Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: bladder tanks, cisterns, collecting rainwater, drinking water, harvest rainwater, rain pillow, rain water collection, rain water harvesting, rainwater collection, rainwater harvesting, rainwater pillow, water pillow
The record freezing temperature across the country can cause real problems with rainwater harvesting systems. Areas accustom to mild temperature each winter are scrabbling to prevent broken pipes and indoor flooding. Rainwater harvesting systems installed in mild climates are in danger of experiencing these same issues. Precautions or contingency measures need to be taken to prevent freeze damage.
Since The Original Rainwater Pillow is so easily customized to fit just about any space, most are being installed in conditioned areas. With this type of installation, the only concern is that all the water in the pipes exposed to the cold must drain completely into the pillow.
The Original Rainwater Pillow is build with material that can withstand -31 degrees F.
Unfortunately, pipes and pumps connected to the pillow cannot be allowed to freeze and will need protection.
In cold weather climates, many pillows are simply drained until mild temperatures arrive in March. This is a simple way to handle freezing temperatures if you are only harvesting rainwater for irrigation.
When shutting down the RWH system is not an option, then the system design needs to eliminate freeze damage potential. Here are a few ideas to get you through a short duration of freezing events.
Insulation is the first line of defense. A large volume of water will need to be exposed to below freezing temperatures over a long period of time in order for the water to freeze solid. Destruction of pipes or pumps is only caused when the water inside freezes completely. Your pipes are most vulnerable because they contain a small volume of water which freezes quickly. The amount of insulation required depends on how cold it gets and the duration.
A second step is to circulate the water with the pump continuously throughout the freezing period. Even slow moving water will prevent a solid freeze. This is a short term solution but can protect your rainwater harvesting system while keeping all the water in your tank.
Lastly, the water can be heated as is often done in remote cold locations. Various options are available including solar, propane, and electricity. These are expensive options over a long term period but excellent for short durations of freezing. Pipes also need to be either heated separately or have a continuous flow of water with a small pump.
A freeze prevention plan must be included in the design phase of a rainwater harvesting system. A well designed system means less maintenance which is always better.
http://www.rainwaterpillow.com
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: bladder tanks, collecting rainwater, drinking water, harvest rainwater, potable water, rain pillow, rain water harvesting, rainwater, rainwater collection, rainwater harvesting, The Original Rainwater Pillow
At a recent holiday gathering I was once again asked ” Why would you drink rainwater ? After all, rainwater picks up all kinds of pollutants in the air and from your roof. It is just so dirty and would require elaborate filtration and maintenance. Municipal water is tested and so much cleaner.” Well, my response was that when you compare the water data tests it shows quite a different story.
The following table compares drinking water from the municipal source and treated rainwater. The municipal water is directly collected from the tap and the rainwater is collected from an asphalt shingle roof, stored and then treated.
The rainwater treatment process is designed to exceed EPA drinking water standards and includes:
300 micron downspout filtration * first flush * aeration * 20 micron filtration * 5 micron filtration * .5 micron charcoal block * UV light
This rainwater treatment process might seem elaborate but in reality is quite simple. Maintenance is easily managed by the system owner which includes filter cleaning and UV light replacement. The UV light unit includes a malfunction alarm.
The table below proves rainwater can be a cleaner drinking water source. The bottom line is that water quality is higher if collected before it hits the ground. Water quality in lakes and rivers can have extreme fluctuations based on rain events, storm water pollution, and other environmental factors.
Filed under: Customer Testimonials | Tags: bladder tanks, cisterns, collecting rainwater, Green Buliding Products, harvest rainwater, Jim harrington, rain pillow, rain water, rainwater harvesting, storm water, Stormwater management, The Original Rainwater Pillow, water conservation, water pillow
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Marist High School
Sandy Springs, GA |
A 5,000 gallon custom size Original Rainwater Pillow has been installed in the crawl space of a new modular classroom. 
