Collecting rainwater is a smart way to conserve water and reduce your reliance on municipal water supplies. This guide will walk you through building a rainwater collection system that can be used for irrigation and equipment washing on your farm or garden. The system is designed to be simple, cost-effective, and easy to maintain.

Components of the Rainwater Collection System

Gutter System

The first step in setting up your rainwater collection system is to install a gutter system on your metal barn roof. You’ll need standard gutters and downspouts to channel the rainwater. Measure the dimensions of your roof to determine the length of gutters you need. For a roof that measures 13′ x 32′, you’ll need enough gutters to cover the perimeter of the roof.

A diverter valve is essential to direct the water into storage tanks during rainfall. This valve should be installed at the top of the downspout to ensure that water flows directly into the storage tanks. Make sure the diverter valve is positioned correctly to avoid any backflow into the roof.

Storage Tanks

Two 275-gallon food-grade plastic totes are used to store the collected rainwater. These tanks should be placed near the downspouts to minimize the distance the water needs to travel. A third wheeled tank can be added for mobile watering of grapevines and fruit trees.

To prevent algae growth and mosquito breeding, cover the tanks with dark materials such as black tarps or grill covers. Seal the tank tops with foam to ensure that no water leaks out and to prevent mosquitoes from entering. Use tanks that have previously been used for food-safe materials, such as maple syrup, to avoid any chemical contamination.

Distribution

A second tank should be mounted above the garden to provide gravity-fed watering via garden hose. This tank should be positioned higher than the garden to ensure that the water flows naturally through the hose. Threaded adapters are necessary to connect standard garden hoses to the tank outlets. A ball valve can be installed to provide additional shut-off control.

Installation Tips

  • Tank Selection: Choose tanks that have been used for food-safe materials to avoid any chemical contamination. Avoid using tanks that have been used for chemicals or other harmful substances.
  • Threaded Adapters: Purchase threaded adapters to connect the tanks to garden hoses. These adapters are relatively inexpensive and can be found at most hardware stores.
  • Ball Valve: Install a ball valve to provide shut-off control. This valve can be installed at the end of the hose to control the flow of water.

Maintenance Guidelines

  • Cover Tanks: Cover the tanks with dark materials to block sunlight and prevent algae growth.
  • Seal Tank Tops: Seal the tank tops with foam to prevent mosquito breeding.
  • Water Usage: Never use collected water for drinking. Limit its use to irrigation and equipment washing.

Legal Considerations

Before installing a rainwater collection system, verify local regulations about rainwater collection. Some regions restrict rainwater collection, so it’s important to check with your local government to ensure compliance.

Cost Summary

The cost of the rainwater collection system is relatively low. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated costs:

  • Plastic totes: $80 total
  • Diverter valve: $15
  • Threaded valve/hose adapter: $15
  • Ball valve: $10

Conclusion

Building a rainwater collection system for your farm or garden is a cost-effective way to conserve water and reduce your reliance on municipal water supplies. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a simple and effective rainwater collection system that will provide you with a reliable source of water for irrigation and equipment washing.

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