Conserve Water

Harvesting rainwater in Florida can keep landscapes irrigated during the dry seasons. The stored water is a natural asset that is free. During droughts, individuals will conserve their water by using it for drinking and cooking only. The landscapes will deteriorate without an ample water supply. Many ways are available to harvest the rainwater to prevent this deterioration.

Rain barrels and cisterns are containers that capture the rain for later use. A rain barrel is a large container that is placed under a downspout to catch the rain as it runs off the roof. These rain barrels have screens over the tops to keep out bugs and debris. Some of the containers have a tap or a pump attached to them for distributing the rainwater.

A cistern will hold more rainwater than the barrel making it a great choice for larger storage capacity. Cisterns are located above the ground or submerged partially into the ground. These watertight cisterns are sealed with a lid. However, the gutters and downspout should be cleaned regularly to keep the water cleaner.

A rain garden is another way to harvest rainwater. This garden takes advantage of the existing drainage. A garden is created where water accumulates. The water should drain away from the structures to prevent flooding. To make a rain garden, the site will need to be partially excavated and filled with gravel and stone. A liner can be added if needed. The garden is landscaped with plants that are resilient during a drought or a flood. The garden should be easy to maintain once it is established.

The harvested rainwater is ideal to irrigate the lawns and gardens, washing vehicles and filling ponds, but it should not be used for drinking. By harvesting rainwater, an individual can conserve water, lower the water bill and protect the landscape during a drought.