When it rains in our country, it rains a lot, right? So some people think that if we collect this rainwater from the roof into a big tank (barrel), we will save on water bills and can use it for things like watering the garden or washing the car. This is not a bad idea. But if this work is not done properly and safely, it can do more harm than good. In particular, there may be health risks that we do not think about. So today, let's talk about what are the benefits of collecting rainwater, how to do it exactly, and what things we need to be especially careful about.
Consider these things before preparing a rainwater tank
It's easy to buy a tank made for this purpose from the market, but it's a bit expensive. If you can, you can even make one from a large plastic barrel. No matter how you make it, you definitely need to think about these things.
Child safety
This is the most important thing. The opening at the top of your water tank should never be large enough for a small child to fall through . Small children are very naughty. So if there is such a hole, make sure it is tightly closed with a strong net.
Protection from mosquitoes
A place where water collects is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Especially mosquitoes that spread diseases like dengue. So your tank should have a lid that closes tightly . Install a fine mesh where the water goes in and where it flows out. This will completely block the mosquitoes from getting in and laying eggs .
Preventing Algae Formation
The best way to prevent moss from growing inside your tank is to keep it out of direct sunlight . This can be done by choosing a dark, opaque tank. If possible, place the tank in a shady spot in your home that doesn't get too much sunlight .
Overflow
Plan ahead for where you will divert the excess water after a heavy rainstorm and the tank fills up. It is not good for this water to collect near the foundation of your home. Therefore, install a long pipe to direct the overflow water away from the house, to a place where it can be absorbed by the garden.
How to install the tank correctly?
- Stable surface: A tank full of water is much heavier than you might think. So the place where the tank is placed needs to be flat and sturdy. Make sure it is stable enough so that a small child cannot climb on it and it won't tip over.
- Place it a little higher: Use something like bricks or cement blocks to make a small platform and place the tank on it. Then it is easier to place a bucket or container of water under the faucet at the bottom of the tank. Also, when the tank is above ground level, the water pressure increases a little.
- Connecting to the roof gutter: Remove the elbow at the bottom of the roof downspout and place the tank underneath it. Then use a flexible elbow to direct the water from the gutter to the tank.
Important: Although tanks in our country do not freeze like in countries with cold weather, it is good to have a small space between the grate and the tank to make it easier to remove the tank for maintenance.
The most important question: Is this water good to drink?
Here's the most important thing everyone needs to know. The straight answer is, no. Rainwater collected from the roof is not suitable for drinking, cooking, or washing dishes. There are several reasons for that.
| Health Risk | The reason and explanation for that |
|---|---|
| Germs | Bird droppings and dust on the roof can combine with invisible germs - bacteria, viruses, and parasites - to get into the water. Also, these germs grow easily in stagnant water in the tank. There have been reports of people getting sick after drinking this water. |
| Chemicals | Water can mix with the things on your roof and add harmful chemicals. For example, things like lead, copper, and asbestos dust from old paints can add to the water. These are very harmful to the body. |
| Air pollution | Before raindrops hit the ground, they combine with things like dust and smoke in the atmosphere. These things can end up directly in your tank. |
Some people may think that just using a filter is enough. But regular filters do not remove all these germs and chemicals. Therefore, do not use this water for the following purposes:
- Drink
- Cook
- Wash the dishes.
- Brush your teeth.
- We should not water any vegetable, fruit, or herb we eat.
So what are the real benefits of adding this water?
You might wonder why you add it if it's not good to drink. In fact, it has several benefits if used properly.
1. Free water: You can significantly reduce your water bill. You can use this water instead of tap water for things like watering the garden, washing the car, windows, and mowing the yard.
2. Healthy Trees and Plants: Tap water usually has chemicals like chlorine added to it. However, rainwater is naturally "soft" water. It does not contain these chemicals, so it is very good for trees and plants.
3. Clean without stains: Due to the minerals in tap water, when you wash your car windows, white stains remain after the water dries. However, when you wash them with rainwater, those stains do not remain.
4. Reduced risk of flooding: When it rains suddenly, the amount of water that cannot be absorbed by the ground is collected in these tanks, reducing the risk of flooding in your garden and yard.
Take-Home Message
- Rainwater collected from roofs is great for gardening, washing cars, and cleaning the yard. But never use it for drinking, cooking, or washing fruits and vegetables.
- Keep your water tank well covered to keep it safe for small children and to prevent mosquitoes from breeding .
- Always place the tank on a stable, sturdy surface , slightly above ground level.
- Keep the roof rails and tank clean at all times. Wash and clean the inside of the tank thoroughly from time to time.
- If anyone drinks this water and develops any symptoms, or if you have any doubts about it, see your family doctor immediately.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න