How We Collect, Store, and Filter Rainwater For Everyday Use

Summary

In this video, Jim and Jessica share their off-grid lifestyle in Southeast Arizona, focusing on their rainwater collection and filtration process. They collect water off a 2200-square-foot metal roof and ensure its safety by screening collection points and using a two-stage filtration system, including an RV inline filter and a Berkey filter for drinking water. The couple practices water conservation for daily tasks like cooking, laundry, and gardening, even reusing gray water to nourish plants. With no flush toilets, they minimize water usage and promote sustainable living. Their practical approach to off-grid living showcases how to make the most of limited resources.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Green Dream Project is about living off-grid in southeast Arizona, primarily using rainwater for daily needs.
• 🌧️ The roof is designed for both shade and water collection, made of metal to prevent chemical residue, unlike asphalt or shingles.
• 💧 To keep rainwater clean, the entry points to the collection system are screened off to prevent debris and insects.
• 🚿 A first flush system is often recommended for filtering out debris and contaminants from the initial water runoff, but this setup simplifies the process with just screens.
• 🔄 90-degree elbows are crucial for the water pipes, as they block light from entering the storage system, helping to prevent bacterial or algae growth.
• 🏞️ Water collection and storage are key for ensuring safe, clean drinking water, and efficient storage solutions prevent contamination.
• 💧 An RV inline filter is used as an initial precaution to filter out contaminants before the water reaches the RV.
• 🍶 For drinking water, the final filtration stage is through a Berkey filter, which produces crystal-clear, great-tasting water.
• 🚿 Water is used for common household needs like dishes, laundry, showers, and cleaning, but the amount is carefully managed to conserve resources.
• 🌱 Gray water from daily use is recycled for gardening, such as watering trees, but no water is used for flush toilets, helping to conserve even more.
• 🌻 For the garden, techniques like oil pots, sunken beds, and mulch help reduce evaporation and make efficient use of water.

Q & A

How do you ensure the rainwater you collect is safe to drink?

The key to ensuring rainwater is safe to drink is through proper collection, filtration, and storage systems. We use metal roofing for water collection and ensure the water enters the storage system via screens to keep out debris and bugs. We also use a multi-stage filtration process, including an inline RV filter and a Berkey water filter for final purification.

What type of roofing material do you recommend for collecting rainwater?

We recommend using metal roofing for collecting rainwater because it provides a clean, chemical-free surface. Avoid using asphalt shingles or any material with chemical coatings, as these could contaminate the collected water.

Why is it important to keep the water collection system sealed?

It is crucial to keep the collection system sealed to prevent light from entering, as light can promote algae or bacterial growth in the storage tanks. Additionally, keeping the system sealed ensures that no bugs or debris can contaminate the water.

Do you use a first flush system for rainwater collection?

Although we don't currently use a first flush system, we do recommend it. A first flush system helps discard the initial runoff from the roof, which could contain contaminants like bird droppings or dirt. We rely on screens to keep debris out of our water system.

What role do 90-degree elbows play in the rainwater collection system?

90-degree elbows are important in the system because they help keep light out of the pipes leading to the storage tanks. This reduces the risk of unwanted biological growth in the water, helping maintain its purity.

What is your filtration process for making rainwater potable?

Our filtration process consists of two main stages. First, we use an inline RV filter to remove contaminants from the water before it enters the RV. For drinking water, we run the filtered water through a Berkey water filter, which provides thorough purification, ensuring the water is crystal clear and safe to drink.

How do you use water for other purposes on your off-grid property?

We use rainwater for a variety of purposes, including drinking, cooking, cleaning, dishes, laundry, and showers. We also use it for gardening and for our chickens. To minimize water use, we avoid using flush toilets and use a gray water system to recycle used water for irrigation.

What is gray water and how do you use it?

Gray water is the slightly dirty water that comes from activities like dishwashing or showering. We collect this water and reuse it by diverting it to a basin where we grow a tree, helping to reduce water waste and support local plant growth.

How do you conserve water for gardening?

To conserve water for gardening, we use oil pots that allow water to seep directly to the roots of the plants. We also use sunken garden beds filled with mulch, which helps retain moisture and reduce evaporation, ensuring efficient water usage.

What are your plans for improving the filtration system once your house is completed?

Once our house is completed, we plan to implement a more robust filtration system, but we will continue to use the Berkey filter for drinking water. The Berkey will always be a part of our off-grid setup to ensure clean, safe water.