Use a plastic barrel as a water cistern.
Collecting rainwater is an option for watering the garden during a summer drought. The collection of rainwater from downspouts on the roof decreases runoff and may aid in the prevention of erosion. Collecting rainwater in a cistern, such as a homemade rain barrel, promotes water conservation and is beneficial to your plants. Using a rain barrel may save money on your water bill. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Find a barrel. Although 55-gallon plastic barrels are commonly used, other sizes also work well. The barrel should not have previously contained toxic chemicals, but it may have held cooking oil for a restaurant or soap for a commercial carwash. Rinse thoroughly so that your new cistern does not hold residue. Alternately, purchase a rain barrel inexpensively at your local home improvement or big box store.
2. Remove the top of the barrel. If the top is attached, cut away with a skill saw or other cutting tool.
3. Cover the barrel with fine wire mesh or cheesecloth to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs in the water. Secure the wire with Teflon tape. Tablets to repel mosquitoes and other insects can be safely added to the water. Usually, water from the rain barrel will not be used for drinking or cooking.
4. Cut a round hole ¾-foot up from the bottom of the barrel to add a spout or spigot for water removal and use. The hole should be 1-inch around, unless spigot instructions require a different size. Draining water with a spigot is more efficient than removing the wire and dipping the water from the cistern.
5. Locate the barrel under a gutter downspout so that overflow runs freely into the barrel. Keep the gutter clean and unobstructed for optimum water collection.
Tags: rain barrel, Collecting rainwater, water from