Summer who? Let's chat Rainwater Harvesting while summer has brought u
We hope you all have had a relaxing “break”, however that might look. We’re certainly a little more wind swept than sun kissed but the tanks are full and the garden is happy so we’re feeling ready to take on 2023.
On the topic of the marvellous Kiwi summer weather we’ve been having, we thought it fitting to chat a bit about rainwater harvesting. Rainwater harvesting is the collection and storage of rainwater for later use. There are many different ways to harvest rainwater, ranging from simple barrels placed under downspouts to more complex systems with tanks, filters, and pumps. Here are a few common methods:
- Downspout barrels: These are barrels or containers placed at the base of a downspout to collect rainwater as it flows off the roof. They are an easy and inexpensive way to get started with rainwater harvesting.
- Rain barrels: These are larger barrels or tanks that are placed at a higher level, such as on a stand or on the ground. They typically have a spigot for accessing the collected water.
- Cisterns/water storage tanks: These are large tanks or reservoirs used to store collected rainwater. They can be above or below ground and can be made of a variety of materials, such as concrete, plastic, or metal.
- Rain gardens: These are landscaped areas designed to capture and filter rainwater, allowing it to soak into the ground rather than running off into storm drains.
- Green roofs: These are roofs covered with plants and soil, which can absorb and filter rainwater before it flows off the roof.
There are many benefits to harvesting rainwater, including reducing the strain on resdential water systems, off-grid water supply, conserving water resources, and saving money on water bills. It is also a way to reduce the negative impact of stormwater runoff, which can cause erosion, flooding, and water pollution.
If you’d like to dive deeper into rainwater harvesting be sure to check out our detailed article on How to Harvest Rainwater here.
