1. Choose a Collection Area
- The roof of your house, shed, or garage works best.
- Metal, tile, or slate roofs are ideal. Avoid asphalt shingles if you plan to use water for drinking.
2. Install Gutters & Downspouts
- Attach gutters along roof edges to channel rainwater.
- Connect gutters to downspouts that lead water toward your storage system.
- Add gutter guards to block leaves and debris. For more information please visit canning basics
3. Add a First-Flush Diverter
- This device diverts the first few liters of rain (which may contain dust, bird droppings, and roof debris).
- Simple DIY: Use a vertical pipe with a ball or valve that seals once full.
4. Set Up a Storage Tank or Barrel
- Use food-grade plastic barrels (200L–1000L) or larger tanks for households.
- Elevate the tank on a stand for better water pressure.
- Make sure it has:
- Inlet (from downspout)
- Overflow pipe (to redirect excess water)
- Tap/valve at the bottom for use
5. Filter the Water
- For garden use: A simple mesh filter is enough.
- For drinking use: Add a multi-stage filter (sand + charcoal + UV or ceramic).
- Store water in a shaded, covered tank to prevent algae growth.
6. Distribute the Water
- Attach a hose or drip irrigation system for gardens.
- For indoor use, connect to a pump and filter system.
- For emergency drinking, boil or use purification tablets if no advanced filter is installed.
✅ Extra Tips
- Clean gutters and tanks every few months.
- Paint tanks dark colors to prevent algae.
- Keep overflow directed away from your foundation.
- Check local laws—some areas regulate rainwater collection.
