Water Harvesting: Active Collection for Later Use

Rainwater storage tank. Rainwater Harvesting Forum. Yahoo Groups

Elevation drawing showing a more complex system where water is collected and reused in the house. Rainwater Harvesting Forum Yahoo Groups

Water Harvesting: Active Collection for Later Use

Harvesting water for later use involves collecting rainwater in a tank of some kind. Tanks can be as simple as a sturdy garbage can under a downspout or as complex as a large underground tank and pump.

Why Collect Water for Later Use?

• Can reduce water bills
• Saves a valuable resource
• Rainwater is free of salts and other minerals or chemicals that may be harmful to plants
• Reduces pollutants to area streams and rivers by keeping water on site and off impervious paved areas

Tips for Collecting Water for Later Use

• Know how much water is going to come off of the roof. This will determine tank size
• Provide an overflow outlet or link to another tank
• Use a filter to collect debris from roof runoff
• Use a purification system if using for drinking water
• Metal roofs work best
• Check local ordinances. Rainwater collection for storage and reuse is restricted or illegal in certain states, counties and cities
• Use opaque dark colored tanks to reduce algae growth
• Use HDPE pipe for above ground tanks. Avoid PVC pipe which degrades in sunlight

Additional Resources:

          Regulations and Statutes

West

Colorado - Graywater Reuse and Rainwater Harvesting
Montana - Rainwater Harvesting Systems for Montana
Nevada - Make Each Drop Count: Harvest Water for the Landscape
Washington - How to Build a Rain Barrel for Less than $50

Southeast

Alabama - Rainwater Harvesting for Irrigation Water
Florida - Cisterns to Collect Non-potable Water for Domestic Use

Southwest

Arizona - Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond
Texas - Rainwater Harvesting

Browse related Articles by tag: irrigation, landscape water conservation, watering practices to promote water conservation