Preface
This is the first edition of CSA B805/ICC 805, Rainwater harvesting systems.
In recent years, model plumbing codes, like the International Plumbing Code and the National Plumbing Code of Canada, have begun adding information on the collection of rainwater for use onsite as an alternative water source. Similarly, model green building codes, standards, and rating systems now contain requirements pertaining to the collection and harvesting of rainwater. However, there has been a continued need for a comprehensive set of detailed parameters that addressed the design and installation of the diverse range of potable and non-potable systems. Code officials responsible for inspecting these systems have consistently cited a need for more detailed design parameters to ensure systems are designed and installed in a way that protects the health and safety of users. Therefore, this Standard has been developed to meet this need for information with the hope that it will lead to the safe and effective expansion of the use of rainwater harvesting systems.
Modern rainwater harvesting systems have not yet become commonplace in much of North America. Yet, in many locations with constrained or contaminated sources, interest in the use of rainwater harvesting systems for both potable and non-potable use has grown in recent years. Many jurisdictions, however, lacking detailed system design criteria, have moved slowly to embrace rainwater harvesting systems due to their need to ensure crucial water quality is protected. This Standard seeks to make it easier for jurisdictions to accept and approve rainwater harvesting systems on a much wider scale than has previously been possible. It provides a framework for both designers and code officials to confidently implement systems that meet the intent of the building, plumbing, health, and even fire codes.
The ICC Board approved the filing of ANSI Project Initiation Notification System (PINS) in 2011 to develop a standard, which ultimately was entitled Rainwater harvesting systems. The announcement of the new PINS appeared in the April 1, 2011 edition of the ANSI Standards Action.
In April 2013, CSA Group issued a Notice of Intent to develop a new standard that covers rainwater harvesting systems.
Later in 2013, CSA Group and ICC entered into an agreement with the objective of developing common Canadian and US technical requirements for single-family residential applications; multi-family residential applications; and non-residential applications. As a result of this, an innovative joint committee structure was used for the technical committee, with a balance of Canadian and US members. This joint technical committee operated under both the CSA SCC-accredited and ICC ANSI- accredited standard development procedures. This eliminates the need for time-consuming harmonization efforts after publication while producing a document that can be more readily implemented in both countries. The collaboration between CSA Group and ICC created an unprecedented opportunity to bring together new stakeholders interested in rainwater, green technologies, and the environment from both sides of the border. It is a model for future collaboration between SCC-accredited and ANSI-accredited standard development organizations in North America.
This Standard has been developed in compliance with Standards Council of Canada requirements for National Standards of Canada. It has been published as a National Standard of Canada by CSA Group.
Scope
1.1 Inclusions
1.1.1 Applicability
The provisions of this Standard apply to the design, materials, installation, and operation of rainwater harvesting systems for potable and non-potable applications.
1.1.2 Source waters
This Standard covers the use of rainwater and stormwater as the source water.
Note: Rainwater includes all forms of water from natural precipitation including but not limited to rain, snowmelt, etc. The term rainwater harvesting is used generically in this Standard and can refer to harvesting of either roof runoff or stormwater.
1.1.3 Applications
This Standard covers rainwater harvesting systems that provide water for
a) single-family residential applications;
b) multi-residential applications; and
c) non-residential applications.
1.2 Exclusions
This Standard does not cover
a) rainwater harvesting systems that provide water for
i) process water systems for industrial or manufacturing purposes; and
ii) water distribution systems for commercial agricultural processes; and
b) collection of surface water.
1.3 Terminology
In this Standard, shall is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the Standard; should is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and may is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Standard.
Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements.
Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.
1.4 Units of measurement
The values given in SI units are the units of record for the purposes of this Standard. U.S. customary units given in parentheses are for information and comparison only.
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