Giancarlo DiFranco
Case Western Reserve University - Weatherhead School of Management
ILMA BARROS POSE
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Rain Brothers is an installer of rainwater harvesting systems for residential and commercial use. Their installations range from single rain barrels to cisterns that can hold tens of thousands of gallons of water. The company was founded 11 years ago by Johnathan Meier & Gordy Smith in Columbus, OH with the goal of providing sustainable access and use of water throughout the state of Ohio. Rain Brothers meets the UN Global Goals of clean water and sanitation through the systems, but also contributes to the goals of sustainable cities and communities and responsible consumption.
Specifically, the company has recently worked with the Family Ministry Center in downtown Cleveland to provide a catchment system of 22,000 gallons, which in turn is used to irrigate a community garden. This provides members of the center with valuable education on food and water use.
Johnathan finds the most fulfillment in his projects throughout rural Ohio where access to clean water is becoming increasingly limited. Although wells can be successfully dug throughout most of Ohio, many wells are no longer viable as a result of droughts, low water table, and chemical infiltration from abandoned mines. In these instances rainwater is the only practical alternative if residents wish to remain in these locations.
Johnathan described a project for an 80 year old client who was without water for three months. His only access was provided by family and friends delivering it in five gallon pails. By installing a cistern that collects water from the roof and filtering it appropriately, it has become a source for all of his daily needs. According to Johnathan, “Most of the systems we install in these settings are only 5500 gallons, which is enough to provide monthly water usage for a family of four.”
While these types of projects provide a direct impact for local residents, Rain Brothers also offers commercial systems to help businesses become more sustainable and conserve water resources. Working with Pilot Dogs, Inc, an organization that trains guide dogs, Rain Brothers developed, designed, and installed a 16,500 gallon rain water harvesting system. The non-potable water is used to wash down the kennels, saving thousands of gallons of clean drinking water each year.
“Catching rainwater is a versatile, easy solution to the growing threat of water shortage. Though it is our most precious resource, it is often overlooked in favor of other, more trendy sustainability initiatives.” Through their mission to conserve water, the Rain Brothers are providing the community with an alternative for clean drinking water and promoting a culture of sustainability.
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Johnathan Meier, Rain Brothers, LLC
