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Rainwater systems: Difference between revisions
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→Rainwater collection methods: Better image of rain barrels
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=== Rain Barrels === | === Rain Barrels === | ||
[[File:Rain | [[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 | left | 240px]] | ||
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. | 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. | ||
Pros: | Pros: | ||
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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. A second barrel can be used however, as seen in the example image. | ||
=== 'DRY' system rain barrels === | |||
This method is a variation of a rain barrel set-up simply involving a larger storage volume / barrel. The collection pipe connects to the top of the barrel and 'dries' after each collection. It is designed for less frequent and larger downpours. | |||
Pros: | |||
* Can store a large amount of rainwater | |||
* Good for regions where rainfall occurs with less frequent storms | |||
* Can be inexpensive to implement | |||
Cons: | |||
* Needs more space | |||
* The storage tank must be located next to your house | |||
== Linkdump == | == Linkdump == | ||