How to HARVEST RAINWATER from your roof

Summary

This video script educates viewers on rainwater harvesting, a valuable resource referred to as 'blue gold.' It outlines the essentials for collecting rainwater from roofs, including gutter sizing, debris management with leaf screens, and first flush diverters to ensure water quality. The script also covers critical tank components like access ports, vents, overflows, and outlets, emphasizing the need for critter-proofing and strategies to minimize sludge buildup. It concludes with ideas for utilizing collected water and the importance of following basic rules for a successful system.

Takeaways

• 💧 Water, referred to as 'blue gold', is a precious resource that can be harvested from rooftops.
• 🏠 Regardless of roofing material, it's possible to collect rainwater, but water quality varies with the material.
• 🌧️ Properly sized gutters are essential to handle storm runoff and prevent water from spilling over.
• 🍃 A leaf screen is beneficial for keeping leaves and debris out of the water collection system.
• 💦 A first flush diverter is used to direct the initial dirty water away from the storage tank.
• 🚰 High-maintenance systems like first flush diverters can clog and require regular cleaning.
• 🛠️ Water storage tanks need essential components like access ports, vents, overflows, and insect/rodent-proof outlets.
• 🌿 Algae growth can be prevented by using dark or opaque tanks to block light from entering.
• 📉 Planning for sludge layer accumulation is important, with outlets placed above the sludge layer.
• 💧 In areas with clean air and proper setup, harvested rainwater can be clean enough for drinking.
• 🌿 Overflow from water tanks can be utilized for various purposes like irrigation or toilet flushing.

Q & A

What is referred to as 'blue gold' in the script?

In the script, 'blue gold' is a metaphorical term for water, emphasizing its value as a precious resource.

Why is water collection from roofs considered valuable?

Water collection from roofs is valuable because it allows individuals to capture and utilize rainwater that would otherwise be wasted, potentially reducing dependence on municipal water supplies and saving money.

What factors affect the quality of water collected from a roof?

The quality of collected water can vary depending on the roofing material and the presence of debris that washes off the roof.

Why is it important to have a properly sized gutter for a rainwater harvesting system?

A properly sized gutter is crucial to handle the runoff during heavy storms without causing water to spill over the edge or pour off the roof.

What is a leaf screen and how does it benefit a rainwater harvesting system?

A leaf screen is a device designed to keep leaves and other debris out of the water collection system, ensuring that only water flows through the downspout and into the storage tank.

Can you explain the function of a first flush diverter in a rainwater harvesting system?

A first flush diverter is used to redirect the initial flow of dirty water that contains debris and contaminants away from the storage tank, ensuring that only cleaner water is collected.

What are the key components that every water storage tank should have according to the script?

Every water storage tank should have an access port, a vent, an overflow, and an outlet. These components are essential for maintaining the tank's functionality and water quality.

Why is it necessary to screen all overflow pipes, vents, and outlets in a rainwater harvesting system?

Screening is necessary to prevent insects, rodents, and amphibians from entering the tank, which could contaminate the water and degrade its quality.

How can the growth of algae in a water storage tank be prevented?

Algae growth can be prevented by using a dark-colored or opaque tank to block light, as algae require light to grow.

What are some ways to utilize the overflow from a rainwater harvesting system?

Overflow water can be used to water a sunken basin, supply a home for flushing toilets, or be used in an irrigation system. The tank itself can also serve as a structure for privacy screening or support for climbing plants.

What is the significance of positioning the outlet above the sludge layer in a water storage tank?

Placing the outlet above the sludge layer helps maintain water quality by preventing the sludge from being drawn into the water supply.

Outlines

00:00

💧 Rainwater Harvesting: Collecting Blue Gold

This paragraph introduces the concept of 'blue gold,' a term used to describe water due to its high value as a resource. It emphasizes the importance of collecting rainwater, which is often wasted, and suggests that by doing so, one can save money and contribute to sustainability. The narrator briefly discusses the necessity of having a properly sized gutter to manage water runoff and mentions the use of a leaf screen to prevent debris from entering the water collection system. A first flush diverter is introduced as a device to remove initial dirty water from the collection process, ensuring cleaner water storage. The paragraph also touches on the maintenance challenges of such systems due to potential clogs in the first flush diverter.

05:01

🌱 Designing a Rainwater Harvesting System

The second paragraph delves into the design considerations for a rainwater harvesting system. It highlights the importance of various components such as access ports for maintenance, vents to prevent vacuum formation, overflows to handle excess water, and insect-proof outlets to maintain water quality. The paragraph also discusses strategies to manage the buildup of sludge in the tank, including the placement of the outlet and the use of an inlet pipe to minimize disturbance of the sludge layer. The narrator suggests that with proper design and maintenance, the collected rainwater can be clean enough for drinking. Additionally, the paragraph explores ways to utilize the overflow from the tank, such as using it for irrigation or as a water supply for flushing toilets. The narrator concludes by encouraging viewers to explore the vast array of rainwater harvesting systems available, either through custom parts or DIY approaches.

