Earth Talk – free water from your roof
Plants and grass actually do better with rainwater instead of tap water.
By The Editors of E Magazine | October 23, 2009 edition
Q: How can I make good use of the rainwater that runs down my roof and into my gutters?
– Brian Smith, Nashua, N.H.
A: For most of us, the rain that falls on our roof runs off into the ground or the sewer system. But if you’re motivated to save a little water and redistribute it on your lawns or plants – or even use it for laundry, dishes, or other interior needs – collecting rainwater from your gutters’ downspouts is a no-brainer.
Two areas don’t allow it, though. Utah and parts of Washington State have antiquated but nonetheless tough laws banning anyone but owners of water rights from collecting rainwater flowing off privately owned rooftops. Such laws are rarely enforced, however, and one in Colorado was recently overturned.
According to John C. Davis, writing in E – The Environmental Magazine, just about any home-owner can collect rainwater, given that the roof and gutters do most of the work. And since an inch of rain falling on a 2,000-square-foot roof produces some 1,200 gallons of runoff, one can harvest enough to irrigate the lawn or garden in all but the most drought-stricken areas.
Plants and grass actually do better when fed rainwater instead of tap water, which is usually treated with softeners that can inhibit plant growth.
And, reports Mr. Davis, the lack of minerals in rainwater makes it more effective than tap water for shampooing or doing dishes. Using rainwater for plumbing uses can also extend the life of pipes and water heaters, since the salts added to tap water facilitate corrosion. However, homeowners should set up a water purification system if they do plan to use rainwater for interior needs.
Rainwater harvesting can also be good for the local community, as it reduces the erosion, flooding, and pollution runoff associated with heavy rainfall, and lessens reliance on public water supplies. Given these benefits, some states subsidize residential rainwater collection systems.
Many varieties of rain barrel systems, starting at just $100, are available for home installation. A typical setup is simply a rain barrel positioned under a gutter’s downspout.
“The barrel is typically fitted with a spigot at its base to fill a watering can or attach a soaker hose (which bleeds out water all along its length, providing effortless drip irrigation), and a filter or screen at its top to prevent a buildup of leaves and other debris,” writes Davis. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, a single 100-gallon rain barrel can save up to 1,300 gallons of utility-provided water during the high-demand summer months.
Handy homeowners can make their own water harvesting systems, but buying one premade is a lot easier. Most nurseries and garden centers offer a range of choices (as well as advice), but websites make it easy to order a system online, too.
Questions about living green? Send to: EarthTalk, c/o E - The Environmental Magazine, Box 5098, Westport, CT 06881; earthtalk@emagazine.com.
Editor’s note: For more articles about the environment, see the Monitor’s main environment page, which offers information on many environment topics. Also, check out our Bright Green blog archive and our RSS feed.
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Comments
2. Andrew Okubo | 10.23.09
In the Philippines red lead paint is a common roof primer material. Can anyone please suggest a different paint primer for Galvanized Iron corrugated roof material that would be safer, as the water collected is basically for internal house use- even for cooking.
Thank you for this article.
3. ken stone | 10.25.09
If you plan to drink this water -from my experience it is best to collect rainwater after a first hard rain to clear the roof of rodent, bird fecal matter. Using a diverter valve allows this first runoff to not be collected.
Also, adding a small amount of chlorine (liquid, gas or fluid) to collection water (for potable) will keep it safe and usable over a longer period of time.
Ken
Waterfortheworld.com
4. jerryluiz | 10.26.09
Be carefull with this idea, although its a great green concept,In US states like Utah, Colorado and Washington, it’s illegal to do so unless you go through the difficult — and often impossible — process of gaining a state water right.
http://www.hcn.org/issues/40.18/a-good-idea-2013-if-you-can-get-away-with-it
5. Ken in Maine | 10.26.09
There is a potential health concern with rain water collected from rooftops, especially those covered in architectural/asphalt shingles. Chemicals in the tar of such roofs could out into the water. With these types of roofs it might be best to only use collected water for non-portable uses like lawns and ornamental plants. It might also be wise to avoid putting water from these roof tops on vegetable gardens as some plants do take up the toxins.
If in doubt having samples of the collected water analyzed for chemical contaminates would be a good idea. Collect a sample after a rain on a hot day when chemicals are most likely to leech into the water.
6. Geoff | 10.27.09
In Washington State, Seattle, and perhaps many other municipalities, have, or are in the process of gettting, waivers regarding the water rights law. The state department of eco is very interested in increasing domestic water harvesting in urban areas. We just had to research this for a construction project.
7. Carlos | 10.28.09
great article.. I am glad that in a first word country (USA)some initiatives such as this are been made. Sometimes, small effords but in great numbers can make a big difference. I live in Mexico and at home we made a big square recepient underground to collect rain water. We use this water to maintain our small flower garden during the dry season. The Mayas had a similar way to collect rain water that was saved for later use. It works very well.
8. Samy | 10.28.09
Just keep it on the down low, if used to water lawns and gardens its a great tool to save on water. Especially in drought areas. If its legal or not…
9. SoyLicious Candles | 10.31.09
I have been using these rain barrels for years! We get a ton of rain where we live lately and it sure saved a lot of water for my plants and flowers this summer.
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1. SJE | 10.23.09
We live where the chance of freezing the rain barrel solid is pretty high. I found a pretty neat item - it’s a downspout diverter. Now instead of having to disconnect everything twice a year I just flip the lever to chance the flow of the water http://www.aquabarrel.com/product_downspout_diverter.php