Have you ever wondered where all that water goes once it runs off your roof? Maybe you think that if only you saved a little from the last rainstorm, you could keep those flower pots watered on the front porch. When the drought restrictions are forcing you to let the lawn die.
Rainwater Catchment has been around for ages, but it is rarely used here in the USA. However, as droughts become longer, summers hotter and rain storms fewer and far between many people are wondering how they can make use of what little does fall.
So what is rainwater catchment? “The rainwater cisternis historically an underground basin of water, but it can also be an above ground barrel or tank. Much like an artificial well, cisterns are used to make sure that water is not contaminated nor suffers from evaporation. Probably the most effective but overlooked form of rainwater storage in the modern era rainwater cisterns are practical and can be aesthetically concealed below ground, behind fencing or trellis. Good materials for cisterns include plastic liners or membrane material in wood frames, ceramic, fiberglass, “food grade” plastic and poly-tanks, as well as other potable liquid materials.”
I personally have installed a rain barrel on one downspout from my roof. It is 55 gallons and I can typically fill it with two downpours or an hour long drizzle. The water I use for flower pots only and 55 gallons can last me about 3 months. Only once this summer did I run out before the next rain.
If you would like more information on the different systems that are available, www.harvesth2o.com is an excellent resource.
This video is also very interesting.
