Rain Water Harvesting

Take your pick

Global climate change
Unprecedented water demand
Record-breaking drought
Dwindling aquifer reserves

Any one of the above would be a good reason to start looking for ways to conserve our water supplies, but when combined, they make water conservation a priority that no one can afford to ignore. Since ancient times, mankind has understood the importance of collecting and storing our most valuable elixir of life. However, much of the precious liquid that nature supplies us goes to waste That's why rainwater harvesting has become the most popular way to conserve one of life's fundamental requirements.

What is rain harvesting?

Rain harvesting is the process by which rainwater is collected from run-off catchment areas such as roofs, driveways, and patios, and then stored in rain barrels for later use. The simplest rain barrel setup requires a storage tank (rain barrel), a secure lid, a screen or basket strainer, and a spigot or drain valve. Water flows onto the catchment area and pours through the basket strainer attached to the lid of the barrel. Collected rainwater can then be retrieved directly from the spigot at the bottom of the water barrel, or a hose can be attached, by which the water can be directed to the desired location.

Soft advantages

Even in regions that enjoy moderate to heavy annual rainfall, residents have discovered the advantages of employing rain barrel collection systems. Because the salts and minerals commonly found in tap water are absent, soft, harvested rain water makes a great secondary water supply for washing cars, boats, windows, and even clothes. The absence of minerals enables houseplants to absorb moisture more efficiently, and as a result, they require less water to stay healthy.