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Water Harvesting: Passive Use in the Landscape

Last Updated: May 02, 2012

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Flexible tube connected to the end of a rain gutter downspout directs water where needed

Flexible downspout attachment directs water where you want it to go.
Source: 'Burb Tales Blog
Curbcut diverts water into a raingarden or depressed area in the landscape that can collect the water

Plants in this small raingarden use diverted stormwater from the street.
Source: Greenservations, EPA       

Water Harvesting: Passive Use in the Landscape

What is Water Harvesting?

Water harvesting is the practice of collecting rain or stormwater for later use.  Water can be collected in the landscape or can be collected directly into storage tanks for later use. Water harvesting is a great complement to a water wise landscape.

Why Harvest Water?

  • Reduces waste of a valuable resource
  • Reduces pollutants to area streams and rivers by keeping water on site
  • 'Free' water for use on landscape plants (check local and state water ordinances)
  • Stormwater contaminants can be broken down in the soil

Tips for Harvesting Rainwater In the Landscape

Using the landscape to collect water is fairly straightforward and easy to do.  In areas high in rainfall or in areas with lots of impervious paving materials water can be directed into catch basins planted with appropriate plants.o out in the rain and watch where the water flows across the landscape

  • Create a simple flow map with arrows showing direction of flow
  • avoid sending water down the storm sewer by diverting downspouts to other landscape areas or basins to collect and slowly infiltrate the water
  • Know how much water flows off of the roof through the downspouts
  • Use flexible attachments to extend the downspout and direct water to where it is needed         
  • Creating depressions or swales instead of mounds will allow water to penetrate the soil more slowly
  • Create a raingarden or bioswale
  • If needed, install drawn pipes or replace soil when soil is poorly drawn

Additional Resources:

           Water Harvesting: Active Collection for Later Use

West

Washington - Street Edge Alternatives

Midwest

Minnesota- How Can I Create a Rain Garden?
Missouri - How to Manage and Control Storm Water Runoff
Nebraska - Lawn & Landscapes

Northeast

New Hampshire - Residential Rain Gardens 

Southeast

Florida - Rain Gardens

Southwest

Arizona - Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond

 

 

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


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