According to the EPA, 59% of total residential water use is used for landscaping and other outdoor tasks. To conserve water and avoid having to pay a substantial amount of money to water their plants, many homeowners are turning to rainwater harvesting. This is an easy and efficient solution for obtaining water, especially since rainwater doesn’t need to be purified prior to watering your gardens.
The water is also free from salts, minerals, and damaging chemicals found in municipal, ground, and surface water and contains nitrates that benefit plants. Before establishing a rain collection system in your yard, however, check with local ordinances to ensure this is legal where you live. Once you get the go-ahead, check out these three ways to harvest rainwater for your garden.
Rain Barrels:
Rain barrels are typically made from plastic and can be bought at your local home improvement or hardware store. If you’re feeling crafty, you can also build your own rain barrel system. Barrels are installed beneath a downspout to collect water runoff from the roof. The bottom features a spout to release water, and you can also connect a hose to the value. This system works with gravity, so if you need water for a section of your garden that’s at a higher elevation than the barrel, you’ll also need to use a pump.
Rain Chains:
Originating in Japan, rain chains are a decorative and functional alternative to downspouts. These pieces, typically made from copper, brass, or aluminum, include a chain and succession of cups meant to guide rain from the roof to the garden. You can also place a watering can or rain barrel beneath the chain to catch and store rainwater. Rain chains are aesthetically pleasing and can quickly transform your downspout into a soothing water feature.
Rain Garden:
As a way to utilize rainwater runoff from your roof and yard, consider planting a rain garden. This type of landscaping feature removes a high percentage of nutrients, chemicals, and sediments from rainwater runoff. Planted in a depression or on a slope, this garden acts as a natural filtration process and helps protect any nearby storm drains, streams, and ponds.
Harvesting rainwater is not only beneficial for your gardens but is also beneficial for your water bill and is a great water conservation method.
Please stay healthy and we hope to hear from you soon to discuss your property search and status.
Until Next Time!
Semper-Fi
Eric