Harvesting around 600 gallons of rainwater from a mere one inch of rain on a 1,000 square foot roof sounds like an astonishing amount of water, doesn’t it? The prospect of collecting and utilizing this free resource is certainly enticing. My husband and I were equally intrigued by the potential benefits of rainwater harvesting. This practice allows us to supply our livestock, vegetable garden, flowers, and even drinking water with a natural and sustainable source.
With that in mind, we’d like to share some ideas on how you can start catching your own rainwater.
Before diving into the list, it’s essential to cover all the necessary bases. First, please verify local ordinances regarding rainwater harvesting as regulations may have changed recently. Additionally, if you plan to consume harvested rainwater for drinking purposes, ensure you thoroughly research and implement a reliable purification process to safeguard against potential health risks.
With these factors in mind, let’s move forward and explore the possibilities of rainwater harvesting.
How Much Rainwater Can You Harvest from Your Roof?
To get started on optimizing your rainwater harvesting potential, we’ve prepared a simple yet effective tool for you to estimate how much rainwater your roof can collect. Simply input the dimensions of the area that’s connected to your rainwater harvesting system – including the length, width, and pitch (angle) of your roof – as well as the average annual rainfall in inches for your location. This will give you a rough idea of just how much rainwater you can expect to harvest from your roof.
Rainwater Harvest Calculator
Calculate your annual rainwater harvest with our easy-to-use tool! To get started, find your state in the table below and enter the average total yearly precipitation (in inches) into the Rainfall field on the calculator. This will give you an accurate estimate of how much rainwater you can collect each year. Here’s a comprehensive list of average total yearly precipitation by state:Alabama: 58.3Alaska: 22.5Arizona: 13.6Arkansas: 50.6California: 22.2Colorado: 15.9Connecticut: 50.3Delaware: 45.
7Florida: 54.5Georgia: 50.7Hawaii: 63.7Idaho: 18.9Illinois: 39.2Indiana: 41.7Iowa: 34Kansas: 28.9Kentucky: 48.9Louisiana: 60.1Maine: 42.2Maryland: 44.5Massachusetts: 47.7Michigan: 32.8Minnesota: 27.3Mississippi: 59Missouri: 42.2Montana: 15.3Nebraska: 23.6Nevada: 9.5New Hampshire: 43.4New Jersey: 47.1New Mexico: 14.6New York: 50.3North Carolina: 17.8North Dakota: 17.8Ohio: 39.1Oklahoma: 36.5Oregon: 27.4Pennsylvania: 42.9Rhode Island: 47.9South Carolina: 49.8South Dakota: 20.1Tennessee: 54.
2Texas: 28.9Utah: 12.2Vermont: 42.7Virginia: 44.3Washington: 38.4West Virginia: 45.2Wisconsin: 32.6Wyoming: 12.9
Why Harvest Rainwater?
As a primer to diving into the main discussion, let’s take a glance at an insightful visual representation provided by CustomMade. Their informative graphic effectively conveys the importance of collecting rainwater at home, as well as offering practical guidance on how to do so effectively.
23 Rainwater Harvesting Ideas
DIY Rain Barrel System
Building a small rain barrel system is now more accessible than ever, thanks to a concise four-step process outlined online. From constructing the platform to assembling the actual barrel and connecting it to your gutters, every aspect of the project is meticulously guided. Complementing this hands-on approach are high-quality visuals that provide an invaluable aid throughout the process.
For those looking to dip their toes into rainwater harvesting without breaking the bank, this DIY-friendly option offers a perfect starting point. Moreover, individuals who rely on visual aids while building projects will find this resource incredibly helpful in bringing their vision to life.
The Better Home DIY Rain Barrel
Creating a rain barrel is an effortless process that demands minimal materials and tools. You’ll need a basic garbage can, some simple hand tools, and a clever mechanism to sift out larger debris from the collected rainwater. This DIY project is perfect for those looking to harvest rainwater for smaller-scale purposes, such as nourishing a tiny garden or a bouquet of flowers. The best part? It won’t occupy much space on your property, allowing you to keep it discreet and unobtrusive.
