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Rain barrels
4/6/2012 2:30:44 PM
I have seen these at a few peoples houses around where i live and it seems like a great idea but how do you filter the water to make it drinkable. I know when the water comes off the roof it gets some nasty stuff in it, i am sure it will still taste bad after filtering just wondering how to do it.
4/6/2012 3:59:29 PM
I do know that there are problems with chemicals in the water if your shingles are asphalt. I am under the impression that fiberglass shingles are not a problem. If that is correct, I figure any water filter would work. Hopefully someone with more knowledge will be along soon to help us out.
4/6/2012 4:03:21 PM
Water filter. and bleach. Would be the answer. I have a rain barrel and the plants could care less where there water comes from. But I am sure there is someone out there that can help
ps put screen on top of barrel
ps put screen on top of barrel
4/6/2012 4:19:08 PM
Hi,
I have one of the gravity feed type from here: http://shop.monolithic.com/collections/emergency-preparedness/products/just-water-complete-bucket-system
One other thing to think about besides a screen at the inlet to the barrel is a device that sends the first of the rain run-off into the downspout and then once all the bugs and bird crap etc. (
), from your roof is flushed away, it switches over to your containment system. They are easy to make and if you have the room to use one it will greatly improve the quality of the water you capture.
TriumphRider
I have one of the gravity feed type from here: http://shop.monolithic.com/collections/emergency-preparedness/products/just-water-complete-bucket-system
One other thing to think about besides a screen at the inlet to the barrel is a device that sends the first of the rain run-off into the downspout and then once all the bugs and bird crap etc. (
), from your roof is flushed away, it switches over to your containment system. They are easy to make and if you have the room to use one it will greatly improve the quality of the water you capture.
TriumphRider
4/6/2012 7:58:28 PM
We have two 55 gallon rain barrels. They were white but are painted dark green to keep algae growth down. We put in 1/4 cup bleach to help clean up the water since our house is shingled with asphalt shingles. We also have a gutter sock attached at the drain where the rain empties into our barrels. This catches the heavy stuff and must be changed after a couple rains to help keep the gutter sock from clogging up. We have only used the rain water to water our garden. When you look into the rain barrels after a rain the water is cloudy/darkened probably because our shingles are black. We do have a good 'Sawyer' water filtration system but I'm still not sure whether it can actually be used to drink.
4/6/2012 8:48:52 PM
I have four 55 gal. I havent used them yet. They are for a upcoming project.
