This episode introduces the second of the three main activities of water harvesting, storing rainwater for later use.
At my place, I store harvested rainwater in a 1,500 gallon cistern. It harvests water from my north roof, which covers 500 square feet.
The rainwater flows off the roof, into rain gutters, and through a downspout that connects with plumbing pipes that end at the cistern.
So, how much rain is needed to fill this cistern? The answer is 6 inches, and we rarely get that much during one Tucson storm.
Quick math moment: 1,500 gallons divided by 6 inches equals 250 gallons. In other words, a one-inch storm brings 250 gallons into the cistern.
What do I use the cistern water for? It’s for watering my fruit and vegetable gardens, and they love it!
Another Learning Opportunity!
Check out Martha’s new audiobook and eBook, Water Harvesting 101. It will help you get your water harvesting journey off to a strong start.