Greenhouses & Fruiting - Rainwater Harvesting & Cistern Installation Systems

We design, supply, and install rainwater collection and storage systems for greenhouses, orchards, vineyards, and berry growers. Our underground and insulated above-ground cisterns, filtration, pumping, and controls provide dependable water for irrigation, fertigation make-up, mist/fog, washdown, and frost-event readiness, helping growers manage drought, water restrictions, and rising municipal costs.

Applications

• Greenhouse irrigation (ebb/flow, drip, spray, mist)

• Fruiting crops: orchards, vineyards, berries, high tunnels

• Fertigation make-up water and tank farm integration

• Frost mitigation support (water availability for events)

• Washdown and equipment cleaning

• Stormwater capture & detention to reduce peak discharge/fees

Our Services

• Cisterns: underground PE/fiberglass/concrete or insulated above-ground tanks (15,000–150,000+ US gal)

• Collection: roof drains, first-flush/diverters, debris and leaf screening

• Filtration & treatment: mesh/basket screens, centrifugal or cartridge, media filters; UV or chemical disinfection as needed

• Pumping & controls: duty/standby pumps, VFDs, level & flow sensors, EC/pH monitoring tie-ins, fertigation skids interface

• Design & approvals: drawings, submittals, control narratives, labeling & backflow protection

• Installation & commissioning: turnkey install, testing, training, O&M

• Service plans: seasonal inspection, tank cleaning, performance verification

Technical Notes (typical)

• Source: roof runoff prioritized; yard drainage optional with added treatment

• Sizing: rainfall yield, crop evapotranspiration (ET), irrigation window, and turnover for water age control

• Water quality: match filter grade to emitters; disinfection level based on crop sensitivity and reuse loop

• Controls: auto switchover to city/well backup, low-level interlocks, trend logs & alarms (BMS/SCADA ready)

• Cold weather: underground preferred; above-ground systems insulated/enclosed with heat tracing where required

Outcomes for Growers

• Reduce municipal water purchases and stormwater fees

• Stabilize irrigation supply during drought/restrictions

• Support crop quality & yield with consistent water

• Contribute to ESG/LEED and sustainability reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

How big should a cistern be for a greenhouse or orchard?

Many projects land between 25,000–150,000 US gallons, sized from roof area, irrigation rate, hours/day of watering, and desired storage days. Larger orchards/vineyards often combine multiple tanks.

Is rainwater suitable for fertigation?

Yes, rainwater is typically low in hardness and salts. We align filtration/disinfection with emitter size, fertigation skid specs, and crop sensitivity. EC/pH monitoring points can be integrated.

Can I mix rainwater with well or municipal supply?

Absolutely. We design blending and automatic backup with cross-connection protection and clear labeling.

How do you handle winter operation?

Underground tanks operate year-round. Above-ground systems use insulation, enclosure, and heat tracing; exposed lines and valves are protected and monitored.

Book a grower consultation

Request a greenhouse/orchard site review and preliminary sizing.
Email: Andrew@BlueBearWaterworks.ca