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reuse on-site, rather than allowing it to run off. Its uses include water for
garden, water for livestock, water for irrigation, water for domestic use with
proper treatment, and indoor heating for houses etc. In many places the
water collected is just redirected to a deep pit with percolation. The
harvested water can be used as drinking water as well as for storage and
other purpose like irrigation.
Rainwater Harvesting Basic Components
Rainwater systems come in all shapes and sizes, from simple catchment
system under a downspout to large above and/or underground cisterns with
complex filtration systems that can store thousands of gallons of water. Most
rainwater collection systems are comprised of the following basic
components:
Catchment surface - rooftop or other raised solid surface. The best
catchment systems have hard, smooth surfaces such as metal roofs or
concrete areas. The amount of water harvested depends on the quantity of
rainfall, and the size of the surface and the slope of the catchment area.
Gutters and downspouts - also known as distribution systems that
channel the water from the catchment area to a holding container such as a
barrel, cistern, planted area, etc.
Leaf screens - a screen that removes or catches debris.
Roof washers - a device that diverts the "first flush" of rain before it enters
the storage tank. Most rainwater suppliers recommend that the "first flush"
of water is diverted to an outside area of the storage system, since the
catchment surface may accumulate bird droppings, debris and other
pollution.
Storage tanks - In general, the storage tank is the most expensive
component of a rainwater harvesting system. There are numerous types and
styles of storage tanks available. Storage can be above-ground or
underground. Storage containers can be made from galvanized steel, wood,
concrete, clay, plastic, fiberglass, polyethylene, masonry, etc. Examples of
above-ground storage include; cisterns, barrels, tanks, garbage cans, above
ground swimming pools, etc. Storage tank prices vary based on different
variables such as size, material and complexity. To inhibit the growth of
algae, storage tanks should be opaque and preferably placed away from
direct sunlight. The tanks should also be placed close to the areas of use and
supply line to reduce the distance over which the water is delivered. Also
consider placing the storage at an elevated area to take advantage of gravity
flow. The tank should always be placed on a stable and level area to prevent
it from leaning and possibly collapsing.
Delivery systems - gravity-fed or pumped to the landscape or other end
use areas.
Advantages of Rainwater Harvesting