Catching and saving rainwater is nothing new.
Generations ago, families saved water in barrels, ponds
or cisterns for use in watering plants, washing clothes
and even drinking. Such water-saving is still common
in many parts of the world. The Pacific Northwest’s
reputation for rainy winters makes it hard to remember
that summers are often dry. But between the months of
May and September Seattle receives about seven inches
of rain, only 20% of our annual precipitation.
Using native and other drought-tolerant plants can
reduce your garden’s water consumption. Limiting the
amount of space devoted to thirsty lawn grass can also
reduce water demand. But saving rainwater is also a
great way to reduce your need for municipal water
supplies. And with rainfall below normal this winter,
your saved rainwater may help keep water in streams
and rivers for salmon next summer.
Several years ago, King County’s demonstration garden
at the Northwest Flower & Garden Show, featured two
large cisterns that caught and stored rainwater
landing on the roof of a house. Rather than channeling
the water through downspouts onto lawns or into
storm drains, the catchment system poured water into
concrete storage tanks, called cisterns.
Cisterns, often made of concrete, store large amounts of
water, but can be expensive and time-consuming to
construct. A simpler alternative is the old-fashioned
rain barrel. There are manufactured rain barrels on the
market, or you can construct your own with large
plastic drums or even garbage cans. One of the simplest
systems is made up of several barrels connected with
pipe; a spigot is attached low on each barrel and an
overflow drain on the last barrel in line directs any
extra water to a safe location.
Some simple planning will prevent the most common
problems with rain-saving.
❖ Use a tight-fitting, light-blocking lid to keep
children and animals out of the water and stop the
development of algae.
❖ Add a screen to keep leaves and other debris out of
the water.
❖ Use an overflow device to direct exces