How can we save water during the cooler months so we can use it later? Rainwater harvesting refers to the collection and storage of rain to be used at a later date.
With summer right around the corner, many of us are busy thinking about lounging by the pool and soaking up some sun. But summer is also when we usually have to be concerned with water shortages. Here is a way to help you save water, help save the environment, and even save some money.
About 40% of water used in the summer is used outdoors, when plants and trees need it most, but summer is when most areas face water shortages and have water restrictions. So how can we save water during the cooler months so we can use it later? Rainwater harvesting refers to the collection and storage of rain to be used at a later date.
Nick Evans from the Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District says, "In a normal year we get enough rainwater to supply the average need of your average house." This water is usually used for gardening, outdoor cleaning, or even washing your car, but can also be used indoors. Brian Buckley, a local rainwater harvester says,"There are more advanced systems where you can incorporate it into your plumbing and use it for flushing and such but for my purposes it's entirely outside, it's coming from a downspout, and there is no interior plumbing. It's a very low-tech system."
When it rains, all of the water from your roof travels along your gutters just as normal, but instead of being pushed into the yard, it is routed towards a large holding tank or barrel. Large objects are filtered out using chains, stones, or mesh and the water is stored. "I just fill up my watering can and water my plants, my flowers, my trees."
For example, if your roof is 1000 square feet and it rains only one inch. You can harvest about 600 gallons. That's 600 gallons that you don't have to pay for, doesn't need to be chemically treated, and doesn't runoff as storm water. "My barrels are often full within the first two hours of a heavy rain." These barrels are fairly inexpensive, very easy to install, and if your worried about curb appeal, they can be hidden behind shrubs or even painted to match your house. "It's not rocket science, it's just plumbing and funneling water where it need to be."
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