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[[File:General information page image.png|right|100px|alt=image]] | [[File:General information page image.png|right|100px|alt=image]] | ||
+ | [[File:Pdf image.png|100px|thumb|right|alt=pdf image|<font size=3>[https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=File:Multiple_benefits_of_harvest_and_reuse_systems_-_Minnesota_Stormwater_Manual_nov_2022.pdf Download pdf]</font size>]] | ||
[[File:Overview image.png|right|thumb|300 px|alt=This schematic shows Example Stormwater Harvesting and Use System Schematic|<font size=3>Example Stormwater Harvesting and Use System Schematic</font size>]] | [[File:Overview image.png|right|thumb|300 px|alt=This schematic shows Example Stormwater Harvesting and Use System Schematic|<font size=3>Example Stormwater Harvesting and Use System Schematic</font size>]] | ||
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<span title="Green stormwater infrastructure is designed to mimic nature and capture rainwater where it falls. Green infrastructure reduces and treats stormwater at its source while while also providing multiple community benefits such as improvements in water quality, reduced flooding, habitat, carbon capture, etc."> '''Green infrastructure'''</span> (GI) encompasses a wide array of practices, including stormwater management. <span title="Green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) describes practices that use natural systems (or engineered systems that mimic or use natural processes) to capture, clean, and infiltrate stormwater; shade and cool surfaces and buildings; reduce flooding, create wildlife habitat; and provide other services that improve environmental quality and communities’ quality of life. (City of Tucson)"> '''Green stormwater infrastructure'''</span> (GSI) encompasses a variety of practices primarily designed for managing stormwater runoff but that provide additional benefits such as habitat or aesthetic value. | <span title="Green stormwater infrastructure is designed to mimic nature and capture rainwater where it falls. Green infrastructure reduces and treats stormwater at its source while while also providing multiple community benefits such as improvements in water quality, reduced flooding, habitat, carbon capture, etc."> '''Green infrastructure'''</span> (GI) encompasses a wide array of practices, including stormwater management. <span title="Green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) describes practices that use natural systems (or engineered systems that mimic or use natural processes) to capture, clean, and infiltrate stormwater; shade and cool surfaces and buildings; reduce flooding, create wildlife habitat; and provide other services that improve environmental quality and communities’ quality of life. (City of Tucson)"> '''Green stormwater infrastructure'''</span> (GSI) encompasses a variety of practices primarily designed for managing stormwater runoff but that provide additional benefits such as habitat or aesthetic value. | ||
− | There is no universal definition of GI or GSI ([https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Green_infrastructure_and_green_stormwater_infrastructure_terminology link here | + | There is no universal definition of GI or GSI ([https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Green_infrastructure_and_green_stormwater_infrastructure_terminology link here for more information]). Consequently, the terms are often interchanged, leading to confusion and misinterpretation. GSI practices are designed to function as stormwater practices first (e.g. flood control, treatment of runoff, volume control), but they can provide additional benefits. Though designed for stormwater function, GSI practices, where appropriate, should be designed to deliver multiple benefits (often termed "multiple stacked benefits". For more information on green infrastructure, ecosystem services, and sustainability, link to [[Multiple benefits of green infrastructure and role of green infrastructure in sustainability and ecosystem services]]. |
==Green Infrastructure benefits of harvest and reuse systems== | ==Green Infrastructure benefits of harvest and reuse systems== | ||
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**Reduction in pollutant runoff and wastewater treatment lowers total energy consumption and lowers the amount of chemicals needed to produce useable water for the site; this reduction in energy also lowers greenhouse gas requirements | **Reduction in pollutant runoff and wastewater treatment lowers total energy consumption and lowers the amount of chemicals needed to produce useable water for the site; this reduction in energy also lowers greenhouse gas requirements | ||
**Reduction of the heat island effect when reuse systems are used to support a healthy on-site vegetation that provides shade ([https://www.epa.gov/heatislands/using-trees-and-vegetation-reduce-heat-islands Using Trees and Vegetation to Reduce Heat Islands - US EPA]) | **Reduction of the heat island effect when reuse systems are used to support a healthy on-site vegetation that provides shade ([https://www.epa.gov/heatislands/using-trees-and-vegetation-reduce-heat-islands Using Trees and Vegetation to Reduce Heat Islands - US EPA]) | ||
− | **Lower greenhouse gas emissions | + | **Lower greenhouse gas emissions when harvested and recycled water is used for cooling purposes (Losoya et al., 2022) |
− | |||
*[https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Wildlife_habitat_and_biodiversity_benefits_of_Green_Stormwater_Infrastructure '''Habitat improvement''']: | *[https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Wildlife_habitat_and_biodiversity_benefits_of_Green_Stormwater_Infrastructure '''Habitat improvement''']: | ||
