"Rainwater Harvesting and Purification: Turning Uncertainty into Certainty on Our Homestead"
Secure your family's water supply with rainwater harvesting and purification techniques, tested on our homestead.
As a homesteader, there's nothing more unsettling than the thought of running out of clean water. On our backyard farm, we've learned the importance of having a reliable water storage and purification system. In this post, I'll share our hands-on experience with rainwater harvesting and purification, including the tools, techniques, and resources we've found most effective.
Why Rainwater Harvesting?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's talk about why rainwater harvesting is a must-have for any homestead. Here are a few compelling reasons:
- Free water: Rainwater is free, and it's a great way to supplement your well or municipal water supply.
- Reduced stormwater runoff: By collecting rainwater, you're reducing the amount of stormwater that enters your local waterways, which can help prevent erosion and pollution.
- Increased water security: With a rainwater harvesting system, you'll have a reliable source of water during droughts or emergencies.
Rainwater Harvesting Basics
To get started with rainwater harvesting, you'll need a few basic components:
- Gutters and downspouts: These will collect the rainwater from your roof and direct it to your storage tank.
- Storage tank: This can be a barrel, a cistern, or a larger tank specifically designed for rainwater harvesting.
- First flush device: This is a mechanism that allows the first flow of water from the roof to be diverted, taking any debris and contaminants with it.
We use a 1,000-gallon storage tank, which is connected to our gutters and downspouts via a first flush device. We've also added a screen to keep debris out of the tank.
Purification Methods
This post used to say rainwater "is generally clean." That is the wrong way round, and I have corrected it.
CDC states it plainly: "Rainwater is not necessarily safe to drink without first removing germs and chemicals from it." Their default recommendation is to "Use tap water from a public system or bottled water, rather than rainwater, for drinking, cooking, brushing your teeth, rinsing fruits or vegetables, watering plants you plan to eat."
Your roof is part of the water system. CDC: "Chemicals like asbestos, lead, or copper can get into the water. These chemicals can come from roofing materials, gutters, piping, storage materials, other surfaces." Bird droppings and roof dirt wash in with everything else. An asphalt-shingle roof and a lead-flashed valley are not a potable catchment, and no amount of filtering fixes a metal you did not know was there.
The step that is missing from most rainwater setups, including the one described below, is testing. CDC: "If you drink, cook, or bathe with rainwater, test it regularly for germs and chemicals." You cannot see, smell or taste lead. Filtration you have not tested is a belief, not a treatment. Your county health department or extension office can point you at a certified lab, and it is not expensive.
Everything below is what we run for non-potable use — livestock, irrigation, washing. Treat it as a starting point for potable use only alongside a test result telling you what you actually need to remove.
Source: CDC, Rainwater Collection.
Here are a few methods we use:
- Sedimentation: This involves allowing the water to sit for a period of time, allowing any sediment to settle to the bottom.
- Filtration: We use a sediment filter to remove any remaining particles and contaminants.
- Disinfection: We use a UV filter to kill any bacteria or viruses that may be present.
Practical Tips and Resources
Here are a few practical tips and resources to keep in mind:
- Use a rainwater harvesting calculator to determine the size of your storage tank based on your roof size and rainfall.
- Consider adding a pump to your system to make it easier to access the water.
- Check local regulations before installing a rainwater harvesting system, as some areas may have specific requirements or restrictions.
Some of our favorite resources include:
- The Rainwater Harvesting Association: A great resource for learning more about rainwater harvesting and finding local experts.
- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): A wealth of information on stormwater management and rainwater harvesting.
- The Water Conservation Alliance: A non-profit organization dedicated to promoting water conservation and efficiency.
Conclusion
Rainwater harvesting and purification is a simple and effective way to secure your family's water supply. By following these practical tips and using the right tools and techniques, you can turn uncertainty into certainty on your homestead. Remember to always check local regulations and consult with experts before installing a rainwater harvesting system. Happy homesteading!