also looked for knowledge from leading authorities on water from around the world, and through this journey I found that there are a few points on which all are in agreement. Water is a finite resource and the rate of demand on this finite resource is growing quicker than the rate of population growth itself. We know this all too well in Georgia.

The question that perplexes all who understand rainwater harvesting is, “why is our state not seriously considering this as a viable solution?”  What other single solution can provide a clean source of water, save energy, and greatly reduce stormwater runoff and the resulting pollution simultaneously?  Throughout my business career I have always found that numbers speak louder than words, so I will offer up a simple example of an existing system we have designed and installed here in Atlanta:

Ex.  Home with 1500 square ft of roof space that is currently using rainwater for non-potable water uses inside of home and outside for irrigation

• 1500 sq ft x .62 gallons per inch of rainfall x .95 collection efficiency = 883 gallons per 1 inch of rainfall
• 883 gallons x 52” avg annual rainfall = 45,916 gallons collected per year
• 3 person family has average water use of 60,225 gallons/yr without water saving fixtures  (leaks are not considered in this #)
• 36,135 gallons of this represents non-potable use

• Potential Rainfall Supply = 45,916 gals/yr
• Non-Potable Demand = 36,135 gals/yr
• Total Demand = 60,225 gals/yr
• Potential Energy Savings = 65 KWh/yr
• Potential Stormwater Runoff Reduction = 45,916 gals/yr

It is a simple equation. Rainwater supplied is greater than non-potable demand. The numbers are even more compelling when considering commercial, industrial, and institutional applications where more water can be collected and more water is typically used.

Ex.  Industrial plant with 200,000 square ft of roof space that will be using rainwater for cooling towers

• 200,000 sq ft x .62 gallons per inch of rainfall x .95 collection efficiency = 117,800 gallons per 1 inch of rainfall
• 117,800 gallons x 52” avg annual rainfall = 6,125,600 gallons collected per year
• 3 cooling towers use total of 15,000 gallons per day or 5,460,000 gallons per year

• Potential Supply = 6,125,600 gals/yr
• Demand = 5,460,000 gals/yr
• Potential Energy Savings = 9188 KWh/yr
• Potential Stormwater Runoff Reduction = 6,125,600 gals/yr

Obviously cost is an important factor in determining viable solutions for the impending water crisis. The solutions offered up thus far are quite expensive just as rainwater harvesting is expensive, however rainwater harvesting offers the end user a return on investment rather than continuing price increases down the road. The typical industrial or institutional application will receive a payback of 1 to 5 years on a rainwater harvesting system. Residential systems where water is used inside the home typically produce a payback of 5-10 years and when amortized over 30 years are normally cash flow positive or at minimum break even as compared to savings on a monthly water bill in Atlanta. As water prices continue to increase, the time it takes to pay for the systems will continue to shorten.

Because rainwater harvesting is relatively new to Georgia I would like to take a moment to dispel a few myths:

1. Rainwater harvesting systems are nothing more than rain barrels connected to downspouts. Most people picture a rain barrel when rainwater harvesting is mentioned. While rain barrels are commonly used by gardeners for hand watering plants, rainwater harvesting systems can be used for much more including non-potable water uses such as flushing toilets, laundry, irrigation, building and vehicle washing, fire suppression, and many other things. They are also used for a potable water source where municipal or well water is not a viable option.
2. Rainwater harvesting systems are a new invention in response to the recent droughts the US has been experiencing. It has been around for 1000’s of years. Technology has advanced over the years and many of today’s systems are much more complex.
3. Rainwater harvesting systems are only good when there is plentiful rain, not in times of drought. Drought is a shortage not an absence of rainfall. Also, rainfall can be collected during rainy seasons and stored for use in drier seasons when demand is typically higher.
4. Rainwater contains many contaminants that are harmful to humans and animals. Rainwater harvesting systems will produce very healthy water if properly designed. German scientists figured this out many years ago, as Germany has been using rainwater harvesting for over 30 years, and it is required on all new construction.
5. Rainwater harvesting tanks need to be emptied and disinfected every year to keep the water healthy. This is not required in a properly designed rainwater harvesting system. If proper filtration and other important steps are used, the tanks will never require cleaning.
6. Rainwater is another word for greywater. These are two very different things. Rainwater falls from the sky. Greywater is water that has been collected from sinks and washing machines. Collection, treatment, storage, and regulation are very different between greywater and rainwater.

Rainwater Harvesting is now being utilized in many countries around the world and is required to be installed during new construction in places like Germany, Australia, South Africa, Paris, United Kingdom, and recently Tuscon, AZ. Some of these places have similar rainfall to Georgia, and some of them receive much less rainfall than we do, but all of these places have one thing in common. Water supply is a problem for one reason or another in each of these places, just as it is here in Georgia. Many states including Georgia have adopted a rainwater harvesting code in anticipation of this solution becoming more popular. Rainwater Harvesting systems have already been installed in government buildings, schools, universities, fire stations, non-profit organizations, industrial plants, office buildings, and homes all across the United States.

I believe the time has come for Georgia to officially adopt Rainwater Harvesting as a solution to its impending water crisis. Listed below is a basic outline of how this can be done:

1. Tax Incentives and rebates for retrofitting of existing homes and businesses with Rainwater Harvesting Systems
2. Mandate for installation of Rainwater Harvesting Systems on all new construction projects over 400 sq. ft.
3. Statewide education program for general public, governmental agencies, and private sector business
4. Retrofitting of qualifying governmental facilities with Rainwater Harvesting Systems

I have heard many options being tossed around as solutions to the water crisis.  While recently attending the GA Environmental Conference I continually heard terms like desalination, aquifer recharge, and pipeline (from wherever). The common thread with the solutions being discussed is that they are all very expensive and most importantly they all have an expiration date. They are all temporary solutions to get us through another 5 to 50 years based on population growth charts. Rainwater Harvesting is a permanent solution that decentralizes the water supply and places personal responsibility on our population to use this finite resource wisely. Along with water conservation it can and should play an important role in solving our impending water crisis.