Rain Collection Glossary

Heaven sent

Harvesting and storing nature's life-giving water as it falls from the heavens is only part of the benefit that comes from owning your own rain barrel. Discovering the other ways that storing rainwater can save money, while at the same time relieving the environmental burden of growing water demands, is also part of the fun. In fact, there are several rain barrel accessories designed to improve and expand your catchment system. Below is a short glossary of terms that will help newcomers become familiar with the basics of rain barrel systems.

Catchment area - The surface that collects or catches water, such as a rooftop, driveway, or patio.
Cistern - An underground tank for storing rainwater or other liquids.
Downspout diverter - This device allows you to either direct water into your plastic rain barrel or to your normal drain system. If you have a downspout diverter, simply close the gate when the rain water barrel is full. If you don't own a diverter, install an overflow device on your water barrel. A PVC pipe or overflow hose can carry water away from your foundation and prevent excess water from pooling around your tank.
Pre filters, filters, and strainers - Before the water enters the rain barrel, leaves, twigs, and other debris are removed by one or more of these filters which can be attached to the barrel lid or gutter assembly.
Rain barrels - New or recycled rain barrels used to store the rain water which is collected from the catchment area.
Rain barrel lid - Designed to prevent small children, animals, and insects access to the storage container.
Rain barrel pump - Used to move water across distances too great for head pressure (natural pressure from gravity). They also provide the increased pressure needed to operate sprinkler heads and high-pressure nozzles. Because head pressure depends on gravity to force the water through the hose, underground rain barrels will need to be pressurized and/or pumped in order to bring the water to the surface.
Spigot - An on/off valve located near the bottom of the rain barrel. Rain water can be retrieved directly from the spigot, or a hose can be attached, whereby water can flow to the desired location.