Using a rainwater collector for your garden: the perfect tip for less consumption
Do you want to consume less and protect our planet’s resources as best as possible? Have you thought about a rainwater collector? An ecological solution for watering your garden without waste.
Why use rainwater?
They have several advantages:
· You participate in the protection of groundwater, because you reduce water consumption and, consequently, the volumes to be treated.
· Beautify your rain-loving garden. It is beneficial for the health of your plants and your vegetable garden as it does not contain lime and chlorine. In addition, your crops especially appreciate a low level of mineralization.
· You will reduce your bills. Of course, there is a cost to installing your recuperator, but it will quickly pay for itself with this free water available for your plantations.
· You can water the exterior at any time of the year, even in summer during the hot season. With recycled rainwater, prefectural bans do not apply to you.
· You save money because you can also use it to clean garden tools, cars or patios.
Rainwater obtained in this way remains unfit for consumption. They contain harmful microorganisms and their pH is too acidic.
On the other hand, they can be used to flush toilets. Please note that this domestic use inside your home is regulated. Indeed, there is a real risk of confusion between the rainwater distribution tap and the municipal network. It is therefore forbidden to install them in the same room.
How to store your garden supplies?
Installing a rainwater collector:
There are two types of rainwater collectors: overhead models and buried models.
The above-ground recuperator is a practical and aesthetic system. You benefit from a wide range: in the shape of an amphora, a column or a low wall. Sizes and capacities also vary widely. These sumps are not reserved for large gardens. For example, with a 250 l tank, you will meet the needs of a small garden.
The underground version enables discreet storage of larger volumes. Its installation may require the use of an expert.
Find an alternative to the rain collector:
Stretch tarps offer an inexpensive backup solution. They lack aesthetics and their maintenance can be complicated on windy days.
Containers spread around the garden (pots, buckets, etc.) are easy to build, but their storage capacity remains limited.
Ponds have a large amount of water. Unfortunately, in the summer they represent an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Maintain the installation and take precautions:
If you decide on a recuperator, consider:
- check your home’s roof for lead or asbestos;
- place a protective grid over the gutter to keep out dead leaves, insects or all kinds of debris.
The rainwater collector requires regular cleaning (once or twice a year), then some measures such as:
- wash gutters and remove anything that could clog them;
- insert a filter system to block impurities;
- Don’t let your reserves sit too long without using them. They risk promoting the growth of algae and microorganisms.
Place the right tank in the right place:
To choose the right skimmer for your garden, evaluate your needs based on:
- its surface (15 to 17 liters of water per square meter);
- the nature of your plantations (and their water consumption);
- the usual rainfall in your area.
Above-ground tanks are the easiest to install. It is a simple and inexpensive solution for a medium-sized garden with volumes between 250 and 1000 l. Simply attach the supplied system directly to the gutter and you can benefit from the water running off the roof. If you can, place the collector in an area that remains in the shade. This limits evaporation and algae growth.
Buried tanks enable the storage of larger volumes (up to 5000 l). Maintain a minimum distance of 1.20m from any dwelling and keep it away from the garage exit. Your vehicle must not drive over the tank.
Rainwater harvesting is an ideal technique for watering plants in your garden at any time of the year, without restrictions or additional costs. By adopting this practice, you will not only save significantly on your water bill, but also make an ecological gesture.