Harvesting rainwater is an excellent way to conserve water and give your plants something fresh to drink. You can drink rainwater and use it for your pets and animals too. However, there are some do’s and don’ts when it comes to harvesting rainwater, and we want you to be successful when you implement this system at your home. Our comprehensive list will give you the confidence boost you need to succeed in this project.
Do’s for Harvesting Rainwater
When you think of harvesting rainwater, it should be simple, right? While you are partly right, there are several things you can do to boost your success ratio and ensure you get clean water.
- Clean your roof every two weeks. Cleaning this area will allow you to remove debris and leaves that could contaminate your rainwater. Ideally, you’ll clean it after larger storms too.
- Regularly empty your rain separators. You should empty your first rain separator either right after or just before every rainfall. This will ensure it’s ready to go for the next round.
- Every two months, you want to wash the jelly stones in the filter to remove any debris. If you notice the mesh gets damaged, replace it at the same time.
- Mark it on your calendar and make a point to thoroughly clean your tank once every six months. Also, keep your tank firmly closed at all times to prevent debris from slipping inside.
- Double-check the pipes leading to your containment system and make sure they’re in good working order.
- When you set up your rainwater harvesting system, keep your RWH and sanitation lines separate. This will help you avoid cross-contamination.
- If you have any gratings leading to your rainwater supply, take a few minutes and make sure they’re in good working order. They’ll seal animals out.
- You want to slow down the runoff each time it rains. To do this, make sure you use permeable pavements in your driveways, parking lots, and walkways.
- Consider and implement ways to control mosquitoes. They’ll breed in your rainwater if there is even a small amount exposed.
- On the top of your rainwater tank, make sure you have a lid that fits tightly. You want no sunlight to get in and encourage algae growth.
Don’ts for Harvesting Rainwater
Along with things you should do, there are things you shouldn’t do to keep your rainwater as clean as possible. We’ve picked out the five biggest don’ts and outlined them.
- Don’t use hazardous substances, chemicals, or paints on your roof because they can chip off and end up in your water.
- Don’t leave the filter and the first rain separator valve open at the same time because it’ll let debris slip through.
- Don’t leave the tank uncovered during any dry periods because dust will find a way in.
- Never drink any rainwater you collect that you don’t filter first.
- The roof is a catchment area for your rainwater, and you shouldn’t allow birds to nest here.
Contact Evergreen Landscaping
Do you want more tips and tricks on how to set up a rainwater harvesting system? Maybe you need help with your landscaping or irrigation system. Whatever the need, we’re here to help. Contact us today to find out more.