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Saturday, June 4, 2022

Forget Bitcoin, How to Harvest Rainwater and Thrive

It’s time to focus.

When you are trying to survive, besides shelter, what do you need most? Water. When you’re stressed or overheated, what do you need? Water. In need of a good meal, what do you need with it? Water.

Whether in a luxury apartment overlooking Central Park or a small hut in Central America, you need the same thing most. Water.

You don’t need Bitcoin when world leaders warn an impending power grid or internet shutdowns. Or when entire cities and states are going dry because droughts are starving reservoirs. Crypto can’t hydrate you or your garden.

I’m telling you, dear reader, in 2022 it’s time to save as much water as you can.

Your Idea of Enjoying Water Will Change Dramatically in 30 Years

There’s more trouble in the market besides currency and finance. Quality water sources are dwindling at an alarming rate.

The place we all still call home (Earth) is not being managed correctly. There are a multitude of governments, companies and people benefiting from clean and safe water while millions suffer. Since water is as essential as essential gets around here, caring about your water impact and consumption is crucial to the success and survival of our families, and future generations.

Everything in our reality will not belong to us forever. Even if we were to live forever, we should consider how our steps will impact our children and how our ancestors’ steps impacted us. For tomorrow is borrowed from our next generation.

Do you find yourself wondering what the former generations were thinking in terms of money? Every family has a story about a relative that could have made millions, but squandered it. Imagine our great grandchildren (even our kids today) wondering what we were thinking in terms of water? That’s where we’re headed.

You should be seriously aware and stressed about the plastic, pollution, and pharmaceuticals in our dwindling potable water supply.

If you’re reading this, it’s not a coincidence. Consider this message a sign made just for you, not just another article overloading your brain with information. With the same fervor my friends had when telling me about Bitcoin in 2011, I’m telling you, dear reader, in 2022 it’s time to save as much water as you can.

Stewardship, money, and mindfulness are critical for us to understand when interacting with water. For so long, humans have taken for granted the abundance and properties of water. Now, as we finally realize water supplies are tainted everywhere and we need pure alkaline water to heal our bodies, it’s almost too late. But it’s not just quality water, it’s the cost. In 2017, nearly 14 million homes in the United States struggled to afford their water bills.

“Low-income households served by private operators spent 4.4% of their income on water service, about 1.5 percentage points more than in communities with public ownership. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends households spend no more than 3% of their income on water.” – Cornell Chronicle, April 27, 2022

What You Need to Know to Create Your Own Water Supply

Regardless of how you live, please practice wise stewardship.

Maybe it’s time you start to manage your own water supply. Like any great endeavor, start small and scale quickly.

Water catchment, water storage, or rainwater collection isn’t that difficult no matter where you live. It requires just three things: patience, a few supplies, and clean water. So, no matter the lifestyle you enjoy, you can absolutely make a difference on your water supply right now with a few shifts in perspective.

Be humble and realistic. Your lifestyle might change, but you always need water.

If You’re Just Starting Out

A glimpse into my one-month water supply.

For those that live near quality water, buy only enough containers and bottles you want to store in your home, then go fill them up at your nearest safe, natural spring water source. There are significantly more benefits to naturally sourced water from the earth rather than recycled water from our municipal drinking suppliers. Keep in mind you may still need to treat the water. Do some research first.

Do you want water that’s been filtered and cleaned deep in the earth or with chemicals from strangers?

If you have little to no access to naturally-occurring spring water, prioritize affording high quality water. Whatever that translates to in your budget, understand that hydrating is essential and should not receive the least attention in your spending habits. If you can afford to frequent any clothing store or coffee shop, you can afford to prioritize personal water stewardship.

For some of you, it might mean it’s time to consider moving somewhere with better water or just buying better water. Don’t think too hard, start where you are and scale quickly.

Pro Tips for Harvesting Your Own Rainwater

Preparing for a future of insecure food and water supplies is no longer considered taboo or a conspiracy. Storing water for your future is like growing your own food but better. When there is a local water ban or times of drought, you can be the neighbor that helps everyone in tough times and feeds their family without government assistance.