The PVC Rain Barrel
I’m particularly fond of this rain barrel option, as we’ve successfully implemented several on our property. The sturdiness and storage capacity make it an excellent choice for collecting and storing a significant amount of rainwater. In fact, I use them to supply my livestock with fresh water.
What sets this tutorial apart is the author’s comprehensive approach, not only providing instructions on how to build the system but also sharing her own mistakes and the valuable lessons learned from them, allowing DIY enthusiasts to avoid common pitfalls and achieve impressive results in their own rainwater harvesting endeavors.
The Handy Man Rain Barrel
I’m a huge fan of the rain barrel idea, not only because it’s visually appealing and practical, but also because it can be built on a budget. According to the resource, you can get started with just $100 – a small price to pay for the long-term savings on your water bill (or electricity if you’re relying on a well). The site provides a comprehensive materials list and guides you through the build process in detail, making it easy to follow along.
Plus, there are a few helpful photos included to assist visual learners like myself.
The Basic Rain Barrel
This rainwater harvesting system is straightforward and accessible to DIY enthusiasts with some basic carpentry skills and an afternoon to spare. With a few simple materials, you can create a functional setup that’s perfect for watering your lawn or garden.
The Cheap DIY Rain Barrel
This DIY rain barrel, cleverly repurposed from a trash can, boasts an unbeatable price point. Its functionality is also impressive, according to the source, outperforming many others on the market. The build process appears straightforward, making it accessible to those new to rainwater harvesting. If budget friendliness and visual appeal are top priorities, this option should definitely be considered.
With its unique combination of practicality and aesthetic charm, it’s hard to go wrong with this choice.
The Medium Sized Rain Water Collection System
This unique water catchment system isn’t designed for the average backyard, but it’s perfect for those with larger plots of land who require significant amounts of water to sustain their livestock or gardens. The system features a large water tank, which necessitates its own shed to house it. A solar purification system is also integrated into the design, making this project more complex than some of the others mentioned.
While it may be a bigger undertaking, the end result can be truly impressive.
The Beginner’s Guide To Catching Rain
While the previous option offers a unique perspective on rainwater harvesting, it’s essential to understand the ins and outs of each type of rain catchment system before embarking on your own project. This resource provides an exhaustive overview of the various systems, including potential pitfalls to watch out for. Furthermore, it offers step-by-step guidance on installing a basic water catchment system, making it a valuable reference point for anyone looking to get started.
By exploring this comprehensive guide, you’ll not only gain insight into the different approaches but also acquire practical knowledge to inform your own endeavors.
The $15 Rain Barrel
I’m thrilled with this resource for several compelling reasons. Firstly, it preserves the spirit of DIY craftsmanship by offering a functional product at an unbeatable price. Moreover, it provides valuable guidance on where to source your barrel, ensuring you stay within budget. And if that’s not enough, the end result is a rain barrel that can help collect copious amounts of rainwater, allowing you to maintain your property without incurring additional expenses.
It’s hard to imagine a more appealing proposition.
The YoungHouseLove Rain Barrel
This blog post provides an excellent resource for constructing your own rain barrel. The project features comprehensive visual aids, showcasing every step of the build process in stunning detail. Moreover, the finished product boasts a sleek and visually appealing design, making it an attractive addition to any outdoor space. Although not a large-scale water collection system, this DIY rain barrel is perfect for watering a few plants or vegetables.
Its discreet appearance also makes it an ideal solution for those seeking a low-profile yet functional water harvesting system.
The 275 Gallon System
Expanding our scope, we can accommodate smaller homesteads with smaller livestock and larger gardens. This setup should prove suitable for such needs. The provided resource offers a wealth of information on constructing this water catchment system, accompanied by numerous photographs to facilitate the process.
The 1,100 Rain Water Catchment System
This impressive rainwater collection system may appear extensive, but rest assured it’s not an overwhelming feat. You won’t need to install a massive underground tank just yet. Instead, it consists of four interconnected metal water tanks, which are relatively manageable. The video provides an excellent walkthrough of the build process from start to finish, offering valuable insights for those considering this solution.