The Pillow is 32 ft x 10 ft x 2.5 ft
A 20 gallon per minute demand pump will supply irrigation for the new landscape and the organic garden. The irrigation system includes drip, bubblers, and a soil moister sensor to ensure water efficiency.
This is the second Original Rainwater Pillow system installed at the school to control storm water run-off into the
bordering Chattahoochee River tributary.
The Marist School is dedicated to increasing their sustainable design footprint and include rainwater harvesting as a key component to all new construction. The Original Rainwater Pillow is a perfect fit for the crawl space area under the new modular buildings.
Filed under: Original Rainwater Pillow in the Media | Tags: bladder tanks, cisterns, green, green approved products, green building, Green Buliding Products, green products, GreenBuild, International Builder's Show, irrigation, landscaping, National Green building Standards, rain, rain pillow, rain water, rain water harvesting, rainwater, rainwater harvesting, rainwater pillow, The Original Rainwater Pillow, water conservation, water pillow, waterpillow
Rainwater harvesting is a proven technology that reduces the demand on municipal water, controls storm water runoff pollution, and reduces energy cost through source point collection and use.
The Original Rainwater Pillow system is an innovative rainwater collection system designed to be stored in horizontal wasted space (no excavation or visible tank). Custom pillow sizes up to 200,000 gallons are manufactured to fit the available space for commercial and residential projects. Complete turn key rainwater harvesting systems for potable and non potable applications.
The Original Rainwater Pillow is a new product with a long history. Flexible pillows were designed by the military over 50 years ago for fuel cells. Rainwater Collection Solutions simply used the pillow and designed a self maintaining rainwater harvesting system. The most remarkable aspect of The Original Rainwater Pillow is that it is the only truly customizable above ground rainwater harvesting container. Pillows are manufactured up to 200,000 gallons as a single unit to fit the required dimensional footprint. Since pillows are flexible, they are easy and convenient to ship world wide.
We provide the complete rainwater harvesting kit including filters, pillow, pump and fittings for both potable and non-potable applications. Pump and filtration options selected based on site specific requirements.
Product Specifications
FABRIC
- NSF 61 and FDA Compliant
Reinforced Polymer alloy (polyester scrim coated on both sides with PVC polymer)
Fabric weight 6.5 oz sq yard
Total weight 30 oz sq yard
Breaking Strength 550 lbs per inch
Tear 80 lbs
Adhesion 35 lbs/inch
Abrasion resistance >2000 cycles
Low Temperature – 30 F
High Temperature +160
Radio frequency welded seams
FITTINGS
- Standard: 3/4″ thru 2″
- 4″ thru 6″ Available Upon Request
- Aluminum, Stainless steel, Polypropylene with Camlock, Storz or threaded fittings to accommodate hoses
- Ball Valves, Pressure Relief Vents and Caps
OPTIONAL
- Ports for Periodic Cleaning and Inspections
- Emergency Plugs
- Repair Kits
- Operational Spare Parts
- Pressure Relief Valves
Filed under: Original Rainwater Pillow in the Media | Tags: bladder tanks, cisterns, green, Green Buliding Products, green products, GreenBuild, irrigation, Jim harrington, rain water harvesting, rainwater, rainwater collection, rainwater harvesting, rainwater pillow, Stormwater management, sustainability, The Original Rainwater Pillow, toilet flushing, water, water conservation, water pillow
The Fifth Group has made a commitment to help the environment and reduce energy cost by harvesting rainwater in their newest restaurant LURE. The rainwater will be used to flush the low flow toilets in this renovated building in mid-town Atlanta’s new eco district.
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Perfect example on utilizing wasted space. The pillow was build to fit the available area in the crawl space under the building.
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A 3.000 gallon custom size Original Rainwater Pillow installed in the crawl space of LURE will collect rainwater from the 3,450 sq ft roof. Approximately 2,154 gallons of water will be collected from one inch of rainfall providing an annual collection potential of 108,000 gallons.
