Beginner's Guide to Rainwater Harvesting at Home

It’s the rainy season in the Philippines once again, and we must get ready for the upcoming circumstances to survive. This includes an emergency water backup supply.

Now many homeowners are now embracing to harvest rainwater as a sustainable solution to reduce water expenses. But how exactly do you get started? Is it as simple as placing a pail under a downspout and waiting for it to fill up?

To guide you in establishing your own rooftop rainwater harvesting system, we reached out to some of the renowned experts for valuable tips. They emphasize that every household can initiate a rainwater collection system as a fundamental step towards creating a sustainable and environmentally-friendly home.

Materials Needed to Start Rain water Harvesting at Home

According to experts, the materials you need for rainwater harvesting are mostly found at your home. Here are as follows:

• Roof. A suitable roof surface, such as metal, asphalt, or tiles, to collect rainwater effectively.

• Gutters. Install gutters along the roof edges to capture and channel rainwater towards the downspouts.

• Downspouts. Connect downspouts to the gutters to direct the collected rainwater to a storage container.

• Leaf Guards. Install leaf guards or gutter screens to prevent debris, leaves, and other particles from entering the system and clogging the pipes.

• Storage Tank or Rain Barrel. Choose appropriate storage containers, such as tanks or rain barrels, to store the collected rainwater. These should be made of food-grade materials and placed on a sturdy platform or stand.

• Filters. Install filters, such as mesh screens or sediment filters, to remove debris, sediment, and other impurities from the rainwater before it enters the storage tanks.

• Overflow System. Set up an overflow system to redirect excess water away from the storage tanks and prevent waterlogging or damage.

• Piping and Connectors. Use appropriate pipes and connectors to connect the downspouts to the storage tanks or barrels, ensuring a proper flow of rainwater.

• Mosquito Screens. Fit mosquito screens over any openings or entry points of the storage tanks or barrels to prevent mosquitoes and insects from breeding or contaminating the water.

• First-Flush Diverter (optional). Consider installing a first-flush diverter, which diverts the initial rainwater flow, flushing away contaminants and improving water quality.

• Pump (optional). You may also require a pump to distribute the harvested rainwater to various areas or for specific purposes, such as irrigation or for large-scale rainwater harvesting.

• Water Treatment (optional). You may choose to incorporate a water treatment system, such as UV filters or carbon filters, to purify the harvested rainwater for drinking purposes.

Usually, the cost of starting a rainwater harvesting system at home can vary depending on factors such as the size of the system, materials used, and local pricing. It ranges from P15,000 to P70,000 based on the overall estimates. 

How Rainwater Harvesting Works

Rainwater harvesting starts with collecting rainwater from rooftops or other surfaces, directing it through gutters and downspouts into storage containers. Then, the collected rainwater undergoes filtration to remove debris and improve its quality before it is stored in tanks or barrels. 

In addition, installing an overflow system prevents waterlogging by diverting excess water. If needed, use pumps to distribute the harvested rainwater to different areas. You can also use optional treatment systems such as UV filters or carbon filters for specific purposes. 

Lastly, regular maintenance is needed to ensure the system operates effectively to provide a sustainable water source and reduce reliance on conventional supplies.

Collected rainwater can be used for outdoor watering, cleaning and maintenance, indoor non-potable uses, pet care, car washing, pool or pond refilling, irrigation, and backup water supply.

7 Benefits of Rainwater Harvesting System

Harvesting rainwater provides an independent and sustainable water source. So, it helps you reduce reliance on conventional water supplies. It also helps you conserve water resources, especially during droughts or water scarcity situations.

Other benefits include:

Cost Savings

You can utilize harvested rainwater for various purposes, such as landscaping, gardening, or toilet flushing. Thus, you can significantly reduce their water bills and save money in the long run. 

Environmental Impact

Rainwater harvesting also reduces the strain on municipal water systems and decreases the need for energy-intensive water treatment and distribution. So, it promotes environmental sustainability by conserving freshwater resources and reducing the carbon footprint associated with water usage.

Improved Plant Health

Rainwater is naturally soft and devoid of chemicals like chlorine, making it ideal for watering plants. Using harvested rainwater for irrigation can improve plant health, growth, and yield.

Flood Mitigation

By collecting rainwater, especially during heavy rainfall, a rainwater harvesting system can help alleviate stormwater runoff. So, it helps reduce the risk of flooding and soil erosion in the surrounding area.

Backup Water Supply

In areas prone to water interruptions or emergencies, a rainwater harvesting system can serve as a reliable backup water supply, ensuring water availability for essential needs.

Water Quality Control

Rainwater harvesting also allows you to have control over the quality of your water supply. Proper filtration and treatment systems can be employed to improve the quality of harvested rainwater for various uses, including potable water, if adequately treated.

Educational and Awareness Benefits

Implementing a rainwater harvesting system at home promotes environmental awareness and education about sustainable water practices. Therefore, you set yourself to inspire others to adopt similar measures.

Factors to Consider Before Harvesting Rainwater 

If you’re planning to install a rainwater harvesting system in your newly built house and lot Philippines, make sure you discuss the following factors first.

Roof Type and Catchment Area

The type and condition of your roof can significantly impact the quality and quantity of harvested rainwater. Consider the material, size, and slope of your roof, as well as any potential contaminants or pollutants that may be present. 

Furthermore, you must also assess the size and adequacy of your catchment area, as it directly affects the amount of rainwater you can collect. A larger catchment area will yield more water.

Climate and Rainfall Patterns

Assess the local climate and average rainfall in your area to gauge the availability and reliability of rainwater as a water source. Regions with consistent rainfall throughout the year are more suitable for rainwater harvesting.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Consider the maintenance requirements of the system, such as cleaning filters, inspecting storage tanks, and ensuring the proper functioning of pumps or treatment systems. Be prepared to commit to regular maintenance to keep the system efficient and effective.

For those who have an investment in Lumina Homes, rest assured their home properties are fit for installing rainwater harvesting systems. We made sure that we used quality materials for every home that could last long. We also ensure that every essential you need for the rainy season is within reach. That is why most of our community is close to commercial establishments, including AllHome and VistaMall.

So, if you're aiming to be one of the owners of our affordable house and lot properties, get in touch with our accredited sellers for home reservations. For complete specifications and inclusions of Lumina’s affordable house and lot for sale units, you may also visit the nearest Lumina office.