City of Raleigh Water Restrictions

Here we go again? During mid-2007, the eastern U.S. experienced a severe drought. As a result, many locales implemented mandatory water saving and reduction methods. In Raleigh, NC, water restrictions applied especially to the use of water for irrigation and limited water used for that purpose to alternate days of the week.

A group of ~6 persons with engineering or technical backgrounds were guided by a former City of Raleigh utility director who oversaw all the water and wastewater issues and advised that the 39 inches of rainfall per year falling on a 45-acre property was a major contributor to the ~7.3 million gallons of runoff from pervious ground, impervious paved/hardscapes, highway point source runoff, HVAC system condensate, pool backwash and splash out, runoff from built-up and metal roofs, and tennis court overwash.

The specifics of our work wherein we developed a sustainable water harvesting system that enhanced the triple bottom line of social, environmental and economic consequences were published in a peer-reviewed publication, accessible from the link below. We also received an award from the City of Raleigh.

Water Harvesting for Pollution Reduction and Revenue Enhancement.pdf

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