Last weekend brought the Bay Area our greatest precipitation since March. While we’re not out of the desert yet, we did get a good soak.

This is a great time to cash in all those good intentions and set-up a system to recoup Mother Nature’s bounty for strategic re-use.

Why should I?

Lower your water bill. Collect and reuse what falls on your property, instead of paying a utility to pipe it back to you.

Rainwater is typically better for plants than municipal water.

It’s relatively easy to start. Or you can build a more sophisticated system if you want.

Leverage the square footage of that roof. I mean come on - it’s just sitting there. Make it work for you. A roof area of 1,000 square feet can provide approximately 600 gallons of water during a one inch rainfall. (per Fiskars)

How do I?

Diversion: Check out Flower Show exhibitor Fiskars, and their Rainwater Collection systems.  Their diverter attaches to your downspout, and drains water into one of their covered rain barrels. Then when you need water you use the spigot at the base of the barrel. There are lots of variations on this theme, so shop around.

DIY: Build your own. People have been collecting rainwater for a bazillion years. Can you build it? YES, you can!

Pump or no pump? If you want to attach a soaker or sprinkler line, you’ll likely need a pump. It all depends on your layout, and how much you can get gravity to work to your advantage.

Filters, ozone and UV Bulbs - Oh My! Remember when I said you could get more complex if you want to? Making it potable takes it to another level check out HarvestH2O.com for lotsa good info.