About Water Harvesting

Why collect Rain Water?

Did you know, according to the U.S. Geographical Survey, the average American uses 80-100 gallons of water a day? That means a typical family of 4 could use up to 146,000 gallons of water every year. Sky rocketing water consumption along with our changing weather patterns, means it is everyone's responsibility to conserve water. Collecting and storing rain water to irrigate your lawn and garden is a great way to do your part in helping to preserve our environment.

What kind of system do I need?

The best water harvesting system is the one that will fit your particular needs, and grow with your garden. Beginning with a simple barrel placed under a downspout, you can add more collection units and storage tanks as your landscape needs dictate. Connect collection barrels to storage tanks with PVC pipe or hose, and the water can be moved to wherever you need it, whenever you need it. Its all about supply and demand. Collect free water whenever it rains, and store the water for use during dryer months of the year. Just remember to use water wisely...

What about the water quality? And, how and where can I use it?

There are 4 qualities of water, 3 of which are recommended for recycling. Naturally, water quality is dependent on the cleanliness of the rainwater to begin with. That's why Tijeras Rain Barrels (Desert Plastics) come in multiple styles with screened tops to help filter rainwater and remove debris.

• Potable. With proper treatment, potable water can be used for drinking. Tijeras Rain Barrels are manufactured of guaranteed 100% food grade virgin resin and are designed with special tops to reduce contamination from muck such as leaves, bird droppings and dead animals.
• Non Potable. The most popular use for stored rainwater, non-potable water can be used for watering lawns and gardens, washing cars or even flushing toilets. Some communities even offer rebates to residents who make use of rainwater for these purposes.
• Grey Water. Untreated household waste water from bath tubs, showers, wash basins, washing machines and laundry tubs, stored greywater should not be used in vegetable gardens on root crops or edible parts of food crops that touch the soil, but it may be used on fruit trees.
• Black Water. Wastewater from toilets, kitchen sinks, dishwashers and laundry water from the washing of materials soiled with human waste (diapers), black water should not be re-used due to the high risk of contamination by bacteria and viruses.

What about maintenance?

It is important to check your water harvesting system to make sure the water is moving where you want it to go.

• Keep gutters and downspouts free of debris
• Clean and maintain filters regularly, including drip filters
• Regularly flush debris from the bottom of storage containers
• Keep landscaped holding areas free of debris
• Control and prevent erosion
• Clean and repair
• Clean and repair
• Make sure your storage barrels are big enough to hold the amount of water you need