Minimize water waste by using rainwater for outdoor activities.
On a 1,000 square foot roof, a single inch of rainwater runoff will amount to over 600 gallons of water. Rather than let this water run unused into storm drains and local waterways -- while using treated drinking water to water your plants and wash your car -- you can harvest rain water in your yard using a homemade rain barrel, for a fraction of the cost of using a commercial rain water collection system. Use a reused wooden barrel rather than a large plastic cistern for an old-fashioned charm that blends your system seamlessly and sustainably into its natural landscape. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Clean barrel thoroughly to remove all traces of previously stored food products or chemicals.
2. Obtain a waterproof wooden barrel capable of storing about 50 to 80 gallons of liquid. Purchase a lined barrel intended for storing liquids or acquire one secondhand -- and perhaps free of charge -- from a local winery or gardening nursery.
3. Use a 6-inch hole saw to cut a circular hole that is 6 inches in diameter on the top of your barrel. Insert screen into the hole with louvered side facing upward to protect water from bugs and debris.
4. Use a 29/32-inch drill bit to drill a hole near the top of the barrel's side for rain overflow. Drill a second hole of the same size near the bottom to install a spigot, keeping the hole within arms' reach. Twist a 29/32-inch NPT pipe tap into the top hole, then untwist and pull to remove. Repeat on the bottom hole.
5. Insert the threaded side of a hose adapter into the upper 3/4-inch hole. Wrap threaded side of a brass spigot with plumber's tape. Make sure to cover all threads. Twist to insert wrapped end of spigot into bottom hole of barrel.
6. Lay two wooden crates side by side to create an elevated, level platform on which to place your barrel. Place rain barrel on top of crates.
7. Cut the downspout with a hacksaw 4 inches above the hole in the top of the barrel. Attach an S-shaped elbow, if necessary, to channel the water into a barrel that cannot sit flush with the downspout.
8. Attach a hose to upper hose adapter. Direct hose to guide overflow water away from your house. Attach hose to spigot or leave as-is.
Tags: Attach hose, bottom hole, hole barrel, hose adapter, into hole, rain barrel