Along with the increase in population, the use of drinking water worldwide is increasing. Collecting rainwater is a simple process that allows us to preserve the liquid we consume. It simply consists of storing the rainwater that falls in tanks to have it available when it is necessary to use it.
Rainwater is not suitable for human consumption. Instead, it can be used for tasks that don’t require us to waste drinking water, such as watering plants or washing floors. With more complex installations, it can even be used in the bathroom for the toilet.
Get a barrel. You can also buy it, but it is better to get a used one to save money and reuse. Some companies use them to store food or other products and may be able to give you some that they will throw away. You can also use a large garbage can. In any case, make sure it can hold 100 to 200 liters of water.
If you decide to get a used barrel, make sure that it has not been used to store oil, pesticides or any other type of toxic substance, since it will be impossible to remove the chemicals. This would make the barrel dangerous to your health.
If you plan to collect a lot of water, get two or three barrels. You can connect them so that they are all part of the same system. You will thus obtain hundreds of liters of water.
The rest of the materials needed to make the collection system can be found at stores such as a hardware store or nursery.
You will need to
- 1 standard 1″ hose wrench with 3/4″ pipe threads (so you can get the water out of the barrel)
- 1 gasket 1.8cm x 1.8cm
- 1 bushing 1.8cm x 1.8cm
- 1 x 1.8 cm pipe thread with adapter for 2.5 cm hose
- 1 locknut 1.8 cm
- 4 metal washers
- 1 roll of teflon tape
- 1 silicone sealant tube
- 1 “S” shaped downspout elbow (to pass water from downspout to rain barrel)
- 1 aluminum mosquito net (to prevent leaves, insects and other debris from falling into the water)
- 4 to 6 cinder blocks
Flatten the area next to the downspout, which is the metal or plastic tube that runs from the roof gutters to the floor. You’re going to need to reorient the downspout toward your barrel, so you’ll need to set up a platform in an area near where it empties.
First, remove any rocks or debris from the area. If the ground isn’t flat, grab a shovel and scoop up enough dirt to flatten out the space your barrels will occupy.
If your downspout empties into a concrete surface, such as a sloping driveway or patio, build a flat surface by stacking plywood boards on the lowest part.
If you have more than one downspout in your house, choose the one that is closest to the garden so you don’t have to move the water as much when you go to use it.
Form a layer of gravel for better drainage around rain barrels. Also, this will help keep water away from the foundation of your house. First, you need to dig a 13 cm deep rectangle in the area you flattened to put the barrels. Then fill with 1.2 cm of gravel.
Skip this step if your downspout empties into a concrete surface.
Stack cinder blocks on top of the gravel. Set them on their side to create a raised platform for your barrels. It should be wide and long enough for everyone to fit in and be at the same height. In addition, it must be stable to prevent them from tipping over.
3. Attach the faucet and drain valve
Drill a hole for the key in the side of the barrel. Do it in a place that leaves enough room to put a bucket or bottle under it.
The standard size of the keys is 1.8 cm. Make the hole this size to fit well. If you have a key with other measurements, drill a hole according to them.
Put sealant on the edge of the hole, both inside and outside the barrel.
Put the key and attach it to the joint. Use Teflon tape to wrap the threaded edges. This will ensure a tighter seal and prevent water from spilling out.
Put a washer on the threaded edge of the gasket and insert it into the barrel hole from the outside. Put another washer over the tube from the inside. Put the bushing in so that it locks the key in place.
If your key is different, follow the instructions to replace it.
Make a drain valve. Drill another hole a few inches from the top of the barrel. It should be 1.8 cm or the same size as the first hole you made.
Put sealant on the edge of the hole, both inside and outside of the barrel. Put a washer on the hose adapter and insert it into the hole from the outside. Put another washer on the inside threads, put some Teflon tape on it and put a nut to tighten everything. You can also put a hose directly over the valve.
If you want to add another barrel, you will have to make a third hole. Make it the same height as the key, but several inches to the side. Then make a 1.8 cm hole in the second barrel at the same height as the first. Put the hose adapters into the holes of both barrels as described above. Repeat these steps for each barrel you wish to add.
4. Assemble the collection system
Connect the elbow to the downspout. Decide how to do it by putting the barrel on the platform you set up earlier. It should be close enough that you can connect it with your elbow.
Make a mark on the downspout 1 inch below the height of the barrel. You will need to attach the elbow to the downspout so that the water flows into the barrel. Cut the downspout with a hacksaw. Fix it with screws and make sure they are tight.
While you’re measuring and fitting the elbow on the downspout, make sure the edge of the elbow flows into the barrel so you don’t spill any water. It is not enough that it is above.
Connect the barrel to the elbow. If the barrel has a lid, use the saw to cut a hole long enough for the rim of the elbow to fit inside. Cover the area around the hole with the metal mosquito net.
Put a filter on top of the downspout to prevent leaves and other debris from clogging your water collection system.
Connect the additional barrels. If you have more barrels, put them on the platform and connect portions of the hose to the valves.
In a departament
If you live in an apartment, you will not have space to place barrels. But this does not mean that you cannot collect rainwater. Simply place some containers on your balcony in the area where they receive the most water. If your balcony has a roof, it will probably be near the railing.
You can reuse plastic or glass containers that you have in your home. Just make sure you clean them well before using them. It is also important that they have a lid, since stagnant water will fill with mosquitoes. In regions with dengue, this is especially important. As soon as the container is full, you should cover it.