Water, water everywhere but.
Part two

Water, water everywhere but.
Part two.

In part one I talked about collection of rainwater, I mainly wanted to point out that there is an abundance of rainfall able to be collected even in a desert community such as Phoenix, Arizona.

I did not imply that every gallon of water should be collected or could be collected, budget and use will dictate that. When collecting rainfall what is most important is, well, what is most important to you.

I do know, If I lived in a fire zone such as the hills around Los Angeles, California, I would put in as large a water collection system as possible, I will talk more about this further in my series.

Collection for a small garden might only require having a “rain barrel”, filled by drain pipes from roof runoff. With a fitted spigot and gravity flow this offers an easy way to either pipe (inexpensive PVC piping), or with a hose keep a garden, flower bed, bird bath, etc.

I always recommend if using a rain barrel to have overflow piping (PVC, old hose) to take excess runoff away from the house.

Major tips are:
· to use a barrel that offers a screen for larger particles that will be swept along with water from the roof. Later I will describe some water collection systems that will allow the first runoff from the roof to bypass the collection unit so that dirt from roof is not first collected.

· Be sure the barrel has fittings in place for overflow and spigot or at minimum be cut out ready.

· Raise the barrel off the ground, on a strong and level base or platform. I have used cement blocks on a level ground with plywood top cut to size forming a table for the barrel.

This provides easier access to the spigot, making it easy to fill up a watering can or bucket, or attaching a hose.

Raising the barrel also provides a bit of gravity pressure if your garden is further away from your barrel.

The funny thing about collecting rainwater is that the only limitation is the size of your storage unit.

Storage can be ground based (from barrel to 12,000 gallons) , in ground (cisterns to ponds), or above ground (water towers).

Collection can be from rain, wells, ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams. (always check with local and government agencies for relating laws when diverting any water), swimming pools can be thought of as a water source, especially for fire protection, I will cover that later down the line.

Part two Water, water everywhere but. continues tomorrow.