Tag Archives: how to build a rainwater harvesting system

How-to, Rainwater Catchment

Build a Rainwater Collection System – Throwback Thursday

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A series of large water tanks with connected pipes along a pathway.Here isa series of articles previously published by RainBank, on how to build a rainwater collection system.

The first post in the series focused on how all rainwater collection systems begin at the roof and gutters. Regardless of purpose, i.e. irrigation, supplementation ordrinking, debris must be removed before storing rainwater.

The second, third, fourth and fifth posts in the series talked abouttank types, tank sizes, how to keep water clean and kinds of filters to consider for your system.

In post sixof the how-to build a rainwater collection system series, we cover managing aesthetics so your system fits into your landscaping design.

If you’re interested in learning about how to install a rainwater collection system, take a look back at these helpfularticles.

If you want to continue to read about rainwater collection and harvesting, remember to click the box below, to receive an email when a new post is launched on this blog. Thanks for reading!

How-to, Rainwater Harvesting Education

Concerned With Aesthetics of Above Ground Water Storage?

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This is Part 6 in the series “How to Build a Rainwater Collection System”. Click to see partsone,two,three,fourand five.

Rows of blue plastic-covered plants on a rocky shoreline.Are you concerned with the aesthetics of above ground water storage? Then underground storage may be right for you.

Underground storage tanks need to be structurally engineered to withstand the inward pressures of back filling and compacting. Most will need to be weighted down so ground water will not “float” the tank when empty. It is advised that a curtain drain be installed at bottom of excavation to allow excess ground water to drain away for the same reason.

Buried tanks can be fiberglass, plastic, and cement. Large sizes (over 2,000 gallons) tend to be fiberglass, while smaller plastic tanks (up to 2,000 gallons) can be manifolded together to achieve the desired capacity. Cement tanks should be lined with a poly liner and “mono poured” when constructed.

Other specialty tanks consist of modular which are may be buried and bladder or pillow tanks that can be placed in crawl spaces.

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How-to, Rainwater Catchment, Rainwater Harvesting Education

What is the Best Storage Tank for my Rainwater Catchment System?

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Two large green water storage tanks in a wooded area.This is Part 4 in the series “How to Build a Rainwater Collection System”. Click to see parts one, two and three

What is the best storage tank for my rainwater catchment system?

Rainwater from your roof needs to be stored for future use and there are many types and manufacturers of water storage tanks. Above ground plastic tanks are a economical way to store rainwater. Most potable plastic water tanks are made from Polyethylene and it is recommended that they be “tumble molted”.

Two large green water storage tanks in a wooded area.Sizes vary from a simple 50 gallon rain barrel all the way up to 10,000 gallons. All should have a UV protection warranty for at least 8 years. Dark colors are recommended to alleviate light penetration which can cause algae growth. Multiple tanks can be manifolded together to achieve the volume of storage needed. Keep in mind that plumbing should be under ground for frost protection.

There are vertical cylinder plastic water tanks if you have a large area for storage. Slim line design plastic water tanks are best suited for urban settings where space is an issue. There are box type plastic water tanks for storage under decks.

All rainwater storage tanks should be NSF approved for drinking water, should you decide to go potable now or in the future. There is a tank that will fit every application.

In the next installment of this series, we will discuss steel tanks with poly liners.