− | ** | + | **Habitat benefits are typically associated with vegetation incorporated into the site design. |
− | + | **Benefits associated with reduced runoff, such as reduced erosion, can provide increased soil stability promotes vegetation growth | |
*[https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Social_benefits_of_Green_Stormwater_Infrastructure '''Community livability''']: | *[https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Social_benefits_of_Green_Stormwater_Infrastructure '''Community livability''']: | ||
**Harvest and reuse systems help to protect recreation sites for people by ensuring safe and healthy access to water sources and promotes on-site watering availability | **Harvest and reuse systems help to protect recreation sites for people by ensuring safe and healthy access to water sources and promotes on-site watering availability | ||
**Water harvest and reuse are adaptable to meet needs such as community gardening, water fountain structures, promoting healthy green spaces, and may be used for recreation purposes if water quality requirements are met | **Water harvest and reuse are adaptable to meet needs such as community gardening, water fountain structures, promoting healthy green spaces, and may be used for recreation purposes if water quality requirements are met | ||
**Water harvesting and reuse that promotes healthy landscaping can promote mental health improvements for those who frequent them (What are the physical and mental benefits of gardening? - MSU Extension) | **Water harvesting and reuse that promotes healthy landscaping can promote mental health improvements for those who frequent them (What are the physical and mental benefits of gardening? - MSU Extension) | ||
− | **Larger reuse systems | + | **Larger reuse systems utilizing irrigation and trees or other shade proving vegetation reduce temperature levels ([https://www.epa.gov/heatislands/heat-island-compendium Reducing Urban Heat Islands: Compendium of Strategies: Trees and Vegetation] - US EPA) |
*[https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Social_benefits_of_Green_Stormwater_Infrastructure '''Health benefits''']: | *[https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Social_benefits_of_Green_Stormwater_Infrastructure '''Health benefits''']: | ||
− | **Reduction of downstream buildup of nutrients, pathogens, metals, TSS, and phosphorus among others as an indirect, off site benefit | + | **Reduction of downstream buildup of nutrients, pathogens, metals, TSS, and phosphorus among others as an indirect, off site benefit to humans and wildlife |
− | + | **Mental health improvements for the people who visit and live in areas that use reuse systems when reuse systems are used in conjunction with landscaping practices ([https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/how-gardening-affects-mental-health#:~:text=Provides%20exercise.,to%20still%20get%20these%20benefits. What are the physical and mental benefits of gardening?] - Michigan State University Extension) | |
− | **Mental health improvements for the people who visit and live in areas that use reuse systems when reuse systems are used in conjunction with landscaping practices (What are the physical and mental benefits of gardening? - | ||
*[https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Economic_benefits_of_Green_Stormwater_Infrastructure '''Economic benefits and savings''']: | *[https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Economic_benefits_of_Green_Stormwater_Infrastructure '''Economic benefits and savings''']: | ||
**Harvest and reuse systems can be expensive to install but they can reduce the total operating water cost for a building, site, or water features once they are implemented | **Harvest and reuse systems can be expensive to install but they can reduce the total operating water cost for a building, site, or water features once they are implemented | ||
**Well maintained harvest and reuse systems combined with vegetation can improve property aesthetics that increase property value | **Well maintained harvest and reuse systems combined with vegetation can improve property aesthetics that increase property value | ||
**Harvest and reuse systems provide a safeguard against drought conditions through stored water that can be used to keep landscaping alive and well over several days or weeks if necessary | **Harvest and reuse systems provide a safeguard against drought conditions through stored water that can be used to keep landscaping alive and well over several days or weeks if necessary | ||
− | **Potential for more affordable housing conditions when implemented as part of a renting strategy ( | + | **Potential for more affordable housing conditions when implemented as part of a renting strategy (Losoya et al., 2022) |
*Macroscale benefits: Individual systems are typical small scale and provide benefits at the site level, but implementation of distributed systems at the watershed scale can provide macroscale benefits. | *Macroscale benefits: Individual systems are typical small scale and provide benefits at the site level, but implementation of distributed systems at the watershed scale can provide macroscale benefits. | ||
