Collect rainwater in a barrel to reuse it where possible instead of dipping into the domestic water pool.
After the rainwater is directed into the barrel or other collection container, it is important to have a spigot at the bottom to access the water for reuse. An upper opening is often used as a diverter to direct overflow volume elsewhere. Also, putting the barrel on blocks helps with flow and access to the fitting.
In order to collect the rain water from the roof runoff, the downspout must be diverted into the rain barrel or tank for storage until needed.
Mother Nature has been doing more than her fair share this spring to keep my lawn and perennials happy with rainfall. It wasn't until I planted the flower boxes along my porch and put together a few planters under the overhang of the house that I was reminded I liked the idea of a rainwater collection barrel a friend of mine installed last year.
The concept is far from a new one. Harvest rainwater and reuse it where possible instead of dipping into the domestic water pool. Making a few small alterations to your routine can save money as well as help the environment.
Louise Brewer, a master gardener at the Farm and Home Center's Penn State Extension Service, said the principle is to catch rainfall from your home's downspouts by redirecting the runoff into a container. The no-brainer uses for the harvested rainwater include watering plants and lawns, as well as washing cars.
There are simple solutions and more complicated ways to accomplish this. Manufacturers have come out with their versions of the collection container; for the most part they are around 50 gallons for residential use.
Way back in the day, rainwater harvesting was done in whatever open container was available. Newer versions do the same thing but blend nicely into the landscape, some even disguised as planters. Many Web sites list sources, and many gardening and home improvement centers carry them as well.
Prefabricated units can range in price from $100 to a couple hundred dollars. When the container is less than decorative, Brewer suggests planting screening shrubs or flowers to help the container blend into its surroundings.
Here's how it usually works:
The unit is positioned below a downspout, which either has a diverter for overflow worked into the spout higher on the line or has an overflow hose cut in high on the container so excess water can be directed away from the house and foundation, functioning much like the original spout. The first type of diversion is simply when overflow water goes into the original spout and empties wherever it came out before installation of the rainwater collection system. The second type of diversion, a hose coming out very high on the side of the container, basically kicks into effect when the tank is full.
In both cases, make sure the water is directed away from the foundation of the property so the building's structural integrity isn't saturated or damaged.
Attention should be paid so debris is filtered away from the container. Mesh strainers can be placed where the downspout is cut into the overhead gutters, and tight-weave screens should be over the container's openings.
Because mosquitoes become a problem whenever there is standing water, the container should be tightly sealed to avoid contact with the pests if it's placed anywhere near human habitation. Adding one-quarter cup bleach to the water will disinfect and help minimize any smell or insect issues.
Make sure the container is level, for aesthetics as well as stability when it is full — a full 50-gallon barrel can weigh around 300 pounds. Positioning the barrel on leveled blocks helps keep it level, and the additional height affords more pitch and clearance from the surrounding ground, so water flows more easily from the container and hose.
HOMEMADE VERSION
If you plan to fabricate a homemade version of the rainwater harvesting barrel, components are available at hardware stores. According to Michele Eberly, assistant manager at E.M. Herr Farm and Home Store, 14 Herrville Road, Willow Street, they have attachments and components for many differently sized hookups as well as the standard residential garden hose.
Holes are easily cut into heavy-duty polyethylene barrels by first marking the spots. Spigot holes can be drilled with an appropriately sized spade bit, which also can be used to start the cut for the downspout's larger opening. Once that hole is drilled into the container, a jigsaw can complete the opening.
Eberly suggests disconnecting and winterizing the barrel when the need for outside watering decreases and temperatures plunge. Just as is suggested for garden hoses and outside hydrants, remove them from the container to avoid enclosed connections that could be damaged by expanding and contracting with the temperature.
According to www.rainbarrelsource.com, your barrel should be stored in a protected area or indoors whenever possible If that's not possible, turn the container upside down and secure it to prevent animals from getting inside or water accumulation that can freeze, expand and potentially crack the barrel wall.
RAIN BARREL EXPERTISE SHARED
Live Green is working with The Lancaster County Conservation District to educate the public and promote the idea of harvesting and reusing rainwater through the use of a rain barrel. Live Green Director Fritz Schroeder is available for advice through the Live Green link at www.livelancaster.org.
Educational seminars are slated for Sept. 26 and Oct. 24. There, watershed specialist Matthew W. Kofroth will discuss the nature and impact of urban stormwater pollution and will offer design solutions. Such solutions include rain gardens and bio-swales to accompany the installation of rain barrels.
E-mail: rmcroberts@lnpnews.com