A rain catchment system could provide your family with an unaffected source of safe drinking water. Tornadoes, earthquakes, terrorist attacks and even a complete economic collapse can stop the supply of clean water that we use for convenience each and every day Rain Tight Roofing.
If you are able to live for at least a week without food, but you can only last three days without drinking water. Anything more than that and you’re likely to die of dehydration. Even before you die your capacity in thinking and functioning is significantly diminished.
Harvesting Rainwater
One method to create an at-home catchment system is to catch rain that runs through on the roofing of your home or barn. The water runoff is likely to end up being contaminated so make sure to cleanse it prior to making use of.
Above or below ground systems could mean the size of an empty jar to a huge metal tank. The pipes can connect to the gutters in order to transfer water to the tank.
What amount of water you’ll be able to capture from your roof is contingent on the material it was constructed of. Materials like slates, aluminum and tiles work most effectively. Roofs coated with a protective material can give your water a undesirable flavor or shade. Certain coatings with chemicals make runoff inaccessible even after the purification.
Tips for Rainwater Harvesting
To maximize the value the system you have set up to catch your water,, follow these guidelines:
Keep trees well-trimmed as far away as possible from the roofing. This will stop the bird’s droppings from getting into the runoff.
Clean, wash and rinse your gutters regularly.
Anything that is used to collect rainwater should be maintained in top state, free of cracks and airtight. The colors should be dark to stop the development of algae.
In colder climates water vessels need to be protected to prevent cold water from freezing.
The water used to garden does not require filtering or decontamination. The water you use for your livestock must be treated as water that you consume.
Make sure that rain barrels are kept about two feet above ground and at a level. This way, you can put into a bucket or spigot to drain water out of the barrels. You could also make use of gravity and a hose too.
Purifying the Rainwater
Containers used for rain collection are required to be tightly covered particularly around gaps where pipes are able to come into the container. Mosquitoes will be attracted to water in warm conditions, and insects in dry period. Boiling and adding bleach or purification tablets can make the job easier.
To get rid of sediment, filter water using coffee filters or paper towels. You can add water to the soda bottle and take it out using a cotton ball that is placed in the opening.
To kill harmful organisms, make sure to boil the water for at least 5 minutes prior to drinking.
Add 3 drops of bleach chlorine in one cup of water, or apply 5 drops to create cloudy water.
Add 1/8 teaspoon bleach in one gallon rainwater.
Surface Rain Catchment System
Groundwater catchment systems do not rely on just rainwater, but also the run-off of streams or lakes. This is a far more complex system than a roof capture system, however, it can offer water even when there isn’t rain. The increase in the slope of the soil and clearing out vegetation can enhance the amount of water you are able to take in. The process of grading and compacting soil will also result in more surface run-off.
The installation of a rain capture system can provide a life-saving source of clean, affordable water in times where drinkable water is in short supply. Before you invest an irrigation system for rainwater make sure you check the laws of your state. Some states are currently been in process for making it unlawful to gather rainwater that falls onto your property.