American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association, ARCSA, A non-profit organization founded to promote rainwater catchment systems in the United States.

ARCSA’s 100 Level Course Introduction to Rainwater Harvesting is designed to educate professionals, regulators, decision makers, business and home owners, and other individuals interested in the process of planning and constructing an effective, safe rainwater collection system that meets the needs of the client.

This one-day, 6 -7 hour course provides an overview of rainwater harvesting and its uses and applicability to conserving rainfall as a natural resource. Participants will be introduced to the concepts and techniques for harvesting rain passively in rain gardens, green roofs and proper landscape design, as well as the use of more complex active systems using a catchment container. Course content covers the design and installation of catchment systems from the roof to the faucet, with discussion on optional uses - both outdoors and indoors, potable and non-potable - of this precious resource.

Presented by an ARCSA approved instructor

Cost: $75 person

Participation does not count toward ARCSA’s professional certification programs; however, other professional organizations may consider the workshop for CEU credits.

Please note that the course duration and outline may vary slightly between workshops.

Click here if you have attended an Introduction to Rainwater Harvesting workshop and wish to complete a Course Evaluation survey. Click here for ARCSA workshop sponsorship opportunities

ITINERARY

8:30 a.m. – Check In and Registration

9 a.m. – Introductions
Participants will be invited to introduce themselves and share what they are hoping to learn from the course. Instructors will provide an overview of the course, its purpose and structure. Participants will also hear a brief overview of ARCSA and its mission.

9:20 a.m. –Sustainable Water Resources and Rainwater Harvesting Principles
Conservation is the first, easiest and most cost effective step to water stewardship. This session will introduce trends and techniques needed to reduce our water demand, with rainwater collection as the focus. Discussion will cover the history, principles, collection potential, benefits and legality of rainwater collection, and will provide an overview of the components of a rainwater collection system. The various types of water will be defined, including rainwater, greywater and blackwater.

10 a.m. – Traditional Water Management, Issues, Consumption Trends and Future Needs
Water is becoming an increasingly more critical resource that must be better managed. Current problems, consumption trends and shortfalls will be discussed within a context that presents rainfall capture as part of the solution to potable, nonpotable, stormwater and energy challenges throughout the world.

11 a.m. – Passive Rainwater Catchment Systems
This session will cover the benefits of passive collection, also known as “simple” catchment. Stormwater management techniques such as rain gardens, bog gardens, storm chambers, green roofs and landscaping examples will be presented. These techniques maintain aquifer recharge and protect open bodies of water and streams from ever-increasing pollutants.

12:00 p.m. – Break for Lunch

1 p.m. – Active Rainwater Catchment Systems
This session will cover the associated benefits of container catchment, also known as “complex” catchment. We will cover collection surface, gutters and downspouts, screens, filters, first flush, storage containers, pumps, and other parts needed to make a system function effectively.

2 p.m. – Using Rainwater for Outdoor Use
Rainwater offers many outdoor uses. This session will present these uses and provide steps to construct and install a system that will supply rainwater for irrigation, water features/bird baths, pets, livestock, wildlife and green houses.

2:30 p.m. – Using Rainwater for Indoor Use
Rainwater can be brought inside the home and used in certain situations for potable and nonpotable use. This session will cover the process of supplying nonpotable rainwater to commodes and clothes washers as well as using potable rainwater for the entire house. Local codes will dictate what is allowed in your area.

3:30 p.m. – Rainwater Disinfection for Potable Use
Proper sanitation is critical in providing rainwater for potable use. This session will cover potential contaminants and pathogens as well as methods to address these concerns.

4 p.m. – Rainwater Collection System Maintenance
Without proper maintenance, a system will not stay safe or effective. This session will touch on the primary maintenance requirements as well as the prevention of mosquitoes, algae, malfunctioning systems and potentially lost or unsafe water.

4:30 p.m. – Questions and Answers
The class will review the course content, and all participants are encouraged to participate in this open Q & A session.

5 p.m. – Adjourn