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Rainwater systems: Difference between revisions
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→Rainwater collection methods: added another image of conjoined rain barrels, and a better image for the single rain barrel.
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(→Rainwater collection methods: added another image of conjoined rain barrels, and a better image for the single rain barrel.) |
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== Rainwater collection methods == | == Rainwater collection methods == | ||
=== Rain | === Rain Barrel === | ||
[[File:Rain | [[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.]] | ||
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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* Easily implemented by anyone at any residence | * Easily implemented by anyone at any residence | ||
* Barrels are readily available in your community or at various stores & websites | * Barrels are readily available in your community or at various stores & websites. Even an old trashbin can be cleaned and used. | ||
* 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 | ||
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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 === | |||
[[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 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. | |||
Pros: | |||
* Barrels are readily available in your community or at various stores & websites. Even an old trashbin can be cleaned and used. | |||
* Barrels don’t take up much space so they can fit into any situation | |||
* Overflow is managed such that excess water is not lost | |||
Cons: | |||
* Requires more skill to set up | |||
* Can be more expensive due to plumbing needs | |||
=== 'DRY' system rain barrels === | === 'DRY' system rain barrels === | ||