Rainwater Harvesting

The ancient practice of collecting and storing rainwater is growing in popularity because it helps conserve water by reducing the demand on our potable water supply, conserves existing water resources, diverts water from municipal storm drain systems and protects the ocean from storm run-off pollution. The rain water collected is ideal for plants and vegetable gardens. Many may question the use of rain barrels in our coastal desert climate. However, if you flip that argument, it makes even more sense to collect as much rainwater as possible just because water is such a scarce resource. For every inch of rain falling on a 1,000 square foot roof, 600 gallons of water can be collected.

Benefits of rain water harvesting:

The "soft" rainwater is ideal for plants and vegetable gardens

Rainwater is a renewable, sustainable and a high quality water source for your home.

Diminishes flooding, erosion and the flow to stormwater drains by reducing peak storm water run-off.

Reduces water bills and demand on your community's drinking water supply.

Improves plant growth by using rainwater for irrigation because stored rainwater is free from pollutants as well as salts, minerals, and other natural and man-made contaminants.

Rainwater harvesting empower people to connect with nature.

A rain barrel in a beautiful low water use garden

Tips:

It is a good idea to purchase a First Flush Device for your rainwater harvesting system. Allow the first rain storm of the system to flush leaves, dirt, pollution off your roof and into the storm drains. This practice will improve rainwater quality and keep your rain barrels much cleaner!

Connect two or more rainbarrels or cisterns so you can capture more rainwater.

Do not drink the water from the rainbarrel unless you boil the water.

Interconnected rainbarrels

Contact Information

City of Huntington Beach
Public Works Department
2000 Main Street
Huntington Beach, CA
Phone: (714) 536-5431
Fax: (714) 374-1573
Email:
Staff Directory