Hester Residence - Rainwater Harvesting in Knoxville, TN

Introduction

Did you know that the best water on Earth isn't found in the ground? It's actually found in the sky, where pure, soft water is transported back to Earth's surface in the form of rain. For manyAmericans, this rain is an underused resource that soaks back into the soil or gets drained into a nearby sewer. But with more than 120,000 gallons of contaminant-free rainwater falling on the roof of every average-sized home in the Midwest and Eastern U.S.each year, many homeowners have recently begun to realize rainwater's potential as a clean, environmentally friendly water source.

One of the people who recently began using a rainwater harvesting system is Brian Hester, a homeowner who lives in the heart of Knoxville, TN.

The Hesters' Story

Mr. Hester first heard about PerfectWater in2015. His home in Knoxville had just been built two years earlier, and he was trying to do everything he could to ensure that his new house was environmentally conscious and self-sufficient. However, once he installed and started using his new rainwater harvesting system, he realized that there were even more benefits than he expected. Brian has raved about the health benefits of the high-quality rainwater and stated that he would never go back to using a traditional water supply system.

Because their rainwater is naturally soft and free of contaminants and chemicals, the Hesters have been able to enjoy a water source that's just as convenient as any other while also partaking in its health benefits. Overall, Brian and his family have been thrilled with their rainwater harvesting system.

Perhaps his satisfaction is best expressed in his own words. "If and when we build," Mr. Hester recently stated,"we would very much want to use rainwater harvesting again."

The System

The Hesters' system comprises three tanks that each hold 1,600 gallons of rainwater, giving them roughly 5,000 gallons of storage. To ensure that they can continue to have a water supply when there's been an extended period of time without rain, their system features an auto-switchover from their rainwater reserves to the city water supply — all without them even needing to lift a finger.

The Hesters have indeed noticed a difference between the soft, contaminant-free rainwater and the water in the city water supply, and they use their rainwater for everything: it's just as suitable for cooking and drinking as it is for washing and bathing. In fact, the high water quality makes beverages taste better, and it can even help lead to healthier skin and hair.

Best of all, it's convenient. Because the water is caught and stored automatically, all you need to do is turn the faucet to experience the goodness of your very own rainwater. Or, as Brian Hester has exclaimed, "We don't even think about it! Using rainwater is normal for us."

Living With Rainwater Harvesting

Living with rainwater harvesting is simple. A rainwater harvesting system works using just a few simple steps:

●     Water is collected on the roof, which should be made of a contaminant-free material.

●     Water is diverted into a below- or above-ground storage system.

●     Water is filtered and oxygenated before entering the storage vessel to remove large contaminants and keep the water fresh.

●     Water enters the storage vessel, where a thin microbiological layer called the biofilm helps keep the water clean.

●     Water is stored in one or more storage vessels until it needs to be used.

Once rainwater needs to be used, it passes through several other filtration and disinfection stages to ensure that it's as clean and safe as possible. From there, all you need to do is turn the faucet and fill up a glass or start a new load of laundry — the rainwater harvesting system essentially works on its own! And if the water levels start to drop because there hasn't been any rain, the system can automatically switch to a secondary water supply to ensure that you don't go thirsty.

A Focus on Water Quality and the Environment

Many people opt to install rainwater harvesting systems for environmental reasons. A rainwater harvesting system is a great way to provide your home with a reliable water supply if you live in the middle of nowhere, and it's also crucial for living off the grid and committing to a self-sufficient lifestyle. In general, going green by switching to rainwater is about giving back — saving freshwater and groundwater for those who need it most and switching to an eco-friendly way of life.

But rainwater harvesting isn't just about going green. It can also be a great choice for the health of you and your family. Rainwater contains no inorganic contaminants and practically no total dissolved solids (TDS), which means that it's already pure and chemical-free when it falls from the sky. Now contrast that with well water, which often contains bacteria, sulfur, and iron, and municipal water, which can contain chemicals and contaminants such as chlorine, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals.

Rainwater harvesting is a great way to go green while also giving yourself the best present you possibly can: the gift of a soft, chemical- and contaminant-free water supply that can leave both you and the planet looking and feeling your best.

Plans for the Future

It's been said that it's wise to hope for the best and prepare for the worst. With water restrictions and cutoffs increasingly becoming the norm in the U.S., it's smart to have a sustainable source of water that you and your family can use without worrying about water limits. After all, you never know when you'll be faced with an issue in water quality like that in Flint, MI or a well going dry that could put you at risk.If something does go wrong, having a rainwater harvesting system is a great way to ensure that you're prepared.

Working With PerfectWater

Brian Hester raved that "the experience with PerfectWater has been above and beyond." Are you interested in making the transition to rainwater harvesting yourself, or do just want to learn more about how it works? Take a look at our detailed rainwater harvesting guide and don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. You're just one phone call or email away from taking control of your water.