Keywords

💡Blue Gold

In the context of the video, 'Blue Gold' refers to water, highlighting its value as a precious resource. The term is used metaphorically to emphasize the importance of water conservation, especially in the face of scarcity and the potential for conflict over this resource. The video script mentions that 'wars are being fought over' blue gold, indicating its significance and the need to manage it wisely.

💡Roof

The roof is the starting point for rainwater harvesting as described in the video. It serves as the collection surface for rainwater, which is then directed into a gutter system. The material of the roof can affect the quality of the collected water, but regardless of the material, it's a crucial component in the rainwater harvesting process. The video script quickly mentions various roofing materials to set the scene for the discussion on water collection.

💡Gutter

A gutter is a channel fixed under the edge of a roof to catch and carry off rainwater. In the video, it's emphasized that gutters must be properly sized to handle the runoff during storms, preventing water from spilling over the edges. Gutters also collect debris washed off the roof, which is a critical aspect of maintaining the cleanliness of the collected rainwater.

💡Debris

Debris refers to the leaves, dirt, and other materials that can accumulate on a roof and be washed into the gutter system during rainfall. The video mentions the importance of managing debris to ensure the quality of the collected rainwater, as it can clog gutters and downspouts, affecting the efficiency of the rainwater harvesting system.

💡Leaf Screen

A leaf screen is a device used to prevent leaves and other large debris from entering the water collection system. As described in the video, it's positioned at an angle to allow water to flow through while trapping larger particles. This helps maintain the cleanliness of the water being collected and reduces the need for frequent cleaning of the gutter system.

💡First Flush Diverter

The first flush diverter is a component of the rainwater harvesting system that redirects the initial flow of water, which is often the dirtiest, away from the storage tank. This device helps to improve the quality of water stored by ensuring that the first 'flush' of rainwater, which carries the most debris and contaminants, is not collected. The video explains that this mechanism is high maintenance due to the tendency of the slow release emitter to clog.

💡Tank

A tank in the context of the video is the storage container for collected rainwater. The video outlines several important components of a tank, such as an access port for cleaning, a vent to prevent implosions, an overflow to handle excess water, and an outlet for distribution. The material of the tank can vary, but its design is crucial for the effective storage and use of rainwater.

💡Overflow

Overflow refers to the mechanism that handles excess water when the tank is full. As explained in the video, it's important for the overflow to be the same size or larger than the inflow to prevent water from overwhelming the system and causing damage. The overflow can be directed to additional tanks or used for other purposes, such as watering a garden.

💡Insect, Rodent, and Amphibian Proof

The video emphasizes the need for tanks to be sealed against insects, rodents, and amphibians to prevent them from contaminating the stored water. These creatures can breed and die in the tank, leading to a degradation of water quality. Therefore, all openings such as overflow pipes, vents, and outlets must be screened to keep these critters out.

💡Algae

Algae growth in water tanks can degrade the quality of stored rainwater. The video suggests that to prevent this, tanks should be dark-colored or opaque to block light, which is necessary for algae to grow. Algae not only affect the taste and smell of the water but can also be harmful if consumed.

💡Sludge Layer

The sludge layer refers to the accumulation of sediment at the bottom of the water tank over time. The video discusses strategies to manage this, such as positioning the outlet above the sludge layer to prevent it from being drawn out with the water. Another approach mentioned is to place the inlet pipe at the bottom of the tank to minimize disturbance of the sludge when new water enters.

Highlights

Water, referred to as 'blue gold,' is a valuable resource that's essential for life and can be collected from rooftops.

Regardless of roofing material, you can collect rainwater, though water quality may vary based on the material.

Proper gutter sizing is crucial to handle heavy runoff during storms without overflowing.

Debris from the roof can be managed with a leaf screen, preventing it from entering the water collection system.

A first flush diverter is used to redirect the initial dirty water away from the storage tank.

Different designs of first flush diverters exist, often with a slow release mechanism to allow sediment to settle.

Maintenance of the first flush diverter is necessary to prevent clogging from debris filtering down.

Water tanks can be made from various materials including concrete, plastic, metal, and wood.

Tanks require an access port for cleaning or repairs, a vent to prevent vacuum creation, and an overflow to handle excess water.

Proper screening of overflow pipes, vents, and outlets is essential to keep insects, rodents, and amphibians out of the water.

To prevent algae growth, tanks should be opaque or dark-colored to block light.

Outlet placement above the sludge layer or at the bottom of the tank can affect water quality and maintenance.

Inlet pipes can be designed to enter the tank above the outlet to minimize disturbance of the sludge layer.

Rainwater collected can be clean enough to drink if collected from a clean atmosphere and metal roof following proper guidelines.

Overflow from the tank can be utilized for various purposes such as watering plants or flushing toilets.

The tank can serve multiple purposes in the landscape, such as privacy screening or supporting a trellis for climbing plants.

This video provides a basic introduction to rainwater harvesting, with many more system types and custom parts available.

