As our population grows and urban areas expand, aquifers are depleting and, in some cases, becoming contaminated — all of which reduce the quality and quantity of the freshwater we rely on. Installing a DIY rainwater harvesting system can help tackle these problems. By setting up a DIY rainwater collection system, you can work with nature to conserve water, lower utility costs, and build resilience for your household. A simple DIY rainwater harvesting setup is an empowering step toward sustainability and can make a big difference for your wallet and the planet.
Do you know how much water you use on a daily basis? The average American uses about 88 gallons of freshwater per day. That puts a lot of strain on aquifers, municipal water systems, and rivers. Rainwater helps to reduce this strain because it can be used for pretty much any purpose that requires water, including fire suppression! Collecting it not only provides you with an additional free source of water, but it also helps to protect the environment in the process by reducing the amount of water entering and polluting rivers and streams, ultimately reducing watery pollution.
While collecting rainwater might be something you’re eager to do, there are a few things to keep in mind before you begin:
While rainwater harvesting is legal in all 50 states, some states have regulations when it comes to collecting rainwater while some incentivize it. The federal government has left it up to the state governments and local jurisdictions to create laws and regulations pertaining to rainwater collection and reuse. Some states embrace this practice by offering incentives to home and business owners while others have strict regulations. Find out about your state here.
The area of your roof will determine what size pre-filter you’ll need and can give you an idea of how much water you’ll be able to collect. Additionally, it’s important to factor in your roof type when considering rainwater collection. For instance, if you have a roof constructed with asphalt, cedar shake, or copper, it's recommended to use this water for non-potable purposes only, not for consumption. The ideal roof is constructed from metal or membrane material, allowing for cleaner runoff. To get an idea of how much water you can collect, you can use this formula:
Inches of Rainfall x Roof Sq. Ft. x 0.62 (evaporation) x 0.95 (Wisy Filter Efficiency) = Approximate Amount of Collected Rainwater
Where you live can impact what type and the location of your harvesting system. For example, if you live in an area that frequently freezes, it may be better for you to either go with an above-ground seasonal system or opt for a below-ground system that can be placed beneath the freeze-line. If you’re unsure, RMS is always available to help you figure out what’s best for your home!
Depending on whether you’re planning on using the water collected for drinking water, household needs, or irrigation, RMS will help you determine what accessories you will need to complete your system. If you’re having trouble with this step, give us a call and we will gladly help you figure it out.
Pre-filtration is the key to a long-lasting, healthy, low maintenance system. Pre-filtration removes large particulate matter, which frequently both carries and feeds bacteria. An added benefit? Less cleaning! Our Wisy pre-filters are self-cleaning and only require maintenance two to three times a year! Plus, you’ll never have to clean your tank - saving time and money!
Take a look at how the WISY Vortex Filters maintain high efficiency while eliminating most debris that would otherwise go to the tank. Rainwater Management Solutions has identified the Wisy 4-Step System as the ideal method for rainwater harvesting for promoting a healthy system and reducing maintenance. Learn more about...
Rainwater harvesting doesn't have to be hard. By following a few simple steps, you can design a high-quality, low-maintenance rainwater harvesting system for your home or business. This post will serve as a brief overview of how we at Rainwater Management Solutions design rainwater harvesting systems. As always, we are...