Install a Rainwater Collection System

Homeowners spend a lot of money on their water bills and much of that water goes toward irrigating their lawns. By installing a rainwater collection system at the end of your gutter downspouts, you can alleviate many of the problems that can occur when excess surface water flows freely and uncontrolled. You will save water that can be used for "Green" irrigation of your landscaping and cut down on the amount of flooding on your property. And don’t forget that it will save you some money on your water bill.

Visit your local True Value hardware store for the expert advice and products you need. Here's how to get started:

Step 1. Get a Container
You will need something that will collect the water when it comes down the spout. One 55-gallon barrel or cistern is probably all you need to hold enough water for watering your lawn, garden, etc. Most containers are constructed from concrete or fiberglass and can be put above ground or buried. You can buy specially designed barrels manufactured for collection—they come with outlets for watering cans and hoses—or you can make your own out of barrels, buckets, drums, and other large containers, which is what this project will focus on.

• Check with your local municipal officials whether or not it is illegal to collect and hold water for reuse

Place the container on concrete blocks beside your downspout so it is level and won't tip over.

Step 2. Create a Filter Top
The top of your rainwater collection system is made by cutting off the top a 5-gallon bucket. The bucket's lid will be used to secure a paint strainer to the top of the bucket, thereby keeping large objects and mosquitoes from getting into the barrel and spoiling your water supply.

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Using a power drill with 7/8" spade bit, punch a hole in the side of your 5-gallon bucket so you can cut off the top with your jigsaw. Then secure a mesh paint strainer to the bucket opening, which will filter out objects and mosquitoes in your cistern.

Next, use a permanent marker to trace around the bottom edge of your newly cut five-gallon bucket onto the top of your large water container.

Use your drill (with the same 7/8" spade bit) to punch a hole in the top of the large container along the traced circle. Once finished cutting, the top of the 5-gallon bucket should fit perfectly in the opening of the large container.

Next, use a permanent marker to trace around the bottom edge of the gutter extension on the top of the bucket lid. Use the 7/8" bit to drill a starter hole and then cut the remainder of the lid with your jigsaw to fit the gutter extension. Place the lid on the top of the bucket to check for proper fit.

• To prevent matter from hanging too far down into the rain barrel, tie a knot in the strainer before installing it into the lid.

Step 3. Install a Spigot
You need a way to get the water out of your collection system, right? Put in a spigot at the bottom of the container by drilling a hole using the 7/8" spade bit. File down the rough inside edges of the hole with a metal file and then screw in a 3/4" spigot securely. Be sure that the spigot is facing the right way on the barrel so you can access it easily when you start actually using it.

Step 4. Add a Gutter Extension
Now you need a way for the water from the gutter downspout to get into your water collector. Using the existing downspout from your gutters, add an extension—your local True Value hardware storecarries a variety of extension and fittings for this.

Measure and mark where you need to cut the fitting so that the end will run into the top of your collection barrel. Most fittings are made of flexible plastic and can easily be cut with a utility knife. Note that it may be necessary to use a "splice" to fit the end of your existing downspout into the extension. Push the two pieces together until they are nice and snug. Use brackets to secure the fitting to side of your house.

Lastly, don't forget to place a gutter strain in the gutter on your roof. This will keep large debris from working its way down and potentially clogging the gutters.

Now you have an environmentally friendly and inexpensive way to collect water for irrigation or for whatever else you might use it. Put it to good use!

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