visitor to the farm are usually surprised to check that we water the entire garden and landscape with only the water system from our rain water ingathering system .
Our system , which collects and stores rainwater from our b ’s metal roof , provide 100 % of our annual tearing needs .
The best part , it was extremely easy to set up , and can be inexpensively adapt to almost any home , shed or ceiling with a trough .
We pass the preceding week soak our tank back up from winter computer storage – and within 24 hours – we had just over 150 congius stored from a individual rainfall . It ’s been over a year now since we first complete the rain compendium scheme – and I frankly do n’t hump how we go without it .
It gives us access to detached water supply , and with our two plastic carryall tanks , can collect as much as 550 gallons from a single downpour . And that ’s only using pelting from the back share of the roof ! This spring , we will add a third tank fed by the front gutter – increase our storage to just shy of 900 total gallon – enough to treat our watering penury for nearly two months of complete drought .
Our Rain Water Collection System – How It Works:
The system collects rain water from a unproblematic arranger made to fit our exist b ’s sewer . The b has a standard gabled metal cap measure 13 extensive ’ x 32′ long on each side . A 32′ discussion section of guttering runs along the bottom of each side of the alloy roof , slanted slightly to acquit all of the piddle to the eastern side of the b . From there , both sides empty into standard downspouts .
The front downspout ( not used currently ) , run down and out to the field for normal drain . On the back downspout however , we set up a simple 2 - way in - line diverter ( See Picture ) . When the metal lever is slid to the left , rainfall water is diverted into a 275 congius memory army tank located below the downspout . When all tanks are full , the switch can be slid back for normal drainage .
From the chief storage tank , we pump and sate a 2d 275 gal tank set up above our garden . With that , we can water all of our plant life apace , using somberness and a standard garden hosepipe connected to the tank .
To increase capacity and mobility , we are adding a 2nd diverter to the front gutter this year . That will fill a 3rd storage tank mount on wheels – give us the ability to pull piddle anywhere it ’s needed with our tractor . That will be a immense sentence saver when it comes time to water the freshly planted grapevines and yield tree on the J. J. Hill this year .
Here is a face at the system ’s components and cost :
Totes:$40 each We found ours for $ 40 each after searching on Craigslist . you may also see to it with local food plants that may invite their raw materials in them . One word of cautiousness – ensure you have a go at it what was in the beginning in your tanks and that it is safe . Our tanks were used to defend maple syrup and molasses – simple food products that can be clean out and re - used . You will desire to head off using tanks that hold back harsh chemicals . Most tanks total with a 6″ threaded chapiter on top , and a 2″ meander mercantile establishment valve at the bottom . you may change over the bottom 2″ valve to accept a stock garden hose with a few adapters witness at your local hardware shop .
Diverter Switch : $ 15 you could find standard sewer diverters at your local place advance store for about $ 15 – they install in moment with stud or screw propeller .
Threaded Valve and Hose Adapter:$15 Your local plumbing or ironware store can hook you up with a simple threaded connection valve to convert the 2″ drainage at the bottom of your tank to do by a regular garden hosiery . We also instal a ball valve ( $ 10 ) on our tank for an extra shut off point .
A twain of final note on collecting and using rain :
Keep It Dark : You will need to keep the water from commence direct sunlight to keep algae from growing in the moribund water supply . alga can only grow if there is light . If your armored combat vehicle is semitransparent like ours , you will want to cut across it . We expend a black covering like a grill cover to cover them up once the sun and algae become a problem . Not only does it dress it up , but it keep the water and the flow line crystal clear . For the pictures here , we have the covers off to show the tanks .
Keep It hatch : No matter what system you use to store your pee , you will want to keep closed . Water that sits is an open invitation to mosquito larvae . Our totes came with 6″ cap and lids on the top . We simply cut out the hole for the downspout , and then varnish the edge with some inexpensive foam .
Know What To Use The Water For : We only apply our reclaim water for irrigate plants or wash off off equipment , etc . Since we do not treat it in any fashion , we do not utilize it for drink .
ascertain to make certain your allowed to pile up rain water . Although it sounds crazy , in some states out Mae West you are not allowed to collect rain water , as the urine right field still belong to the state . So to be on the secure side , check into with your local or commonwealth politics to check that it ’s sound where you hold up .
Happy Gardening ! ! – Jim and Mary
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