State building code requires that the collected rainwater be treated to potable standards. This is achieved through a secondary filtration system.
A 22 gallon per minute pressure pump delivers the stored rainwater through the four stage purification system which consists of a 20 micron filter, 5 micron filter, charcoal block, and UV Light treatment.
Municipal water automatic back up is included in the system for times of extended drought.
A typical restaurant uses a tremendous amount of water making the return on investment for this project very attractive. The constant demand for the harvested rainwater on a daily basis for flushing toilets shortens the system’s payback window.
Filed under: Customer Testimonials | Tags: bladder tanks, cisterns, green approved products, Green Buliding Products, GreenBuild, International Builder's Show, irrigation, Jim harrington, landscaping, National Green building Standards, rain, rain pillow, rain water, rain water collection, rainwater, rainwater collection, rainwater harvesting, rainwater pillow, storm water, The Original Rainwater Pillow, water conservation, water pillow
A High School in Atlanta Ga. is leading the way in sustainability by harvesting rainwater. The 3,100 gallon custom Original Rainwater Pillow is stored in the crawl space under a classroom building. The collected rainwater will be used to irrigate the organic garden and for other non potable uses around campus.
http://www.rainwaterpillow.com
Filed under: Original Rainwater Pillow in the Media | Tags: bladder tanks, cisterns, green approved products, green building, Green Buliding Products, green products, GreenBuild, Jim harrington, rain, rainwater, rainwater collection, rainwater harvesting, rainwater pillow, REOSE Sustainable Design Competition, The Original Rainwater Pillow, water conservation, water pillow
Filed under: Original Rainwater Pillow in the Media, Uncategorized | Tags: bladder tanks, cisterns, green approved products, green building, Green Buliding Products, green products, GreenBuild, International Builder's Show, irrigation, Jim harrington, Judith Kinnard, rain, rain water, rain water harvesting, rainwater harvesting, REOSE Sustainable Design Competition, Stormwater management, The Original Rainwater Pillow, water conservation, water pillow, WaterSmart
New Orleans’ Sustainable Home Model to Promote Green Materials, Appliances, Equipment, and Furnishings that can be packaged and shipped internationally.
The construction of the Sunshower SSIP Models designed by architects Judith Kinnard and Tiffany Lin, winners of the 2010 REOSE Sustainable Design Competition, is underway in New Orleans. “This design stood out as a model that was both attractive in appearance, but also smart and functional in terms of energy efficiency and ability to weather the toughest storms and conditions,” said Joseph Basilice, President of Oceansafe. OceanSafe, the premier manufacturer of durable and energy-efficient Steel Structural Insulated Panels, The ReGen Group, sustainable design consultants, C&G Construction, a leading green residential and commercial contractor, and Woodward Design+Build, the largest Design + Build contractor in Louisiana and the Gulf Coast Region have entered into a strategic partnership to produce this winning model, REOSE’s first sustainable prototype in New Orleans. The four associated companies are poised to begin to manufacture, package, sell and market fully functional sustainable building kits in the US and abroad.
The REOSE Sunshower SSIP Model is located at 222 Harrison Avenue in the Lakeview Neighborhood of New Orleans, LA. The rapid construction of this model will take place over the next several weeks and will be the premier example of green and sustainable construction. Builders, local and international dignitaries, green building organizations, media and people from around the world will be provided opportunities to tour the project and be present for building milestones. The public will experience the latest in green technology, materials and building design. With the help of preferred vendors, everyone will see what a truly sustainable home looks like and experience what it would be like to live in one. Onsite property tours are available by appointment.
