“I’m pleased about the national attention on rainwater collection systems” said Stan Williams, CEO of Stanton Homes. “When homeowners are asked to conserve water, lawns and gardens can suffer. Rainwater harvesting systems allow for lawns to be watered, cars and driveways to be washed, and gardens to bloom – even in the middle of a drought.”
“Green Homes Special Series – Water Friendly Landscapes”, written by Bob Vila staff writer Maureen Blaney Flietner, underscores several ways to maintain a nicely landscaped home, even in areas with a short water supply. Rain gardens, native landscaping, low water landscaping, and irrigation using a rainwater harvesting system are all ways to stay “green” when there isn’t as much water, according to Flietner. The article noted that Raleigh custom home builder Stanton Homes offers rainwater collection systems in new homes, and described how a homeowner might plan for a rainwater system.
Raleigh has been under Stage 1 water restrictions since August 28, and as of February 15, the city has moved to Stage 2 restrictions, as rainfall levels continue to be lower than normal. Under these mandates, cars may be washed only at car washing facilities. No water may be used to wash sidewalks or driveways. No hand, sprinkler, or irrigation system watering will be allowed until Stage 2 restrictions are lifted.
Although surrounding cities, such as Cary and Holly Springs, are not as restricted, outdoor water use is still very limited until more rain falls, or city and state planners can come up with alternate water sources.
“It makes sense to install a rainwater system, especially in North Carolina where there are year-round rainstorms”, said Williams. “There are a lot of options – above ground or below; large or small. We work to educate home buyers on the kinds of systems that fit their requirements, and are prepared to install a wide variety of options.”
Stanton Homes offers rainwater collection systems for every home they build – included with select homes, and available as an option in all homes. They also provide free installation for any system added to a Stanton Home.
“We want to help homeowners cultivate a garden, grow a vibrant yard, and wash the car on a warm Saturday afternoon – no matter what kind of restrictions the weather brings,” said Williams.
A basic rainwater harvesting system includes a 550 gallon above-ground tank. Rain is collected from gutters, filtered, and stored in the tank. A hose is connected to the tank, and a small motorized pump allows hand or sprinkler watering. A small fence can be placed around the system at nominal cost for screening purposes.
Underground systems are also available with a new Stanton Home. Tanks range from 400-10,000 gallons, and many can support landscaping irrigation systems.
Rainwater collection systems are just one of the environmentally sound features offered by Stanton Homes, which also include Energy Star lighting packages and appliances, grey water reclamation systems, solar pathway and landscaping lights, and sealed and insulated crawlspaces.
“We believe in building exceptional living experiences, and that includes natural resource conservation,”
Read the Bob Vila story at http://www.bobvila.com/
About Stanton Homes
Stanton Homes builds exceptional living experiences, with its reknowned, spacious, inviting custom homes in the Raleigh/Triangle area.
http://www.StantonHomes.com
