Environmental awareness is increasing, and homeowners across the country are continually looking for ways to reduce their own carbon footprint. Here in North Carolina, we have one resource that is constantly abundant: rainwater. But how do we take control of when and where it falls? Averaging around 45 inches of rain annually, Cornelius homes experience significant water runoff from their roofs directly to the storm drains. What if homeowners could store that same water and redirect it to benefit their garden?
Rainwater harvesting systems, an increasingly popular addition to gutters, are an eco-friendly way to reuse the water that nature provides. By channeling water from the gutters directly into a harvesting system, homeowners can create a sustainable and healthy water resource for their gardens, contributing to a greener community. Here, you’ll learn about rainwater harvesting systems, what they are, the role gutters play, and their benefits. Before getting started on a system for your property, it’s also necessary to educate yourself on the considerations to make before installing one. For homeowners who love a DIY project, we’ll offer a few simple ways to add a rainwater harvesting system to your home. Get ready to go green by incorporating a rainwater harvesting system into your gutters and start nurturing your garden with Mother Nature’s best.
What Is a Rainwater Harvesting System?
Rainwater harvesting systems have gained popularity in the last decade, providing an easy and effective way to collect and store rainwater. Once stored, homeowners can use rainwater for many different purposes. These may include (but are not limited to):
- Irrigation for landscapes and gardens
- Washing vehicles
- Outdoor cleaning
- Decorative ponds or fountains
- Fire prevention when needed
For most homes, a rainwater harvesting system will consist of gutters that direct water off of roofs and into downspouts that feed into a storage container. Many different types of storage containers are available, including rain barrels, cisterns, and underground tanks. Once the rainwater has been collected and stored, homeowners can then use it for different purposes around the property. Before getting into the many benefits of having a rainwater harvesting system for your garden, let’s take a quick look at the role gutters play in rainwater collection.
The Role of Gutters in Rainwater Harvesting Systems
Gutters play a leading role in any rainwater collection system, acting as the primary channel through which water flows into the storage container. Gutters must be properly installed and well-maintained for maximum function and efficiency. Allowing debris to build up, leaving leaks unrepaired, and having poorly aligned gutters reduces both the efficiency and quality of the harvested rainwater. Homeowners can keep their gutters performing at optimal condition by keeping them clean, securely fastened, and free from any blockages. Professional gutter installation services in Cornelius can also help design or upgrade gutter systems that will maximize water flow and collection efficiency.
Now that you have a better understanding of what rainwater harvesting systems are and the vital role your gutters play in water collection, let’s explore the benefits to your garden by going green with a rainwater harvesting system.
The Benefits of Rainwater Harvesting for Gardens
The typical rain gutter system does a fantastic job at moving water off of roofs and channeling it to well-thought-out areas on the property. Because gutters are designed to move water to designated areas, they are the perfect starting point for a rainwater collection system. When properly installed and maintained, gutters and harvesting systems provide the following benefits to your garden and the environment:
Eco-Friendly Water Conservation: Collecting rainwater and repurposing it on your property reduces the amount of water needed from municipal water supplies, easing pressure on local resources. With the humid subtropical climate of North Carolina and ample rainfall, rainwater harvesting can provide properties with many gallons of recyclable water.
Garden Health: Free from chlorine and other chemicals, and being naturally soft, rainwater is much better for plants than tap water. Rainwater is ideal for garden irrigation, promoting healthier soil and plants.
Cost-Savings: Using harvested rainwater for activities such as gardening or irrigating landscapes significantly reduces the amount of water homeowners use from local sources. By harvesting rainwater, homeowners can lower their water bills and save their hard-earned money. These savings are particularly attractive for Cornelius residents, as water use for gardening and landscapes can spike during the warmest months.
Stormwater Management: If you’ve ever experienced a North Carolina downpour, you know they can be intense, with inches falling in hours. Heavy rains, not uncommon, can overwhelm community drainage systems and lead to water runoff that carries pollutants. Rainwater harvesting systems reduce this runoff by collecting and containing the water before it ever reaches the storm drains or enters Lake Norman. Rainwater harvesting systems support the town’s efforts to protect its cherished lake and ecosystem.
Going green and incorporating a rainwater harvesting system into your gutters is one of the best things you can do for your garden, your community, and your wallet. Besides the gardening benefits, homeowners will also enjoy many other perks of having a rainwater harvesting system, such as using water for emergencies like fires. But before moving forward with installing one on your property, there are a few key considerations that homeowners should make first.
Considerations Before Installing a Rainwater Harvesting System
Before setting out on your rainwater collection project, whether professionally installed or a DIY project, homeowners should consider the following factors:
- Local regulations may require permits, so always check with your county for local zoning or building codes.
