Rainwater harvesting technologies have been getting quite a bit of attention lately, not only as a source of readily available free water, but also one that offsets the use of millions of gallons of potable water each year. Several states, including Georgia, Oregon, Texas, and Virginia have published code addenda addressing rainwater systems. Many other states are studying the issue. The benefits of rainwater harvesting can extend beyond water conservation. Since builders and site developers spend considerable time and effort to safely redirect storm water away from buildings, the cost savings and design flexibility benefits of rainwater harvesting can be substantial. For these reasons, it is critical for building officials to update their skill sets to include rainwater harvesting systems, and take the time to understand local requirements.

To better meet the needs of Code Council Members and advance rainwater harvesting, ICC's PMG Group announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA) in 2010. The rainwater catchment provisions of the International Green Construction Code (IGCC) were developed with significant input from ARCSA and its Rainwater Catchment Design and Installation Standards document, co-developed with the American Society of Plumbing Engineers.

Fortunately, ARCSA has developed a training and accreditation programs for both beginners and professionals. ARCSA offers Level 100 and 200 courses that are open to the general public and require no prior knowledge or experience. Professional accreditation as an ARCSA Accredited Professional is also available, along with advanced Level 300 courses.

Upcoming sessions include:

• Athens, GA – May 23 (100 Level Rainwater Harvesting Course)
• Athens, GA – May 24-25 (200 Level Rainwater Harvesting Course)
• Athens, GA – May 26-27 (300 Level Rainwater Harvesting Course)
• Atlanta, GA – May 28 (100 Level Rainwater Harvesting Course)
• Daytona Beach, FL – May 31 (100 Level Rainwater Harvesting Course)
• Daytona Beach, FL – May 31-June 1 (200 Level Rainwater Harvesting Course)
• Los Angeles, CA – June 13-14 (200 Level Rainwater Harvesting Course)
• New Orleans, LA – June 22 (100 Level Rainwater Harvesting Course)
• New Orleans, LA – June 23-24 (200 Level Rainwater Harvesting Course)
• Dallas, TX – June 27-28 (200 Level Rainwater Harvesting Course)
• Portland, OR – September 24 (100 Level Rainwater Harvesting Course)
• Portland, OR – September 25-26 (200 Level Rainwater Harvesting Course)
• Portland, OR – September 29 - October 1 (300 Level Design and Construction Rainwater Harvesting Course)

Many educational offerings will also be available at ARCSA's National Conference and Membership Meeting to be held in Portland, Oregon, September 26-28. For more information about the workshops and annual conference visit www.arcsa.org.

Although seemingly a simple rooftop water collection process, rainwater catchment is a comprehensive system that has building, electrical, storm water, and plumbing components. Some of the unique features and considerations of a rainwater system, not found in plumbing systems include:

• Debris excluders—first level of filtration of water coming from gutters to remove large debris like leaves, branches and the occasional tennis ball;
• First flush diverters—drain away a certain volume of water at the beginning of each rain event. This water contains higher levels of contamination from dust, pollen, and microorganisms than the water that follows;
• Quiescent inlets—allow water to flow into collection tanks without disturbing sediment that collects at the bottom;
• Floating inlets—collect water from the tank just under the surface where the highest quality water can be found;
• Makeup water, mosquito screens, controls, filtration systems, disinfection systems, and all calculations related to sizing the system.

Section 707 of Public Version 2.0 of the IGCC, entitled Rainwater Collection and Distribution Systems, provides comprehensive provisions for the safe installation of rainwater collection systems for use indoors or out. It also provides for a wide range of uses of rainwater including:

• Flushing of toilets and urinals
• Surface and subsurface irrigation
• Fountains and water features
• Fire sprinkler systems
• Cooling towers
• Industrial processes
• Potable (where approved).

More changes may be coming to the rainwater harvesting section of the IGCC at the upcoming Code Development Hearings in Dallas, where several rainwater-related code change proposals will be heard. In fact, ARCSA Past President Bob Boulware will be serving on the IGCC technical committee, continuing to bring the technical expertise he contributed in the development of Public Versions 1.0 and 2.0 of the IGCC. To download a free copy of the IGCC or to learn more about this comprehensive green construction code, visit www.iccsafe.org/igcc.

To learn more about the ICC's Plumbing, Mechanical and Fuel Gas (PMG) codes and product offerings, contact the PMG Resource Center at 1-888-ICC SAFE (422-7233), extension 4PMG or email pmgresourcecenter@iccsafe.org.