Tired of singing “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” every storm? Catch those raindrops in a tank instead!
According to a recent U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service report, freshwater wetlands covered less than 6% of the lower 48 states in 2019, half their 1780s extent. The report notes wetland loss rates have surged by 50% since 2009, threatening crucial ecosystems.
Question is, how do we safeguard these wetlands? A possible solution lies in optimizing on rainwater.
Rainwater harvesting is a sustainable practice that can significantly reduce your water bills and environmental footprint. This detailed guide will walk you through the process of building a rainwater collection system suitable for both residential and commercial use.
What to Consider Before Constructing a Rainwater Harvesting System
Before diving into the construction of a rainwater harvesting system, it’s essential to consider several key factors to ensure your setup is efficient, cost-effective, and compliant with local regulations.
1. Site Assessment and Catchment Area
Evaluate Your Roof: Check your roof’s size, slope, material, and condition to determine its suitability for rainwater harvesting. Ensure it’s free from contaminants that could affect water quality.
Calculate Potential Volume: Estimate the volume of rainwater you can harvest based on your region’s average rainfall and the size of your catchment area.
2.System Components
Essential Parts: A typical rainwater harvesting system includes gutters, downspouts, a first-flush diverter, filters, storage tanks, and overflow mechanisms. Proper selection and installation of each component are crucial for maintaining water quality and system efficiency.
Material Selection: Use durable, non-toxic materials suitable for long-term water contact, such as polyethylene, fiberglass, or concrete for storage tanks.
3. Storage and Structural Support
Choosing a Tank: Select a storage tank with appropriate capacity based on your water needs and expected rainwater collection. Consider the tank’s material and installation location (aboveground or underground) for durability and maintenance needs.
Foundation Stability: Ensure the foundation for your storage tank is stable and level. Aboveground tanks might require a concrete or gravel pad, while underground tanks may need sand, stone, or concrete backfill.
4. Water Quality and Filtration
First-Flush Diverter: Install a first-flush diverter to redirect the initial flow of contaminated rainwater away from the storage tank. Additional filtration systems like mesh screens or sediment filters can further improve water quality.
Purification for Potable Use: If the harvested rainwater is for drinking, consider additional purification processes such as UV sterilization or chlorination.
5. Legal and Regulatory Considerations
Compliance: Familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations regarding rainwater harvesting. Some counties have specific requirements for system design, installation, and water usage.
6. Maintenance
Regular Upkeep: Regular maintenance is crucial for efficient system operation. This includes cleaning gutters, downspouts, and filters, inspecting the storage tank, and testing water quality periodically.
Pest Prevention: Implement measures like mosquito screens and insect-proof flap valves to prevent pests and maintain water quality.
7. Environmental Impact
Eco-Benefits: Rainwater harvesting reduces reliance on groundwater, mitigates stormwater runoff, and helps preserve natural waterways and habitats. Recall our little conversation on preserving those wetlands for future generations?
Types of Rainwater Collection Systems
Rainwater harvesting systems vary widely, from traditional methods to advanced modern systems, tailored for both residential and commercial use. Here’s an overview of different rainwater collection systems:
Traditional Systems
Rain Barrels: Simple and economical, rain barrels collect rainwater from the roof via a downspout. They typically hold about 50 gallons and are ideal for gardening and other non-potable uses.
Cisterns: Larger than rain barrels, cisterns store significant amounts of water for both indoor and outdoor use. They can be installed above or below ground.
Surface Runoff Harvesting: This method collects rainwater from surfaces like gardens and paved areas, storing it in ponds, reservoirs, or underground tanks to reduce soil erosion and flooding.
In-Situ Rainwater Harvesting: Techniques like percolation pits, trenches, and recharging wells allow rainwater to infiltrate the ground, augmenting groundwater levels.
Modern Systems
Dry Systems: Featuring large storage tanks with pipes running from gutters to the tank, these systems are ideal for residential use with limited space.
Wet Systems: In these setups, the collection pipes remain filled with water, allowing the storage tank to be located away from the collection surface, even underground.
