Storm & Rain Water
Rainwater Catchment
Rainwater harvesting can be effecient and cost effective when used to flush toilets and do laundry. It is an LID principle because in urban where there is a lot of pavement, the hydrologic cycle is accellerated and exagerated (bigger faster floods).
Low Impact Development (LID) is the effecient use and treatment of stormwater. Rain is captured in cisterns,
soil, and aquifer for immediate and future use. LID includes bioswales, rain gardens, rainwater catchment, living roofs, and permeable
pavement. LID uses best management practices that filter contaminants from urban
runoff and save water and energy. Stormwater Certiefied QSD (Qualified
SWPPP Develloper) and QSP (Qualifeid Stormwater Practitioner).Earthworks
Capturing water in a region is possible through shaping of the earth into berms, basins, and swales. LID addresses this on an urban scale. In permaculture this is addressed through the developmentt of keylines, strategic locations of ponds, and cascading basins that recharge soil and groundwater.
Reduced water waste is the least expensive way for California to obtain it's next one third of water, according to the Pacific Institute. Low Impact Development retains water in cisterns and the landscape for security and future use. It is a cheaper way to address stormwater and helps with water supply and climate change issues.