What is Rainwater Harvesting?
We all take water for granted. It is one of those natural resources that most people do not put a lot of thought into, but in order to continue enjoying that free supply of water for many more years, changes must be made. Rainwater harvesting is the process of collection of rainwater from surfaces on which rain falls, filtering it and storing it for multiple uses. Rainwater harvesting puts the supply of water back to normal levels. It is the collection and storage of water from surfaces that rain has fallen upon.
In a normal scenario the rainwater is collected from roof buildings and then stored inside of a special tank. Rainwater harvesting systems are designed after assessing site conditions that include rainfall pattern, incident rainfall, subsurface strata and their storage characteristics. Rainwater harvesting is popular all across the world, although in countries that are very dry, such as Australia, it is even more popular.
Rainwater can be harvested and used by those in the city who have running city water just as well as it can be used by those in more rural towns where adequate water supply may be unavailable. It is simple to replace many things that you are using regular city water with rainwater and enjoy numerous benefits when you do. Not only it helps you to conserve water but can also help you to save energy as the need to maintain centralized water system can be bypassed.
If you are worried about your roof being dirty, put that fear to the side. Many different tools are available to help you easily clean your roof. Hiring a roofer to com provide you with a cleaning is another option that you will have available.
Benefits of Rainwater Harvesting
The collection of rainwater and harvesting it for everyday use has an ample number of exciting benefits. Let’s take a look and discover some of those benefits.
The biggest benefit that you will find is reduced dependency on water storage dams. The reduced dependency means a reduced amount of stress on the damns and the elimination to expand upon them. Since we have such a limited supply of water available and it is very costly and timely to produce water through damns, the benefit found here is sure one that you will appreciate.
Secondly, once you begin using rainwater you will also appreciate a reduced amount of water consumption in the home, thus all of your utility bills will greatly shrink in size. How incredible would it be to slash as much as 50 to 60% off of your water bill each month? No complaints with having additional money in the pocket each and every month.
Thirdly, the collected rainwater can be used for many different purposes around the home. This includes laundry, washing dishes and more. This would prevent groundwater depletion and augment ground water table.
Fourth, rainwater harvesting systems are cost effective, provide high quality water, reduce dependence on wells. The surplus rainwater can also be used to recharge ground water aquifer through artificial recharge techniques.
Lastly, it helps to reduce soil erosion as by capturing rainwater, the flow of storm water is reduced which can also prevent urban flooding.
Rainwater Harvesting Methods
It is simple to collect rainwater from building roofs and numerous other sources. As long as you are ready and equipped with a couple of different items you have all that it takes to begin rainwater harvesting and enjoying naturally delicious, clean and useful water. Rainwater harvesting systems can be purchased complete from various home improvement stores. The cost of these systems will vary.
Take a look at some of the techniques of rainwater harvesting for yourself.
- Rain barrels are one of the most common methods of rainwater harvesting being used today. To harvest rainwater you must install a barrel that has a downspout in which the water will flow down for rain barrel collection. The barrels are easy to use and readily available for purchase at many locations, all at reasonable prices.
- Dry system rainwater collection is also available. This collection method offers a higher storage volume. Water is collected and allowed to ‘dry’ after rain.
- Wet rainwater harvesting is the collection of rainwater underground so that several downspouts can be connected from different gutters. This method enables you to collect water from various sources and place the tank anywhere on your home.
- If you prefer you can create your own barrels for rainwater harvesting. Just a few components like Catchment area, conveyance system, first rain separator, filter unit, storage, delivery system, usage, recharge and supplies are needed to create your own barrel.
You will need to follow the instructions included with your rainwater harvesting kit to set things up and begin collection of the rainwater. For a DIY job, there are many resources available to you on the Internet at no charge. You can definitely take advantage of the information whenever you need to and create your own rainwater harvesting system.
Harvesting can begin Today
Rainwater harvesting is something that thousands of families across the world participate in, and you could be the next to enjoy the multitude of benefits offered with rainwater harvesting. It is an easy, simple and worthwhile process, so it is only in your best interest to take a look at rainwater harvesting and its benefits to your home. You may discover many surprises and things that you did not know along the way!
