Benefits of Capturing Rainwater

By implementing practices that restore or mimic natural water and tree cycles at your home (or commercial, industrial or other type of site), you can help heal the environment.

Capturing rainwater for reuse or groundwater recharge helps:

Conserve water

Water captured from storms can percolate into the ground to recharge the aquifer or it can be stored in a cistern or rain barrel for irrigation. Harvesting rainwater reduces the use of potable water (water suitable for drinking) for lawns, trees, car washes, etc. and therefore decreases the need to import water.

Improve water quality

Capturing rainwater for recharge or reuse decreases polluted urban runoff to our streams, bays and ocean. 

Reduce flood flows and risks

Trapping and storing stormwater helps reduce local and downstream flooding.

Save money

Using harvested rainwater can save money on your water bill; some of the other practices can also lower your electric bill. 

Planting trees is a great way to help your property capture water to recharge groundwater supplies. Trees help:

Reduce energy consumption

The strategic planting of deciduous trees (trees that shed their leaves) creates summer shade and decreases the amount of electricity used for air conditioning. In the winter, a tree's bare branches let sunlight through, decreasing electricity used for heating. By decreasing our need for electricity to cool and heat our homes, schools and businesses, we are reducing the use of fossil fuels.

Reduce contributions to climate change

Trees hold rainfall and also sequester greenhouse gases and reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Trees also mitigate (lessen) the heat island effect – the air temperature increase caused by heat-retaining buildings and paved surfaces.

Read more about the benefits of trees.

Ready to start capturing rainwater?

You can take simple steps or bigger steps (which will likely require professional assistance). We also have information that can help you determine which practices are right for you.