Water Conservation: The Benefits of Rain Harvesting

Many areas in the United States face water shortages on a regular basis.  Certain cities place restrictions on the amount of water used for lawns and gardens because of water shortages.  Increasing water bill costs are affecting the consumer.  Because of these problems, water conservation has become an important subject in the global warming discussion.  Rain harvesting provides an easy way for the average person to conserve large amounts of water, save money, protect property, and protect the planet. 

Rain harvesting has many benefits.  Obviously, the conservation of water is the main benefit.  Global Warming and water shortages are serious issues and it’s important for us to conserve where we can.  Why use water from the hose to water your garden, when rain water is very beneficial to gardens?  Water from the hose typically costs the home owner money as well.  When a homeowner collects rain, he can then bypass the watering restrictions and water when the garden and lawn need it without the expense.  

Collecting rain water also benefits your property and lessens the amount of water sent into public storm sewers. Rain harvesting can help control flooding during heavy rains on your property and in your municipality.  Survey your yard and locate where rain water runs and collects.  These areas are perfect for a basic rain collecting unit.  Water pooling in your yard, or running through your property like a river, will eventually ruin your property and cause damage if the water is too close to the house. 

Rain harvesting units can be purchased and installed anywhere water collects.  These units are easily disguised underneath patios, a layer of sod, or added to a fountain or pond to collect rain.  Old fashioned rain barrels always work well for rain harvesting.  These can be located at the base of downspouts.  A “pondless waterfall with a rain collection unit is a beautiful  addition to any yard or patio. 

The water collected can then be used to water the garden and lawn, or be treated for use in water gardens, ponds and fountains.  Rain water can also be used for washing a car or patio furniture, cleaning mud off of boots, and watering house plants.