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*Losoya, J., Walker, J., Fuller, A., and Seefeldt, J. 2022. [https://texaslivingwaters.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Opportunities-for-Realizing-Water-Reuse-in-Affordable-Housing.pdf Ensuring One Water Works for All: Opportunities for Realizing Water Reuse in Affordable Housing]. Austin, TX: National Wildlife Federation. | *Losoya, J., Walker, J., Fuller, A., and Seefeldt, J. 2022. [https://texaslivingwaters.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Opportunities-for-Realizing-Water-Reuse-in-Affordable-Housing.pdf Ensuring One Water Works for All: Opportunities for Realizing Water Reuse in Affordable Housing]. Austin, TX: National Wildlife Federation. | ||
*Nguyen, T.T., P.M. Bach, and M. Pahlow. 2022. [https://iwaponline.com/bgs/article/4/1/58/89139/Multi-scale-stormwater-harvesting-to-enhance-urban Multi-scale stormwater harvesting to enhance urban resilience to climate change impacts and natural disasters]. Blue-green Systems, Volume 4, Issue 1. | *Nguyen, T.T., P.M. Bach, and M. Pahlow. 2022. [https://iwaponline.com/bgs/article/4/1/58/89139/Multi-scale-stormwater-harvesting-to-enhance-urban Multi-scale stormwater harvesting to enhance urban resilience to climate change impacts and natural disasters]. Blue-green Systems, Volume 4, Issue 1. | ||
− | *Savou, J. [https://www.bluebarrelsystems.com/blog/first-flush-diverter/ To First Flush, or not to First Flush]. BlueBarrel Rainwater Catchment Systems. | + | *Savou, J. [https://www.bluebarrelsystems.com/blog/first-flush-diverter/ To First Flush, or not to First Flush]. BlueBarrel Rainwater Catchment Systems. Accessed November 15, 2022. |
+ | |||
+ | [[Category:Level 2 - Management/Green infrastructure]] | ||
+ | [[Category:Level 3 - Best management practices/Nonstructural practices/Harvest and reuse]] |
Harvest and reuse is the practice of collecting and/or storing stormwater on site to be used in water applications as needed. Harvest and reuse systems use collected water from various sources, treats them, and then reuses this water on site for different purposes such as irrigation or water features. This practice mitigates the users cost for water, reduces the site's stormwater runoff, and prevents pollution runoff.
Sites containing these systems are not regulated by the EPA but may be regulated by the state through the Safe Drinking Water Act or the Clean Water Act. Water harvest and reuse systems are regulated in Minnesota by Minnesota Rules Section 4714, chapter 17.
Rainwater harvesting is categorized into two types of harvest:
Both categories of rainwater harvesting follow the same principles for stormwater reuse. When the rainwater falls onto the site the water is collected through a series of conveyance systems into a storage system, the water is then treated and stored, and the user applies it to their site through a distribution system for the designed purpose. Some designed purposes include;
Harvest and reuse systems are excellent stormwater treatment practices due to the pollutant removal mechanisms they can be paired with such as vegetative filtering, settling, evaporation, infiltration, transpiration, biological and microbiological uptake, and soil adsorption. Additionally, the pollutants stay on site instead of being flushed downstream. These systems are particularly effective when used for irrigation on C and D soils where traditional infiltration practices are less effective.
Benefit | Effectiveness | Notes |
---|---|---|
Water quality | Can be used in a variety of settings, including low permeability soils. | |
Water quantity/supply | Benefit depends on the amount of water that can be stored. Use of ponds or multiple dispersed systems can provide significant volume reduction. | |
Energy savings | Savings associated with reductions in potable water usage. | |
Climate resiliency | Depending on design, may provide energy and water savings. | |
Air quality | ||
Habitat improvement | Benefits are associated with how the system is used (e.g. in vegetated applications). | |
Community livability | Provides water-related benefits; can be used for indoor applications. | |
Health benefits | ||
Economic savings | Cost savings associated with water use and decreased use of potable water. | |
Macroscale benefits | Individual practices are typically microscale, but multiple practices, when incorporated into a landscape design, can provide macroscale benefits. | |
Level of benefit: ◯ - none; ◔ - small; ◑ - moderate; ◕ - large; ● - very high |
Green infrastructure (GI) encompasses a wide array of practices, including stormwater management. Green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) encompasses a variety of practices primarily designed for managing stormwater runoff but that provide additional benefits such as habitat or aesthetic value.
There is no universal definition of GI or GSI (link here for more information). Consequently, the terms are often interchanged, leading to confusion and misinterpretation. GSI practices are designed to function as stormwater practices first (e.g. flood control, treatment of runoff, volume control), but they can provide additional benefits. Though designed for stormwater function, GSI practices, where appropriate, should be designed to deliver multiple benefits (often termed "multiple stacked benefits". For more information on green infrastructure, ecosystem services, and sustainability, link to Multiple benefits of green infrastructure and role of green infrastructure in sustainability and ecosystem services.
Maximizing specific green infrastructure (GI) benefits of constructed areas requires design considerations prior to installation. While site limitations cannot always be overcome, the following recommendations are given to maximize the GI benefit of water harvesting and reuse.
This page was last edited on 5 December 2022, at 18:16.