Consider Rainwater Harvesting Systems to Maximize Usage of Water

By Guest Blogger Samantha Jones

The rainwater harvesting system makes for a simple mechanical system which helps in the reduction of our need for water transport systems, which are detrimental for the health of our immediate environs. Harvesting rainwater in homes is an efficient way to combat the common predicament of defective water infrastructures— no matter whether you are living in the parched Mojave Desert or the damp Pacific Northwest or for that matter the Pacific Midwest, ruled by thunderstorms.

In the wake of the emerging water crisis across the globe, experts regard this as an efficient means of maximizing water usage. On an average one inch of rain on an acre of land might amount to more than 27,000 gallons of rain. Rainwater is generally clean containing only softer chemicals.

Sourcing rainwater with the help of Rainwater Harvesting System

The rainwater harvesting system is considered to be an effective strategy in the greater scheme of trimming down the use of domestic water. It works on the premise of a simple mechanism that entails the connection of the whole system with that of a rooftop water collection network or a gutter. The water is then collected in a barrel for later usage.

Even in areas with very low rainwater, a roof of around a thousand square feet of home can gather up to 600 gallons of water with just an inch of rain. Even in the homes, connected by gutter, you can jolly well divert the collected water into storage tank. In the hoophouses the water can be collected in the gutters along the side rail, placed right on top of the roll-up side walls.

The initial cost of this system might vary with the type of installation and the extent of your use would determine the time in which you would be able to recover the initial costs.

Better landscape contouring in order to facilitate formation of rainwater sourcing

By demonstrating a little sagacity you can turn your entire yard in to an efficient rainwater storage system. One of your primary responsibilities in this regard would be to select plants which have the capacity to store water in their root systems or to help it navigate to the water table. Raise the heights of patios and pathways and sink the level of the planting areas so that they can capture the flow of the water.

Catchment System

Rainwater harvesting makes for a crucial part of environment sustainability and there are three potent ways in which you can do it including roof harvesting, street harvesting and direct rainfall. An effective catchment system contains a first flush system which keeps the first rain waters away from the tank. The first rain waters are the dirtiest since they clean the roof. There is a screen which is used to eliminate debris, leaves etc before the rainwater flows on to the top of the tank. Barrels, one of the cheapest rain water storage systems, are adept for usage in the urban areas since they can be installed in the unused spaces of the houses.

About the Author

Sam is an environment enthusiast writing extensively on recycling of aerosol cans for http://ekocorp.com.