Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I capture my rainwater?
Did you know that over 5.43 billion gallons of water fall on the city limits of Santa Fe each year? Although we live in the high desert and it seems like there is no water available, we have an abundance – we simply need to harvest it! Rainwater harvesting can add beauty and lushness to our gardens, increase the ever depleting groundwater recharge, control erosion, and bring life back to the desert. The city of Santa Fe is relatively small for a city in America – only 26 square miles, and our average rainfall is just 14″ per year, but that is almost 5.5 billion gallons of water per year!
Why is it important to stop erosion?
Although erosion is a natural process, in our region soil is precious and very fragile. Erosion can go unchecked in a single storm and do a large amount of damage. Harvesting water is a wonderful way to prevent erosion. Our current standards in society are in the form of drainage which makes water a problem. The problem is the solution! Controlling erosion means infiltrating water for the plants, landscapes and ground water recharge.
Can I recycle water from household use?
Everyone that has a home or rents a home has an ephemeral stream running through the property in the form of a sewer line. Greywater and other various forms of waste water treatment are legal in New Mexico providing they follow code set forth by the New Mexico Environment Dept. These water sources are constant (as long as you use your shower, washing machine, sinks, etc.) and provide a wonderful, nutrient rich water for the landscape.
Are you licensed and insured?
The RainCatcher Inc. is a fully licensed and insured small business. We hold 3 state licenses: NM GB-98, MM-98, and MS-06. We have full liability and workmans compensation insurance through the entire company.
What is “edible landscaping” exactly?
When designing a landscape, there are so many wonderful plants to choose from it gets overwhelming. Why not provide an abundance of plants that can provide food for you, your family, and the surrounding wildlife? Edible landscaping can use a lot of the edible native plants in this region and are no more difficult to grow than any others.
What is “permaculture” all about?
Permaculture (Permanent Agriculture) was a term coined by Bill Mollison in the 1970’s. It is the integration of human society with a form of perennial agriculture that mimics the patterns of nature and ecological systems. Permaculture is an idea that can help us achieve a more sustainable future by working with Nature, and seeing ourselves as part of Nature.
Why is it important to save water?
Did you know that 98% of all water on Earth is in the oceans? This leaves 2% of which 1.6% is locked up in the ice on the poles. We as a species have only .4% of the Earth’s water to use in our lives, shared with all the other organisms that use water on a daily basis. Although we live in the high desert in this region, we have an abundance of water falling from the sky if we use it right, and save when we can.
What is a sustainable landscape?
A sustainable landscape is one that will, once established, require hardly any outside resources to keep it alive and healthy. It can survive on the water that falls from the sky, and provides it’s own ecology by providing wildlife habitat, living mulch, wind and sun protection, healthy soil ecology, nutrient recycling, and most of all, little work and resources on our end to maintain it.
What is groundwater?
Groundwater is the water that makes it through the first layer of soil and is stored in the ground where it is usable by plants. Trees, shrubs and native grasses can access water up to 30’ down in the soil, and anywater that we can store in the ground will either grow plants, or make it to a low point where it can exit the ground via an ephemeral stream.
How much rainfall in inches does Santa Fe receive in a year?
The annual average precipitation at Santa Fe is 14.22 inches.
How can I calculate the amount of water that can be captured from my roof?
Read our post on Calculating Rainwater for Harvesting. You’ll learn the easy step-by-step way to find out how much rainwater can be harvested in a year from your roof area.
Sound interesting? Email us about your project needs. The RainCatcher offers consultations and estimates for a fee of $100, including travel time. We look forward to hearing from you!
