The basic idea behind a residential rainwater collection system is straightforward: collect rainwater and save it for later use. We can collect water from our roof or even from the ground.
Rainwater collection is an emerging method of collecting water across the world, in most societies, it’s among the oldest procedures for collecting and storing water. It involves collecting, storing, and transporting water from roofs, roads, and other spaces. For later use, we can collect rainwater from roofs and then redirect it to tanks, cisterns, boreholes, wells, and shafts. You can also collect fog and dew with nets or other tools.
Why is there a need for Rainwater Collection?
The world is facing a growing need to address climate change. Water conservation can have a significant impact on a sustainable environment. Unfortunately, there has been an increase in water scarcity over the last few years in many parts of the globe.
Over the years, our country has expanded its water resources through rainwater harvesting. The best time to discuss rainwater harvesting is December when the country experiences the highest rainfall. Water harvesting can have significant economic and environmental benefits. However, the majority of our rainwater still ends up in the ocean. Therefore, we must install rainwater cisterns in all buildings and houses. This process is vital for new building development.
Collecting your own rainwater reduces the need for municipally treated water. In addition, in the case of an emergency, your collection system will supply you with plenty of water for washing and other water-related needs that aren’t potable.
Types of Residential Rainwater Collection Systems
Rainwater harvesting is a compelling and legitimate choice for your home’s water supply. This process is often an option to drill a well or install a pipe by the city to provide your house with water. Even if that’s not the situation, rainwater harvesting could be an appealing alternative for those with immediate water access from the municipal system. It’s something we’ve witnessed first-hand.
After this has been established, if you’re interested in rainwater collection, the five most well-known types of systems are suitable for residential use. The most crucial distinction between types of residential collection systems is the storage type and location.
Roof Catchment
Roofs cover a lot of surface area. As a result, rainwater is often channelled through gutters and pipes to your yard. It then washes away valuable topsoil. These roof catchment systems are the most popular type of residential water collection. They collect the water through a series of pipes and gutters to a rain barrel.
Choosing a suitable roofing material is essential, as certain types can cause water contamination. Aluminium, slate, galvanized, corrugated roofing materials, and iron is acceptable.
Ground Catchment
Ground residential water collection systems are more superficial than rooftop versions and offer the possibility of a larger catchment area. We can collect water through drain pipes or earthen dams and store it in tanks directly above or beneath the ground. The quality of this water may be less at ground level. The collected water is appropriate for landscaping purposes only.
Ground Storage with Downhill Settlement
This system is a good option if you live on land that is steeply sloped from your home. Because the storage is underground, there is not much excavation required. Also, you can keep the downspout bottom connection the same. For those with land that slop, gravity-flow downhill can be an option.
Ground Storage with Wet Transportation
This system is the best way to keep above-ground storage on flat land. To keep the exterior design in line, you can replace the downspouts with a water-tight conveyance. In addition, it can be painted or covered. This paint allows water to drain into the transportation, reaching the required height to flow into the rainwater storage.
Although this may seem shaky, it is a viable economic option for flat-land homes.
Storage below the ground
This system is prevalent and easy to install for new construction. In addition, underground storage minimizes the landscape’s disruption and provides usable space.
Which is the Best Rainwater Harvesting System?
It depends on the specific circumstances since each house will have different needs. In most cases, budget plays an important role when deciding that an all-garden system is the best option. It’s a less expensive option and doesn’t require the installation of a complex process, which means that the system is installed and dashing.
What Are The Uses Of Collected Residential Rainwater?
Rainwater harvested from the roof can be used in many ways, both inside purposes, and outside purposes. Water harvesting systems can cut domestic water consumption by as much as 50%. The amount of water used for a home depends on the water collection system, the size of the storage tank, and the household’s usage requirements. This water may need to be purified and filtered for specific purposes.
The most common uses of collected water are:
For Cooking
For Drinking
Agricultural purposes
For rinsing vegetables
Toilettes (Cleansing and Flushing Toilets)
Garden, House plants, and Outdoor plants
Conclusion
Residential rainwater collection systems are an excellent way to conserve water. Rainwater is abundant in many parts of the country. Collecting water can reduce dependence on municipal water sources. There are many ways to collect rainwater. The best way for you depends on your needs and goals.
