Water conservation is an important aspect of the going green movement.

We are encouraged to limit our water consumption by purchasing efficient appliances and fixtures as well as adopting water saving habits. One excellent way to go green in your garden is to set up a rainwater collection system. Rainwater collectors can be used to reduce your overall water usage by giving a free way to water your garden. Not only is this great for the environment, it’s also has a desirable effect on your water bill! You have several options to help you purchase a complete rainwater collection system using pre-made barrels and gutter diverting kits. Check out the options available online. Or you save a little money and do-it-yourself. In this article, you will get a step-by-step tutorial on how to build your own rainwater collector with materials purchased from your local hardware store.

Supplies you will need:

• 1 paint strainer
• 1 5-gallon bucket with lid
• 1 55-gallon drum
• Downspout fittings
• 3 cinder blocks
• Strap piece of plywood approximately 2ftx2ft
• 1 3/4″ spigot with 1/4″ turn ball valve
• 1 permanent black marker
• 1 power drill with 7/8″ spade bit
• 1 Jigsaw
• 1 Hacksaw
• 1 half-round bastard file
• 1 utility knife
• An inexpensive pH kit
• Silicon adhesive
• 1 caulking gun
• Safety glasses
• 1 PVC pipe with twist on connector (optional)

Step 1

The top of your rainwater collection tank will be made out of the top of a five gallon food safe bucket. This top will be used to secure a paint strainer in order to keep large objects and mosquitoes from getting into the barrel and ruining your water supply.
While wearing your safety glasses, cut a starter hole in the side of your 5-gallon bucket with your power drill with attached 7/8″ spade bit. Then use your jigsaw to cut the around the bucket removing the top portion.

Step 2

Use your permanent marker and the top of the five gallon bucket to trace a template on the top or your 55-gallon drum. Just like on the five gallon bucket, create a starter hole within the circle you just traced onto the 55-gallon drum with your drill and 7/8″ spade bit. Follow the guide with your jigsaw creating a hole that the top of the five gallon bucket should fit into tightly. Once the top of the 5-gallon bucket is in place use silicon adhesive around the seam to create a water-tight seal.

Step 3

When connecting the spigot you want to ensure a water-tight fit. A few inches from the bottom of your 55-gallon drum you want to drill a hole with your 7/8″ spade bit. Next take your half-round file and file the inside of the hole until you have a tight fit for you spigot. Screw the 3/4″ spigot in securely. You can use a coupling on the inside to hold the facet in place if you want a even more secure fit. Apply a bead of silicone around the spigot on both sides to ensure a water-tight seal.

Step 4

You will need a stand for your rainwater collecting barrel in order to be able to fill up buckets to make use of the water. Using the 3 cinder blocks and scrap plywood, create a base for your rainwater barrel. Make sure to level the ground under the base with a slight forward pitch in order to get the water to flow toward the facet and to ensure a stable surface for your rainwater collection system. You can choose any sturdy materials that you like for your base and adjust the height to suit your needs.

Step 5

Using the existing downspout from your gutters, add an extension to run into the top of the collection barrel. Your local hardware store should carry a variety of gutter extension and fittings. With your permanent marker, measure and mark where you need to cut the downspout with your hacksaw. Next measure and mark where you need to cut the fitting so that the end will run into the top of the collection barrel. If your fitting is made of flexible plastic use a utility knife to cut otherwise use your hacksaw. A “splice” may be necessary to fit the end of your downspout into the extension. Push the pieces together until they are nice and snug. Use brackets to secure the fitting to the side of your house.

Step 6

Once your fitting is secure, you will need to mark where to cut the hole in the lid of your 5-gallon bucket top by tracing around the opening on your drain. Using your 7/8″ spade bit, drill a starter hole and cut the remainder of the hole with your jigsaw. Place the lid back on top of the bucket to check for a proper fit.

Step 7

In order to prevent organic matter from collecting at the bottom of the rain barrel, tie a knot in the paint strainer and install it in the 5-gallon bucket top and replace the lid. Next place a gutter strain in the gutter on your roof. This will prevent large debris from getting into your downspout and fittings and clogging the gutters. Periodic cleaning of both the top rain gutter strain and the paint strainer will ensure that your rainwater collection system with work at it’s optimal level.

Step 8

Sit back and wait for it to rain. Then enjoy the fruits of your labor buy having free water to use on your garden plants!

Warnings

* Check the legality of building a rainwater collection system with your local city officials, as it is illegal in many areas to collect and hold any kind of water for reuse.
* Overflow water will need to drain from the top of the container and be directed away from your foundation to prevent water damage. For example you can hook up a 3/4″ overflow PVC pipe 1 inch from the top of your 55 gallon container flowing away from the foundation like a normal rain gutter downspout would.
* Water collected from roof runoff is not suitable fro human consumption. Do not drink rain water!
* Take the time to test the pH of the rainwater you collect because many parts of the earth receive ‘acid rain’.