A rainwater collection system is an excellent way to collect rainwater and store it for later use. It can be used to water plants, wash cars, and even shower. Having a rainwater collection system can also save you money, as it is free to collect and use, and it can reduce the stresses placed on your area’s main water supply.
Installing a basic rainwater collection system isn’t difficult, although there are certain elements, like the barrel or tank, that should be bought from a store. Even when purchased, however, the cost of buying and installing a basic rainwater harvesting system is often quite low. It is also worth keeping in mind that collecting rainwater is a sustainable practice and is often tax deductible.
Before you install a rainwater collection system, however, there are several factors you should consider first. You will need to know how much water you will need, what type of barrel or tank you should buy, and exactly how you are going to collect the rainwater. Let’s look at each of these factors in more detail.
Assessing Your Needs
The first step in installing a rainwater collection system is to accurately assess your water needs. Rainwater collection is not typically suitable for drinking, so it is important to know how much water you actually need for all the other uses. Assessing the volume of water used for other purposes, such as gardening, washing cars, or other cleaning purposes, should be the primary focus.
Factors such as the size of your roof, the amount of rain in your area and the amount of water needed for your household should all be taken into consideration when assessing your water needs. Additionally, you should check with local authorities to ensure that the stormwater you are collecting is not running off any contaminated surfaces or into any storm drains.
Choosing the Right System
The next step is to decide what kind of rainwater collection system you should install. An above-ground system, such as a barrel or tank, is the best way to start collecting rainwater. It is easy to install and usually quite affordable, and it can hold enough water for smaller households or gardens.
For larger households or gardens, you may want to consider a below-ground system, such as a water tank or cistern. While these systems can cost more to install, they can hold much more water and, if managed properly, can last hundreds of years.
If you live in an area with frequent rains, you may also want to consider a more advanced system, such as a gutter, rain garden, or green roof. These systems are more complicated to install, but they can be more efficient in terms of water storage and usage.
Gathering Your Equipment
Once you have taken into consideration your water needs and the type of system you want to install, the next step is to gather the equipment you will need. It is best to buy the different elements from a store to ensure they fit together properly. Depending on your system, you may need:
- A barrel or tank
- A rainwater diverter
- A spout or tap
- Gutters and downspouts
- Filtering materials, such as sand and charcoal
Installation
Once you’ve gathered all of the necessary equipment, installation is the next step. You may want to look for installation guides online or contact a professional for installation support if needed. Rainwater collection systems can range from very simple to complex installations. However, if you have the proper equipment and follow the instructions correctly, you can have your rainwater collection system up and running in no time.
Conclusion
Installing a rainwater collection system is a great way to reduce the stress placed on your area’s water supply and save money. With the right equipment and installation process, having a system up and running in no time is no longer a difficult task.