Rainwater harvesting is the practice of collecting and storing precipitation runoff, which conserves water and reduces stormwater runoff from your property. Directing water from roof gutters into a storage container creates a readily available supply for non-potable uses like watering garden beds, washing vehicles, or cleaning tools. This system uses water that would otherwise be channeled into municipal storm drains, offering an environmentally conscious method for landscape irrigation. The process requires gathering specific components and following an installation and maintenance plan to ensure a reliable water source.
Essential Components for Rainwater Collection
A functional rainwater harvesting setup requires several components for collection, filtration, and storage. The primary storage unit is typically a rain barrel, which holds 50 to 80 gallons and is suitable for smaller-scale use like garden irrigation. Larger systems use cisterns, which are significantly bigger tanks that may hold hundreds or thousands of gallons, often placed above or below ground.
Screening materials are necessary to keep debris and pests out of the collected water. A mesh screen should be placed over the barrel’s inlet to prevent leaves and large sediment, and to act as a barrier against mosquitoes. Downspout diverters attach to the existing downspout to channel water into the storage barrel. Once the barrel is full, the diverter automatically redirects excess water back through the original downspout, preventing overflow near the foundation.
Overflow management is necessary, even when a diverter is in place. If rainfall exceeds the system’s capacity, an overflow port near the top of the barrel ensures excess water is directed away from the foundation. This port requires a hose attached that guides water at least six feet away from the home or into a designated drainage area, such as a rain garden. Secure connections for these components are important for system efficiency and protecting your home from water damage.
Setting Up the Gutter Collection System
The setup begins by selecting a downspout near where the collected water will be used, such as a garden area. Since a full 55-gallon barrel weighs nearly 500 pounds, the foundation must be stable and level to prevent tipping. Create a foundation by clearing the ground and placing a sturdy base of compacted gravel, concrete pavers, or cinder blocks to support the weight. Elevating the barrel by 12 to 18 inches on this foundation is helpful, as it uses gravity to increase water pressure at the spigot.
A downspout diverter kit is installed into a section of the downspout, requiring precise measurement and cutting. With the barrel positioned, mark the downspout six to twelve inches above the barrel’s inlet port to allow room for the diverter. Use a hacksaw to cut out the marked section, ensuring a clean, straight cut. The diverter is inserted into the gap, and a connecting hose or flexible elbow runs from the diverter’s outlet directly into the barrel’s inlet.
The connection between the barrel and the downspout must be tight and leak-free to ensure all captured water reaches the barrel. Secure the heavy barrel to the side of the house or a fixed structure using straps to provide stability against high winds. The overflow hose is connected to the barrel’s designated port and directed away from the foundation to an acceptable drainage location.
Maintaining Water Quality and System Cleanliness
Maintaining the quality of collected rainwater requires addressing the initial runoff and performing routine cleaning. The first rainfall after a dry period, known as the “first flush,” carries accumulated debris like dust, bird droppings, and sediment from the roof. To prevent these contaminants from polluting the stored water, a specialized first flush diverter is used. This device collects the first volume of dirty water before a sealing mechanism closes the chamber, allowing cleaner subsequent rainfall to pass into the storage barrel.
Routine maintenance begins with the gutters; clearing leaves and debris seasonally prevents blockages and reduces material flowing toward the barrel. The mesh screen at the barrel inlet and any filters should be inspected regularly and cleaned of trapped debris to ensure proper water flow and mosquito prevention. Using the collected water consistently between rain events is beneficial, as it prevents the water from becoming stagnant and discourages algae growth.
Before the first hard freeze, the entire system must be winterized to prevent damage from expanding ice. This involves completely draining all water and disconnecting the downspout diverter and hoses. The barrel should be thoroughly cleaned of sediment or algae with a non-toxic solution, such as warm water and vinegar. Once cleaned and dried, the barrel should be stored indoors or turned upside down outdoors, and the downspout restored to its normal function.