Following the rules and including basic components in rainwater harvesting systems can lead to a safe and abundant water supply.

Transcripts

[Music]

as long as you follow the rules and

include the basic components

then you should be safe and abundant

with your tank full of blue gold

[Music]

have you ever heard

of blue gold blue gold is water and it's

called blue gold because it's a valuable

resource that wars are being fought over

and people are making fortunes from and

you are just letting it fall from the

sky off your roof and down into the

gutter and then going and paying

somebody else for it so let's look at

what it takes to start collecting all

that free blue gold and make you a

richer person so we're starting at the

roof now this is not a video about

roofing materials and honestly i find it

really boring to talk about them

but really quick i'll lay out some facts

and you can pause the video and read

them if you'd like regardless of what

your roof material is you can collect

blue gold although the water quality

will vary depending on what material the

collection surface is

whatever the material is you'll need a

gutter now your gutter has to be sized

properly to handle runoff during a big

storm so water doesn't pour off the roof

and spill over the edge

the gutter is also the place where

debris collects that washes off the roof

and that debris can build up in the

gutter or be washed down the downspout

now there's this great invention called

a leaf screen that's made specifically

to keep leaves and other debris

out of your water system so the water

flows from this downspout and hits this

screen it's positioned at an angle

the big degree falls off the steep angle

as water passes through

and then inside there's another finer

screen where small particles are

filtered but still there's going to be

contaminants in the water that will get

through the leaf screen

fine dust and particles that are built

up on the roof between rains so there's

this thing called a first flush diverter

now a first flush diverter takes the

first flush of dirty water that flows

through the downspout and the leaf

screen and it drops it down into this

pipe without heading on to the tank

now there are lots of different designs

for this but usually there's some sort

of slow release on the end of this pipe

like a drip emitter and so anything

heavier than water

sinks to the bottom

of this pipe and the water slowly drains

out of the bottom of the pipe while the

cleaner water continues on to the tank

but these systems are really high

maintenance because the emitter or the

small hole at the bottom of the pipe

tends to clog

right because all the stuff is

filtering down

and so it needs a lot of attention and

cleaning to keep it functional so the

first flush of dirty water is diverted

away from the tank and as the water

drips out of the first flush diverter

and the pipe empties between rains the

system is reset ready for the next rain

tanks can be made of lots of different

materials

concrete plastic metal and even wood

now regardless of the material

every tank has several really important

components

so you need an access port to get into

the tank to clean or repair it sometimes

the tank needs a vent so when water is

flowing

into the tank and overflowing from a

full tank it doesn't create a vacuum and

implode the tank that can actually

happen

you need an overflow that's the same

size or bigger than the inflow so when

the tank is full and it's raining super

hard and water is pouring in water

doesn't overwhelm the pipe and start

pouring out of the vent

you may have the overflow going into a

second tank or a third tank or a fourth

tank and so on

and then of course the outlet is how you

actually distribute the water now this

tank needs to be completely insect

rodent and amphibian proof otherwise

you'll have creatures living breeding

and then dying in your tank which will

degrade the water quality so all

overflow pipes vents and outlets of any

kind have to be screened to keep

critters out now if light can get into

your tank you're going to get algae

growing which also will degrade your

water quality if you're going for

potable drinking water

so having a dark color or opaque tank is

needed to avoid algae growth now even

with all of these protections you're

still going to get a layer of sludge

building up in the tank over time so

you're going to want to plan for that

firstly by making sure that your outlet

right here is not at the very bottom of

the tank and is placed above the sludge

layer there's actually another school of

thought that says that to put the outlet

at the very bottom of the tank

is better because the sludge is always

incrementally coming out of the tank

instead of building up on the bottom so

a lot depends on your final use of the

water and how clean you need it to be

now another good method for reducing the

impacts of the sludge layer is to

actually

bring the inlet pipe

down through the tank

to outlet at the bottom of the tank if

possible so the falling water doesn't

disturb the sludge when it comes down

and enters the tank now not a lot of

people do this but it can really enhance

your water quality

especially if you're going for the very

highest quality of water if you live in

a place with a clean atmosphere

a metal roof and you follow these basic

rules then you should actually have

water clean enough to drink so the water

tank should not just exist in isolation

because at some point it's going to

overflow and that overflow can be

utilized as a resource

now i drew the tank's first flush

diverter the overflow

and the outlet here all watering this

sunken basin but you could have this

water hooked up to supply a lot of uses

you could have the water pressurized to

supply a home for flushing toilets or

pressurized for an irrigation system the

tank itself as a structure can serve as

privacy screening in the landscape

or you could put a trellis over the tank

and grow vines right on it so this video

is really just a basic introduction to

the rules of thumb for rainwater

harvesting from a roof into a tank

and the variety of types of system are

more vast than i can share in just this

one video

there are manufacturers who make a lot

of custom parts for rainwater harvesting

and you can also diy a lot of this

but as long as you follow the rules and

include the basic components

then you should be safe and abundant

with your tank full of blue gold so good

luck out there friends and happy

harvesting

[Music]

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