WATER EFFICIENCY
GENERAL INFO
You can engineer a rainwater catchment system that is both effective and
affordable. Rain accumulation in Alaska is often limited by long winters,
however during the warm seasons it is still worthwhile to collect water. The
amount of rain depends on the regional climate, and coastal areas receive
more rain than the Interior.
Storage tanks can be manufactured from a broad range of materials, such as
fiberglass, wood, steel, concrete, and a variety of plastics. Each type has
advantages and disadvantages, with plastic tanks being the most prevalent
type sold commercially in Alaska. Outdoor tanks and lines need to be
insulated to protect from freezing. Buried tanks should be at least four feet
below grade and are often protected by a top layer of insulation to prevent
freezing. In those situations where the water will be collected for human
consumption, an enclosed tank is highly advised to reduce the risk of
contamination.
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Green Infrastructure
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Best Management
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Rainwater catchment
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Water Efficiency
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Low flow fixtures (DOE)
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