Collecting Rain

Collecting Rain Water for Gardens

By Barbara Fix Researcher & Writer for Lipscomb Enterprises Inc.

Conserving water is not a new idea. Conservation requirements have even impacted the design and mechanics of toilets for less water requirements, shower heads are now designed to waste less water, and those living in southern climates interests have become increasingly centered on the use of drought resistant shrubs and plants that require less water.

Vegetable gardens, however, are not sympathetic to our water issues. All they want is a comforting drink and that the surrounding soil to be moist enough for their root system to draw nutrients and microorganisms from the soil.

There’s a quick solution for the water requirements of our vegetable gardens and fruits for all but those who live in the driest climates. It’s amazing but true: one inch of rainwater on a 20 foot by 20 foot roof can generate 1,200 gallons of water for your garden! The water can be collected through gutters and downspouts into 55-gallon barrels inexpensively, just make sure the barrels are food grade.

Here’s how it’s done:

Install a faucet near the base of a 55-gallon food grade plastic barrel, leaving enough room to easily access the faucet for times you will be accessing your water. Once you’ve determined the placement of where to install the faucet, drill a one-inch hole. Now spread silicone around the threads of the faucet. Insert the faucet into the hole and secure it with a ¾ inch female adapter made of PVC.

At the top (not the lid) of the barrel, there needs to be an overflow hole. This is made by cutting a 2-inch hole with a hole saw. Now, cover it with window screen that’s been cut a bit larger than the 2-inch hole size and secure it by using silicone sealant. The screen is meant to keep insects from entering your water barrel and contaminating the water.

Using a jigsaw, cut a larger, 6-inch hole on the top of the barrel and cover it with window screen to keep debris and insects out.