Storing rainwater for future use is a common and practical trend nowadays. It has become increasingly popular in recent years, as people have become more aware of how much water is wasted every day.
The process usually involves gutters directing the water into storage tanks where it can be used for various purposes such as irrigation, washing vehicles, flushing toilets, and much more.
However, many people are unaware of the many ways to store rainwater. Here are six different systems you may use to harvest and store rainwater:
1. Rain Barrel System
Rain barrels are the most basic type of rainwater harvesting system. They’re essentially large water drums that can be attached to the gutters on your house to collect the water.
They collect water slowly, so they’re best suited for smaller applications such as watering plants or washing cars.
Barrels may come in various sizes, and some even have a spigot so that you can access the water directly. It’s an excellent option for people who only need a small amount of water for irrigation or other purposes.
This type of water harvesting system is highly affordable, with prices starting around USD$100–150.
2. Underground Rainwater Tanks
These are among the most popular tanks to be used in homes or businesses throughout Australia. They’re expertly designed so that they can blend into your backyard without being an eyesore for your neighbors. These tanks are usually made from high-quality plastic or fiberglass, and they’re installed underground.
The process begins with the installation of a large drainage area at the lowest point of your property. The drainage serves as the starting point for any stormwater that will enter your tank, so it’s essential to ensure that this area has good draining capabilities.
From there, you can choose to use PVC piping or even more advanced options like HDPE (high-density polyethylene) piping.
They’re a great option for people who want to store large quantities of water, as they can hold anywhere from 1,000 to 5,000 liters. This system is also a good option for people who want to harvest water from multiple sources, as they can be connected to gutters, downpipes, and even swimming pools.
This type of tank can be purchased from local suppliers. The Tank Factory is a good example of a company that sells these.
3. Borewells And Recharge Pits
In some regions with a high water table, it may be possible to use a borewell and recharge pit to harvest rainwater. This type of system involves drilling a large borewell into the ground and then recharging the well with stormwater runoff.
This method has become increasingly popular in India and other countries where water scarcity is a major problem. It’s also considered a sustainable method because it uses the natural water table rather than depleting the local aquifers like many traditional methods for harvesting rainwater.
4. Reservoir System
These are huge tanks that can reach up to a million liters at a time. They’re usually made from steel or plastic and have deep foundations that reach into the ground, where they sit just below the level of your yard.
They look similar to swimming pools, but they collect rainwater instead of being filled with water from a water supply.
This type of system is usually used by industries or businesses to store large quantities of rainwater for later use. They can be connected to underground trenches, stormwater drains, and other tanks so that you can collect as much water as possible.
Due to their size, they’re not usually a practical option for the average house. They’re more appropriate for the types of homes located in areas that receive heavy rains and experience severe flooding.
5. Water Tanks On Top Of Roof/Building
This system is generally not a good option as it doesn’t collect as much water as possible because some roofs can intercept more than half of the rainfall.
However, they’re preferable to water tanks on the ground as they can be placed higher above the land.
They may be mounted on top of buildings or angled rooftops, and they collect any rainwater that landed there. Again, this method doesn’t allow for much storage because it only gathers rainwater from one area. It’s primarily used in regions that don’t experience a lot of rainfall.
6. Dry System
This system is specifically designed to harvest rainwater for use in toilets and gardens. It doesn’t require any storage tanks, and it can be installed very easily.
The dry system works by using a filtration system that removes all the dirt and debris from the rainwater before it enters your home or garden. It prevents any clogging or damage to your plumbing system.
The main benefits of using a dry system are low maintenance and affordability. It may be installed in a day by a professional, and it doesn’t require any regular cleaning or maintenance.
Conclusion
There are many different ways to store rainwater for later use. Depending on your needs and your area’s climate, you may want to consider any of the systems discussed here. All of these systems have their benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to select the one that’s best suited to your needs.
