Collecting your own rainwater is a great way to save this valuable resource. A simple rainwater collection system collects rainwater from your roof or other surface and channels it into a storage container.
Rainwater is generally clean, but when it hits your roof, it can pick up microorganisms, pollutants, and debris. This is why systems for using rainwater inside your home frequently include filtration or other safety measures.
Because the water is typically used outside, outdoor rainwater collection systems do not require as much treatment.
A repurposed old garbage can is one of the simplest rain collectors to make. If you want a larger system, you can install a rainwater cistern.
- Cooking and drinking:
Rainwater can be of very high quality for human consumption. It’s relatively pure and free of chlorine and other chemicals that are commonly used to sanitize city tap water. The issue begins when rainwater collects on roofs or other dirty surfaces. Installing a filtration system, boiling, or distilling the water can make rainwater safe to drink. Some systems can also directly collect clean rainwater for drinking purposes.
- Laundry and bathing:
In the United States, washing clothes accounts for approximately 22% of indoor water use. Showers consume 17% of the time, while baths consume 2%. If you used harvested rainwater for all of these, you could cut your municipal water consumption by more than 40%. You can use either treated or untreated rainwater depending on how clean you want your washing water to be.
- Taking care of lawns, gardens, and houseplants:
Rainwater is designed to water plants and can be used in both indoor and outdoor gardens. Rainwater in watering cans can be used to water plants by hand. Any rainwater storage tanks can also be directly connected to an automatic irrigation system.
Passive water conservation and collection systems in your soil are also beneficial. Plant garden beds along the edges of your driveway or at the bottom of a hill to benefit from the natural movement of water. In addition, to catch any excess runoff, try planting a raingarden at the ends of your eaves troughs.
- Composting:
Water is required for proper compost pile decomposition. Water your compost along with the rest of your garden. Rainwater can also be used to make compost tea. Home Composting Made Simple describes a simple method for making compost tea.
- Wildlife, pets, and livestock water:
You can use recycled rainwater to fill birdbaths, troughs, and other wildlife-friendly containers. It is generally safe for pets and livestock to drink or bathe in, particularly if you have a method for collecting clean rainwater directly.
- Water features and ponds outside:
It can be filtered for use in fountains or other water features with clogged pumps. Otherwise, any type of collected water can be used to fill outdoor ponds and pools.
- Vegetable Rinsing:
Dirty rainwater is ideal for rinsing fresh vegetables from your garden, particularly root vegetables. Fill a large bucket halfway with it, then add carrots, potatoes, beets, or other hard vegetables and swish them together to loosen the soil.
- Vehicle and equipment cleaning:
Another great use for untreated water is washing outdoor items. Cars, garden tools, lawnmowers, tractors, and even your driveway and sides are all excellent candidates.
- Fire safety:
If you live in a wildfire-prone area, a rainwater catchment system with a large storage tank may provide you with additional protection. Install a good pump as well so that you can get to the water quickly if necessary.
To read our blog on “Rainfall this month will be “above-normal,” according to PMD,” click here