1. Rainwater
Harvesting
When rain or snow falls onto the
earth, it starts moving according to
the laws of gravity. A portion of the
precipitation seeps into the ground
to replenish Earth's groundwater.
Most of it flows downhill as runoff,
carrying pollutants with it (i.e. oil,
litter, animal waste, and other such
pollutants). So, rainwater harvesting
saves water AND protects it!
Why is runoff considered bad?
Solano County Water Agency
810 Vaca Valley Pkwy
Vacaville, California
Solano County
Water Agency
Report Water Waste or
Schedule FREE Home Water Survey:
707-410-5469
solanoconservation@gmail.com
Local Turf Replacement Program:
707-455-1113
solanocash4grass@scwa2.com
2. Known to some as cisterns, rain
barrels enable us to capture and use
rainwater to water our plants and save
outdoors.
Characteristics
Redirect downspouts to storage
Above or underground
Debris removal/screens
Opaque to sunlight
Simple to complex system structures
Single or multi-barrel
4
Learn
Solano County Water Agency
Active Harvesting
Rain Barrels
Caption describing picture or
graphic.
Passive Harvesting
Rain Gardens
A rain garden is a shallow depression that is
planted with deep-rooted native plants and
grasses. The garden should be positioned
near a runoff source like a downspout,
driveway or sump pump .
Reduces
runoff pollution
Reduces
fossil fuel energy
used to supply
potable hose
water
Protects water
quality
Prevents
flooding and mold
around
foundation
Reduces algal
growth
Preferable for
use on plants
Conserves
water
Usable with
livestock or
washing
vehicles or pets
Benefits
Most simple rainwater catchment
systems will not require any permits.
The easiest, most low-tech system is a
rain barrel attached to your downspout
that has a spigot and hose out to your
garden; no water treatment is necessary.
***If your rain barrel project requires
plumbing, electrical work, or soil
excavation, consult a professional and
contact the water department about
permit requirements.
Does my barrel need a permit?
Capture runoff,
slowing the flow of
pollutants that reach
the sewer system
Conserve water
Reduce garden
maintenance
Recharge local
groundwater
Create habitat for
native birds & insects
And so much
more!
Benefits of Rain Gardens
