What is a RainGrid IR3 System?
The Intelligent Rain Retention and Reuse (IR3) Systems are private property-based networks of rain harvesting cisterns/ blue roofs installed to eliminate rooftop runoff. IR3 delivers reliable stormwater source control for groundwater recharge, potable water offset or flood/drought resilience.
RainGrid’s cloud-based SaaS monitors real-time weather and cistern sensors manage runoff volume, capture rates and storage rates and optimizes drainage to achieve water balance objectives. The interactive RainGird dashboard visualizes and analyzes real-time operational data on individual property operations and network-wide utilities.
How do you achieve net zero stormwater runoff?
Rooftops are the prime source of stormwater runoff. Rooftops are approximately 60% of total city impermeable area, and residential rooftops account for about 47% of total impermeable area.
IR3 is a low-cost-effective to conventional urban stormwater management that reduces restoration costs while also producing data that can generate ecosystem credits.
How much rain can an IR3 System retain?
IR3 systems are typically sized to store a minimum of 35-45mm storm event – about 90-95% of annual average runoff from residential and small IC&I rooftops. The smart Blu Roofs for commercial rooftops can effectively replace 100% of stormwater management.
Where does the water go?
IoT controllers automate drainage valve/pump operation to ensure maximum cistern/roof retention for groundwater recharge or property-based reuse.
There are several discharge options with the IR3 system: overflows and automated cisterns drainage can discharge for groundwater/ aquifer recharge; connected to irrigation systems for lawn or garden watering to offset municipal supply, or the water can be filtered for reuse in toilets and other non-potable fixtures within the building.
What are the environmental outcomes?
It is the hot, fast and dirty stormwater that pollutes more than any other source of water contamination, globally. Usable rain from your roof is typically left to run wild in the streets, flooding and causing sewer backups as they are mostly unmanaged and when it is, it is mostly done by conventional, costly piped means.
By contrast, in wet weather, IR3 systems maintain urban watershed balance by significantly reducing peak runoff. This may be the best way to prevent erosion impacts on creeks and streams. Adding residential property runoff retention significantly contributes to TMDL discharge compliance.
Will the significant environmental benefits of RainGrid be recognized at the permit approval stage?
YES! IR3 Systems are recognized by the IWRA as a globally significant smart water technology for the achievement of the SDGs applicable to water, community, infrastructure and climate. IR3 is suitable for both post-disaster and preventative flood and drought resilience planning.
How is data generated?
In the process of solving stormwater runoff, Intelligent Rain Retention and Reuse (IR3) Systems generate data. LOTS of data: 6 minute increments of rainfall, cistern storage volume, temperature, barometric pressure, cistern water reuse, and even a handy five-day weather forecast. Then we communicate this data visualization and analytics through our web browser interface, my.RainGrid.com.
Who is the IR3 System for?
Property management companies, municipal utilities, and institutional properties can purchase or lease an IR3 system.
The modular system is designed to be scalable for building climate-resilient communities city-wide. The IR3 system can be installed for individual residential, institutional, and commercial properties.
Who operates the systems?
IR3 systems operate on a community-based public-private partnership (CBP3) model where infrastructure on private property will be installed by RainGrid and operated on behalf of the water utility. This model extends municipal infrastructure capacity to the 45-57% of gross impermeable area covered by residential and small commercial, private properties.