Roof Rainwater Collection System

How much rainwater can you harvest from your roof.

Roof rainwater collection system.

A system of gutters and downspouts directs the rainwater collected by the roof to the storage cistern. Some states external consider rainwater the property of the state and prohibit its collection so you should consult with your local government for example your environmental quality department or health department before proceeding 2. Rainwater collection calculation formulas and equations roof area ft2 x precipitation amount in x 0 623 amount collected gallons easy formula to remember. Rainwater harvesting is collecting the run off from a structure or other impervious surface in order to store it for later use.

Read down the list for info on roofing materials for rainwater harvesting. 1 of rain on 1 000 sf roof will yield 623 gallons roof area m2 x precipitation amount mm amount collected liters. Pipe threads so you can access water from your rain barrel. The supplies you ll need to make your rainwater collection system can easily be picked up at a hardware or home and garden store.

The rain will collect in gutters that channel the water into downspouts and then into some sort of storage vessel. Traditionally this involves harvesting the rain from a roof. To use this calculator input the dimensions of your roof only area connected to rainwater harvesting system and the amount of rainfall in inches. Some said they d never want to rely again on those old time methods of getting water.

Figure out what you already have on hand then gather the following supplies. There s just a short list of rooftop surfaces that rainwater harvesters should avoid. While metal roofing or plastic sheeting e g. The cistern typically located underground may be constructed of various materials including cinderblock reinforced concrete or precast concrete fiberglass or steel.

Rainwater collection is not allowed in all places. 1 standard 1 inch hose spigot with in. Greenhouse roof has the highest collection efficiency most surfaces are a ok. Here s a handy little calculator to help you estimate how much rainwater can you harvest from your roof.

A step beyond screens is to add a first flush diverter aka roof washer to your rainwater collection system. The good news is most roofing materials are suitable for rainwater harvesting.