Rain barrelsResidential irrigation can account for 50 percent of residential water use. Rain barrels not only store water, they help decrease demand during the summer months. Only a quarter-inch of rainfall runoff from the average roof will completely fill a typical barrel. Collection of water from rooftop runoff can provide an ample supply of free “soft water” containing no chlorine, lime or calcium. Collecting this water will reduce your demand for treated tap water, and save money by lowering your monthly bill. Rainwater diversion will also help decrease the burden on water treatment facilities and municipal drainage systems during storms. The storage of rainwater is also recommended for general emergency preparedness, or for areas prone to drought. A good formula to remember: 1 inch of rain on a 1000 square foot roof yields 623 gallons of water. Calculate the yield of your roof by multiplying the square footage of your roof by 623 and divide by 1000. Rainwater harvesting is an old fashioned method of obtaining water but is making a comeback due to the need for water conservation. Many web sites have information available on rain barrels, even how to make your own.
Rain Water Harvesting Spreadsheet Calculator
An article on rain harvesting at sea
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