Each REOSE home building kit includes all the materials required to achieve a safe, healthy, comfortable and enduring level of building performance, while meeting all of its energy and water needs, even in extreme environments. Sponsoring companies have agreed to donate the materials and equipment for the interior and exterior of the dwelling, and to also collaborate as to renewable energy components, rainwater harvesting, HVAC, lighting, decking and interior framing, windows, doors, furniture, cabinets, appliances, flooring, and home décor for the project.
Filed under: Original Rainwater Pillow in the Media | Tags: bladder tanks, cisterns, green approved products, green building, Green Buliding Products, green products, GreenBuild, irrigation, Jim harrington, NAHB, National Green building Standards, rain, rain water harvesting, rainwater harvesting, rainwater pillow, storm water, The Original Rainwater Pillow, water conservation, water pillow, waterpillow
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| Positioning Pillow under Trailer |
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| Pre-Filter |
The Tiny House movement has introduced the idea of space as a resource to the forefront of the sustainability debate. The movement focuses on reducing the size of living spaces in order to reduce carbon footprint.
Designed to be fully independent and operate off the grid, the Tiny House will have everything a person needs to live comfortably in 128 sq ft : a living room, kitchen, bathroom, sleeping loft, storage area, an awning for shade and even a fireplace. The very tiny, zero net-energy house — with a toilet in the shower — will produce its own electricity using solar panels and also collect all of its water.
“I think the most interesting aspect of our house really is our systems, both electrical and plumbing. The rainwater system is the most interesting to me because it is not used as often as photovoltaics (solar panels), but is just as easy to implement. Especially our “water pillow” because it can be designed to fit any space needed. Since our home is so small, it was designed to fit underneath the trailer but still will be able to hold the amount of water we need. It can hold up to 400 gallons” says Kaycee Overcash, a recent graduate of Northwestern University who is the co-project manager of the project.
A four-stage filtration process cleans the rain water. The system includes a sediment pre-filter, granular activated carbon pre-filter, carbon block pre-filter, and a UV light disinfection chamber. The pillow and all accessories are placed in an insulated box to prevent freezing and damage to pumps and pipes. During travel, the pillow is drained and taken out of an insulated compartment. The pillow is disconnected from the pipes and folds up for travel.
Read More about The Project…
Filed under: Original Rainwater Pillow in the Media, Uncategorized | Tags: bladder tanks, cisterns, green approved products, green building, Green Buliding Products, green products, GreenBuild, International Builder's Show, irrigation, Jim harrington, landscaping, NAHB, National Green building Standards, rain, rain water harvesting, rainwater, rainwater harvesting, rainwater pillow, storm water, Stormwater management, The Original Rainwater Pillow, water conservation, water pillow
With a Cistern Liner ! Our liners fold up, are easy to handle and economical to ship worldwide. Check out our most recent installation profiled below.
St Croix US Virgin Islands
This residential remodel included incorporating a state of the art rainwater harvesting system to provide all the potable water and irrigation needs for the home. Three concrete cistern vaults existed under the home. Custom cistern liners were built to hang in each cistern providing a total water storage capacity of 31,600 gallons. The liners were chosen as the preferred storage container primarily because they provide water quality control, water security in this earthquake prone area, are sealed and will eliminate the common problem of humidity caused by open cisterns in the home environment.
The cistern liners are specifically designed to fit the existing cisterns perfectly with all fill ports and overflow ports custom installed. The liner’s man-way is used to access the interior as necessary for pump maintenance and cleaning.
Positioning Liner Inside the Cistern
The liners are rolled into a tight cylinder and worked through the cistern access hole in the home’s floor. They are then unrolled and positioned in the cistern.
The liner is hung and attached to the appropriate fittings ( fill, drain, pump, and overflow). The three cistern liners are connected and operate as one large system.
13,790 Gallon Liner installed in Cistern #2
Contact Us if you are interested in learning more about rainwater harvesting, cistern liners or The Original Rainwater Pillow. We believe education is fundamental and are here to answer all your questions. Our services include complete system design, installation and turn key solutions for potable & non-potable applications.
What People Say 