How to Safely Harvest Your Rainwater

Water is essential for living. And when extended droughts and water shortages occur, they may impair our daily activities. Installing a rainwater harvesting system is one of the best decisions you could ever make for your home. It’s an excellent solution for accessing readily available fresh water without the added expense.

Still, choosing the right water tank for your needs is essential. For instance, an underground tank is ideal for those with less space since it’s hidden from sight. Additionally, you should know the proper maintenance and safety of the rainwater harvesting tank. This article gives insight on how to harvest safe rainwater and its different domestic uses and benefits.

Table of Contents

Quality Construction Fosters Quality Water

The construction of your tank should meet the highest safety standards, especially for underground water tanks. They should be made from steel fibre reinforced concrete to measure up to the significant external pressure. Incorporating watertight seals also prevents potential leakages.

Protect Your Water Efficiently

Preventing water contamination is better than cleaning it. That said, you have various ways of keeping your storage tank clean. Your underground tank’s water inlet should be raised to keep groundwater from draining. Also, keep debris, leaves, and small animals out of your tank by installing leaf screens or baskets and gutter guards.

Don’t forget to check and clean your tank’s screening devices often. Leaves and dirt can clog the tank’s inlet over time and prevent it from filling up efficiently. When organic matter accumulates at the inlet, it can cause water contamination and various health issues. Leaves can rot and provide a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms.

Maintain the Roof At the Beginning of the Rainy Months

Roof maintenance is integral for harvesting clean and safe water. Before water can get into the tank, it runs through the roof and gutters. If there is any roof debris or particles, they will find their way into your water. Additionally, vermin like lizards and rats often settle in the gutters during the dry season. Ensure your rainwater is safe by cleaning your roof and gutters before the rainy season.

Benefits Of Rainwater

It is free.
It’s considerably clean with adequate maintenance.
It ensures control over your water supply.
It’s environmentally friendly.
It fosters water conservation and self-sufficiency.
It’s unchlorinated and, therefore, suitable for nurturing landscape plants and gardens.
It solves drainage issues on any property.
It offers a backup source of water during emergencies.

Uses Of Rainwater

Rainwater is applicable wherever you use tap water. Using drinking water for domestic uses, like watering our lawns, sometimes comes off as ‘irresponsible.’ It is especially true during water shortages. Harvesting rainwater is an ideal way to keep your home green and positively contribute to the environment. Uses of harvested rainwater include:

Watering your garden and lawn.
Drinking if the highest safety standards are observed, including filtering and disinfecting.
Cleaning your vehicles.
Refilling your fountains and fish ponds.
Refilling your pool.
Washing the driveways and sidewalks.
Using it in the toilets and clothes washer.

How Much Water Can You Collect?

A standard rainwater harvesting system can garner one litre of water per millimetre of rainfall that hits your roof’s square metre. It makes it an efficient way of storing water for free, with the only need for an upfront investment during the installation and tank purchase. Remember, it’s crucial to have the tank installed using the correct procedures to boost its longevity.

Conclusion

A rainwater harvesting system is an excellent solution for meeting your water needs every season. However, various conditions go into a safe rainwater harvesting system, making it crucial to involve professionals from the beginning. A reputable installation company can secure long-term structural integrity for many years of use.