Water Harvesting Considerations

Water harvesting offers a unique opportunity to save money, conserve water, protect your home and keep your landscape healthy, all in one fell swoop. Rain harvesting may provide enough water for all your landscaping irrigation needs, at the same time sheltering your home's foundation from destructive water infiltration.

The primary method of rainwater harvesting is collection. The concept is about as simple as it gets - put a container outside, and it will fill up with rain. Channeling roof runoff into a storage container is a relatively easy process from which you can reap major benefits.

An ordinary plastic drum will do the job, but if you're seeking a look that better complements your home d�cor, there are many decorative options available, from refurbished wooden bourbon barrels with to heavy plastics molded to resemble Grecian urns. Two or more barrels may be connected with piping, offering even more storage capacity.

Properly installing a rain barrel is key to getting the most out of rainwater harvesting. A screen or filter should be used to keep the water free of debris and prevent clogging. Some sort of overflow system should be in place, whether it's a diverter that channels overflow back into your downspout or a hose or pipe that directs water to a desired location, clear of your foundation.

Barrels should have some clearance above the ground, to provide better water pressure to the spigots and, in the case of wooden barrels, prevent rot. Barrel blocks, cinder blocks or other such materials can create a solid platform for your collection barrel. And barrels should have removable lids that can be well secured, so that curious children and breeding insects are kept at bay.

For the more ambitious water harvester, a cistern may be the answer. While a typical barrel holds 50-60 gallons, a cistern may hold 1,000 gallons. Chiefly found in rural areas, cisterns are large water storage units - essentially giant rain barrels - that may be located above or below ground.

Prefabricated cisterns are commercially available, or you may choose to have a cistern constructed on-site to your specifications. Cisterns are much larger projects that will in most cases require professional installation.

Another method of water harvesting is the construction of berms - earthen mounds that channel rainwater to desired locations, such as gardens or the root systems of trees. In addition to controlling landscape water flow, berms can prevent erosion and, if placed near the home's outer walls, provide natural insulation and protection from the sun.

It's always going to rain - why let it go to waste? Harvesting rainwater is responsible, simple, frugal, and possibly even a little fun.