Harvesting rainwater is an ancient practice that modern-day homesteaders or agriculturists can use for various purposes in their homes or gardens. The process requires minimal oversight and effort and can help individuals save on their water bills.
Rainwater Harvesting Guide For Beginners
Harvesting rainwater is an ancient practice that modern-day homesteaders or agriculturists can use for various purposes in their homes or gardens. The process requires minimal oversight and effort and can help individuals save on their water bills.
How Does Rainwater Harvesting Work?
Rainwater harvesting is the act of gathering rainwater to be stored rather than allowing for it to naturally run off. The practice of rainwater harvesting dates back to over 4,000 years ago in the Middle East to aid in crop irrigation. Today, collecting rainwater is a beneficial way for homeowners to preserve water resources - and even save on their water bills.
Some states, such as Virginia and Rhode Island, not only urge citizens to harvest rainwater but actually offer incentives in the form of rebates or state-provided rain barrels. A basic rainwater collection system includes a mode of directing rain into a collection device; for example, using gutters to direct rainwater into a barrel.
This simple method of rainwater collection does not include filtration, so its best functions would include watering a garden, fire suppression, washing a car, or for gray water use (such as toilet bowl water). However, for rainwater with more functionality, a more complex rainwater harvesting system can include filtration or treatment devices, such as UV lights or chlorination.
How Much Rainwater Can You Collect?
For an area that receives 10-inches of rainfall per year, it is possible to collect up to 6,000 gallons of rainwater per year. To estimate how much rainwater you could expect to harvest, it is beneficial to look up the average amount of precipitation in your location.
The amount of rainwater that you can collect is calculated by the following formula: 1″ of rain x 1 sq. ft. = 0.623 gallons. It's worth noting that the average rain barrel holds 55 gallons of rainfall, while the average American uses 82 gallons per day.
So, to use a rain barrel for total elimination of the need for tap water, it would be best to purchase multiple barrels or a tank with a larger capacity. The price for a rainfall harvesting system can vary from $3,000 to $20,000, depending on the size of the tank and the level of filtration desired. In order to determine what size tank will be necessary and what type of filtration you will need (if any), it is best to assess your intended purpose for the rainfall collection system.
The Best Ways To Harvest Rainwater
There are methods to rainwater harvesting that range from complex to more beginner-friendly. And while anyone is capable of installing one, it's important to check regional laws regarding rainfall collection. In some states, like Colorado and Illinois, there are quantitative restrictions in place on rainfall collection.
A common mode of collecting rain is using surface area that you already have; your roof. By using gutters or a downspout from your roof, you can direct rainfall into your selected rainfall collection device. Using a decorative rain chain is another option to aid in diverting rain to your cistern or barrel. Most people will opt to use a rain barrel because they are generally more affordable than a tank. You can even ask a local food distributor if they have any used food-grade barrels that you could take off their hands.
As long as a barrel is food grade and is only used to store food, it is an acceptable barrel to harvest rainwater. This is a very affordable beginner-friendly option; however, spending a little extra money on a rain barrel can include a filter to keep debris out of your water supply.
Benefits And Uses Of Rainwater Collection
A single inch of rain over a 2,000 sq ft roof could produce up to 1,000 gallons of harvested water in a single rain event. The benefits of collecting rainwater are undeniable, even in areas with low precipitation rates. By harvesting rainfall in an area experiencing drought, it's beneficial to have any amount of water stored.
Harvesting rainfall also helps to prevent erosion, reducing demand on freshwater supply and preventing flooding in low-lying areas. In addition to preserving our water resources, homeowners with rainwater harvesting systems can qualify for tax breaks and save money on their water bills.
Rainwater can be used in a multitude of ways, for example, filling swimming pools, gardening and landscaping, watering livestock, car and pet washing, bird baths, fountains, and emergency water, such as fire suppression. But the uses of rainwater aren't limited to the outdoors. Some indoor uses for harvested rainfall include toilet and utility sink use, filling baths, showers, or hot tubs, and even using in washing machines or dishwashers.
Key Takeaways
- You can modify existing gutters and downspouts to direct rainfall into a harvesting barrel or cistern.
- Rain chains are an attractive and functional option for directing your rainfall.
- If you are going to use a standard food-grade barrel, ensure that it was never used for soap or petroleum products and has only ever been used for food storage.
