Join Mariah and Tim Wilde for a 1-hour demonstration of their 4,700-gallon rainwater harvesting system.
Called "exemplary" by the Regional District of Nanaimo, the system includes a buried collection tank, two above-ground cisterns (1,700 gal and 3,000 gal), a sump pump and pressure tank, all of which supply rainwater to a large fruit and vegetable garden. Though grand in size, the system can be scaled down and lessons applied to any cistern-based system. (A cistern is simply a large tank for storing water - essentially a very large rain-barrel.)
If you've been thinking about installing a rainwater harvesting system yourself, the Regional District of Nanaimo is again offering a Rainwater Harvesting Rebate:
"This incentive program rebates up to $700 for a cistern that is rated for potable use and able to collect a minimum of 4,546 litres (1,000 imperial gallons) of rainwater. In addition, there is up to $300 available for other eligible collection system expenses such as transport piping, debris traps, filters and installation costs. [...] This makes a total of up to $1000 available per household for the purchase and installation of a rainwater harvesting system. [...] This rebate program is available to all residential landowners within the RDN, including electoral areas (A, B, C, E, F, G, H) and member municipalities (Nanaimo, Lantzville, Parksville, Qualicum Beach)."
Mariah and Tim used the District's rainwater harvesting rebate program when installing their first cistern and can speak to the cistern installation checklist, including demonstrating overflows, filters and freeze-protection.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
Demonstrators: Mariah Wilde & Tim Wilde, West Coast Plants
Event location: Join Mariah and Tim in the West Coast Plants garden at 790 Middlegate Rd, Errington, BC, V0R 1V0.
(near Parksville and Qualicum Beach)
