24 February 2009 - 19:12Mailbag: How do I Collect Rainwater for Indoor Use?

Hi Cheryl

I really appreciate what you do.

I’m trying to make a better world, one child at a time as an environmental educator at The Toronto Heschel School. And you are correct; we start with remembering to bring our own bags, we end up saving lots of bucks by power barring our appliances and winning over spouses and children, changing behaviours big time.

I am writing to ask you for information you might have for connecting a downspout from a house and setting up a system of water collection to use your rainwater for flushing toilets and washing machines. My  husband is asking since he saw something on Daily Planet last night…

Dear Ellen

Good for you for wanting more information about wise water use, and thanks for reaching me through ecoblogist.

I think that Riversides (a Toronto organization with ties to the City) may be a good resource for you to consult re: rainwater harvesting. Riversides recommends Stark Environmental, an American company that does work in Ontario, for purchasing and installing collection systems.

But have you heard about grey water systems? Capturing and recycling grey water is another option for you to consider. Grey water is collected from the bath, sink, and washing machine and is then directed to the toilet bowl or for outdoor irrigation. A CBC news article highlighted the products and services of Montreal-based Brac systems, who seem to have a good reputation for capturing grey water in homes.

One pretty easy rainwater collection activity you can do, without much hassle or expense, is to connect a downspout to a rain barrel so you can gather water to use on plants and the garden.

Lastly, you may be interested in this ‘healthy house’ model from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation or inspiration (and information). 

Let me know how things go as you weigh your options. Best of luck!

photo by Kristin Slota