Sustainable West Seattle is excited to announce the completion of a new 2500-gallon rainwater harvesting system at Pathfinder K-8 school that will be used to irrigate its extensive school garden. SWS was a significant part of this project, donating volunteer labor through school parent Bill Reiswig and through a small grant from SWS’s storm water project Tox-ick.org.
The newly-installed system harvests rainwater that falls on the metal roof of the school and stores it for future use. It has a 50+ gallon first-flush feature that removes potential pollutants from the water, and features an irrigation line that runs to a conveniently located hose-bib. The system is gravity-pressurized at this time, but could be modified in the future with a solar-powered pump.
The rainwater system is an essential piece in the growing Pathfinder school garden. The garden is designed with ecological principles and this system reflects that. Water harvested from the roof diverts stormwater from the City of Seattle’s sewer system, saves money and uses local water rather than water moved from a great distance. Water harvested in the winter and spring by this system can water vegetables grown in Seattle’s dry summers. The rainwater system represents a great learning opportunity for students in understanding our water cycle, the mathematics of rate and flow, and the ecological principles involved.
This system reflects the work of teachers, parents, and students thru Pathfinders Pathfinder’s K-8 “Earth Project”. The Earth Project is a collaboration between local non-profit Nature Consortium and Pathfinder teachers, parents, and greater community.
Bill Reiswig, Bruce Hostedder and Patrick Loderhose (both of EarthSystems NW) by the cistern they installed at Pathfinder School.
The project was funded through small garden and water grants from BECU, Whole Foods, and from local non-profit Sustainable West Seattle and it’s Tox-ick stormwater project.
The system was designed and installed by EarthSystems NW, who offer innovative and economical ideas for conserving and harnessing our most vital resource: water.
Bill Reiswig, Bruce Hostedder and Patrick Loderhose (both ESNW) installed the sytem in 5 days of work during the past couple of weeks. It is being recieved with excitement by the school, students and teachers.