FAQ Rainwater Systems on Salt Spring Island
Non-Potable Rainwater System Q and A
Q: Does installation require a building permit on Salt Spring Island?
A: It depends on your tank size and the features of your site. If situated as per this reference document, it is very likely that your tank would not require a building permit but it is always recommended to inquire at the Capital Regional District’s Building Office located above the post office in Ganges.
Q: What is debris and how can it affect my safe rainwater collection?
A: Debris is your nemesis if you are rainwater collector! It’s a great idea to use gutter guards and sealed 5″ diameter polyethylene piping wherever possible throughout your rainwater collection system.
Q: What are the benefits of collecting and using rainwater?
A: Benefits of Rainwater Harvesting: brought to you by the Capital Regional District.
Rainwater and Toilet Flushing
Q: Is dual plumbing required to flush a toilet with stored rainwater?
A: Yes. The stored rainwater is considered to be non-potable, and an entirely different plumbing system must be installed to bring the water from the storage tank to the toilets.
Q: To use rainwater for toilet flushing, does a homeowner have to change the plumbing from the toilet to the septage?
A: No. The drainage from the toilet remains “black water” and can be flushed to sewer or septic, as appropriate.
Q: What is not-permitted when installing a dual plumbing system in order to flush toilets with stored rainwater/greywater?
A: According to the BC Plumbing Code (2018) section 2.7.1.1, a non-potable water system shall not be connected to a potable water system.
More Q and A:
Islands Trust Conservancy – Rainwater Harvesting in the Gulf Islands of BC