Rainwater Harvesting: A Smart and Sustainable Use of Nature’s Gift

Collecting and Storing Rain

Rainwater harvesting is the practice of collecting and storing rain for reuse, rather than letting the water run off and be absorbed into the ground or channeled into drains, streams, or rivers. It is one of the easiest and most sustainable ways to conserve water at home while also saving money and protecting the environment. In this blog post, I will explain how rainwater harvesting works, what are the benefits of doing it and how you can get started with your own rainwater harvesting system.

How Rainwater Harvesting Works

Rainwater harvesting works by capturing the rain that falls on a roof-like surface and redirecting it to a storage tank, cistern, well, aquifer, or reservoir. The stored water can then be used for various purposes, such as irrigation, flushing toilets, washing cars, or even drinking if properly treated³.

There are different ways to harvest rainwater depending on your needs and preferences. Some of the common methods are:

• Rain barrels: These are simple containers that collect rainwater from downspouts or gutters. They usually have a faucet or hose attachment at the bottom for easy access to the water. Rain barrels are inexpensive and easy to install and maintain, but they have a limited storage capacity and may not provide enough water for large-scale use¹.
• Dry systems: These are systems that use pipes or tubes to direct rainwater from the roof to a storage tank that is located away from the roof. The pipes or tubes are empty when it is not raining, hence the name dry systems. Dry systems can store more water than rain barrels and can be placed underground or above ground¹.
• Wet systems: These are systems that use pipes or tubes to direct rainwater from the roof to a storage tank that is located at a lower elevation than the roof. The pipes or tubes are always filled with water, hence the name wet systems. Wet systems can store more water than dry systems and can be placed underground or above ground, but they require more complex design and installation and may need pumps or filters to prevent contamination¹.
• Green roofs: These are roofs that are covered with vegetation that absorbs and filters rainwater. The excess water can be collected in tanks or drained into the ground. Green roofs can reduce storm water runoff, lower energy costs, improve air quality, and provide aesthetic and ecological benefits¹.

Why You Should Consider Installing Rainwater Harvesting Systems

There are many benefits of installing rainwater harvesting systems on your home, such as:

• Saving money: Rainwater harvesting can reduce or eliminate your dependence on municipal water supply, which means you can lower your water bills or even earn money by selling excess water back to the utility company. Depending on where you live, you may also qualify for state incentives and tax breaks that will help you pay for your rainwater harvesting system².
• Reducing your environmental impact: Rainwater harvesting can reduce your water consumption and prevent water wastage. By using rainwater instead of tap water, you can also avoid using chemicals such as chlorine and fluoride that are added to municipal water supply. Moreover, by collecting rainwater, you can reduce stormwater runoff that can cause erosion, flooding, and pollution².
• Increasing your water security: Rainwater harvesting can provide you with a reliable source of water that is not affected by droughts, water shortages, or water restrictions. You can also pair your rainwater harvesting system with a filtration or purification system that will ensure the quality and safety of your water².

How to Get Started with Your Rainwater Harvesting Project

If you are interested in installing a rainwater harvesting system on your home, here are some steps that you can follow:

• Do some research: Learn more about how rainwater harvesting works, what are the different types of systems and components, how much water you need and how much it will cost. You can use online tools such as calculators and estimators to get an idea of your potential savings and return on investment².
• Find a reputable installer: Look for a certified and experienced rainwater harvesting installer who can provide you with a free consultation, a customized design and a detailed quote for your system. You can also compare different installers based on their reviews, ratings and references².
• Choose a financing option: There are various ways to pay for your rainwater harvesting system, such as cash, loans, leases or grants. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on your budget, preferences and goals. You should consult with your installer and a financial advisor to find the best option for you².
• Install your system: Once you have signed a contract with your installer, they will take care of everything from permitting to powering on. The installation process usually takes one to three days depending on the size and complexity of your system².
• Monitor your system: After your system is installed, you can monitor its performance and output using online platforms or mobile apps. You can also check your monthly statements from your utility company or your rainwater harvesting provider to see how much water you are producing and consuming².

I hope this blog post has given you some useful information about rainwater harvesting and how it can benefit you and the planet. 

Thank you for reading and happy harvesting!

Source:

(1) Rainwater harvesting - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainwater_harvesting.

(2) Rainwater Harvesting: A Beginner’s Guide - Treehugger. https://www.treehugger.com/beginners-guide-to-rainwater-harvesting-5089884.

(3) Rainwater Harvesting 101 | Your How-To Collect Rainwater Guide. https://www.watercache.com/education/rainwater-harvesting-101.

(4) Rainwater harvesting system | Description, Uses, Quality .... https://www.britannica.com/technology/rainwater-harvesting-system.

(5) Rainwater harvesting: methods and advantages | Homes & Gardens. https://www.homesandgardens.com/advice/rainwater-harvesting.

Image Attribution: SuSanA Secretariat, Rainwater harvesting tank (5981896147), CC BY 2.0

Watch this Video to Learn more about Rain Harvesting.

Do you have any feedback or suggestions? We would love to hear from you.

If you enjoyed this blog post, please share it with your friends and leave a comment below