Rainwater management has long been considered a benefit to the environment. Known as a green infrastructure, rainfall management can be used to reduce water bills, redirect water for use in gardening, and in some areas even be used for drinking.
If you’re considering installing a rainwater collection system, there are many considerations you’ll need to make first.
These five points can help you decide whether rainfall collection is right for you, and which type of off-grid water system you may wish to invest in.
Types of Rainwater Collection Systems
There are three basic types of rainwater collection systems that you’ll want to consider for setting up at your home.
Rain barrels are the simplest method of collecting rainwater. They connect to a gutter downspout, so they can catch the flow off your roof and home. They generally have a cover at the top to keep out debris, and a spigot at the base to retrieve the water.
Dry systems are basically a larger version of a rain barrel with a storage tank placed close to your home for water to flow from the gutters. The systems can vary in material and size, with 5,000 gallons being average.
Wet systems are the most complex, with a series of pipes located underground and a larger storage tank. The pipes collect water continuously until they spill over into the tank. This system is the most invasive in terms of installation, and therefore tends to be costly.
Placement of System
Rain collection systems can be installed above or below ground. Above-ground systems are generally easier and less expensive to install, but are highly visible and take up valuable space.
In-ground systems are more difficult to install, but are more aesthetically pleasing. Both systems are comparable in terms of use, although in-ground systems must be placed carefully to avoid contamination.
This means installing them at least 10 feet away from any watertight sewer line and at least 50 feet away from any non-watertight sewer line. If this can’t be done, then an above-ground tank should be used.
Size of the Tank
Rainwater collection tanks come in several sizes. The size you’ll purchase should be directly tied to how much space you have and how much rainfall your area sees. You can find this information on rainfall maps.
Tanks typically come in three basic classifications:
- Small: Less than 2,000 liters
- Medium: Between 2,000 and 10,000 liters
- Large: Greater than 10,000 liters
Keep in mind that what you plan on using the water for can also impact the size of the system.
The number of occupants in your home and how much water you use each day should also be considerations as you make your selection.
Maintenance
All rainwater collection systems require regular maintenance. Your gutters need to be clean, and the filters that will be part of your system need to be regularly inspected and cleaned.
You’ll need to make sure that you are either capable of visually inspecting your system after each rainfall or that you have the means to hire someone to do so.
The CDC recommends that if you intend to use rainwater for drinking, it will need to be regularly filtered and disinfected. This includes the tanks themselves as part of regular maintenance.
You should also consider the cost of this project. While you will likely save on water bills, the collection system and installation can cost around $2,500 for the average 5,000-gallon dry tank system, according to FIXR.
Consider Rainfall Collection
Collecting and storing rainwater can let you water your lawn and garden in times of lower rainfall, and lower your water bills.
Many states encourage rainwater harvesting, but it’s not legal everywhere. Always check local laws before considering rainfall collection.
Do you harvest rainwater? Share your experiences in the comments!
