Rain water harvesting

phoenixtropicals · Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2011 4:49 pm Post subject: Rain water harvesting

I got this idea from my neighbor. He uses a large plastic barrel beneath his gutter to capture rain from his roof. Then he uses a gallon milk jug with the bottom cut off to scoop up the water and give his more particular plants, the ones that are a little salt or high ph sensitive, a nice watering with rain water. I used to think rain water harvesting wasn't such a good idea because I imagined making a breeding ground for mosquitos and how I couldn't hook this up to my irrigation etc. However, he uses up the water fairly quickly and covers the barrel when its not raining.

That steady rain storm we had last night topped off this barrel no problem, because a good portion of my roof dumps water in this spot. These green barrels are really big, so I don't know how many gallons are in there exactly but I'm guessing over a hundred, and I won't even attempt to roll this around until I've scooped out most of the water.

Anyone else know what one of these large recycle barrels holds? I couldn't find it written on it. Anyone want to go for a swim?

Dauntless · Joined: 20 Nov 2010 Posts: 174 Location: Mesa, AZ

I believe they hold 96 gallons. At least that is what mine hold and they look the same size.

This is a great idea. I just wish that I had an extra one to use for this. I'll have to look around for something similar.
If you didn't have to move them, they have blue 55 gallon food grade barrels at a place in Glendale for $18 each. I'm not sure about the lid set up.

I have a few salt sensitive plants that would love this.

We use a submersible pump for emptying our pond and it would work great for getting the water out of the barrel.

mullenium · Joined: 01 Apr 2010 Posts: 192

wow! good idea..

where my loquat and guava are planted is right under the low part of my roof that DUMPS water, so both plants got a hefty dose of water durin gthis last rainfall..

i wonder if its bad that they are planted here, we dont get much rain to cause concern but I hope they dont mind the occasional massive flooding lol

phoenixtropicals · Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 1:30 pm Post subject:

I have a lychee in the same situation, located right under a dumping spot from the roof. It seems to be good for it, besides a little bit of a leaf beating.

MKIVRYAN · Joined: 07 Dec 2010 Posts: 154 Location: Phoenix/Scottsdale

Here is my 500G water tank that covers the front of my house. I got about 350G off the less than 1/2" of rain I got last weekend. I plan to add another 2300G container for my back roof. I estimate that I will need 1" of rain to fill it.

phoenixtropicals · Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2011 11:48 am Post subject:

That's awesome. You have taken it the next level.

MKIVRYAN · Joined: 07 Dec 2010 Posts: 154 Location: Phoenix/Scottsdale

I always do Smile