RainWise Cistern FAQ's
Q: Is my home eligible for a RainWise cistern?
A: First off, your home needs to be located within a RainWise eligible area.
A: First off, your home needs to be located within a RainWise eligible area.
Next, we need to make sure that over 400 square feet of your roof can be directed into the top of the cistern. It is also essential that the cistern's overflow connects to an existing side-sewer, or is directed into a rain garden, sidewalk or alleyway.
If you think that your home may meet these criteria, please contact us to proceed with an online consultation or set up an on-site visit.
If you think that your home may meet these criteria, please contact us to proceed with an online consultation or set up an on-site visit.
Q: Are there larger cisterns available?
A: Yes, if rainwater harvesting for summer irrigation is your goal, there are many large capacity cisterns available.
A: Yes, if rainwater harvesting for summer irrigation is your goal, there are many large capacity cisterns available.
Two 1,320 gallon cisterns connected together for 2,640 gallon storage capacity
Q: What is the difference between a cistern and a rain barrel?
A: The main difference is the size. Cisterns can store at least 200 gallons of water, while rain barrels typically hold
50 - 60 gallons.
A: The main difference is the size. Cisterns can store at least 200 gallons of water, while rain barrels typically hold
50 - 60 gallons.
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Q: Can the cistern be painted to match my house?
A: Absolutely! |
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Q: Is the roof water safe for my veggie garden?
A: Depending on your roofing material, studies have indicated that roof run-off is safe to use on edibles. Asphalt shingles have been shown to be remarkably clean. Click here for an interesting article from the Sightline Institute.
A: Depending on your roofing material, studies have indicated that roof run-off is safe to use on edibles. Asphalt shingles have been shown to be remarkably clean. Click here for an interesting article from the Sightline Institute.
Q: Does a RainWise cistern require having a rain garden?
A: Cisterns can be installed with or without a rain garden on the property.
A: Cisterns can be installed with or without a rain garden on the property.
Q: Where are the cistern manufactured?
A: All of the cisterns are made in the U.S.A. and are supplied locally by the Seattle Conservation Corps, a Parks and Recreation program that provides homeless adults an opportunity to train and work for living-wage jobs.
A: All of the cisterns are made in the U.S.A. and are supplied locally by the Seattle Conservation Corps, a Parks and Recreation program that provides homeless adults an opportunity to train and work for living-wage jobs.
Q: How much water actually falls on my roof?
A: For every inch of rain that falls on 1,000 square feet of roof, you can collect approximately 600 gallons of water. Each year Seattle receives about 37 inches of rainfall. On a 1,000 square-foot catchment area, that's 22,200 gallons!
A: For every inch of rain that falls on 1,000 square feet of roof, you can collect approximately 600 gallons of water. Each year Seattle receives about 37 inches of rainfall. On a 1,000 square-foot catchment area, that's 22,200 gallons!