The Basic Rain Barrel
If you’re seeking a comprehensive guide on harnessing the power of rainwater, this article is an excellent starting point. It not only provides a concise overview of catching and utilizing rainwater but also delves into the practicalities of constructing your own rain barrel from scratch. For those looking to build their own water catchment system, this resource offers a solid foundation for getting started.
A Trash Can Rain Barrel
While some people opt for repurposing trash cans to create cost-effective rain barrels, I’m particularly impressed with a tutorial that stands out for its thoroughness and attention to detail. The finished product not only looks neat and tidy but also showcases the effectiveness of the design. What sets this project apart is its reliance on visuals alone – no written instructions are needed!
Instead, step-by-step pictures guide you through the process, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a visual approach to building. With this tutorial, anyone can create a functional water catchment system with ease.
The Pretty Rain Barrel
This rain barrel stands out from the rest due to its subtle design. The key feature that sets it apart is its aesthetic appeal, as the manufacturer opted for a visually appealing container. For homeowners residing in suburban areas seeking a discreet water collection system that seamlessly integrates with their outdoor decor, this product may be an excellent choice. Its ability to blend in with nearby flower pots or other landscaping features makes it an attractive option.
Beyond its unique design, the build process is remarkably straightforward. The manufacturer provides exceptionally detailed instructions and accompanying step-by-step photographs, making it an ideal choice for those who value clarity and ease of construction.
DIY Filtered Trash Can Rain Barrel
When it comes to DIY rain barrel solutions, one particular design stands out for its attention to detail and practicality. This innovative system not only showcases how to construct a functional rainwater harvesting system but also highlights the importance of filtering out debris from entering your system. This feature is particularly useful in preventing clogs, which can be frustrating and even ruin your gardening experience.
For instance, imagine trying to water your prized petunias only to have the hose become clogged, wasting valuable time and resources.
If you’re as frustrated as I am with clogged hoses, this tutorial is definitely worth a quick glance. Not only will it provide you with a budget-friendly solution built from a humble trash can, but it might just inspire you to take your rainwater harvesting game to the next level.
Bladder Tank
For those who require a discreet means of storing water or prefer not to display an obvious rainwater harvesting system, this option is ideal. While it may not be suitable for DIY enthusiasts, it’s a clever solution nonetheless. If you reside in a house with a crawl space beneath it, setting up a bladder tank in this hidden area can be a practical and efficient way to store rainwater. The result is a neat and unobtrusive storage system that keeps your water collection needs out of sight.
Stand Alone Rain Water Collector
A straightforward and effective method for harvesting rainwater involves integrating a large funnel with a water tank. This clever design allows rainwater to flow directly into the tank, minimizing losses and making it an ideal solution for those looking to collect precipitation with ease.
Galvanized Stock Tank Rain Barrel
Transforming a galvanized stock tank into a rainwater barrel is an innovative idea that strikes the perfect balance between rustic charm and modern functionality. The sturdy design ensures it can hold a significant amount of water, making it an excellent option for those seeking a water catchment system that seamlessly blends with their outdoor décor.
The Fencewell Water Tank
As I stumbled upon this innovative water tank concept, my initial reaction was one of excitement and fascination. The idea of a compact water storage solution that doubles as a fence is certainly intriguing. While it may not be a DIY project for the average enthusiast, its unique features make it an attractive option for those seeking a space-efficient and multi-functional water catchment system.
The Massive Water Catchment System
In the harsh desert landscape, a unique approach to sustainable living is being implemented – an earthbag home with a rainwater catchment system. While this project may require significant expertise, it offers a promising solution for those seeking independence from municipal water supplies. For instance, if you’re looking to store substantial amounts of drinking water and supply your homestead’s irrigation needs, this system might be worth considering, despite its likely higher upfront cost.
The payoff could be substantial, as you’ll gain the satisfaction of self-sufficiency and reduced reliance on external water sources. Take a closer look at this innovative approach to rainwater harvesting.
