Rainwater, Stormwater & Condensate Reuse

Utilize a free source of water and save thousands in utility & sewer fees annually

Dramatically reduce your project’s water footprint with rainwater, stormwater and condensate reuse

Implementing a rainwater, stormwater and/or condensate reuse system in your building is a simple and effective way to offset demand from purchased water sources, saving thousands of dollars in water and utility costs. Implementing sustainable, circular infrastructure in your next project with water reuse technology helps reduce the strain on natural water resources and municipal water systems.

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graphic illustration of rainwater + condensate collection from a building and the process of treatment and reuse back into the building

Close-up of rain dripping into aluminum seamless gutters as it runs off the new architectural shingles.

Reinvest resources right onsite

At Epic Cleantec, we approach water management holistically, focusing on maximizing resource efficiency within buildings.

Rainwater, stormwater and condensate can be reused in landscape irrigation, cooling tower make-up, toilet and urinal flushing, clothes washing, ornamental ponds, and even decorative fountains. Every drop of reused water reduces the amount of potable supply that must be purchased from municipal sources.

Rainwater, stormwater and condensate reuse systems can be impactful if implemented on their own, or in combination with other water reuse measures, like greywater or blackwater systems.

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Benefits of rainwater, stormwater, and condensate reuse

Water conservation: Reduces the reliance on municipal and freshwater water supplies, especially in areas prone to drought or water shortages.
Stormwater management: Helps mitigate urban flooding and decreases the strain on city stormwater systems by capturing and reusing rainfall onsite.
Cost savings: Decreases water and utility bills for building owners and occupants, particularly in regions with high water rates.

Environmental impact: Reduces energy consumption associated with treating and transporting potable water, as well as the environmental footprint of water use.
Available in flexible and modular system sizes: Epic can provide customized solutions to fit any project size and scope.
Meet regulations: Meet local building codes, regulation requirements and ensure a resilient building for years to come.

Rainwater, stormwater and condensate FAQ

What is rainwater and stormwater harvesting?

Rainwater and stormwater harvesting refers to the collection of water runoff from roofs, terraces, sidewalks and other surfaces of a property that is then stored, treated, and used as an alternative water source for non-potable applications in the building. Rainwater and stormwater are free and available water sources that every building has the potential to capture with minimal equipment needed. Rainwater typically refers to roof water, while stormwater may refer to water captured on other hardscapes such as parking lots and patios.

What is condensate reuse?

Condensate reuse refers to the collection and reuse of the water that drains from an HVAC system as a byproduct of cooling. Large scale commercial buildings can produce a high volume of HVAC condensate. Condensate drainage can be collected, treated, and used as an alternative water source for non-potable applications in the building. Condensate from cooling systems is generally considered “good” water- as pure as distilled water and low in mineral content. Commercial-sized air conditioning systems can generate 500-2,000+ gallons of condensate discharge per day depending on a building’s HVAC equipment and location.

What are the typical treatment steps?

The treatment requirements for a rainwater and condensate system vary by jurisdiction and end use. A typical process diagram for rainwater serving indoor non-potable uses may include prefiltration, storage, cartridge filtration, and ultraviolet disinfection. For example, the diagram below is the requirement from Austin Water.

For rainwater and condensate systems serving irrigation or cooling tower makeup, there may be reduced treatment requirements.

Source: Austin Water

What are the design considerations?

There are multiple design considerations that must be weighed for these systems. The main consideration is the seasonal nature of rainwater and condensate supply. The project can choose to size the cistern to maximize rainwater capture during the rainy season, but that would likely mean the cistern will be oversized for most of the year. The project would typically optimize cistern size to balance first cost and footprint against rainwater capture. However, there are some instances where a jurisdiction may require rainwater capture sized for a specific storm event. Connect with Epic to learn more about the specific requirements in your project’s area.

What is the regulatory landscape?

The regulatory landscape for rainwater reuse is typically favorable. Rainwater reuse for non-potable application is allowed by both the Uniform Plumbing Code and the International Plumbing Code, which are the major governing codes for the United States. There may be specific considerations per jurisdiction based on climate, stormwater retention, and infrastructure. Research into local codes will always be the first step in designing an onsite reuse system. There may also be grants or funding options available for projects that decide to implement rainwater or condensate reuse.

Learn more about the regulatory landscape of water reuse projects.

See how Epic has helped other rainwater, stormwater and condensate projects

The Brady

The Brady is an eight-story residential building with an onsite greywater reuse system designed to recycle over 6,500 gallons of water per day and will save an estimated $117K+ annually in utility fees over the next 10 years.

The Landing

The Landing is a multifamily residential building in San Francisco that recycles 3,000 gallons of water per day for use in toilet flushing and irrigation.

Mixed-Use Residential Tower in Austin

This planned mixed-use project in the heart of downtown Austin, TX is expected to recycle 635,000 gallons of condensate per year, saving $13,000 annually.

Commercial Office Tower in Miami

This planned Miami office tower will reuse 25,000 gallons of blackwater per day, saving the owners $180,000 annually and help achieve the project’s sustainability goals.

Rainwater, stormwater and condensate reuse solutions

Take advantage of free sources of clean water