Water Conservation Tips — How to Harvest Rainwater
If you want to save money on your water bill and be able to water your landscape during the dry season when watering hours are limited, you may want to consider harvesting rainwater. During a rain, your plants will enjoy the moisture they are able to soak up. However, much of what falls will simply run off. Tree, shrub, and grass roots simply can’t soak it all up fast enough (although plants that are native to dry climates are better at it).
Here are a few tips for developing your own rainwater harvesting system at home. You may be surprised how simple it can be.
- Let your roof and gutters be your rain collector and water capture system. You don’t have to build a fancy system to harvest water. You probably already have most of the elements in place. Your roof is slanted to direct water to the gutters. These gutters flow toward downspouts.
- Collect and store the water using buckets or empty garbage cans. Instead of having water pour out of downspouts onto the ground, direct that water into collection units. You probably already have some around.
- Store water properly and filter if needed. You will want to have a tank or sealable barrel for water storage. This will prevent insects from using your water as a breeding ground. Depending on your purpose for collecting the water, you may choose to filter it either before storage or before use.
- Acquire a distribution system. The only thing you may not already have in place is a pump and hose for spraying the water on your lawn, garden, or other plants.
Learn About Conservation and Sustainable Landscaping from West Coast Trees
At West Coast Trees, we pride ourselves on being experts in sustainable landscaping. From selecting the right native species for your yard to organic growing practices, call 619-518-9507 to get started on your sustainable project today.
