Save Money On Landscaping: Harvesting Rainwater
Did you know that of the more 8.5 billion gallons of water every day, which is approximately 30% of a household's daily water use, is devoted solely for outdoor landscaping purposes? That's a lot of water. You could be potentially saving a lot of money if you implement strategies that will allow you to harvest rainwater. Depending on which state you reside in, you could be collecting a lot of rainwater each year to be reused.
For example, Hawaiians can expect an average annual precipitation of 63.7 inches. Once the rainwater is collected, it can be reused on the lawn and on the yard, and will help reduce your household's overall water consumption.
Storing and Harvesting the Rainwater
There are many ways that you can store and harvest the rainwater; however, the easiest and simplest method is to simply implement a system that will automatically catch and divert rainwater to a reservoir. Although you can put up buckets when it rains in hopes of collecting as much rainwater as possible, taking advantage of your gutters and downspout is probably the best option.
Install a tube or pipe that will redirect all of the rainwater that flows down your downspout into a barrel throughout the entire year. Generally speaking, most experts recommend using a plastic barrel as it is less likely to leak, and the water will not seep through.
Tapping Into This Goldmine
Once you have collected the rainwater, you should wait for dry or hotter seasons before using the rainwater. You could either dip in a watering can into the barrel in order to manually water your lawn or you can design and implement a drip line system that runs from the barrel to the yard.
If the water pressure in the barrel is strong, it can push the water down the drip line and water your yard and lawn for you automatically without you having to do any of the work. To prevent the water from leaking out, you will need to put a secure tap.
Conclusion
Rainwater is a precious resource that is commonly wasted. Most of the time, rainwater simply flows into the sewer system, into the water line or down the drain. By implementing a system that will allow you to harvest rainwater, you can reduce the carbon footprint of your household and also reduce your water expenses without compromising on the overall integrity and appearance of your lawns.
If you harvest enough rainwater, it might even be beneficial for you if your area is going through a drought, as less water will generally be diverted to the lawns; thus, causing many plants to wilt away. To learn more, contact a company like McDonald Garden Center with any questions you have.