Rainwater collection systems can be a sustainable and cost-effective way to meet some of a household’s or community’s water needs. In this article, we will explore the various types of rainwater collection systems available and provide tips on how to choose the best one for your needs.
There are many factors to consider when selecting a rainwater collection system, including the size of the system, the type of roof or catchment surface, the intended use of the collected water, and local regulations and codes.
Some popular features of rainwater collection systems include rooftop catchment systems, cisterns, and barrels. Rooftop catchment systems involve installing gutters and downspouts on the roof to channel rainwater into a storage tank or cistern. Cisterns are large, underground tanks that can hold thousands of gallons of water and are often used for irrigation and other non-potable uses. Barrels are smaller, above-ground containers that can be used for smaller scale irrigation or as a backup water source.
In addition to these basic components, there are also various accessories and filtration systems available to help improve the quality of collected rainwater and make it more suitable for different uses.
Overall, the best rainwater collection system will depend on your specific needs and resources. By considering the factors mentioned above and doing some research, you can find the system that will work best for you.
Before We Get Started: Why Harvest Rain Water?
There are several reasons why someone might want to start harvesting rainwater:
- Conservation: Harvesting rainwater can help reduce strain on local water supplies, especially in areas with drought conditions or water shortages.
- Cost savings: Using rainwater for irrigation, toilet flushing, and other non-potable uses can reduce the amount of water that needs to be purchased from a municipal water supplier, which can save money on water bills.
- Environmental benefits: Rainwater harvesting can reduce the amount of stormwater runoff, which can help reduce erosion and improve water quality in local streams and rivers. It can also reduce the demand for treated tap water, which requires energy to produce and distribute.
- Self-sufficiency: Harvesting rainwater can provide a backup water source in case of a natural disaster or other emergency, and can help reduce reliance on the public water supply.
Overall, rainwater harvesting can be a sustainable and cost-effective way to meet some of a household’s or community’s water needs.
Knowing your goal(s) is helpful for determining the best rain water collection system for you.
Passive Vs. Active Rain Water Systems
There are two main types of rainwater harvesting systems: passive and active. Passive systems are simple and do not require pumps or plumbing, just a surface for the rain to fall on and a drain to direct the water into a container or collection point. Many homeowners use a passive system to collect rainwater from their roofs for use in their gardens or lawns. Active systems, on the other hand, are more advanced and include a rainwater catchment system, storage tanks that may or may not be filtered, pumps, and comprehensive water purification systems. When properly optimized, active systems can provide similar functionality to traditional pressurized plumbing systems.
This article will focus on passive systems, as they are a good starting point for most homeowners seeking rain water harvesting.
There are a few elements that need to be purchased separately to put together a passive rain water system: the collection reservoir or barrel(s), the downspout or gutter diverter kit, and the filter or colander that provides the first-level of protection for your water. Depending on the specifics of your kit, you may also want to add a hose for length, a spigot to your barrel, or other minor accessories.
Advanced filters and pumps and active setups will be described in another article. We will also assume you have gutters installed in your home.
The Best Rain Water Collection System For Most Homes
The Best Rain Water Reservoir Tank:
GROW1 Collapsible Reservoir Water Tank is a portable water storage tank designed for use in gardening, hydroponics, and other applications where a reliable supply of water is needed. The tank is made of durable materials and is collapsible for easy storage when not in use.
One of the main features of the GROW1 Collapsible Reservoir Water Tank is its large capacity, which allows it to hold up to 100 gallons of water. It is also equipped with a removable top for easy filling and access to the water inside. The tank has multiple inlets and outlets for connecting to irrigation systems and other equipment, and it comes with a drain plug for easy emptying.
The GROW1 Collapsible Reservoir Water Tank is suitable for indoor and outdoor use, and it can be used to store and transport water for various purposes, including watering plants, cleaning tools, and more. It is a versatile and convenient water storage solution for a wide range of applications.
The Best Gutter Colander
This downspout rainwater collection diverter and connector is specifically-designed to be used as part of a rainwater harvesting system to collect and store rainwater for later use.
The diverter is installed on the downspout of a roof gutter, and it allows the user to redirect the flow of rainwater from the downspout into a container or storage tank. The diverter has a valve that can be adjusted to control the amount of water that is collected, and it comes with a connector hose that can be attached to a storage tank or other water collection system.The diverter is made of durable materials and is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. It is easy to install and can be used with most standard downspouts. This product can be a useful addition to a rainwater harvesting system, as it allows the user to easily control and collect the flow of rainwater from the roof.
Best Diverter Kit For Putting It All Together
The downspout diverter is a device that is installed on the roof gutter and is used to redirect the flow of rainwater from the downspout into the rain barrel. It has a valve that can be adjusted to control the amount of water that is collected and stored in the barrel.
While not strictly necessary (as you can just have the gutter empty directly into the reservoir, or just use a downspout colander), they are nice because they can control the flow of water into your reserver, and can allow the water to flow out of the gutter when the barrel is full (though note, many barrels have overflow protection).
The kit includes a flexible hose of decent length, and the right-sized drill bits for you to install the diverter into your downspout, and the hose into your reservoir. Overall, this kit provides a convenient way to get what you need to set up your system.
Easiest Rain Water Collection System To Set Up
While not as impressive as a system based on the GROW1 Reservoir, the EWC-10 has the advantage of being all-in-one, simple set up.
The large, cylindrical barrel has a capacity of 50 gallons and is made of durable plastic.
One of the main features of this rain barrel is that it comes with a hose, which can be used to connect the barrel to an irrigation system or other water-using equipment. This allows the user to easily access and use the collected rainwater for various purposes, such as watering plants, cleaning tools, and more.
The rain barrel also includes overflow protection, which helps to prevent excess water from spilling out of the barrel and causing damage to the surrounding area. This can be especially useful in areas with heavy rainfall, as it helps to ensure that the collected rainwater is properly contained and does not cause any problems.Overall, this rain barrel is an all-in-one solution for collecting and storing rainwater.
Bonus Recommendation: Gutter Guards
Raptor Stainless Steel MicroMesh Gutter Guards
Gutter guards, also known as gutter protection systems or leaf guards, are designed to prevent debris such as leaves, twigs, and branches from clogging up the gutters on a roof. This can help to prevent water damage to the roof and foundation, and can also reduce the need for frequent gutter cleaning.
There are several different types of gutter guards available, including mesh screens, solid covers, and reverse curve systems. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best gutter guard for your needs will depend on your specific situation.
Overall, we recommend the Raptor Stainless Steel MicroMesh when harvesting rainwater for a number of reasons. First, having gutter guards in general will protect your colander or diverter from leaves, dirt, and debris – meaning a lot less cleaning for you. Secondly, stainless steel means water that you may use on your food (or in a pinch, filter and drink), won’t be exposed to rust or toxins. Finally, these are contractor-grade and meant to last. So you are buying quality that will last a lifetime.