The Benefits of Storing and Using Rainwater

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Interested in living a more sustainable lifestyle?

Rainwater is an excellent resource for those who want to live sustainably. It can be used for drinking, cooking, and bathing. And it's free! But there are some things you should know before storing or using rainwater.

You'll need to make sure your roof doesn't leak and that the gutters don't overflow so that you're not wasting water. There are also certain regulations about how much rainwater you can store on your property, which vary from state to state. So do your research before going any further with this idea of yours!

There are many benefits to storing rainwater which is why humans have been doing it since ancient times.

Reduce Flooding And Erosion

The first benefit to storing rainwater for your tiny home is that you will reduce flooding and erosion.

When you use rainwater instead of well or city water, you are reducing the amount of runoff that goes into your local waterways. If the soil can absorb more moisture, then there will be less flooding during heavy rainfall events.

By eliminating the rainwater from overflowing into your yard you will have to use less well or city water to keep your yard green and healthy.

Rainwater doesn't have the chemicals in it that well and city water do so you won't need to use as much fertilizer on your lawn, which will reduce runoff into local waterways even more!

And in addition, you can control where the water goes so that it should avoid eroding your topsoil or flooding your home.

Save Money

One of the reasons you want to use rainwater for your tiny house is to save the pocketbook. Whether this inflation remains temporary or not, the fact is that water costs can add up.

Imagine being able to water your hard, wash your clothes, and the car for free!

You can't beat free!

There are actual monetary incentives that some states and communities offer to those who wish to install a rainwater catchment system for their tiny house, but you'll want to check with your local government first.

The rest of the benefits of storing and using rainwater should be reason enough to convince you.

It's Healthier For Your Plants

The plants in your yard did not evolve to be watered with chlorinated tap water.  Your plants will actually grow better with rainwater because it's free from chlorine and fluoride.

Rainwater will contain the proper minerals that plants need in order to grow healthy and strong.

You'll be able to use less fertilizer because your plants will absorb the rainwater so easily, and you won't have to worry about runoff into local waterways.

Reduce Drought

Another benefit to storing rainwater is that it reduces drought. One example of this is the drought many California residents are experiencing.

If you live in an area that is experiencing a drought, then rainwater becomes all the more precious to you.

Rainwater harvesting has an important role to play during droughts because it maximizes the utility of the rain that you do get.

I remember many years ago watching a documentary about a man who had a cistern under his house in Georgia. He was able to satisfy all of his household water by collecting the runoff from his house.

While he had a two-story house and thus was able to collect more water from his roof, it does show the potential because he only needed an inch and a half of rain to meet his annual needs (as I remember it).

Snow Instead Of Rain

Snow can also be used for water in many ways. Though you will be better off if you can wait for it to naturally thaw instead of wasting heat on melting it because it takes more energy than you think to melt a usable amount of snow.

You'll Get Rid Of Chemical Runoff

When water runs off into local waterways it can have a variety of chemicals in it that are not meant to be there. When they enter the waterways they cause health problems for the wildlife and ecosystem.

Another benefit to storing rainwater is that there will be less chemical runoff into local waterways because it doesn't contain the same chemicals found in well or city water.

Reduce The Need To Build More Infrastructure

As you know, infrastructure can be very expensive whether it's roads, water pipes, or other necessary utilities.

One reason to store rainwater is that it can reduce the need to expand infrastructure to deal with rain runoff during a time when budgets are being reduced and money is getting tighter. This allows for more efficient use of tax dollars.

Alternative To Well-Water For Off-The-Grid Use

If you plan to build your tiny home off-the-grid then you must plan for your water because it won't be attached to the city utilities. While well water is one option,  it is a less-preferable option because of the cost, chemicals, and it can be struck by drought.

One of the most common options for alternative water is to store rainwater. It's better for your plants, healthier, easier on your pocketbook, and does not have chlorine or fluoride that tap water has.

Prepare For Natural Disaster

Even if you are on the grid, storing rainwater can help you be better prepared for natural disasters because it can provide you with water for drinking, cooking, bathing, and flushing the toilet.

Unfortunately, water is often one of the first things to be cut off during a natural disaster because infrastructure is usually heavily damaged after a storm or earthquake. If you have water stored away you'll be able to survive for an extended period of time.

Don't Forget To Treat The Water

While rainwater itself is clean, unless it's captured into a sterile container, you should not drink it without treating it.

To treat your rainwater to be safe for drinking you can use bleach or another filter, but keep in mind that different types of water need to be treated differently.

We recommend this guide for learning how to treat water.

Store The Water Properly

You also need to store your rainwater properly. The best containers will be opaque but still allow for light in. While you might think that sunlight is acceptable, it can cause algae to grow, and thus considering putting your water storage containers into the shade.

The benefits of storing and using rainwater are plentiful. Not only does it help you get your water needs met without having to rely on expensive city utilities, but also helps reduce the need for costly infrastructure projects which can be time-consuming and difficult to fund in today's economic climate.  The best part is that while the upfront costs may seem high at first, they will quickly pay off when compared with other options like well or tap water. If you plan to build a tiny home then make sure that storage space is included; otherwise, try adding an extra cistern for any runoff from your roofing system!