6 Reasons Why You Should Save Your Rainwater
Collect and store during the rainy months, so you’ll have water ready for irrigation when you need it
Rainwater capture and storage during the rainier months is a smart way to deal with drier times. It’s easy and affordable to install a rainwater butt and will make your plants and soil happy. Read on to discover more reasons to store your rainwater now.
You’ll have a free supply of water when you need it
When that next dry spell comes along, those with a water meter will be glad to have access to free irrigation water. The larger the storage container, the longer you can freely irrigate your garden for.
You can store water in a rain butt without worrying it will go bad. As long as the water is kept in darkness and no algae or bacteria grow, you can harvest the water for non-potable uses such as irrigation. The butt does need to be cleaned periodically, though.
When that next dry spell comes along, those with a water meter will be glad to have access to free irrigation water. The larger the storage container, the longer you can freely irrigate your garden for.
You can store water in a rain butt without worrying it will go bad. As long as the water is kept in darkness and no algae or bacteria grow, you can harvest the water for non-potable uses such as irrigation. The butt does need to be cleaned periodically, though.
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It’s easy on you and your budget
Start-up costs for a rain butt can be pretty minimal, depending on the size and material.
It’s easy to start out small. The most basic rain butt might be your entry point into water storage. You can try it out and work out any kinks, and then chain together several barrels or upgrade to a larger tank if you decide to expand. It’s a low-commitment project to start small and learn as you go.
Start-up costs for a rain butt can be pretty minimal, depending on the size and material.
It’s easy to start out small. The most basic rain butt might be your entry point into water storage. You can try it out and work out any kinks, and then chain together several barrels or upgrade to a larger tank if you decide to expand. It’s a low-commitment project to start small and learn as you go.
Rainwater is better for the soil and plants
Rainwater is the preferred water for plants and soil, because it’s softer than the tap water in many areas. Mains water has trace amounts of salts and minerals that can build up in soil.
Avoid collecting pollutants from car exhaust, roofing materials and other environmental sources by using a “first flush” diverter for your butt. This device diverts the first batch of roof run-off, which is the dirtiest.
Rainwater is the preferred water for plants and soil, because it’s softer than the tap water in many areas. Mains water has trace amounts of salts and minerals that can build up in soil.
Avoid collecting pollutants from car exhaust, roofing materials and other environmental sources by using a “first flush” diverter for your butt. This device diverts the first batch of roof run-off, which is the dirtiest.
There are numerous environmental benefits
Rainwater storage is the first step in intercepting stormwater run-off. Stored rainwater used to irrigate the garden percolates through the soil, which allows nature to clean the water, as opposed to it running as dirty water directly into local water systems, which degrades water quality and can lead to flooding and erosion downstream. It also takes the stress off ageing infrastructure.
How does one little barrel make a difference? If more homeowners intercept and store rainwater, local environments and water quality will improve. It’s a small change that, when replicated by many people, can have a large, positive impact.
Rainwater storage is the first step in intercepting stormwater run-off. Stored rainwater used to irrigate the garden percolates through the soil, which allows nature to clean the water, as opposed to it running as dirty water directly into local water systems, which degrades water quality and can lead to flooding and erosion downstream. It also takes the stress off ageing infrastructure.
How does one little barrel make a difference? If more homeowners intercept and store rainwater, local environments and water quality will improve. It’s a small change that, when replicated by many people, can have a large, positive impact.
Many rain butts look good – and the unattractive ones are easily hidden
Many butts, like the rustic barrel shown here, or ceramic or terracotta ones, add to a garden’s look while saving water. If you decide to go for a basic plastic butt, you can easily hide it behind a vine-planted screen.
Tell us…
Have you fitted a rain butt in your garden? Have you found it useful? Share tips and photos in the Comments.
Many butts, like the rustic barrel shown here, or ceramic or terracotta ones, add to a garden’s look while saving water. If you decide to go for a basic plastic butt, you can easily hide it behind a vine-planted screen.
Tell us…
Have you fitted a rain butt in your garden? Have you found it useful? Share tips and photos in the Comments.
With the help of gravity, a well-placed rain butt will collect roof run-off with no bells or whistles. Purchase a pre-made butt with all the components included, or create one yourself. Connect a downpipe to the container, or use a rain chain to move water from the roof gutter to your container.
Make sure your butt:
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