2011-02-24

Catch Rain Water

Thousands of gallons of water may be falling on your roof like pennies from heaven. One inch of rain on a 1000 sq. ft. roof will give you about 623 gallons of runoff. With rain barrels, screened-over food-grade drums, or other similar containers (think of your own DIY options), you can use this free water for around the yard. Most containers will accept an attached hose, or can be modified to do so by drilling a 3/4 inch hole and adding a screw-in spigot. Attach a regular hose or soaker hose, and you can distribute the water where you need it, just as you did before.

You will save money over paying for municipal water - more if you are not exempt from sewage charges on your outside water usage. You can water whenever you like, which is more than just a convenience if your city or borough restricts summer watering days.

You will help to reduce municipal water usage and conserve local natural water supplies, all with a replacement that happens to deliver itself to your house. It makes being conservative fairly easy.

Spend less money, help the environment.