Using Rainwater to Enhance Your Land

by Caroline Kirby As if 2020 couldn't possibly get any more challenging, many of us across the country are dealing with excessive heat warnings and extreme temperatures day in and day out. As we roll into another week of summer, it's not a stretch to say we have our fingers crossed for some rain (especially those in Arizona and the Bay Area). We have enough on our plates to deal with for the summer, so let's shift our focus to the positive. No matter where you are in the country, you likely get rain, admittedly some places much more than others, but where there's rain, there's an opportunity. Whether you have vacant land, are looking for a property, or have recreational land, you could benefit from rainfall. Collecting rainwater could be a cost-efficient and sustainable practice that directly benefits your land. Have you ever thought about how those sweet summertime storms could actually add value to your land? Read on to get a few ideas. You don't have to be a homesteader to know about rainwater harvesting and its many benefits. In fact, it's more common than you'd think! Plus, it has tons of perks, like being free, environmentally responsible, and helps to reduce storm water runoff from homes and commercial properties. Once you're in the swing of things, you can use your collected rainwater for just about anything you would use tap water for. Some of the most common areas that people utilize rainwater harvesting is in: • irrigation and landscaping • washing vehicles, pets, or outdoor items • refilling fountains • use for livestock (when properly treated) • use for potable needs (when correctly disinfected and filtered) • serve as an emergency water supply Do any of these sound like something you'd be interested in trying? If so, there are a few steps you'll need to take to ensure you are safely and correctly harvesting rainwater.

Three Common Methods for Collecting Rainwater

You must decide on what system works best for you; the most common methods are rain barrels, a dry system, and a wet system. Rain barrels are the most well-known and are a great starting point for anyone new to collecting rainwater. The dry system is a great option for anyone with a little experience, a little more space, and looking for larger volumes. Finally, the wet system is the most advanced and expensive to implement. It is ideal for someone with a lot of space and a need for a lot of water. While the rain barrel system may be pretty obvious, many people aren’t familiar with the specifics of wet and dry systems. Here’s a quick explanation: 1. Dry systems are simpler, cheaper to install, and require less pipe. All pipes are above ground and direct water from your roof to your tank. When it’s not raining, the pipes stay dry – hence the name “dry” system. 2. Wet systems are more complex, but also more secure. This style puts the pipes underground giving you a neater look to your property as less pipes are exposed. This system is more common in larger buildings and therefore require more monitoring. Each system comes with its own set of special requirements, pros, and cons so take some time to go over what you’re looking for and how each system can meet your needs. You should also take time to research the amount of rainwater you would likely be able to collect. Do this by looking up the annual average of precipitation in your area. Rainwater collection systems can be as simple or as complex as you'd like. If you're looking for a new hobby to try out during quarantine or are seeking ways to enhance your land, rainwater harvesting may be the answer. Are you interested in trying out rainwater harvesting yourself? Browse through our land listings to find the perfect property. Like this article? Please feel free to share or post a link on your site: https://www.landhub.com/land-news/using-rainwater-to-enhance-your-land/