Green Infrastructure: Includes rain gardens, bioswales, permeable pavements, and green streets designed to mimic natural water absorption processes, reducing runoff and improving water quality.
Rainwater Harvesting Detention Methods: Structures like swales and detention basins capture and slow down rainwater runoff, promoting soil infiltration and groundwater recharge.
Specialized Systems
Commercial Rainwater Harvesting: Designed for large-scale use in buildings such as offices, factories, and schools, these systems often include extensive storage capacities and advanced filtration systems.
Underground Storage Tanks: Large containers buried underground, saving space and protecting water from contamination and evaporation.
Planter Boxes and Bioswales: Used primarily in urban areas, these systems incorporate vegetation to filter and absorb rainwater, enhancing urban aesthetics and reducing runoff.
A Detailed Guide to Build A Functional Rainwater Collection System
Ready to get hammering? Building a rainwater collection system can be a rewarding DIY project. Here are the steps to DIY a rainwater harvesting system:
Assess Your Catchment Area
Understanding Your Roof: Measure your roof to estimate rainwater collection. Metal roofs are ideal for harvesting because they leach fewer harmful substances compared to asphalt shingles.
Set Up Gutters and Downspouts
Installation: Ensure gutters are properly installed and maintained, sloping towards the downspouts for efficient water flow. Add leaf screens or gutter guards to keep debris out.
Install a First-Flush Diverter
Importance: Prevent the first few gallons of potentially contaminated rainwater from entering your storage tank to ensure cleaner water.
Choose Your Storage Tank
Types of Tanks: Decide between above-ground and underground tanks. Above-ground tanks are easier to install, while underground tanks save space and protect water from temperature extremes.
Connect the Downspouts to the Tank
Piping and Fittings: Use durable, non-toxic pipes to connect downspouts to your tank, ensuring watertight connections. For underground tanks, bury and insulate pipes to prevent freezing.
Install an Overflow System
Managing Excess Water: Install an overflow pipe to direct excess water away from your home’s foundation to a safe drainage area or a secondary storage system.
Filtration and Pumping
Water Quality: Install a filtration system before using harvested rainwater. Basic setups include mesh filters and sediment traps; advanced systems may use carbon filters or UV purification. You may require a pump to pressurize water for household uses.
Maintenance
Keep It Clean: Regularly clean gutters and filters, check for leaks, and inspect your storage tank for signs of wear or contamination.
Eager to get your hands dirty? Well, our team of experts at Plastic Mart are here to do the heavy lifting and ensure we check all the boxes for a top-performing system.
Top Benefits of Rainwater Collection Systems
Harvesting rainwater offers numerous benefits for both the environment and your wallet:
Reduce Water Bills = Increased Savings
Using rainwater for irrigation, laundry, and toilet flushing can significantly cut down on municipal water usage and lower your bills.
Decrease Reliance on Groundwater = Water Conservation
Rainwater harvesting reduces dependence on groundwater, conserving precious underground reserves.
Prevent Stormwater Runoff
Capturing rainwater mitigates stormwater runoff, reducing flooding and pollution in urban areas.
Promote Plant Growth = Optimum Garden Health
Rainwater is free of chemicals, promoting healthier plant growth compared to treated municipal water.
Support Sustainable Living = Eco-Friendly Solutions
Rainwater harvesting is a step towards a sustainable lifestyle, reducing your environmental footprint and promoting self-sufficiency.
Reduce Soil Erosion
Collecting rainwater helps prevent soil erosion, particularly in areas with heavy rainfall.
Provide Backup Water Supply = Drought Resilience
A rainwater harvesting system ensures a backup supply during droughts or water restrictions.
Enhance Property Value = Market Appeal
Installing a rainwater harvesting system can increase property value, attracting eco-conscious buyers.
Encourage Community Engagement
Rainwater harvesting can foster community awareness and inspire neighbors to adopt similar practices.
Commercial and Residential Application of Rainwater Harvesting Systems
Applying sustainable water management through rainwater collection has found its way in multiple applications. Here’s how rainwater harvesting can be applied in both residential and commercial settings:
Landscape Irrigation
Residential: Use harvested rainwater for watering lawns, gardens, and landscaped areas.
