Ever thought about harvesting rainwater?
It’s easier than you might think and comes with big benefits. From saving on water bills to helping the environment, there are plenty of reasons to start now.
Curious to learn more?
Read on and see why you should start harvesting rainwater as soon as possible!
What Is Rainwater Harvesting?
Rainwater harvesting involves capturing and storing rainfall for later use. You collect it in a barrel or a tank from your roof by using pipes and gutters. This practice is ancient, with roots in the Indus Valley, ancient Rome, Brazil, and China. Nowadays, with water restrictions becoming more common, there’s a growing interest in this old technique. More households are starting to collect rainwater again.
Perks of Collecting Rainwater
Harvesting rainwater offers several benefits, appealing to homeowners, eco-enthusiasts, and gardeners. If you hook up your rainwater tank to a drip irrigation system, you can water your garden effortlessly. With a proper filtration system, you can also use rainwater for your livestock, toilet flushing, cooking, and even your own drinking needs.
Benefits
Enhanced Plant Health
Rainwater benefits plants because it lacks chlorine and fluorides, which can accumulate and hinder absorption.Water Conservation
Utilizing collected rainwater conserves municipal supplies and serves as a sustainable option in areas with frequent restrictions.Emergency Supply
Having your rainwater supply ensures you have water available when municipal supplies are depleted or restricted.Reduced Bills
By using rainwater for tasks such as irrigating plants, flushing toilets, and washing clothes and dishes, you can significantly lower your water bills.
Considerations
Collecting rainwater, despite its advantages, does come with challenges.
Initial Investment: The setup cost for a rainwater collection system can be high. Regular maintenance is essential to keep the water clean and safe.
Usage Limitations: Rainwater requires proper filtration before it’s safe for drinking, which can increase the system’s overall cost.
Things To Consider Before Harvesting Rainwater
Initial Cost: Setting up a rainwater harvesting system can be expensive. The price varies based on the type and complexity of the system you choose.
Space: Storage tanks or rain barrels occupy a lot of space. Make sure you have enough room to accommodate them.
Maintenance: Regular maintenance is required to keep the system functioning well. This includes cleaning pipes, gutters, tanks, and filters to ensure the water remains free from contaminants.
Filtration: If you plan to use rainwater for drinking, installing a filtration system is essential. This will add to the initial cost but is necessary for safety.
How To Do It
Setting up a rainwater harvesting system can be simple or complex, depending on your needs and DIY skills. Below are some ideas to help you get started:
Rooftop Harvesting: Collect rainwater from your roof using gutters and pipes. Direct it into a large tank or cistern.
Rain Barrels: Place a barrel below your downspout to collect rainwater. This is a simple and cost-effective method.
Rainwater Tanks: Invest in large tanks or cisterns to store significant amounts of water. These are pricier but useful for your entire household.
Underground Tanks: Bury a large tank or cistern and collect rainwater underground. Ideal for high water demand and commercial use.
Rain Gardens: Design a garden that uses plants and soil to capture, hold, and purify rainwater. This also adds beauty to your property.
Dry System: In this setup, rainwater funnels through gutters into the tank, and the gutters dry out between storms.
Wet System: Here, the gutters remain full of water, as the collection tank or cistern is far from where the rain is collected, often underground.
Explore which method suits your water needs and budget, and enjoy the benefits of harvesting rainwater!
Post-Harvesting Care
Rainwater Cleaning
Once you have collected rainwater, you can use it for activities like flushing toilets, watering plants, and cleaning surfaces without purifying it. However, for drinking or cooking, you must properly purify it since it can contain germs, chemicals, or debris.
Boiling is a straightforward way to eliminate harmful microorganisms. It won’t remove chemicals or toxins, but it will make the water safer to use.
Filtration involves using complex systems like carbon or ceramic filters to remove some germs and chemicals. Simple filters, such as cloth, will only get rid of visible debris. Keep in mind that more advanced systems might not eliminate all viruses and bacteria.
Distillation involves boiling water until it evaporates and then condensing it back. This method removes most contaminants, including chemicals and germs, making the water quite safe.
Chemical Treatment, which usually means adding iodine or chlorine, kills bacteria and other germs in the water. This method doesn’t remove chemicals and toxins and may not work against all parasites.
UV Treatment employs ultraviolet light to kill germs. This is a popular choice for homes with private water sources like wells. While effective against microorganisms, it doesn’t remove chemical contaminants.
Consider using gutter guards or screens to prevent debris from entering your collection system in the first place. This step can help keep your rainwater cleaner and reduce the workload for your purification methods.
It’s essential to choose the right purification method based on your water quality and intended use. Mix and match these techniques as needed to ensure your rainwater is safe and clean.
Is Rainwater Harvesting Legal?
Rainwater harvesting enjoys legality in most US states, but there are exceptions. States like Colorado, Nevada, Utah, Illinois, and Arkansas enforce strict regulations on the practice. The government in many regions not only allows rainwater collection but actively supports it.
Texas even stands out by offering tax incentives and sales tax exemptions on equipment for rainwater harvesting. This reflects a broader trend where local policies aim to promote sustainable water practices. Generally, if you’re planning to set up a rainwater harvesting system, it’s a good idea to check your local laws to see if any specific guidelines or benefits apply.