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Rainwater systems: Difference between revisions
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=== Rain Barrel === | === Rain Barrel === | ||
[[File:Rain barrel2.jpg|thumb|Image of a rain barrel with downspout. Note tap at bottom for high pressure output and overflow hose at top. Screw top lid of barrel affixes a mesh covering the opening of the barrel protecting against insects and detritus | [[File:Rain barrel2.jpg|thumb|Image of a rain barrel with downspout. Note tap at bottom for high pressure output and overflow hose at top. Screw top lid of barrel affixes a mesh covering the opening of the barrel protecting against insects and detritus |left]] | ||
This method is the fastest to get setup with and is popular as a readily-available backup solution. It involves installing a barrel at a gutter downspout to collect rainwater. The actual barrel may be a recycled barrel or a commercially available rain barrel. Some commercially available barrels are made of food grade plastics. UV resistant plastics can be a good idea, especially if the barrel cannot be installed in a location away from direct sunlight. It is important that the entrance hole to the barrel has a mesh or other filter to stop leaves and insects getting into the water. Wire or nylon mesh can be used, or even an old sieve. | This method is the fastest to get setup with and is popular as a readily-available backup solution. It involves installing a barrel at a gutter downspout to collect rainwater. The actual barrel may be a recycled barrel or a commercially available rain barrel. Some commercially available barrels are made of food grade plastics. UV resistant plastics can be a good idea, especially if the barrel cannot be installed in a location away from direct sunlight. It is important that the entrance hole to the barrel has a mesh or other filter to stop leaves and insects getting into the water. Wire or nylon mesh can be used, or even an old sieve. | ||
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* Capacity is generally small with the commercially available barrels | * Capacity is generally small with the commercially available barrels | ||
* It can easily overflow and so wastes water collection opportunities | * It can easily overflow and so wastes water collection opportunities | ||
=== Conjoined Rain Barrels === | === Conjoined Rain Barrels === | ||
[[File:Rain barrels.jpg|thumb|An example of two rain barrels connected with an overflow pipe. The first barrel is fed via downpipe by rainwater collected from the roof. When it fills up, water travels over into the second barrel. Taps at the base allow for direct extraction of water | | [[File:Rain barrels.jpg|thumb|An example of two 200L (55 gallons) rain barrels connected with an overflow pipe. The first barrel is fed via downpipe by rainwater collected from the roof. When it fills up, water travels over into the second barrel. Taps at the base allow for direct extraction of water | right | 320px]] | ||
This method employs one or more barrels connected to the intake rain barrel by way of an overflow pipe at the top. When the first barrel fills up, it overflows into the second, and so on. | This method employs one or more barrels connected to the intake rain barrel by way of an overflow pipe at the top. When the first barrel fills up, it overflows into the second, and so on. | ||
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Pros: | Pros: | ||
* Barrels are readily available in your community or at various stores & websites. Even an old trashbin can be cleaned and used. | * Barrels are readily available in your community or at various stores & websites. Even an old trashbin can be cleaned and used (test for potability). | ||
* Barrels don’t take up much space so they can fit into any situation | * Barrels don’t take up much space so they can fit into any situation | ||
* Overflow is managed such that excess water is not lost | * Overflow is managed such that excess water is not lost | ||
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* Requires more skill to set up | * Requires more skill to set up | ||
* Can be more expensive due to plumbing needs | * Can be more expensive due to plumbing needs | ||
=== 'Dry' system rain barrels === | === 'Dry' system rain barrels === | ||
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* The storage tank must be located next to your house | * The storage tank must be located next to your house | ||
=== 'Wet' system rain barrel === | |||
This approach situates collection pipes underground such that multiple downspouts from different gutters can feed a large above-ground tank. The rainwater fills the underground piping pushing water up through the vertical pipes until it spills into the tank. The downspouts and underground collection piping must have water-tight connections. The elevation of the tank inlet must be below the lowest gutter on the house. | |||
Pros: | |||
* The ability to collect from your entire collection surface | |||
* The ability to collect from multiple gutters and downspouts | |||
* The tank can be located away from your house | |||
Cons: | |||
* More expensive to implement due to underground piping | |||
* Sufficient difference between gutters and tank inlet must be available | |||
=== 'Wet' system underground rain storage === | === 'Wet' system underground rain storage === | ||
[[File:Rainwater catchment wet system.jpg|thumb|Illustration showing a catchment system from any number of downspouts passing through a simple 'trough' sand filter, with underground storage, providing potable water to the building | [[File:Rainwater catchment wet system.jpg|thumb|Illustration showing a catchment system from any number of downspouts passing through a simple 'trough' sand filter, with underground storage, providing potable water to the building | 480px | left ]] | ||
With this method the collection pipes are located underground in order to connect multiple downspouts from different gutters. The rainwater floods the underground piping pushes the water up into the pump in the lower region of the house or building. The downspouts and underground collection piping must have water-tight connections. The elevation of the tank inlet must be below the lowest gutter on the house or building. | With this method the collection pipes are located underground in order to connect multiple downspouts from different gutters. The rainwater floods the underground piping pushes the water up into the pump in the lower region of the house or building. The downspouts and underground collection piping must have water-tight connections. The elevation of the tank inlet must be below the lowest gutter on the house or building. | ||
Pros: | Pros: | ||
* The ability to collect from your entire collection surface | * The ability to collect from your entire collection surface | ||
* The ability to collect from multiple gutters and downspouts | * The ability to collect from multiple gutters and downspouts | ||
* The tank can be located away from your house | * The tank can be located away from your house | ||
Cons: | Cons: | ||
* More expensive to implement due to underground piping, water storage chamber and pump | * More expensive to implement due to underground piping, water storage chamber and pump | ||
* Sufficient difference between gutters and tank inlet must be available | * Sufficient difference between gutters and tank inlet must be available | ||