How Does a Home Rain Water Collection System Work?
Containers and Covers
Containers form the first component of a home rain water collection system. These can be as simple as large plastic barrels or trash cans, or you can purchase a container specially designed for water collection. The only necessity is that the container be watertight, as otherwise it obviously will not function in collecting water. The other necessity is some type of cover. If you use a garbage can, you can simply use the garbage can lid, if it attaches firmly enough, to keep leaves and debris from collecting in your water. Or you can cut a large square of wire mesh and fasten it over your water container; some very small debris will get in, but you will keep the larger, gunky stuff out.
Gutters
The downspout on your gutter needs to lead directly into your water container. You can simply detach the lower portion of the downspout and direct the upper half so that it rests on top of the mesh covering your barrel, or let it sit slightly inside a hole you have cut in the solid cover of your water barrel. The rest of the guttering system will do all the work. As the rain falls, it will run down your roof, into your side gutters, and stream toward the downspout. The downspout will deposit the water directly into your container.
Spigot and Hose
The third necessary component of a water collection system is a method of accessibility. You'll want to have some sort of spigot installed in your container. One reason specially made "rain collection barrels" are popular is because they already have a spigot installed, as well as some type of mesh cover. You can install a simple spigot yourself, as long as you are sure to make it watertight around the seams. You will also need a hose which attaches to your spigot, as this provides you the means of transporting the water to other locations in your yard.
Pumps
An optional component of a home rain water collection system is a pump, either manual or electric. A manual, hand-operated pump still requires some elbow grease but will provide a way of getting your water from your barrel, through your hose, to any location in the yard. Without at least a manual pump, you'll be more limited in how far you can move your water. Electric pumps, of course, make the job much easier, but they also require a bit more installation savvy and will use electricity. The best way to decide whether or not you need an electric pump is to decide how you will use the water in your barrel. Will you be watering a large garden or only a few containers? Do you want just a few barrels of "extra" water for outdoor use, or do you want to use the rain water you collect for washing dishes and drinking? The more use you plan, the more sense an electric pump makes in your water collection system.
Water Purification System
A water purification system is only necessary if you plan to use the rain water you collect for washing food dishes, drinking and bathing. Most people find it simpler to designate rain water collected for outdoor purposes and stick to the filtered tap water for drinking and dish washing. However, purification systems are readily available and can be installed as part of your system, thus enabling you to collect and use your rain water for as many purposes as you would like.
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