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If you live in an area that gets heavy or frequent rains and you are not already taking advantage of all the clean, free water falling from the sky, then you are missing out on several beneficial opportunities.  For one, using a rainwater collection system saves you money on your monthly utilities.  Secondly, it can provide you with drinkable water in an emergency situation in which your tap water is shut off or unsafe to drink and you have no emergency water purification kits on hand.  And thirdly, a rainwater collection system will make you a more independent and responsible person.  

If you are thinking of installing a rainwater collection system, the three main components you need to familiarize yourself with are the collection device, the conveyance system, and the catchment.  Learning the different types of each of these components and their purposes, will help you build a rainwater collection system that is perfect for your specific needs.  

The collection device is where your water will be stored.  As with all the other components of a rainwater collection system, the collection device must ensure that the water you are drinking or using is not contaminated.  For this reason, whatever you use as a tank cannot be open to the air.  Additionally, it must be made from a material like ferrocement, mortar, or polyethylene, which will not contaminate your water.  When determining the size of the tank you need, keep in mind that a person uses about 90 liters of water in a day.  

The next component, the conveyance system is typically responsible for keeping unwanted debris out of your water.  One common solution to this problem is a flap that directs water into a down-pipe at an appropriate time to filter out all but clear water.  Another important thing to keep in mind when constructing your water conveyance system is the material you are using.  PVC piping is usually ideal.  Avoid metals and make sure that if you plan to drink the water you collect, the material you use will not make your water unsafe for consumption.  

The catchment is possibly the most important component in the whole system, as it is responsible for catching the rainwater for collection.  Types of catchments vary depending on how much water needs to be caught and the layout of the area available for catching it.  Rooftop catchment systems are common, but they usually require a slight modification to the surface of your roof in the form of sheets of galvanized iron or some other material that does not present a health threat.  Collecting water by taking advantage of natural ground runoff can be much more effective if you are well-positioned to do so.  

Keep in mind that the purity of your drinking water is very important, and the more effort you put into your water collection system, the safer and more effective it will be.  It is best to spend a little money on a guide and a set of plans if it is your first time setting up a system like this.  The benefits of collecting rainwater are numerous, and though it quickly pays for itself, an initial investment is necessary.  Take your time, make sure you know what you are doing, and the rewards will be worth it.

Our site has a world of information on emergency water purification methods. Discusses how to find, retrieve and purify both clean and contaminated water.

http://www.emergencywaterpurification.com

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