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🌧️ Rainwater harvesting
Setting up a rainwater harvesting system (barrel, cistern) on a building's gutter downpipe so runoff can be reused for irrigation and other purposes.
When should you do this?
Can be set up any time; ideal just before the irrigation season, in spring
What will you need?
- Rain barrel or cistern
- Gutter downpipe filter or diverter fitting
- Tap
- A stable, level base
- Mosquito mesh for the inlet opening
How to get started?
- Choose a downpipe outlet with room underneath for the collection container.
- Build a stable, level base (e.g. concrete slabs) for the barrel.
- Fit the downpipe diverter or filter that channels water into the barrel.
- Connect the barrel and fit the tap at the bottom.
- Put mosquito mesh over the inlet opening to prevent mosquitoes breeding.
- Set up an overflow that safely diverts excess water once the barrel is full.
- Clean the filter and the bottom of the barrel yearly.
Useful tips
- Choose a dark-colored barrel so it grows less algae.
- Drain it in winter so the water inside doesn't freeze and crack the tank.
Ready? Start a rainwater harvesting project, or join one already running near you.