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How do you collect rain water at home?

How do you collect rain water at home?

Rainwater can be collected from the roofs of homes, garages, greenhouses and other garden structures as long as they have gutters and a down pipe that enters the drain at ground level. If all of your rainwater goes to a soakaway rather than the foul sewer you may be entitled to a discount from your water company.

Is collecting rainwater is illegal?

The Federal Government does not have any laws or restrictions regarding rainwater harvesting. Most states allow citizens to collect rainwater and even encourage them to do so. Rainwater harvesting poses a health problem, as some water may be unsafe and unsuitable for potable purposes (i.e., drinking).

Is rainwater safe to drink?

Like just mentioned, rainwater is safe to drink—for the most part. Drinking rainwater directly from the source can sometimes be risky as it can pick up contaminants from the air and can even include the occasional insect parts. In order to drink water safely, be sure to get it from a bottled water company.

Why collecting rainwater is bad?

Rain can wash different types of contaminants into the water you collect (for example, bird poop on your roof could end up in your water barrel or tank). Rainwater can carry bacteria, parasites, viruses, and chemicals that could make you sick, and it has been linked to disease outbreaks 3-4.

Why is it illegal to catch rainwater?

Rainwater harvesting occurs when storm water runoff is diverted from flowing to the ground and instead put to beneficial use by the rainwater harvester. However, in the western U.S., unlike in the East, capturing rainwater is generally illegal due to the prior appropriation doctrine that governs water.

Is it a crime to catch rainwater?

It is illegal for a person to collect rainwater from their rooftops. Viral reports that an Oregon man was jailed for collecting rainwater on his rural property have sparked questions about whether it is illegal to collect rainwater in some states for several years.

How much rainwater can you catch from the roof?

To find how much rain you can collect in an average rain year multiply this number by the average inches of rain. For example, on a 2,000 square foot roof, you can collect 2,000 x 0.56 = 1,120 gallons/inch of rain. If your average rainfall was 25 inches/year, your annual collection potential is 1,120 x 25= 28,000 gallons/year.