Become Eco-Friendly! Learn The Best Ways to Collect and Use Rainwater
January 03, 2019
Miami's rainy season brings a lot of water to your roof, which creates a perfect opportunity to help the environment by collecting said rainwater and using it for several home tasks. In case you didn't know, collecting rainwater is useful for several home activities. Moreover, you can reduce your water bills if you cut down on its use. However, one of the biggest benefits obtained by collecting rainwater is definitely that you get to help the environment. One of the ways it benefits the environment is by helping lower energy use and carbon emissions from local water treatment facilities, since they have to activate a system that consumes a lot of energy in order to pump water to your home.
Given the fact that South Florida has one of the rainiest seasons in the country, a
rain gutter installation is very useful. These narrow channels that are installed on the edge of your roof are specially designed to collect water and lead it away from the foundation and other areas of the house. The rain gutter system sends water down through downspouts that can deposit this water into rain barrels or tanks, thus making it available for use.
What Uses can you Give to Rainwater?
Rainwater that is collected and stored properly represents a sustainable source of water, ideal for use inside and outside your home. Let's check out the following uses we can give to rainwater:
Outside the House
- To water your garden: Depending on the size of your garden, water usage ranges from small to large quantities. If you set a large rainwater tank under your downspout, you can collect a considerable amount of rainwater to help with gardening throughout long dry periods without using tap water. If space is an issue, install two smaller tanks. For more convenience, rainwater tanks that are sold in stores come with an incorporated spigot to connect a hose, so you can water the plants with no extra effort.
On the other hand, rainwater is perfect for plants and trees! Have you noticed that when it rains, your garden become more beautiful? It's because of all the benefits that rainwater gives to your plants and soil. It is free from salts and chemical additives that can be present in municipal water; besides, rain water has the exact pH level to make your plants grow healthy and faster.
- To wash your car: Using rainwater to wash your car instead of using a hose is a good way to be environmentally friendly. Think about it! an average hosepipe can race around 10 liters per minute, which means that you can easily use 10 to 100 liters of water every time you wash your car. Additionally, rainwater is preferred by windows cleaner as it gives a clean finish free from streaks and spots.
- To fill up ponds in your garden: The fact of being free from chloride residue, rainwater is the best option to fill up the pond in your garden – if it's your case – as it doesn't affect wildlife.
Inside the House
- To do the laundry: Another use you can give rainwater is to wash clothes. Since washing machines can use an excessive amount of water per load, you save a large amount of water by connecting the washing machine to the rainwater tank. Most households usually do 5 to 6 loads a week, so it is very useful to save rainwater for this purpose.
- To flush the toilet: Toilets use up to 12 liters of water per flush, and an average person uses 30 liters of water per day, which is 210 liters a week. So, to save water, it is a good idea to connect your toilet to the rainwater tank. What if the water level of the tank gets very low? Just keep the toilet connected to the water diversion from the water main, too, so you can use it whenever you want. By the time there is little water left in the rainwater tank, you will have saved plenty of tap water.
- To drink and cook: When well filtered and treated, rainwater is totally safe for human consumption. It is actually, high-quality water because it doesn't contain chlorine or any chemicals usually used to sanitize it. You can install a filtration system in your home to purify rainwater, so you can even use it for cooking.
Benefits of Having a Rainwater Collection System
- Rainwater is a free source of clean water.
- It is ideal for cities with water restrictions since you can have total control of your water collection system.
- It is responsible from the social and environmental point of view.
- You can have a water back-up source available during dry seasons.
- Rainwater requires simple, inexpensive technology for maintenance
- It enhance landscape plants and gardens thanks to its natural benefits.
Other benefits that result from harvesting rainwater is the reduction of storm water runoff that goes into the sewer system. If there is excess water runoff during storms, it could lead to the discharge of raw sewage into waterways. However, that excess water runoff could be collected into your tank or barrel. As you can see, collecting rainwater and using it for your home is a practical way to become environmentally friendly. It is important to remember that preservation of water is a big issue nowadays and our beautiful planet will thank you later! That's why Rain Gutters Solution recommends benefitting as much as possible from rainwater.
Are you considering a new rain gutter installation in your property? Rain Gutters Solution offers you a staff of high-skilled technicians with a wide experience ready to meet all your rain gutters needs. We rely on top-notch technology to build the rainwater collection system that best works for your property. If you have concerns about this information do not hesitate and contact us by calling at
(305) 270-7779 or filling out our
contact form below. We'll gladly assist you!
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