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|  | This article is about large, integrated rainwater harvesting systems. For smaller, seasonal, outdoor, residential systems, see [[Rain barrels]]    |  | This article is about large, integrated rainwater harvesting systems. For smaller, seasonal, outdoor, residential systems, see [[Rain barrels]]    | 
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|  | ==Overview== |  | ==Overview== | 
|  | + | [[File:STEP Minto Cistern P1 - Copy.jpg|thumb|Rainwater harvesting is commonly employed on zero-lot-line projects like downtown condos. This cast in place concrete vault in one corner of the parking level is a typical design.]] | 
|  | Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is the ancient practice of collecting and storing precipitation for later use. Although Ontario is a region with relatively abundant fresh water, RWH is increasing in popularity for a number of reasons: |  | Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is the ancient practice of collecting and storing precipitation for later use. Although Ontario is a region with relatively abundant fresh water, RWH is increasing in popularity for a number of reasons: | 
|  | *The simplicity of selecting and installing a system, owing to improvements in the technology and the development of a local industry, |  | *The simplicity of selecting and installing a system, owing to improvements in the technology and the development of a local industry, | 
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|  | *Increasing transparency of storm sewer costs in some municipalities, and   |  | *Increasing transparency of storm sewer costs in some municipalities, and   | 
|  | *Increasing utility rates for potable water supply.   |  | *Increasing utility rates for potable water supply.   | 
| − | {{TextBox|1=Rainwater harvesting is an ideal technology for:
 | + | <blockquote>Rainwater harvesting is an ideal technology for:   | 
|  | *Sites which cannot infiltrate water owing to contaminated soils or shallow bedrock,   |  | *Sites which cannot infiltrate water owing to contaminated soils or shallow bedrock,   | 
|  | *Zero-lot-line developments such as condos or dense urban infill, or conversely   |  | *Zero-lot-line developments such as condos or dense urban infill, or conversely   | 
| − | *Projects with extensive gardens and landscapes which would benefit from free irrigation water.}} | + | *Projects with extensive gardens and landscapes which would benefit from free irrigation water.</blockquote> | 
| − | <p><strong>The fundamental components of a rainwater harvesting system are:</strong> | + | <strong>The fundamental components of a rainwater harvesting system are:</strong> | 
|  | *the catchment area where the rain lands (e.g. rooftop), |  | *the catchment area where the rain lands (e.g. rooftop), | 
|  | *a screen or filter to remove coarse debris (mostly leaves), |  | *a screen or filter to remove coarse debris (mostly leaves), | 
|  | *a cistern which will store the collected rainwater and preserve its quality, |  | *a cistern which will store the collected rainwater and preserve its quality, | 
| − | *the connecting pipe network including roof drains. </p> | + | *the connecting pipe network including roof drains. | 
| − | <p><strong>Additional components may include:</strong>
 | + | <strong>Additional components may include:</strong> | 
|  | *pumps to lift water to higher elevations, depending on the layout of the components,   |  | *pumps to lift water to higher elevations, depending on the layout of the components,   | 
| − | *additional water filtration and treatment, depending on the intended use of the water.  </p> | + | *additional water filtration and treatment, depending on the intended use of the water. | 
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| − | STEP Minto Cistern P1 - Copy.jpg| Rainwater harvesting is commonly employed on zero-lot-line projects like downtown condos. This cast in place concrete vault in one corner of the parking level is a typical design.
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