5 Clever Ways to Use Collected Rainwater on Your Homestead

We’ve all seen it, right? That moment when the skies open up and the rain starts pouring down. Instead of just watching it, we thought, why not put that water to good use on our homestead? Collecting rainwater is a pretty smart move, not just for saving money, but for the environment too. It’s amazing how much water we can gather and how many uses for rainwater there really are. Let’s explore some simple ways we can start harvesting this free resource.

Key Takeaways

Gutters and downspouts are the first step, directing water from your roof to where you want it.
Rain barrels offer a simple, affordable way to store smaller amounts of water, great for gardens.
Larger water tanks, above or underground, are suitable for storing significant volumes for extensive use.
Bladder tanks provide a flexible storage solution, especially useful for larger properties.
A rain reservoir system can be scaled up for buildings like apartments or hotels, benefiting both users and the environment.

1. Gutters And Downspouts

When we first started thinking about collecting rainwater on our homestead, the very first thing we looked at was our existing gutters and downspouts. If your home doesn’t already have them, installing them is really the starting point for any rainwater harvesting system. They’re basically the collection network for your roof.

Think about it: your roof is a huge surface area, and every drop of rain that hits it is a potential resource. Gutters catch that water as it runs off, and downspouts direct it where we want it to go. We can use them to send water straight to a garden bed or, more commonly, channel it into a storage system like a rain barrel or a larger tank.

We found that making sure our gutters were clean and in good repair made a big difference. Even a slight clog can reduce the amount of water you capture. For us, it was about maximizing what nature was already giving us.

Here’s a quick rundown of what to consider:

Roof Surface Area: The bigger the roof, the more water you can potentially collect. We measured ours to get an idea of the volume.
Gutter Condition: Are they clean, free of holes, and sloped correctly towards the downspouts?
Downspout Placement: Where do your downspouts currently lead? Can they be easily redirected to a storage container?
Material: Most gutters are aluminum or vinyl. Both work, but aluminum tends to last longer.

The amount of water you can collect is surprisingly significant. For example, just one inch of rain on a 500-square-foot roof can yield around 300 gallons of water. That’s a lot of water that would otherwise just run off into storm drains.

We learned that even simple modifications, like adding extensions to our downspouts, could direct water exactly where we needed it, preventing puddles around the foundation and sending precious water straight to our thirsty plants.

2. Rain Barrels

Rain barrels are a fantastic, straightforward way to start collecting rainwater right at your home. Think of them as big buckets for your roof’s runoff. We’ve found they’re super simple to set up, often using repurposed materials like old trash cans or drums. This makes them a really affordable entry point into rainwater harvesting.

Setting one up usually involves a few key steps:

Prepare the container: Clean out your chosen barrel or drum. If you’re using a trash can, the lid can actually be flipped over and used as a collection surface.
Install a spigot: Drill a hole a few inches from the bottom and attach a spigot. Using sealant and washers helps prevent leaks.
Position the barrel: Place it under a downspout. Elevating it on blocks or a stand helps with water pressure when you want to use a hose or fill watering cans.

We learned that even a 50-gallon barrel can fill up pretty quickly depending on how much rain falls and the size of your roof. It’s a great way to gather water for your garden, saving you trips to the house and reducing your water bill. For us, it was a game-changer for watering Eileen’s garden. It took us about an hour to build our first one, and the materials only cost around $35. It’s a small investment for a significant convenience and a step towards more self-sufficient living. If you’re looking for a simple way to start, check out rainwater harvesting systems.

We found that placing the barrel on a platform, about 12 to 36 inches off the ground, really makes a difference. It gives you enough gravity-fed pressure to actually use a hose, which is way easier than trying to scoop water out with a bucket.

3. Water Tank

When we’re talking about serious water collection for a homestead, we’re usually thinking about a water tank. These are the big guns, capable of holding thousands of liters. We’ve seen folks use them above ground, often made of sturdy plastic, or even build them right into the ground like a cistern. The key is having enough storage to make a real difference in your water supply.

If you’ve got a large roof area, a water tank is a smart move. They can be made from various materials, not just the typical plastic ones you might picture. Some people opt for concrete tanks, which can be built above or below ground. Whatever material you choose, make sure it’s placed on solid, stable ground. These things get heavy when they’re full, and you don’t want any shifting or damage.

Here are a few things to consider when looking at water tanks:

Size: How much water do you actually need? Calculate your usage for gardening, livestock, or even household needs.
Material: Plastic, concrete, metal – each has pros and cons regarding cost, durability, and installation.
Placement: Above ground is easier to install but can be an eyesore. Underground tanks are hidden but require more work and a pump.
Algae Prevention: Dark-colored tanks help block sunlight, which is good for stopping algae growth. Some people even paint them or use special liners.

