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Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands Volume 1 - Guiding Principals to Welcome Rain Into Your Life and Landscape by Brad Lancaster Price: $24.95 (200 Pages) |
Rain Water Harvesting
It seems to be common sense to me, in this land we call the desert, to capture and store as much rain water as possible Yet it is apparent that most home sites have been designed to do the exact opposite. I get very annoyed every time it rains, I cannot help to notice all that fresh clean rain water flowing out of peoples gardens into the street. From there becoming polluted with the oil and chemicals from all the roads on its way to the sewers. From this point, as taxpayers, we pay for this free resource to be cleaned and pumped back to our taps in the house.
So, I hope it is now more clear to you that harvesting rain water on your home site is not only economical but ecological as well. On this page you will find several resources for containing your own rain water in simple and economical ways.
City of Tucson Water Harvesting Guidance Manual:
This publication is free download, supplied by the city of Tucson, and is a 41 page water harvesting manual.
Rain Water Storage Containers:
For your supply of used drums, for rain water storage, visit this local supplier has non-polluted products for sale.
Comprehensive Book:
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Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands Volume 1 - Guiding Principals to Welcome Rain Into Your Life and Landscape by Brad Lancaster Price: $24.95 (200 Pages) |
Classes:
The Phoenix Permaculture Guild has a number of classes throughout the year, on rain water harvesting
Notice to Home Owner Associations:
I am being asked more and more to speak to the board and its members of home owners regarding the ways in which watering of the landscape can be decreased. The numerous resources on this page will be a guide for you to follow. However, if you wish to use my expert knowledge for your specific circumstances, I can be available by appointment.
How to make a Drum Style Rain Water Harvester
Needed (per unit)
1— 55 gallon clean/non-toxic drum
1—Male threaded 3/4" faucet
1—Nut to hold faucet
1—1 1/2" ABS plumbing connector—male thread with ring nut
1— 45 or 90 degree ABS connector
12" (or more) of 1 1/2" drainage ABS pipe (for overflow)
30" square of mosquito proof window screen
A pedestal of some kind (4—16x8x8" concrete blocks works well)
Flexible downspout (optional)
TOOLS
Drill and two drill bits , 1—3/4" wood borer or reg. drill and
1—1 3/4" door hole drill bit
A half round rough file
Tube of silicone waterproof adhesive caulk
Drum conversion
Decide on location of drum and mark position of faucet and overflow pipe.
Drill both holes (faucet hole, centered 2" above base and overflow 2" from top)
File holes smooth to fit faucet and ABS connector
Sand/clean interior area of both hole sites for adhesive compatibility
Hold faucet in place, chalk then tighten nut to hold
Hold pipe connector in place, chalk then tighten nut to hold
Let both dry.
Cut window screen to overlap by 4' and cut rope/string/ or use rubber cord to secure in place
Set up pedestal in drum location—level
Set drum on pedestal and size and cut 1 1/2" pipe for over flow ( this is best served into an additional drum... now or later.) do not glue, keep flexible for future re-location.
Push on 45 connector (carefully) and add the pipe section.
Leave to set
Next day connect flexible downspout to guttering
NOW YOU ARE READY FOR RAIN !!!