Water collection system

[dademoss]

I just completed the first phase of my water system. It's a 2 barrel closed system, so I don't need screens on the barrels. The RainReserve diverter feeds closed top barrels through tubing and when the barrels are full it overflows to the original downspout.

I hope to add more barrels as time and money permit, 110 gallons doesn't go as far as you think it will.

Initial installation:
http://dademoss.smugmug.com/Other/Misc-Shots/DSC1434/928954682_FqjX5-M.jpg

Decorative screen in place:

http://dademoss.smugmug.com/Other/Misc-Shots/DSC1466/948682437_WU8Q8-M.jpg

[WVMan73]

Great job! That's a very nice, neat looking arangement. I really like the screan you added around the barrels. I've heard many people complain about "those ugly blue barrels", but the way you have that fixed it looks very professionaly and clean. Way to go!

WVMan73

[Grizzy]

Wow I like that too.. Very Nice and Creative!

~Grizzy~

[Naughty_Pines]

http://www.naturalnews.com/029286_rainwater_collection_water.html

[Texas Al]

On my place, I've got metal roofing and basically gable roofs, one is higher than the other, so there are 2 different levels of facia. At each end of the building, dig a square hole about a foot deep, place a form around it to hold concrete. Stub up a 1 inch pipe about 6 inches above the top of the form, ie the top of the concrete to come. That pipe will go down maybe 8 inches and then elbowed over to about a foot outside where the concrete will be. Stub it up outside the form and put whatever valving you want on it. Now go buy what is commonly known as "tin horns" or galvanized corrugated pipe that's used for drainage under country driveways. Pour the concrete and then use your machine (whatever you have) to set the pipe on end in the hole with concrete. Run your rain gutters to the top of the big tin horn. Built a hat with a receptacle hole for the top to keep out the leaves, etc. You want the biggest diameter pipe you can get at a length that will allow your gutters to flow. I haven't done it yet, but once you calculate your available capacity and compare to costs of the plastic short water holders, you'll find it's the cheapest way to go. Make sure the pipe sets up in the 1 foot + of concrete - plumb and level.

[Travis]

Looks good really how its hidden from sight. Yes 110 gallons is not alot of water but when and if something goes wrong you will have 110 gallons more than your neighbors.

Texas Al I like the idea of using a culvert for water but I have found from research that there is several drawbacks. They will rust over time do to water sitting in them. They are galvanized so I don't know about drinking from it. And lastly the cost is very expensive when you compare the cost of them versus a poly tank. Gotta calculate the gallons of the pipe to get an apple to apple comparision.

[StatHaldol]

Good job!! I like your dog too!

[KarenBC]

This set up "almost" makes me want to put eavestroughing on the house...but they are such a pain here with the snow.

Since I'm out in the boonies, I just put barrels under the edge of the roof and catch the runoff that way (no need to worry about neighbours)- use the water for gardens & critters. Next year I plan to get more barrels and line them up all the way along the roof drip line at the back of the house.

[dademoss]

Ralphey liked the rainbarrels, but for a different reason:eek:

Someday I hope to be out in the boonies too, and I hope to put in a nice big cistern and pump:yes4:

Luckily we don't get all that much snow here, and screens keep the leaves out for the most part.

[Mad_Professor]

I have 2 280 gallon poly totes hooked up to the eaves troughs. A little over 1/2" of rain will fill them (560 gal) . They are set up for gravity feed to more 280 gallon totes and 55 gal drums in the vegetable garden. The totes have 2" ball valves so I can distribute the water as needed

If I start in early spring I have over 2000 gal. reserves before the growing season gets into gear.