Top 4 Tips For Efficient Rainwater Harvesting

Recently, rainwater harvesting has gained popularity due to the significant advantages that come with it. For instance, rainwater can be used to supplement water for your plants, pool, pond, and concrete foundations. If your big beautiful aquariums and terrariums are taking a huge percentage of your water bills, then those rainy days could be beneficial for you.

Habitually, a lot of people collect or harvest rainwater from roofs. The water is collected in shallow troughs fixed underneath the roof’s edge. This is then channelled into a pipe that runs vertically into a storage vessel.

Keep in mind that a storage container doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be an empty but clean barrel that is no longer in use. You may mount it at the back of your garage. Also, you can harvest rainwater inside an elaborate storage tank to serve your entire household needs. Check out The Water Tank Factory and other organizations that offer different water tank sizes. Additionally, choose the one that will serve your demands.

Also, harvesting rainwater is gradually becoming the best alternative for providing families and industries with water. As nations continue to support green building, rainwater harvesting won’t be just a thing for the farms anymore.

Maybe the reasons above could help you consider choosing to harvest rainwater. On the other hand, read below for tips on how you can make the most of your possible first experience harvesting rainwater.

1. Recycle Your Unused Barrels

If you have some unused barrels at the back of your garage, then it means you won’t have to buy new containers. Attach your barrel to the pipe running vertically from the roof, and when it rains, it will fill up with rainwater. What’s more, barrels are a good idea of harvesting rainwater because;

• Anybody can fix them.
• It’s easy to find a barrel within your locality or at different stores.
• Barrels don’t take up a lot of space.

Your unused barrels could come in different sizes.  Also. make sure it has the right cover, so you could have a clean supply. It will also ensure that it won’t be a breeding ground for insects.

2. Use A Rain Chain

You can be unique and forego the traditional downspouts. Like a downspout, a rain chain will also channel rainwater from your roof to your desired site. It could be placed in your beautiful kitchen garden or even your laundry point.

There are many reasons to opt for a rain chain. First, rain chains are easy on the eye and less bulky than gutters. Also, you get to put your creativeness into play by choosing your style and preference. Additionally, it’s cost-effective and could be installed very easily.  All you need is to suspend or hook them under your gutter and it’s set to go.

However, remember to ensure the water is spewing away from the foundation of your house; otherwise, your rain chain will not be as useful.

3. Create A Rain Saucer

A rain saucer is quite an exciting tool. It’s a standalone structure which means no connections to the roof or gutters. It resembles an inverted umbrella that serves as a collection point. A tube is affixed on the middle that directs rainwater into a container. This rain saucer sits on top of your container.

A rain saucer is user-friendly because it doesn’t take too much space, and it’s flexible since you can move it from one position to another. It can be a bit heavy if your barrel is big, so empty the water first. If harvesting rainwater is your next project and you don’t have space, then why not craft your rain saucer.

4. Practice Safety

Where you place your rainwater harvesting structure is very crucial. The size of your barrel will determine the amount of water you plan to collect. To avoid the risk of toppling when it’s full, opt for a strong flat surface since it will hold the weight of your barrel.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard to overlook the significant growth of populations globally. As a result, the idea of watering our plants and flushing our toilets using drinking water is wasteful and unnecessary. Harvesting rainwater is a chance to reduce our ecological footprint. It’s also a feasible idea, be it in an urban or rural setting.

What’s required is to tap the free water spilling from your roof and channel it into a storage reservoir. By doing this, you will not only take charge of your water sources, but you will reduce a significant percentage of your excessive water consumption.

Salman Zafar

Salman Zafar is an ecopreneur, consultant, advisor, speaker and journalist with expertise in waste management, waste-to-energy, renewable energy, environment protection, conservation and sustainable development. His geographical areas of focus include Asia, Middle East, Africa and Europe. Salman is the Founder of EcoMENA, a popular voluntary organization based in Qatar. He is also the Founder and CEO of BioEnergy Consult, a reputed consulting firm active in biomass, waste-to-energy and waste management segments.
Salman is a professional environmental writer with more than 350 popular articles to his credit. He is proactively engaged in creating mass environmental awareness in different parts of the world.
Salman Zafar can be reached at salman@ecomena.org or salman@bioenergyconsult.com

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