10 February . 2020
3 Ways to Collect Rainwater
So Oregon can be a little rainy, you say? Why not make the most of it with these three popular techniques for catching fresh rainwater*. Rain harvesting can reduce the impact of storm water runoff, which can damage water habitats. The average household can save up to 1,300 gallons of municipal water solely during the dry summer months.
1. Small Collection Use a rain barrel under your downspout to collect enough water for tending to gardens and plants. Rainwater’s alkaline pH is also excellent for houseplants or the garden – after all, it’s what nature intended!
2. Medium Use Cisterns for medium-sized repositories of rainwater. A cistern collects from a water source such as a roof or catchment area. Placed under or above ground, cisterns hold enough water for cleaning the car or washing windows.
3. Rainwater Tanks These plastic tanks hold anywhere from 10 gallons to 125 gallon of water. Perfect for storing water for a number of different uses around the home.
Note: Rainwater harvesting is allowed in Oregon, but may only be done from roof or runoff surfaces. Check here for state regulations. *Please check the Reed’s Crossing Association Documents for requirements.