- Roof material matters. Water collection should be avoided on roofs with lead-based paint or treated wood shingles. Asphalt shingles are generally okay as long as they are in good condition.
- Gutter condition is also essential. Gutters must be clean to avoid contaminating harvested water with debris, algae, or other pollutants. Consider gutter guards to protect gutters from outside contaminants.
- Consider how much water you need for your garden and determine the storage capacity that best suits your needs.
- Water quality is especially important for gardens with edible fruits and vegetables. Although rainwater is generally clean, it can pick up contaminants along the way. Consider adding a basic filtration system to remove debris and dangerous pathogens.
- The climate of Cornelius will require regular maintenance on harvesting systems to prevent issues such as mosquito breeding and algae growth. Storage tanks should be securely sealed and cleaned periodically.
- Budget considerations are a part of every home project. The decision to hire a professional or attempt a DIY approach can hinge on the budget. DIY systems can be more affordable but require more time and skills, while professional installation ensures a seamless integration with your existing gutters, but can be more expensive.
After all the considerations have been made, homeowners are now ready to move forward with their rainwater harvesting project. If you are unsure about your home’s setup and needs, consult with a local, licensed gutter professional to help determine if your system is compatible with rainwater collection. For those who are ready to move forward with confidence, check out the DIY ideas below.
Three DIY Rainwater Harvest Ideas for Homeowners
For homeowners who have a more hands-on approach and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done, creating a DIY rainwater harvesting system is a rewarding project. Below, you will discover three DIY methods to get started, each suited for different skill levels and budgets.
- Basic Rain Barrel Setup: This system is best for homes with small gardens or flower beds and is relatively inexpensive, costing anywhere from $50 to $150 to complete.
- Materials: 55-gallon food-grade barrel, easily found at your local hardware store, a gutter diverter, a spigot, and a screen to cover the inlet of the barrel.
- Steps: Position the barrel on a stable and elevated platform near a downspout. Attach the gutter diverter to the downspout and channel the water into the barrel. The spigot should be placed near the bottom of the barrel, with a screen at the top to keep out pests and debris. Make sure overflow is diverted away from the foundation of your home.
- Multi-Barrel System: This system is terrific for larger gardens or those who are growing crops that demand more water, such as corn or squash. The cost of this system will depend on the number of storage barrels, but on average, it is $200 to $300 to complete the installation.
- Materials: Multiple 55-gallon barrels, PVC piping, connectors, a gutter diverter, a spigot, and a basic filter.
- Steps: Position your rain barrels on a flat and stable surface, and connect the barrels with the PVC pipe to increase the storage capacity. Attach the gutter diverter to the downspout and connect it to the first barrel. Add a filter to remove any large debris and install the spigot at the bottom of either the last or first barrels in the chain. Make sure each barrel is securely sealed to prevent mosquito breeding, prevalent in this area.
- Cistern-Based System: These systems are great for the serious gardener or those with larger properties. Holding a significantly larger amount of water than the average 55-gallon barrel, these systems can cost up to $1500. The cost will depend on the size of the cistern and whether a pump is included.
- Materials: Available from specialty suppliers, cisterns can hold anywhere from 200 gallons to 500 gallons. You will also need gutter adaptors, a pump (optional), and a filtration system.
- Steps: To install the cistern, choose a concrete pad or gravel base near your gutter system, making sure it’s level and secure. Modify your gutters to drain into the cistern, and add a pump if you want to connect the cistern to an irrigation system. This setup is perfect for precise watering in raised garden beds. Regularly check and clean the cistern to maintain water quality, especially during the rainy and pollen-laden seasons.
Suppose the idea of a DIY project is not your style or is simply overwhelming. In that case, professional gutter services can retrofit your current gutters or design new ones to integrate and optimize your water harvesting safely and efficiently. Whether you choose to hire a professional or get your hands dirty with a DIY project, rainwater harvesting is a way to turn your gutters into a good kind of green and nurture your garden the way Mother Nature intended.
Sustainable Gardening, One Drop at a Time
For homeowners in Cornelius who are searching for ways to preserve water and make their homes more eco-friendly, installing a rainwater harvesting system is a practical and sustainable choice. As our community continues to grow and become more concerned with the environment, integrating rainwater collection systems in our gutters is a small change that makes a big impact. By understanding what a rainwater harvesting system consists of and the role of your gutters, homeowners can begin to explore their options. Weighing the benefits and carefully considering installation factors, homeowners can make the best decision between a professional or a DIY installation. With a simple rain barrel or a more advanced cistern, you can transform your gutters into a tool for greener gardening and conserve precious water one drop at a time. Whether you are tending to a small herb garden or have a sprawling backyard farm, rainwater harvesting is a beautiful step toward a more sustainable future.