Everyone loves free supplies, and with rainwater catchment you can have a free and high-quality supply of water independent of others.

 

Tip #1 Do The Math 

1.1 Find Out Your Local Water Catchment Laws: Sadly, some governments believe they own the rain, even on your property. Others worry about your safety. Here’s one resource: 4perfectwater.com. Make sure to research local municipality codes and latest water catchment news in your area.

1.2 Roof Access: Write down your catchment square footage. Determine how much roof area you will be able to capture water from. If you’re discreetly doing this, you might want to use only a portion of your roof. Or, you could utilize your entire roof or catchment area.

About one inch of rainfall collected in one square foot results in a little over half a gallon (0.6).

1.3 Resources: Determine your budget. Unless you have unlimited funds, you should probably set a budget for this project and determine what kind of products you must use, i.e. recycled, steel, etc.

150 pound person in the city needs less garden water than a family of four in the suburbs

1.4 Climate: Research your location’s expected annual rainfall. Follow nature around you. You can’t force a massive storm in the desert and you can probably collect water more consistently in the pacific northwest.

During a 1-inch rain storm on my house’s average sized roof (40ft x 70ft), I can collect 1,743 gallons of water from a roof water catchment system, which is enough Waterloo last  for my dog and I seven years.

Check out this List of U.S. Average Precipitation by State.

1.5 Situation: Decide how much water you truly you need for household needs. Whether you’re using it for baths, gardening or drinking.

We drink about 5 gallons of spring water each week. So that comes out to 240+ gallons a year.

Tip #2 Know Your Material 

2.1 Roof Material: Ideally, you should be able to tap into your current shelter and create a water catchment system with what you have. So, if you have good roof material, that is, if you have a material safe for human use, then you’re off to a great start! Here are some of the best materials:

  • terracotta
  • concrete tile
  • glazed slate
  • galvanized metal
  • coated steel

Asphalt, fiberglass, cedar shakes, bitumen, composition roofing and anti-fungal/ microbial chemically-coated rooftops are dangerous. Make sure you know what material your water is hitting and if it’s not safe, consider some other ways of collecting or installing the healthiest materials possible. Even if you’re not drinking it, you don’t want to poison your garden, animals, or yard.

Learn more about toxic roofing here: Are Roof Shingles Toxic?, by the Roof Hippie.

2.2 Gutters: Know your roof’s drain system. Not only can your roofing be toxic to your rainwater storage container, your gutter can negatively affect your collection system too. Avoid using gutters that include copper, lead or galvanized steel, and opt for these ideal gutter materials instead:

  • aluminum
  • vinyl
Gutter Illustration – Vecteezy.com

Gutters ought to support peak rainfall and handle debris. Make sure your gutters are secure and have proper covers, slope, and screens so you don’t have a tank full of gunk.

Check out this guide on 9 Gutter Alternative Ideas you could consider for your home.

If your home doesn’t have gutters installed, just identify the roof area you want to capture water from and install a section of gutter there. Then create a spout to transfer the water from your gutter to your tanks.

2.3 Containers: Collecting water is the entire point of this right? You must consider this portion of the project very important as harvested rainwater will be in your containers for the majority of the time you possess it. Experts at The Brothers Gutters recommend that you keep these barrel or cistern challenges in mind:

  • Construction material
  • Maintenance
  • Water source protection
  • Access
  • Storage: above or below ground
  • Water filtration

If the rain barrel is left open to the air, algae can grow in the tank causing contamination of the water source.

Keep in mind, all of the many variations and possibilities, and just simplify things so you stay focused. The point is to reduce your dependence on companies and municipalities, and improve your water quality.

Here are the top water storage containers on the web:

For Irrigation:

For Consumption:

Obviously, you can start with a water jug or garbage can. As soon as you can afford it,  upgrade your container to be as eco and human friendly as possible. This is the most important investment in the water catchment system you’ll make.

Tip #3 Take Action

It’s easy to plan and analyze and wait for the perfect moment, but it’s better to take action and get it done.