Commercial: Large-scale irrigation systems in parks and golf courses can benefit from harvested rainwater.
Toilet Flushing
Residential: Direct harvested rainwater to home toilets to reduce indoor water use.
Commercial: Office buildings and public facilities can save significant water by using rainwater for toilet flushing. self-sufficiency.
Laundry
Residential: Use harvested rainwater for washing machines to save on water bills.
Commercial: Laundromats and hotels can reduce water usage and promote sustainability by using rainwater for laundry.
Cooling Systems
Commercial: Industrial facilities can use harvested rainwater in cooling towers and HVAC systems.
Residential: Advanced residential systems can use harvested rainwater for home cooling.
Fire Suppression
Commercial: Businesses in rural or wildfire-prone areas can use harvested rainwater as a backup water supply for fire suppression systems.
Residential: Homeowners in wildfire-prone areas can install rainwater storage tanks connected to fire suppression systems.
Sustainable Water Management Systems Promote Environmental Sustainability Through
Water Conservation by Reducing Demand on Traditional Water Sources
Rainwater harvesting reduces the demand for freshwater from traditional sources, helping to maintain their levels and preserve local ecosystems.
Environmental Protection by Mitigating Stormwater Runoff
Capturing rainwater reduces stormwater runoff, preventing soil erosion and pollutant contamination in water bodies.
Increased Efficiency via Energy Conservation
Rainwater harvesting systems, especially gravity-fed ones, reduce the need for energy-consuming pumps and treatment processes, lowering carbon footprints.
Improving Soil and Plant Health
Using rainwater for irrigation promotes healthier soil and plant growth, supporting local biodiversity and ecosystem health.
The Best Rainwater Collection Systems in 2024 – 2025
Rainwater harvesting and collecting has never been easier. Plastic Mart’s partnership with the leading manufacturers of the best and most reliable rainwater harvesting containers promises you quality, reliable, and sustainable solutions. Our model of reliable access to quality water and safely storing harvested water is our guiding pillar to top-notch service delivery. Here are a few top-rated rainwater harvesting collection systems with tanks you can consider:
200 Gallon Steel Vertical Rainwater Harvesting Tank
Built from robust 20-gauge G-90 galvanized steel, this 200-gallon tank features an FDA-approved epoxy lining, ensuring safe potable water storage.
420 Gallon Plastic Vertical Rainwater Harvesting Tank in Green
The 420-gallon Bushman tank combines durable, impact-resistant plastic with a space-saving vertical design, perfect for tight spots and easy installation.
1,480 Gallon Steel Vertical Rainwater Harvesting Tank
The 1480-gallon tank features robust 20-gauge G-90 galvanized steel and an FDA-approved epoxy lining, complete with a 16” strainer basket and a 2” threaded outlet for optimal water storage and management.
3,000 Gallon Plastic Rainwater Harvesting Tank
This 3000-gallon tank, made from durable polyethylene, features a 16” stainless steel strainer basket and a 4” screened overflow assembly for efficient rainwater collection and storage.
5,000 Gallon Plastic Rainwater Harvesting Tank
With eight base flat spots for flexible fittings and four dome tie-down lugs for secure installation, this 5000-gallon polyethylene tank is designed for robust and adaptable rainwater harvesting.
31,000 Gallon Corrugated Steel Rainwater Harvesting Tank with Dome Roof
This 31,000-gallon tank, built from high-strength G-115 galvanized corrugated steel and featuring an NSF-61 approved potable water liner, includes a 24" access hatch and 16" leaf eater basket, and is engineered to endure extreme weather and seismic conditions.
Let Plastic-Mart Handle Your Rainwater Collection
Did your lawn turn into a swamp after the last rainstorm? Or are you simply tired of your water bill making your eyes wet? We’ll fix that with our industry-approved rainwater harvesting systems.
Decades of experience, partnerships from the best manufacturers, and the best deals for each investment you make! That’s what Plastic Mart has to offer, plus so much more. We’ve simplified everything so all you need is a click and we deliver.
