Did you know that the EPA and independent tests continue to prove that roof-collected rain water is often safer to drink, being free of the contaminants common to many ground water sources?
Rainwater harvesting :Collecting the run-off from a structure or other impervious surface in order to store it for later use. Traditionally, this involves harvesting the rain from a roof. The rain will collect in gutters that channel the water into downspouts and then into some sort of storage vessel. Rainwater collection systems can by as simple as collecting rain in a rain barrel or as elaborate as harvesting rainwater into large cisterns to supply your entire household demand.
The idea of rainwater harvesting usually conjures up images of an old farm cistern or thoughts of developing countries. The reality is that rainwater harvesting is becoming a viable alternative for supplying our households and businesses with water. It's not just for the farm anymore! There are many countries such as Germany and Australia where rainwater harvesting is a norm. Due to the green building movement, you will be seeing rainwater harvesting systems become more popular here in America.
The collection of rainwater is known by many names throughout the world. It ranges from rainwater collection to rainwater harvesting to rainwater catchment. In addition, terms such as roofwater collection or rooftop water collection is also used in other countries.
It is believed that rainwater harvesting is a viable technology in an urban setting. With the increasing cost of water and wastewater services, rainwater harvesting systems are becoming more economically feasible. All that is necessary to take advantage of this resource is to capture the free water falling on your roof and direct it to a rainwater storage tank. By doing this, you can take control of your water supply and replace all or at least a substantial portion of your water needs. Rainwater harvesting systems can be configured to supply your whole house and/or your landscape needs.
You will discover that once you start collecting rainwater, you will begin to care more about how you use water in your daily routine. Also when it rains, you will have a sense of contentment that your cache of water is growing.
What are the benefits of rainwater collection?
Rainwater is a relatively clean and absolutely free source of water
You have total control over your water supply (ideal for cities with water restrictions)
It is socially acceptable and environmentally responsible
It promotes self-sufficiency and helps conserve water
Rainwater is better for landscape plants and gardens because it is not chlorinated
It reduces stormwater runoff from homes and businesses
It can solve the drainage problems on your property while providing you with free water It uses simple technologies that are inexpensive and easy to maintain
The potential cost savings especially with rising water costs
It can be used as a main source of water or as a back up source to wells and municipal water
The system can be easily retrofitted to an existing structure or built during new home construction
System are very flexible and can be modular in nature, allowing expansion, reconfiguration, or relocation, if neccesary
It can provide an excellent back-up source of water for emergencies
You can essentially use rainwater anywhere you use tap water. The idea of using drinking water to flush our toilets and water our lawns is wasteful and irresponsible, especially in light of population growth and water shortages across the country. Rainwater collection is a technique to green your home and to lessen your environmental footprint.
There are basically three areas where rainwater can be used:
Indoor, non-potable use
Whole house, potable use
Connect rainwater collection system to irrigation/sprinkler system
Wash your vehicles
Wash your pets
Refill your fountains and fish ponds
Refill your swimming pool
Replace the use of tap water with rainwater to wash your driveways and sidewalks (if you don't use a broom)
Use it for all indoor non-potable fixtures (toilets and clothes washer)
Use it for all potable needs when properly filtered and disinfected
How much rain can I collect?
The amount of rainfall that you can collect is governed by the following formula:1" of rain x 1 sq. ft. = 0.623 gallons
Or put in an easy form to remember :1" of rain from 1,000 sq. ft. will provide 623 gallons
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask! Thanks for looking! God Bless, Simone :)
Copyright@SimoneBonda
Disclaimer - The herbal information on this web site is intended for educational purposes only. It is not the intention of the editor to advise on health care. Please see a medical professional about any health concerns you have. Disclaimer - These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. The information on this web site is not intended to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Tweet
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