What Is Rain Water Harvesting
It is the technique or strategy for the collection of rainwater and storing it in the right way for future use. The water can be collected from various surfaces and platforms and stored for later use. In most cases, the water is usually collected from rooftops and hard surfaces. Rainwater harvesting is considered as a very reliable way to conserve water. This technique has been around for a very long time, practiced in the ancient times. Over the past years, this ancient method of water storage has grown quite popular. It plays a vital role in reducing your water bill. Water that has been stored from harvesting water can be used for irrigation purposes. It is ideal for both residential and commercial properties
Rain water is a vastly under-used natural resource that we often take for granted. There are many reasons to collect rain from your roof. Because rain water is a naturally soft water devoid of chemicals such as chlorine it is healthier for your garden, landscape and indoor plants. By harvesting rain, you will create a smaller impact on your municipal water source and reduce the amount of water you contribute to storm runoff.
Collecting rainwater is an age-old concept that is increasing in popularity today. it is clear that harvesting what falls from the sky is not only viable but necessary. The benefits of collecting rainwater are numerous.
1. Reduces Flooding and Erosion
Harvesting rainwater can help the environment in a number of ways. For starters, it can reduce erosion around downspouts and in gardens. It can also control storm water run-off. Rainwater doesn’t produce scale and corrosion as hard water does. The collection of rainwater may reduce flooding in certain areas as well.
2. Reduces Water Bills
Rainwater harvesting will not only help individuals save on their water bills but can cut costs for entire communities. The cost to supply mains and overall water services can be substantially reduced when many people in one community use rainwater. Having a source of water can also reduce dependence on municipal sources in case the water becomes contaminated. Rainwater can be used as the primary source of water or as a backup source when needed.
3. Reduces Demand on Ground Water
Sources of ground water are increasingly being strained in many areas throughout the world. Digging deeper wells is not only expensive but can cause environmental damage such as collapsing the soil where the water used to be. It only makes sense to use sources of rainwater whenever possible. Harvested rainwater can be stored and then used during times of drought.
4. Can Be Used for Non-drinking Purposes
The majority of the water we need is used for non-drinking. Everything from washing clothes and dishes to bathing and flushing toilets require large amounts of water. Rainwater can be used for all of these things. Rainwater is soft and can lessen the need for detergents when washing clothes and dishes. Rainwater can also be used for washing vehicles, bathing pets, and nearly all cleaning that uses water.
5. Can Improve Plant Growth
Rainwater harvesting can also be used to improve plants and gardens. Using harvested water can flush the salt buildup from plants and soil. Harvested rainwater is generally free from several types of pollutants and man-made contaminants. Rain is also free from chlorination. Using water that is this clean and healthy for plants and trees can save money on overall property maintenance and landscaping needs.
While regular maintenance is required, simple collection systems can be constructed that most people can easily build and maintain. An ideal way to get started is the use of a rain barrel system. Rainwater harvesting and storage can be incorporated in both rural and urban areas and provides many benefits to individuals, communities, and the environment.
Collecting rainwater is an age-old concept that is increasing in popularity today. it is clear that harvesting what falls from the sky is not only viable but necessary. The benefits of collecting rainwater are numerous.
1. Reduces Flooding and Erosion
Harvesting rainwater can help the environment in a number of ways. For starters, it can reduce erosion around downspouts and in gardens. It can also control storm water run-off. Rainwater doesn’t produce scale and corrosion as hard water does. The collection of rainwater may reduce flooding in certain areas as well.
2. Reduces Water Bills
Rainwater harvesting will not only help individuals save on their water bills but can cut costs for entire communities. The cost to supply mains and overall water services can be substantially reduced when many people in one community use rainwater. Having a source of water can also reduce dependence on municipal sources in case the water becomes contaminated. Rainwater can be used as the primary source of water or as a backup source when needed.
3. Reduces Demand on Ground Water
Sources of ground water are increasingly being strained in many areas throughout the world. Digging deeper wells is not only expensive but can cause environmental damage such as collapsing the soil where the water used to be. It only makes sense to use sources of rainwater whenever possible. Harvested rainwater can be stored and then used during times of drought.