- For an area that receives 10-inches of rainfall per year, it is possible to collect up to 6,000 gallons of rainwater per year.
- Harvesting rainfall can reduce erosion, preserve groundwater resources, and prevent floods in low-lying areas.
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How Does Rainwater Harvesting Work?
Rainwater harvesting is the act of gathering rainwater to be stored rather than allowing for it to naturally run off. The practice of rainwater harvesting dates back to over 4,000 years ago in the Middle East to aid in crop irrigation. Today, collecting rainwater is a beneficial way for homeowners to preserve water resources - and even save on their water bills.
Some states, such as Virginia and Rhode Island, not only urge citizens to harvest rainwater but actually offer incentives in the form of rebates or state-provided rain barrels. A basic rainwater collection system includes a mode of directing rain into a collection device; for example, using gutters to direct rainwater into a barrel.
This simple method of rainwater collection does not include filtration, so its best functions would include watering a garden, fire suppression, washing a car, or for gray water use (such as toilet bowl water). However, for rainwater with more functionality, a more complex rainwater harvesting system can include filtration or treatment devices, such as UV lights or chlorination.
How Much Rainwater Can You Collect?
For an area that receives 10-inches of rainfall per year, it is possible to collect up to 6,000 gallons of rainwater per year. To estimate how much rainwater you could expect to harvest, it is beneficial to look up the average amount of precipitation in your location.
The amount of rainwater that you can collect is calculated by the following formula: 1″ of rain x 1 sq. ft. = 0.623 gallons. It's worth noting that the average rain barrel holds 55 gallons of rainfall, while the average American uses 82 gallons per day.
So, to use a rain barrel for total elimination of the need for tap water, it would be best to purchase multiple barrels or a tank with a larger capacity. The price for a rainfall harvesting system can vary from $3,000 to $20,000, depending on the size of the tank and the level of filtration desired. In order to determine what size tank will be necessary and what type of filtration you will need (if any), it is best to assess your intended purpose for the rainfall collection system.
The Best Ways to Harvest Rainwater
There are methods to rainwater harvesting that range from complex to more beginner-friendly. And while anyone is capable of installing one, it's important to check regional laws regarding rainfall collection. In some states, like Colorado and Illinois, there are quantitative restrictions in place on rainfall collection.
A common mode of collecting rain is using surface area that you already have; your roof. By using gutters or a downspout from your roof, you can direct rainfall into your selected rainfall collection device. Using a decorative rain chain is another option to aid in diverting rain to your cistern or barrel. Most people will opt to use a rain barrel because they are generally more affordable than a tank. You can even ask a local food distributor if they have any used food-grade barrels that you could take off their hands.
As long as a barrel is food grade and is only used to store food, it is an acceptable barrel to harvest rainwater. This is a very affordable beginner-friendly option; however, spending a little extra money on a rain barrel can include a filter to keep debris out of your water supply.
Benefits and Uses of Rainwater Collection
A single inch of rain over a 2,000 sq ft roof could produce up to 1,000 gallons of harvested water in a single rain event. The benefits of collecting rainwater are undeniable, even in areas with low precipitation rates. By harvesting rainfall in an area experiencing drought, it's beneficial to have any amount of water stored.
Harvesting rainfall also helps to prevent erosion, reducing demand on freshwater supply and preventing flooding in low-lying areas. In addition to preserving our water resources, homeowners with rainwater harvesting systems can qualify for tax breaks and save money on their water bills.
Rainwater can be used in a multitude of ways, for example, filling swimming pools, gardening and landscaping, watering livestock, car and pet washing, bird baths, fountains, and emergency water, such as fire suppression. But the uses of rainwater aren't limited to the outdoors. Some indoor uses for harvested rainfall include toilet and utility sink use, filling baths, showers, or hot tubs, and even using in washing machines or dishwashers.
Key Takeaways
- You can modify existing gutters and downspouts to direct rainfall into a harvesting barrel or cistern.
- Rain chains are an attractive and functional option for directing your rainfall.
- If you are going to use a standard food-grade barrel, ensure that it was never used for soap or petroleum products and has only ever been used for food storage.
- For an area that receives 10-inches of rainfall per year, it is possible to collect up to 6,000 gallons of rainwater per year.
- Harvesting rainfall can reduce erosion, preserve groundwater resources, and prevent floods in low-lying areas.
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