In the video, the father, Joe, gives a tour of the “wet pipe” system for rainwater harvesting that he uses in his family's home. Because drilling a well was too expensive, the family uses this system for about 95 percent of the year.
The sides of his home feature a network of downspouts that connect to this underground system. These pipes then connect with a 5,000-gallon tank behind the house. The 5,000-gallon tank is buried nearly halfway underground. As water fills the tank, most of the dirt and sediment stays on the bottom.
“I do not do ‘first flush,’” Joe said. “I use my first tank as a first flush and clean it once a year.”
He explained that the water that flows into his other two “clean” tanks is free of dirt and sediment, and then he adds a small amount of bleach to kill any bacteria.
“Most municipalities use chorine, and I just do that to a lesser scale,” he said. All water that is used for drinking or cooking passes through a Berkey Water Filter system, as well.
The fruit trees on the property are watered exclusively by rainwater and gray water from the home. Other trees and his garden are watered by an extensive sloping system that carries rainwater and overflow from the gutters downhill.
What do you think of this family's method for harvesting rainwater? Have you ever collected and used rainwater? What methods did you use? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
Article Source: Off the Grid News
And go to jail
Yep, in some states it’s illegal to collect rain water…SMH. Anything to get a buck out of the people…
I did hear that it was illegal to collect rainwater, even in Oregon………
Just be careful, certain states do not allow rain harvesting.
If it is illegal in your state as mine is..washington..don’t ask and don’t tell!!
Interesting where can I find the plans
Harvesting rain water is illegal here. I$#%&!@*you not.
In some counties and states it’s “illegal” to do so. Do it anyway. Just don’t let your neighbor know. There are inconspicuous designs for rain capturing that work great.
Merica
When they say it’s illegal to collect rain water they mean altering the natural flow of water. Such as putting up large tarps that cover hillsides. Using a rain barrel on your house rain gutter is not illegal anywhere.
It’s 100% not illegal to put a rain barrel next to your house. Just be careful how you divert the water away from your home so you don’t ruin the foundation it lies on. I use the Rainreserve Rain Barrel Basic Rain Diverter you can find more info here about it http://www.ibctoterecycling.com/rain-water-collection-buyers-guide/best-rain-water-diverter-2017/
Politicians are now taxing rainwater…..want to kill them for their blatant audacity at a drop of hat ? And all their support systems !
That’s what I’m doing.I’ve got a 6000 gallon tank and a 12 volt shur-flo pump
Make sure it’s “legal” in your area!!!
In Australian rural areas ALL the houses get their water supply from the rain. We have large tanks and the problem is to have enough storage to last if there is a long term dry spell. Some people may have a bore, but they wouldn’t drink bore water.
I’ve only drunk rainwater from our tank for the last twenty five years. We don’t treat it with bleach either. Although very recently we have a filter. My kids drank rainwater- no fluoride and it didn’t make a difference to their excellent dental health.
You can bury tanks and pump the water up, I’ve also seen elevated tanks which use gravity to feed the water to the house.
This is against the laws in some states due to the Patriot Act
Harvest rain water and have the man come knocking to arrest you. It’s illegal in most states to collect so if you do hide that sht. The utility companies don’t want anything effecting their profits
To bad its illegal
Unfortunately, many state governments are making that illegal, essentially claiming ownership of rainwater. It’s absolute bullshit…but if you can get away with it. Do it.
I wish it was legal in ny
Some places that is illegal. Stupid. Both of my barrels are almost full.
In Colorado, the ban was supported by agriculture thinking rain collection would hurt down stream and/not refill aquifiers. Colorado lifted the ban with contigency and conducted studies to see if it were true….it wasn’t. Now, if you own a well…you can collect but not for drinking. If you dont own a well, you have to go through more red tape. Woohoo colorado
Illegal in quite a few municipalities!!