Collecting rainwater is a great way to reduce water consumption and ensure you have enough water for your needs. This can be particularly useful in areas where there is little rainfall or where the temperature often rises above 32 degrees Celsius.
Although we don’t think about it much, water makes up almost every natural resource we use every day. While most people are aware of the importance of water, many don’t realize how quickly it can disappear. Harvesting rainwater is an excellent way to ensure you have access to clean drinking water no matter what the climate throws at you.
Luckily, collecting rainwater is an easy process that anyone can do at home with a little effort and know-how.
Why should you collect rainwater?
Collecting rainwater has numerous benefits, which is why so many people are interested in the practice. If you have a water source on your property, you hardly have to worry about your water supply. Rainwater harvesting ensures that you have enough water for your needs, e.g. B. for drinking, gardening and much more.
Also, collecting rainwater is a great way to save money. Depending on where you live, water bills can be very high. If you have your own water supply, you can use as much water as you want without paying a dime. Harvesting rainwater is also environmentally friendly.
What is the best way to collect rainwater?
Rainwater collection methods.
The first is to create artificial ponds that collect the water and direct it to a storage tank.
The second is the use of a cistern. Cisterns are large underground tanks that hold rainwater. The water can be pumped to the surface with a pump. From there, the water can be used for many different purposes depending on its intended use.
Rainwater collection tanks can be installed either above ground or underground. Above-ground rainwater collection tanks are mainly used as decoration. These tanks can be made from many different materials including plastic, concrete and stainless steel.
However, with both methods, you should note that rainwater is not of drinking water quality. Before you use the water for drinking, you should boil it thoroughly and/or filter it.
The right tank and the right pump
Almost all materials are suitable for rainwater tanks, but certain types are better than others. Stainless steel and plastic are the most common materials used for rainwater collection tanks.
While stainless steel is durable, it can rust if not properly cared for. You also need to consider the weight of the water in your tank, so make sure you have a sturdy structure to support the tank.
Plastic is much lighter than stainless steel, making it easier to transport and store when not in use. However, it’s not as durable, so you’ll likely need to replace it more often than a stainless steel tank.
Iron cisterns are heavier than other materials and can rust. The rust can then migrate into the water, which is undrinkable.
Is rainwater safe to drink?
In most developed countries we have a certain health standard that protects and warns against most contaminations. However, if you are unsure, it doesn’t hurt to simply give a sample to a laboratory. So you are always on the right page. In addition, you should always boil or filter the collected rainwater before drinking it.
Last words
Collecting rainwater is a great way to reduce water usage and ensure you always have access to water when you need it. It is an environmentally friendly method of collecting water that can be used for many different purposes after collection. While it can be a little difficult to get started, the benefits are worth it once everything is set up.