If you follow the aforementioned tips, it should only take a few minutes to determine where you are and how to work your plan with what you have. Remember, you can always scale up, but it’s better to get started today. Whether you’re doing this to save money, for survival, reduce your carbon footprint, or to be a better steward of your property, every day you use the water that falls onto your roof or catchment system makes a huge difference!

OPTION A: Plan Your System and Execute

Catchment Surface – It all begins with a surface for your rainwater to fall on. Whether it’s a roof or tarp, the water will flow onto your catchment surface and flow towards your funnel or gutters.

Funnel – Gutters or tubes can act as a funnel to transfer your water to your tank. You don’t need anything special. From PVC to a wooden trench, as long as water can flow into your tank, you’re good to go!

Filter – While super helpful, filters are not required but can help you collect more water and make your water potable.

Tank – Once the water flows from your roof through your funnel, where do you want it to go?

Upgrades – Depending on how sophisticated your system is, there are a variety of options to choose from when it comes to upgrades. Here’s a short list of additions that you might want when getting started:

  • Rain Head – This downspout filter can provide some self-cleaning filtration options.
  • First-flush Diverter – An essential piece to preventing the first flush of contaminated water from flowing into your tank when a new storm rolls in.
  • Tank Screen – Filter for the entry point of your tank.
  • Insect Proof Flap Valve – This valve is great for preventing mosquitoes and other insects from entering through the overflow pipe.
  • More advanced upgrades include: Auto-Fill System, Pump System, Irrigation Filter, and the Water Level Indicator.

OPTION B: Hire a Pro!

Visit the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association to contact professionals near you and to become more educated on this sustainable practice!

Check out these diagrams on how a proper irrigation-focused or potable water catchment system is designed:

Example rainwater collection system, courtesy of WaterCache.com
Example rainwater collection system, courtesy of WaterCache.com

TIP #4 Test Your Water Supply

You can read about non-toxic materials, filtration systems, and best practices all day long, but what good is a guess when it comes to the most important substance on planet earth?

Get your water tested to make sure your setup is clean and safe for your property. While rainwater is generally clean, there is always a risk of pollutants and acid rain. Debris and wild animals can also infiltrate your supply, so it’s important you are cautious and proactive.

Don’t be afraid though, if you follow the steps mentioned above, you will have a great understanding of how to set up a great water catchment system.

Additional Resources:

Nomadic Friends

For my friends traveling the country or living on top of 4+ wheels:

Explorers – I want to help you avoid waking up with no water, barely any gas or money, and not a decent faucet to drink from in miles.

It is crucial that you plan your course and proactively map out your water stops. There are natural springs and towns with better water supplies than others. Look into that between your scrolling and adventures and at least know how you’re filling up your water containers for the next 3 DAYS.

If you have a long drive planned, you don’t want to get stuck with bottled water from a random gas station or without water at all. Just thinking a few days in advance and planning how you can sustainably source water on your journey will give you the ability to empower others to find healthier, cheaper, and sustainable water too. Plus, with all that water abundance in your life, you’ll be able to gift water to those that need help in your lifestyle category.

Urban Dwellers – Tired of getting sick or worrying about the next place you’ll be able to use water for a drink or shower?

Stop thinking short term. If you can afford to buy a larger container to store your water, you can go further distances without having to fill up. And a bigger container will give you the real amount of water that you need to think and move as quickly as you should in your urban setting. You’re not just frolicking in the forest, you’re making moves. You can’t afford any more obstacles in a town or city that feels like a massive pressure cooker.

If you have friends that are more rooted than you that you visit often, try asking them if they’d let you fill your container regularly. Or, find out which grocery stores have filtered water fill up stations. Purchasing and storing in bulk (as much as appropriate for your living conditions) is going to skyrocket you to success if maintained. When I tried living an urban nomadic lifestyle, I went to whole foods most days just for high quality water in big containers. It might seem expensive, but it’s also a place to use the restroom, get fresh snacks, and hop on Wi-Fi with safe parking…

Now what about you Peak Prosperity, have any rain catchment ideas to share with the Tribe?



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