Rainwater harvesting systems help reduce water waste, increase homestead productivity and support a healthy garden. They also save money on your utility bill, and they reduce stormwater run-off that can erode stream banks, spread pollutants and cause local flooding. These DIY rainwater harvesting systems use recycled barrels or other containers to collect the rain and divert it where needed, and they can be built by most any handy homesteader.
Many of these rainwater harvesting systems are built on top of a single barrel or other container, but they can be expanded with additional containers for extra capacity if you need it. Some of these systems are made with a spigot for easy access, and others include a hose that can be used to spray water directly where needed. Some are designed for arid climates, and many are buried underground to keep the rain cool and help protect the container from sunlight that can encourage algae growth in cisterns.
This cistern rainwater harvesting system is built from two large, recycled intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) that are connected to each other with a PVC pipe and a spigot for irrigation. It has a rock-like facade to hide the piping, and it looks like a natural part of the landscape rather than an industrial receptacle. It is a good option for arid climates where rainfall is frequent but short-lived.
A gutter diverter can be installed in a similar fashion to the above cistern system, but this design has an added filter to catch any debris that may have missed the leaf eater and made it into the piping leading to the diverter. This helps extend the life of your gutters, and it helps ensure that you get as much rainwater as possible from your system.
Those who don’t have gutters or who want an easier-to-use rainwater collection system can opt for this stand-alone design that uses a tarp and a pop-out canopy to catch the rain and direct it where needed. It also includes a hose attachment so the water can be sprayed out of the tarp and onto thirsty plants.
The slanted roof on this rainwater harvesting system is streamlined to collect more water in the center than on the sides, and it features a rock-like facade to help hide the piping from view. It is a very efficient system, especially for those who live in a wet climate, and it is quite beautiful to look at.
Using a large stock tank that’s been painted with a stone finish, this rainwater harvesting system is easy to maintain and is a nice feature in the landscape. It’s important to cover the cistern with an opaque, UV-resistant cover to prevent the sun from warming the water and encouraging algae growth. The cover can also be fitted with mosquito dunks to reduce insect infestations.
