Rainfall Inches Help Conserve Resources

Harvesting rainwater got its start in desert and semi-arid locations where new rainfall is scarce. People in those areas often have limited access to regular sources of clean, usable water. Harvesting those rainfall inches before they seep into the ground provides drinking water, water for cleaning and bathing, water for livestock and pets and, of course, groundwater and irrigation for crops and plants. The technology was developed and utilized out of need, but is now generally used to conserve resources. Rainwater harvesting has now become more and more common in areas where overpopulation has stripped natural resources.

New rainfall is typically collected through a gutter system which acts as a receptor, thus receiving the rainfall inches flowing down off the rooftops and guiding it into the rain barrels. Precautions should be taken to ensure the roof is as free as possible of any type of oils, asphalt particles, rust or debris. Those types of wastes may clog up the flow and can be detrimental to plants. Don't forget that with a rain water collection system, you will also need to set up a way to transfer the rain water to the garden in as efficient a way as possible.

A closely related process to rainwater harvesting is groundwater recycling. These systems also recycle new rainfall, but in a way that it is concentrated in a single area, like where crops and plants are to be grown. This is also referred to as groundwater harvesting and is common where wells only provide enough water for people and animals, but are generally strained to meet the needs of crops or gardens. Groundwater recharging is the term used for changing groundwater into a drinkable form, and it is very common in areas that receive daily water in rainy seasons.

It is true that rainwater harvested from roofs can contain impurities directly related to the roof itself. Additionally, there are instances where collected rain water contains pesticides and other contaminants. Since this is the case, many times the water in rainwater containers or tanks must be purified before it can be used as drinking water. This can be done through filtering, boiling or through the use of additives like chlorine. The purification of rainwater can also be done even earlier in the process by placing filters in the tubing that directs the water into the storage tanks.

Those rainfall inches falling from the sky don't have to be wasted. With a simple rain harvesting system, you can have extra water for plants, animals and bathing without adding any cost to your water bill. This not only reduces your impact on the environment, it can provide you with a daily water source and a chance to conserve resources.