Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a roofwasher?
A: It is a device which filters out the large particles and keeps them from entering into the device holding the rainwater (rainbarrel or cistern).
Q: Are mosquitoes kept out of your systems? How about sediment and leaves?
A: These are kept out of the system by the roof washers which are installed.
Q: What is a cistern?
A: A cistern is a larger water storage device. It can be made out of plastic, cement, metal or wood.
Q: I am planning on system, could you help me find pumps, cisterns and other materials for the job?
A: Yes, I can provide consulting assistance and help you find the materials for a rainwater system.
Q: What can I use the water for?
A: It is very easy and cheap to use it for irrigation. If you want to use it inside your home, it is allowable; however, an appeal must be done for a permit. A licensed plumber must do the work inside your home. It does cost more to bring it inside your home, but it is the best use for the water.
Q: What type of systems do you create and install?
A: Anything you are interested in which I can do. Some arrangements I have done:
- Vertical rainbarrels (standard)
- Horizontal rainbarrels (on pallet racking)
- Above ground cisterns for irrigation use or indoor water use
- Below ground cisterns for irrigation use or indoor water use
- Thai Jars (hand made cement cistern)
Q: What is the maintenance for these systems?
A: If you have an asphalt composite roof you will need to look at the roofwasher about once every three months to make sure it is not covered/clogged with grit on the screen. About once every year or two when the barrels or cisterns are empty you should inspect them and clean them out.
Q: What about asphalt composite roofs? Is it safe to water my plants with it? Drink it?
A: I would not recommend drinking this water without a filter. However, it is safe enough to water your garden with this water. This water does not have chlorine in it like our drinking water.
Q: What are your fees?
A: Please see the fee document on the Products and Prices page.
Q: Are there other colors than blue for the rainbarrels?
A: No. I am reusing these barrels and they come in this color. Clients have painted them before. I have used Zinser primer on barrels with success. I have found Fusion spray paint works well on plastic. I will place reed fencing around the barrel for an additional cost of $40 per barrel.
Q: Can I use a white barrel or cistern?
A: No. They will allow sunlight to enter the cistern and allow algae to grow inside.
Q: What are the barrels and cisterns made of?
A: High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). The cisterns are rated for potable water use.
Q: Are there any tax incentives or other incentives for using rainwater?
A: The City of Portland has the Downspout Disconnection Program and the Clean River Rewards Program. They provide some monetary assistance.