In areas with inadequate rainfall totals, such as areas of drought, the desert or areas where wells are not an option, rain water harvesting is necessary to provide enough water for household use, such as for bathing, flushing toilets, dishes and other common water tasks. Rain water that is harvested from even a light shower will provide enough water for many household jobs--a strong thunderstorm will provide hundreds of gallons of water which saves having to haul water from a far-off location and also saves gas and energy. Nitrogen-rich rain water is also ideal for watering household plants and the garden, a key nutrient for optimum growth.
Guttering
Installing guttering to pitched roofs is necessary to harvest rain water. The task is simple and may be completed in an afternoon. Two people get the job done with ease--one up the ladder with nails and a hammer and the other as a "go for" fetching the sections of guttering in order and eyeballing the guttering as sections are added. Installing the guttering at a slight tilt towards the drainpipe or downspout may be beneficial. Metal or vinyl guttering is available although metal guttering is more expensive.
Tanks
Install the downspout onto the end of the guttering as this is where the rain water will spill down into the water collection receptacles, such as a series of 55-gallon plastic drums or a 1,000-gallon water tank, or even a cistern located underground that may be 4,000 or 5,000 gallons in capacity.
Pump
A demand water pump is used to transfer water from the underground cistern or the tanks into the house to be utilized for water tasks. This may be done through the installation of PVC Schedule 40 water pipe throughout the home or by a simple pipe with a faucet in place in which to draw individual buckets of water. These pipes should be insulated with foam coverings to prevent freezing and burst pipes.
Purification
To purify rain water for drinking purposes, an Ultraviolet (UV) purification light (see Resources) may be installed on top of the water tank. Ultraviolet rays do not destroy bacteria but instead, inactivates them, rendering the water good for drinking. This form of purification is found not only in desert regions with little potable water but also in the Brazilian jungle where water is plentiful. However, bacteria abounds.
Filters
Filters are optional for water storage tanks or cisterns, although sand, leaf debris and insect debris may foul water quickly depending on the season. Floating filters may be installed to keep harvested water clear and flowing properly without clogging lines and causing headaches with extra maintenance.
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