Though there are some U.S. cities that rarely experience the hassle and stress that accompany a drought, many areas are susceptible to dry spells. Collecting rainwater can provide a household with much-needed water when the water supply is limited. The simplest method for collecting rainwater is by using a barrel, which may be purchased online or at most home improvement stores. Once you've got your barrel, the rainwater-collecting process is fairly simple.
Procure a 55-gallon barrel. The barrel may be made of plastic or wood. Although the 55-gallon size is the most common, any large size may be used.
2
Install a downspout from your gutter system. The downspout carries the water from the end of a gutter (usually at the end of a roof) to the ground. If you already have a downspout (many homes do), skip to Step 3.
3
Purchase and fit a downspout redirecting hose. It will help to direct the flow of water away from the foundation of your home, which will prevent water damage. The hose may be purchased online; a plastic hex hose is an available substitution.
4
Place the rain barrel where it can catch the water that flows out of the downspout redirecting hose. Anytime it rains, water will be collected. You can move and cap the barrel when it's full. Some redirecting hoses will direct water to the original spout when a barrel is full.
Tips & Warnings
Place more than one rain barrel in different locations for more water.
Before a good rain, make sure there are no blockages in the gutters and spouts.
These days, water conservation is becoming more and more important, and many people are turning to alternative sources to conserve precious drinking...
