Ole Errson’s 1500 gallon above ground cistern captures 29,000 gallons of stormwater each year from his 1200 square foot roof. Errson was also the first person to receive a city permit to use rainwater they’ve collected for showers, toilets, cooking, laundry, and irrigation. From September through June the Errson family relies almost entirely on rainwater for household use, thanks to a system of microbial filters, ultraviolet light sterilizers, and periodic cleaning and testing. Photo courtesy of Ole Errson.
Location: 3029 SE 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97202
Case study: Rainwater Harvesting and Purification System