Greenhouses and Fruiting Rooms

SUMMARY

Fluctuating rainfall and increasing water demand place strain on traditional water sources, including wells, which can run low during dry seasons or periods of high usage. As greenhouses and fruiting room farms rely on tightly controlled climates to produce high-value crops, rainwater harvesting presents a sustainable, cost-effective, and ecologically responsible solution. By capturing and storing rainwater from greenhouse roofs or adjacent structures, growers can reduce utility costs, ensure consistent water quality, and enhance environmental performance, while complimenting the precise control needed for high-efficiency farming operations.

Challenges

• High-frequency watering schedules requiring reliable, clean water

• Sensitivity to water quality (pH, minerals, pathogens) in enclosed systems

• High costs of municipal water (or backup) in large-scale operations

• Strict humidity control to prevent mold, mildew, and fungal outbreaks

• Well water backup storage is unreliable for a non-potable water truck to come and drop off the water as needed

Opportunities

• Capture and store rainwater from greenhouse rooftops for irrigation and cleaning

• Filter rainwater to meet purity standards for sensitive crops

• Reduce reliance on municipal water supplies and lower monthly costs

• Integrate rainwater systems into broader sustainability certifications (LEED, Organic, etc.)

• Reuse water in nutrient delivery systems with proper treatment and regulation

Solutions

• Install rooftop catchment systems with UV filtration and pre-treatment, combined with underground cisterns to maximize space efficiency and collect rainwater all year round

• Incorporate water pump output with fertigation systems for efficient nutrient delivery

• Incorporate connection for non-potable water truck to connect to and drop off water as needed for backup supply

• Monitor water quality and temperature with sensors

• Connect systems to automated controls to support 24/7 environmental consistency