Green Wednesday: Rainwater Collection

From Anna on August 20th, 2008 in Green Remodeling

There are growing concerns about global warming, water shortages, and rising energy costs. All of these factors are encouraging many consumers to look for alternatives to the traditional methods of irrigation. Collecting rainwater is one method that is really beginning to catch on.

Collecting rainwater is a very simple and inexpensive method of irrigation.

Purchase an inexpensive rain barrel and place at each downspout off of the roof or your house or any outbuildings. You can purchase specially manufactured rain barrels that come in 36 and 75 gallon sizes. Look for any other areas around your yard where you can collect runoff. A note of caution: if your roofing material is redwood, cedar, asphalt, or treated shingles or shakes, you may have contamination problems. To properly filter the rainwater and to remove any contamination, be sure your rain barrel is equipped with an inlet screen, overflow outlet, drain valves, and a first flush device.

Plants love rainwater, and you can use it virtually anywhere outside.

It is possible to store water for a few months at a time, and you can use it to water your gardens, plants, and lawns. The water will need additional filtration for interior usage, but it is possible.

Storing rainwater is an easy way to save water and money around your home, while reducing the amount of damaging runoff reaching our water systems.

If you would like to rearrange your landscaping for more eco-friendly living, request free estimates from landscaping contractors in your area.