4. Can Be Used for Non-drinking Purposes
The majority of the water we need is used for non-drinking. Everything from washing clothes and dishes to bathing and flushing toilets require large amounts of water. Rainwater can be used for all of these things. Rainwater is soft and can lessen the need for detergents when washing clothes and dishes. Rainwater can also be used for washing vehicles, bathing pets, and nearly all cleaning that uses water.
5. Can Improve Plant Growth
Rainwater harvesting can also be used to improve plants and gardens. Using harvested water can flush the salt buildup from plants and soil. Harvested rainwater is generally free from several types of pollutants and man-made contaminants. Rain is also free from chlorination. Using water that is this clean and healthy for plants and trees can save money on overall property maintenance and landscaping needs.
While regular maintenance is required, simple collection systems can be constructed that most people can easily build and maintain. An ideal way to get started is the use of a rain barrel system. Rainwater harvesting and storage can be incorporated in both rural and urban areas and provides many benefits to individuals, communities, and the environment.
Why is rainwater such a preferred water source? There is more than just one reason—in fact there are four
1. Rainwater is 100% soft water. Free of the salts, minerals, treatment chemicals, and pharmaceuticals that are found in municipal water, groundwater, and surface water, rainwater is pure hydration. Salts and chemicals build up in your soil over time and these residues are tough on plants. This effect is exaggerated in potted plants where the accumulation is more pronounced.
2. Rainwater is slightly acidic—naturally! Green gardeners know that most organically grown plants prefer soil pH levels between 5.5 and 6.5. This is on the acidic side of the neutral pH 7, and by nature's design, it is the exact pH range for rainwater. City water, on the other hand, is treated to be alkaline to protect metal pipes from corroding, and can have a pH level upwards of 8.5. Greywater (once-used household water from a laundry machine, shower, or bathroom sink) will start with the same pH as your tap water, but can have a pH as high as 10.5 once it gets to the garden depending on the types of soaps and detergents that are in it. Irrigate with rainwater to flush out your soil and help keep your soil pH in perfect balance ongoingly!
3. Stored rainwater contains some organic matter. If collected from your rooftop, rainwater contains traces of organic material. While the water is very clean and should run clear, it has been exposed to anything on your roof. We're not talking about chunks (these get pre-filtered out on their way into properly-designed rain barrels)--we're just talking about contact exposure to leaf litter, pollen, bird droppings and the like (which perhaps not surprisingly are great for your plants). A rain barrel hosts a beneficial biology to keep the water alive - literally. It's like a light application of fertilizer every time you water!
4. Rain contains nitrates—an important macro-nutrient. Rainwater contains nitrate - the most bio-available form of nitrogen. Nitrogen is one of the three key macro-nutrients that plants need to thrive--necessary for the development of lush foliage. Many forms of nitrogen are not actually absorbable by plants. Nitrates, which are made up of nitrogen and oxygen, are formulated by nature for maximum uptake by your plants. Plants typically absorb most of their nitrates from the soil. And where do those nitrates come from? Rain!
Plants Love Rain—It's Just Natural!
Rainwater tends to be pure than tap water, city or well. Rain contains few salts, minerals, treatment chemicals or pharmaceuticals often found in municipal tap water. Though relatively pure, rainwater can contain particulates from the atmosphere, such as dust or pollen. Those of us who grew up in the Cold War era were told not to eat snow or drink rain, as they carried radioactive fallout from above-ground nuclear testing. If you collect rainwater from your gutter downspout or a rain barrel, via your roof, the water may contain traces of contaminants from your roof, especially if you have composite shingles, as well as contaminants from bird droppings and other creatures like squirrels who may spend time on your roof. These may be OK for plants, but don’t drink this water. Stored rainwater may contain some organic matter, in the form of insect larvae or algae growth. Rain also contains traces of nitrates, essential for plant growth.