One of the many benefits of rain is that you don’t have to water your lawn, but when it stops, you can still use rainwater. Harvesting rain water is an eco-friendly alternative to using other irrigation sources, and once it’s set up, it’s pretty easy to use. Here are some tips on harvesting rainwater in Cobb, GA.
1. Barrel
Install a rain barrel at one downspout or at every downspout if you want to maximize your collection. There are various sizes and designs, so you can be as practical or finicky as you like. Some rain barrels are more for commercial use, but others are made to blend into your landscape design. It depends on where you are putting it and how much rainwater you plan on collecting. There are other vessels for collecting rainwater available such as rain pillows. The key to success is ensuring it is opaque, so sunlight doesn’t speed up the growth of algae.
2. Roof
Some roof types are better for collecting rain than others. If you are using rainwater for drinking water, asphalt shingles are not a good option unless you have a pretty awesome filtration system. For watering the lawn, you don’t have to be as stringent about roof choices.
3. Gutters
Make sure your gutters are leak free, and locate all of your downspouts to find opportunities and plan your rain barrel placement. Gutters should remain free of debris, so either clean them out regularly or install fireproof mesh over them, so nothing can get in.
4. First-flush
The first flush of water that comes down the gutter is the most contaminated, so installing a first-flush diverter ensures that you discard the dirtiest rainwater, so you only harvest the cleaner flow afterward.
5. Pressure
If you are just using your rainwater to water potted plants, then you can use the spigot at the bottom of the rain barrel. Otherwise, you need to find a way to pressurize the water to get it to where it is needed. You can use gravity or a siphon system for flood watering, but if you are going to hook it up to your sprinkler system, you’ll need a pump. There are submersible pumps available, or you may have a separate pump outside of the barrel.
This spring's rainy season may be enough to influence you to collect some rain water, and with these tips, you’ll be able to use it to irrigate your lawn.
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North Fulton, East Cobb, Cherokee, Forsyth Counties - including Alpharetta, Canton, Cobb, Cumming, Dunwoody, Gwinnett, Johns Creek, Marietta, Milton, Roswell, Sandy Springs
