Collect Rain Water and Save By Michael McIntyre, Urban Regional Extension Agent, Mobile County

Sometimes rainwater is available when we don't need it and unavailable when we do need it. Wouldn't it be a good idea to save rain water for a dry day or to use it during times of drought? In third world countries, rain water is collected on a regular basis, stored in large wooden barrels, and used to irrigate crops during the dry season. In other countries, rain water is the only source of water that is used for everything, including drinking water without being tested for possible contaminants. This article will help urban home owners use similar concepts to conserve water and save money.

Water catchment systems have been used for years to collect rain water from the roof into gutters then storage tanks. Also known as rainwater harvesting, this precipitation can be used to water lawns, to wash vehicles, clean equipment, or to irrigate backyard gardens. Rain water is also ideal to use indoors to flush toilets, clean laundry, and as drinking water provided it meets the standards of the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Imagine the amount of water that could be saved by conducting household chores with the use of rain water. If ten percent of Alabama households, for example, adopted water catchment systems, residents could reduce the burden of water taken from our lakes and streams by 8 billion gallons per year. Homeowners that use catchment water are more likely to maintain their landscapes and continue to support the green industry (Sabota, 2008).

In addition to spending less on water bills, water catchment systems reduce the amount of water in our treatment plant and the input needed to treat smaller water quantities. Furthermore, catchment systems reduce runoff and minerals leached from the soils into the ground water system and rivers; thus, mitigate the problem of eutrophication, which is the build-up of nutrients such as phosphorous or nitrogen due to human activities.

The catchment system you choose would depend on your need, household size, future plans, and other personal or financial reasons. It can be as simple as having a couple 50 gallon barrels; most roofs are already installed with gutters to channel the water through the barrels. The barrels can be installed on a frame to allow for gravity flow or you could invest in a small pump if gravity flow is insufficient. Whatever system you choose, you will definitely save on the amount of tap water you use.

For additional information on water catchments systems, please contact Urban Regional Extension Agent Michael McIntyre at 251-574-8445 or 251-259-1265.

Sabota, Cathy. (June 2005). Water catchment system. Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

Wikipedia. (July 11, 2008). Eutrophication. Retrieved July 24, 2008.

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