Learn How to Make Sustainable Water Storage Tanks for Home Use

Creating a sustainable water storage tank is a great way to reduce your water bill while still giving you the ability to irrigate your lawn and garden. While this may take some time and effort, the end result is a great source of water that is not taken from the main water supply. With a few simple tools, some DIY experience, and a few hours of work, you can create your own practical and sustainable water storage tank.

To begin, decide where you want the rain barrel to go. The area should be located in line with a downspout from your gutters. If this is not possible, then position it as close as possible to the downspout. It is important to have a sturdy foundation to support not only the weight of the barrel but also a full barrel of water. The foundation should be built with two pieces of ¾ inch plywood fastened to four legs, each made of 4×4 pressure-treated lumber. Add crossbars between each leg using 2×4 lumber for additional support. The barrel should be at least two feet off the ground, or the water pressure will produce nothing more than a trickle. At four feet, however, a decent amount of water pressure can be achieved without the need for a pump.

Once you have a solid foundation, it’s time to prepare the barrel. Drill a hole in the lid of the barrel big enough for the downspout or a piece of flexible tubing to enter the barrel. You will also need to drill two more holes, spaced two inches from the top and bottom of the barrel, for the spigots. These holes should not be bigger than the spigot attachment, or else you will have leaking problems. Install and seal the spigots per the manufacturer’s instructions.

In the gutter where the downspout branches off, fit a piece of wire screen that is small enough to prevent twigs, leaves, and other debris from entering the downspout. Make sure that it fits snugly and will not be washed away. Regularly check and clean it out, especially during the fall when debris buildup is more frequent.

Attach one hose to the top spigot, which will act as an overflow. Leave it open so that the water easily flows out. Connect the second hose to the bottom spigot, which should be closed except during use. Once the barrel starts to fill, you will have a great source of free water for your garden and lawn.

This sustainable water storage tank can also be installed at multiple downspouts, giving you a large supply of free water for all of your irrigation needs. When you are finished installing the tank and system, you will have a practical and sustainable water source that will reduce your water expense and take the pressure off of storm drains and sewers.
A sustainable water storage tank is an increasingly popular way to water plants and lawns while also helping to reduce water bills. Such tanks can be built to capture and store rainwater, allowing homeowners to use it whenever needed while still reducing their overall water usage. Installing a rainwater collection system like this is simple, and ultimately results in saving money over time while also being easier on the environment.

Rainwater collection involves positioning one or more rain barrels under a home’s downspout, so that when it rains, the water enters the barrels and is available for later use. This is a good way to ensure that your garden, shrubs, and trees remain hydrated without drawing from the natural water sources. It is also a great way to supplement other forms of water storage such as a swimming pool or spa.

Making a sustainable water storage tank is fairly simple and won’t require too much time or resources. It can be done in a few steps and with only a few supplies. Firstly, determine the best location to position your tank. Typically, the tank should be placed as close as possible to the downspout. Then, build a sturdy foundation for the barrel, which should be at least 2 feet off the ground, preferably higher. The foundation should consist of plywood panels mounted on pressure-treated lumber 4x4s and 2x4s.

Once the foundation is built, the next step is to prepare the barrel. For this you will need to drill a hole in the lid so that the rain can fall directly into the barrel or through a piece of flexible tubing. You should also install two spigots, one for a soaker hose and one for an overflow drain. Make sure the holes for the spigots are an appropriate size, so the barrel won’t leak. Once the barrel is ready, run either the downspout or flexible tubing into the barrel, and fasten it to the house if necessary.

In addition to these steps, make sure to equip the gutter with a small section of wire screen. That will help keep leaves, twigs, and other debris out of the tank, as it would otherwise accumulate and clog the system. Finally, connect the soaker hose and overflow drain to their attached spigot valves, and open the top one if desired. Once the tank is full, you can use the stored water for your plants and lawn.

With a little preparation and effort, you can have a sustainable water storage tank that can be used to keep your garden or lawn watered without having to deplete or rely on natural sources. The tanks are relatively simple to build, and won’t require a great deal of time or money. Additionally, by using the tanks, you will be directly contributing to a more sustainable future, as you will be helping to conserve natural resources. Such a water storage tank could be just what your home needs to reduce water usage and bills while still keeping your lawn green and lush.