Storing rainwater ideas

[Trollhole]

Thought I'd see is anyone does this. My idea is to route my 4 gutter downspouts into 4-6 50 gallon plastic drums on the side of the house and use a pump to provide pressure to my drip irrigation and some Aux water outlets.

ANyone have any idea on connecting the barrels together and an economical pressured switched pump?

 

[e rock]

It's a pretty popular idea around here, especially among the "have more money than common sense" "make me feel good about myself" "environmentalists".

The result is that Home Depot-type stores now sell dedicated "rain barrels" consisting of a plastic drum and a brass spigot on the side for $169


I'd recommend army surplus stores for the barrels. It seems like I see a lot of food-grade plastic barrels on craigslist as well, so that might be an option too.



As far as the pump and switch, I'm not sure specifically. Are you looking for something to maintain constant pressure in your drip line system? Can you just link the barrels with sime pipe and gravity drain off a spigot in the side of one? Or does it need to go up hill?

 

[Godwin]

I'm doing this for remote goat/dog watering. The storage system is set up at the side of a 12' x 24' stable that has a slanted roof. A 24' gutter runs along the low end to catch the water which is directed into the barrels. Water storage is in 3 55 gallon barrels that are laid on their sides, one upper and two below. Water feeds into the upper barrel initially. When full this one overflows into the lower two and when those fill the overflow goes into a water trough. Plumbing is with PVC pipes and a couple of ball valves. I'll grab some pics later which will clarify my description. You may want to increase your storage capability because from what I've seen a 1/4 to 1/2" rain falling on this small roof area will easily yield 150 gallons.

 

[Godwin]

Photo of rainwater catchment and storage system. Water captured from roof is channeled into the top barrel by the gutter. A hole about 4" in diameter has been cut in what is now the top of the barrel and the water flows in there. Once the top barrel is filled, or the valve is opened, the lower barrels can fill. The lower barrels also have an upper hole to allow venting of air. Support is built from 4x4s and 2x6s plus scrounged stuff.

 

[FJ40-GARAGE]

I use some IBC Containers for rainwater.
Like these.

To catch the water from the downspout i did mount a raincatcher in that downpipe. Over here in germany they are called regensammler.

You put that level with the max. height of your containers so they dont overflood.

You may find some information at http://www.rainharvesting.com/