Rainwater Harvesting in Onondaga County
Bruce Wanlass, PE, LEED-AP, Principal Engineer, C&S Engineers
Maggie Edelstein, RLA, LEED-AP, ISA Cert. Arborist, Landscape Architect, C&S Engineers
John Williams, Jr., Plumbing Control Supervisor, Onondaga County Water Environment Protection
ABSTRACT
The presentation will focus on three to four rainwater harvesting projects right here in Onondaga County
and explain why rainwater harvesting makes sense in the Northeast even though we don't experience the
water shortages that affect drier parts of the country. Each project will be reviewed from concept, through
design, construction and final operation by the building owner. Methodologies for calculating available
rainwater, sizing storage cisterns, treatment systems and pumping systems will be described. The three
most common rainwater storage and treatment systems will be reviewed and the benefits of each will be
presented. Unique challenges encountered during the design, construction & operation for each project
will be presented and solutions will be discussed.
Current NYS Code requirements will be reviewed, along with potential changes to the greywater code on
the horizon, as well as Onondaga County Plumbing Controls inspection and interaction with the design
professional and owner. Real world impacts on Onondaga County's combined sanitary/storm system due
to decreased storm water flow will be discussed.
Funding sources for rainwater harvesting projects will be presented, along with the process involved in
applying for funding.
BIOGRAPHIES
Bruce W. Wanlass has more than 30 years of experience in mechanical engineering with expertise in
project management, design and construction management. The majority of his career has been devoted
to design of mechanical systems for educational, municipal, healthcare, commercial and industrial
projects. His focus over the second half of his career has been on incorporating sustainability into all
aspects of the projects he manages.
John Williams, Jr. is the Plumbing Control Supervisor for Onondaga County Water Environment
Protection. He has 39 years of experience in the heating and plumbing trade and served as the Code
Enforcement Official for the Village of Camillus for 6 years.
Maggie D. Edelstein is a landscape architect and certified arborist with more than fifteen years of
experience in landscape design, project management, horticultural management, and cost estimating.
She also serves as a sustainability consultant and LEED Administrator.