In climates with hot dry summers and rainy winters, it’s important to think about ways to protect our water supply throughout the year. Collecting rainwater is one way to help.

Most drinking water in the Santa Clara valley is drawn from groundwater supplies (aquifers) which are gradually replenished during the rainy season as water percolates into the ground. The challenge we face is that groundwater is being used more quickly than it can be replenished. When it rains in urban environments, much of the rainwater that would ordinarily soak into the soil to become groundwater is lost as runoff from buildings and paved surfaces.

Rainwater harvesting can help!

Rescue Rain

Rainwater harvesting with cisterns or backyard barrels rescues rainwater that would have been lost as runoff. It can then be stored for use at a later time, keeping valuable water within the watershed.

Restore Groundwater

As harvested rainwater used for landscape irrigation is gradually released into the soil during non-storm events, some of it also percolates into the ground to recharge vital groundwater supplies.

Reduce Water Demand

Using stored rainwater to irrigate landscaping also reduces the demand on limited municipal water supplies.

In many regions with dry climates such as California, rainwater collection is an essential part of using water wisely and planning for the future. Join Children’s Discovery Museum in making every drop count!

The Museum's rainwater harvesting system was designed by WaterSprout.