Rainwater harvesting is key for sustainable urban gardening. It not only reduces hefty water bills but it is also a good way to conserve the environment and prevent flooding. It ensures that you have an eco friendly garden that sustains itself without affecting your conservation efforts.
Rainwater harvesting entails collecting and storage of water through the gutter into storage containers for later use. One of the most common uses of rainwater is irrigating plants. The best part about rainwater is that it is usually free from chlorine and fluoride which is present in local water supplies and makes it the best for gardening because it reduces the accumulation of chemical contaminants in the soil.
Why rainwater harvesting? You may ask. It is a good way to reduce your water bills conserve one of the most valuable natural resources and reduce water scarcity due to the stain on water supply. Rainwater harvesting provides water you can use in the garden, wash your car and other outdoor needs. Let’s look at the main benefit of rainwater harvesting.
This article looks into the benefits of rainwater harvesting and how to put the system in place.
4 Benefits of Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is essential for urban gardening. The initiative is backed by the New York Department which gives free rain barrels to increase rainwater collection. Let’s look at why you should consider collecting rainwater at your New York home.
1. Best use of natural resources
Collecting rainwater is the best use for the finite resources such as water. It is a good way to conserve water instead of letting it drain away back to the ground. It helps you get water for common household needs and have a constant supply for your garden.
2. Reliable water supply
Rainwater harvesting provides a reliable source of water for your household needs and reduces the overreliance on municipal supplies.
Water bills in the city are a costly affair and suing it for gardening may lead to high water bills. Thus, having storage of rainwater helps you have enough even when the municipal water is not reliable.
3. Reduces flooding due to stormwater
Rainwater harvesting is a good way to reduce soil erosion, flooding and runoff of stormwater into buildings and the road. Collecting water before it hits the ground helps preserve the building and the environment at large.
4. Rainwater is good for gardening
Plants love rainwater because it is free from chemicals that are present in tap water. Rainwater also has the right PH for the plants and encourages more healthy plant growth.
Tap water tends to be hard water because it has a high content of minerals that can cause white spots on the leaves.
5 Rainwater Harvesting Tips
1. Use filters
Preserve water by using a filter to remove debris and objects collected in the process of rainwater harvesting. Accumulation of leaves or dirt can stop the flow of water into the storage tanks and affect the quality of water.
Thus, it is important to ensure that the rainwater is free from contaminants that are not safe for human consumption. Use a fine mesh at the entrance of the water storage tanks to prevent the debris from entering the tanks.
2. Treat rainwater
Aside from removing physical contaminants, you should treat rainwater before using it for cooking or drinking. Rainwater may contain harmful microorganisms and contaminants collected in the air before it reaches the water storage tanks.
If you want to use rainwater for drinking or cooking, consider treatment options such as filtration and reverse osmosis which makes it safe.
3. Choose the right storage containers
Depending on the space you have to choose containers that can withstand different weather conditions and can hold the water even during dry periods. Consider the pipes, pumps and containers that transport and store the water and ensure regular maintenance to prevent leaks.
Ensure that you get the right size of equipment depending on the place that you have. You can build a basic rainwater harvesting system with barrels at the end of the gutters.
4. Regular monitoring
Rainwater collection systems require regular checks and monitoring to ensure water safety and prevent leaks. Clean the system regularly to reduce the accumulation of dirt that would contaminate the water and cause decay of the system.
Inspect the pipes and pumps before the rainy season to ensure they are working effectively and ensure timely intervention. Regular monitoring also ensures the longevity of the rainwater system. A well maintained rainwater collection system makes it easy to maximize your effort and reduces relying on municipal water supply.
5. Check local regulations
Although rainwater harvesting is legal in New York, there are some regulations on the amount of water you can collect. Some guidelines regulate overflow systems and how water is stored to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes.
Ensure to cover water tanks and tightly seal all collection systems. Rainwater harvesting may be restricted because it can disrupt the rainfall cycle which allows water to seep back into the earth.
FAQs
- Can you collect rainwater in NYC?
Yes, you can collect rainwater in New York City. Rainwater harvesting is not strictly regulated as long as you use the water with no portable uses and label the pipes purple.
- How big are the NYC rain barrels?
The rain barrels in New York are 60 gallons in size which makes them easy to install or connect directly to the gutters to collect rainwater.
- What is the process of rooftop rainwater harvesting?
The process of rooftop rainwater harvesting involves collecting raindrops that fall on the roofs of buildings and are transferred to storage tanks through pipes.
- Is NYC rainwater safe to drink?
Rain water is not safe to drink or use for cooking because it may contain harmful contaminants. Use treated water or bottled water for drinking in New York City.
- What are the disadvantages of rainwater harvesting?
Some of the disadvantages of rainwater harvesting are that it may need technical expertise to install, needs regular maintenance, may be affected when there is limited and no rainfall and can lead to breeding of mosquitoes and waterborne diseases if not installed properly.
Final Thoughts
Rainwater harvesting is a big contributor to sustainable urban gardening. It ensures that you have a reliable source of water for your plants and reduces hefty water bills. Start collecting rainwater and use it for your urban garden to contribute to eco friendly practices and conserve the environment.
Comments (2)
City Green Thumb - raised bed garden New Yorksays:
March 19, 2024 at 11:25 am[…] a raised bed, you can prevent excess rainwater from washing away the soil. You will be able to add drainage holes to prevent war logging that can […]
9 DIY Rainwater Harvesting Tips for Beginners - City Green Thumbsays:
March 19, 2024 at 11:54 am[…] Rainwater is particularly great for plants because it is free from chlorine, fluoride, and chemicals used to treat water. However, unfiltered rainwater is not ideal for drinking or cooking as it can be contaminated by air pollutants, debris, bacteria, viruses, and more dirt as it moves through the roof and gutters. […]