We’ve found that the color of the tank can really matter. Darker colors seem to keep the water cooler and prevent that pesky algae from taking hold. If you’re using a lighter colored tank, you might need to think about ways to block out the sun.

For us, the goal is to capture as much rain as possible, and a good-sized water tank is a big part of that plan. It’s an investment, for sure, but one that pays off in water independence.

4. Bladder Tank

So, you’ve got a lot of roof space and want to capture a good amount of rainwater without a giant, permanent structure? We’ve looked into bladder tanks, and they’re pretty neat for this. Think of them like a big, flexible bag that sits on the ground, often tucked away out of sight. They’re not rigid like those plastic barrels or big metal tanks, which means they can conform to different spaces.

We’ve seen them used in places where you can’t really dig into the ground or where you need a lot of storage but don’t want a big eyesore. They’re often made of tough, durable material that can handle being filled with water. The main advantage is their flexibility and the sheer volume they can hold.

Here’s a quick rundown of why we’re considering them:

Space Saving: When empty, they take up very little room. You can store them until you need them.
Large Capacity: They can hold thousands of gallons, which is great for larger homesteads or during extended dry spells.
Discreet Storage: Since they’re usually placed on the ground and can be covered, they’re less noticeable than above-ground tanks.

One thing to keep in mind is that you’ll likely need a pump to get the water out, as they don’t typically have built-in pressure like some other systems. Also, making sure the ground underneath is level and stable is super important because of the weight of the water. We’re still exploring the best options for our setup, but they’re definitely worth looking into if you need serious water storage without a big commitment to a permanent tank.

5. Rain Reservoir System

When we talk about a rain reservoir system, we’re thinking bigger than just a barrel or two. This is about creating a more substantial setup to capture and store a significant amount of rainwater. Think of it as a more integrated approach to water harvesting for your homestead.

These systems often involve larger storage solutions, sometimes even underground tanks, designed to hold thousands of liters. The idea is to collect water from your roof, channel it through pipes, and store it for later use. This can drastically reduce your reliance on municipal water sources or wells.

Here’s a breakdown of what goes into a larger system:

Collection Surface: Usually your roof, but could also be a large, specially designed catchment area.
Conveyance: Gutters and downspouts, or a network of pipes, to move the water from the collection surface to storage.
Filtration: A way to remove debris like leaves and sediment before the water enters the main storage. This is key for keeping your stored water cleaner.
Storage: This is where the "reservoir" part comes in. We’re talking about large tanks, either above ground or buried. These can be made from various materials, including concrete or heavy-duty plastic.
Distribution: A pump system to get the water from the reservoir to where you need it, whether that’s for irrigation, washing, or even for household use after proper treatment.

Building a system like this is a bigger project, but it offers a more consistent and larger supply of water. It’s a great way to make your homestead more self-sufficient, especially if you’re in an area with unpredictable rainfall. You can find detailed instructions on how to build your own rainwater harvesting system to get started.

A well-designed rain reservoir system isn’t just about collecting water; it’s about managing it effectively for long-term use. It’s an investment in sustainability and resilience for your homestead.

Wrapping It Up

So there you have it! We’ve looked at a bunch of ways we can all start collecting and using rainwater on our homesteads. From simple rain barrels to bigger tank systems, it’s pretty amazing how much water we can catch and reuse. It’s not just about saving a few bucks on the water bill, though that’s nice. It’s also about being a bit kinder to the planet and making sure we have water for our gardens and other needs, especially when things get dry. Give some of these ideas a try – you might be surprised at how easy and rewarding it can be.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is collecting rainwater sometimes not allowed?

In some places, folks believe rainwater belongs to everyone, like a public resource. Others worry that if we collect too much, it might affect how water soaks back into the ground, which is important for nature.

How quickly can a rain barrel fill up?

It really depends on how much rain falls and how big your roof is. A barrel could fill in just a few minutes or take a few hours. That’s why having a way for extra water to go somewhere else, like an overflow hose, is a good idea.

How high should we put a rain barrel off the ground?

We suggest placing your rain barrel about 12 to 36 inches off the ground. This gives the water enough push, like gravity helping out, so it can flow easily when you use a hose. It also makes filling up watering cans simpler.

What’s the first step to collect rainwater?

The very first step is usually setting up gutters and downspouts. These catch the rain from your roof and guide it to wherever you want to store it, like a barrel or a tank, or even directly to your garden.

What are some simple ways to use collected rainwater?

We can use collected rainwater for many things around our homestead! It’s great for watering our plants, washing our cars, keeping things clean outside, or even filling up bird baths. Plus, plants love it because it doesn’t have chlorine like tap water.

Can we collect rainwater without a big roof?

Yes, absolutely! Even with smaller roofs or in areas with less roof space, we can still collect water. Systems like rain barrels made from old trash cans or even simple rain saucers that act like upside-down umbrellas can work really well.