Embedded Files
This site is under construction 🚧🙂🚧 Message the mods at our Reddit community if you'd like to help. We'd be excited to have it!
Table of Contents
Introduction
Introduction
These can be set on the ground or on rooftops.
14:06 minute video about solar-powered, rooftop condensers.
According to a South African case study, "Small, local solutions can crack water crises"
Before you get started on any project, always be careful to check your local legal codes and policies. Some types of water harvesting are forbidden in certain places for a variety of reasons.
Some water capturing methods may pose a hazard if they overflowed or broke, so proper site investigation and materials should be used.
North America
North America
You may also be interested in reading about:
Learn about which activities use the most water, to develope a plan on curring your own water footprint. In many cases consuming less will have a greater impact than harvesting water, though water collection may be your first step in your water conservation journey.
About Hydropanels
About Hydropanels
Source Hydropanels from Zero Mass Water These 350 lb water harvesting panels contain solar panels, an air filter, a mineral cartridge which adds calcium and magnesium, and a 30 liter water collection storage tank, which can be connected to a pipe which can be connected to your home spigot. A 2 Hydro Panel Install can cost between $5,500-$6,500, with shipping from Arizona, USA. The panels can produce up to 8 liters of water per day. They are warrantied for 15 years, and need around $100 of maintenance work every 5 years to replace the air filter and mineral cartridge. There is an app to monitor how the panels are working, for example how much water they are holding. These should work where outside humidity is anywhere above 10%.
Cons: These can be noisy, but have a quiet mode to reduce the fan speed and noise of the fans, but consequently this reduced water production. The mineral packs can also create a strange citrusy flavor, which is said to subside after a few weeks. During freezes the panels go into hibernation, which turns off the pumps and completely stops access to the drinking water.
Life Expectancy: Warrantied for 15 years with repairs/maintenance ever 5 years at roughly $100 per service.
Pro: Uses sunlight and atmospheric humidity to condense water out of air.
Con: Requires solar energy, meaning they may not work during the night or in cloudy weather. Requires humidity, so may not work properly in particularly dry climates.
Solution: Consider pairing this system with back-up options such as rain barrels, a grey water system, and/or a well with ground recharging infrastructure.
Fuel Types: Solar Panels
Additional Equipment
Additional Equipment
Green Roof
Green Roof
Rain Barrels/Butts & Cisterns
Rain Barrels/Butts & Cisterns
Life Expectancy: 20 years.
Pro: Safely stores rain or grey water for later use.
Con: An turn into a breeding ground for mosquitoes, or be contaminated with dead animals that can fall/get trapped inside. I've found dead frogs who might have hatched but not been able to get out. Dead leaves can build up, leaching tannins into the water.
Solution: Install fixtures that will help keep wildlife and leaves out of the system. Make sure to clean these to prevent plugging and backups. Empty and clean out the container periodically.
Fuel Types: Water Cycle + Gravity
Alternative At-Home Water Harvesting Options
Alternative At-Home Water Harvesting Options
Air Conditioner Drip
Air Conditioner Drip
One simple and cheap way to harvest water if you already own or work in a place with an air conditioner, is to divert the condensed water that drips out into a flower pot or flower bed.
Life Expectancy: A portable AC unit may only last 5-10 years, while a home unit is expected to last 20-25 years if properly maintained.
Pro: Simple solution of diverting condensed water to plants or a container, instead of letting it go to waste or causing damage to any structures it might drip on.
Con: Relies on a functioning air conditioner, which costs money, and produces dangerous emissions: both air pollutants as well as excess heat.
Solution: Switch to a green energy provider if possible to reduce emissions, and try to supplement your water harvesting options, so you don't have to rely on an A/C for the small amount of water it provides.
Fuel Types: Electricity and refrigerants which act as green house gases.
Water Recycling
Water Recycling
Grey Water
Grey Water
Simple Greywater Systems For Your Home "A greywater system is used to take water that has already been used from places like your laundry, shower and sink and divert it to use in another purpose like watering gardens or landscaping instead of flushing it down into the sewer. Greywater is different from blackwater (aka sewage) because while it may have some residuals like dirt, hair, grease, etc from it’s first use, they aren’t toxic to the environment and the water can be reused in some applications." When using a grey water system for irrigation, it is important to be very careful in choosing "bath soaps, used homemade shampoos and biodegradable dish soap so as not to damage the soil, plants or watershed." Link talks about legal issues, installation costs, and design elements such as filters.
Toilet to Tap Water Recycling
Toilet to Tap Water Recycling
Toilets can use grey water, function without water, or be a source of water depending on the type you choose, and the infrastructure around it.
Tools & Resources
Tools & Resources
Landscaping Know-How
Landscaping Know-How
This may give ideas for how to capture and redirect water on the land, which can integrate well with rooftop water harvesting.
Greener LAND "This tool helps you decide which landscape interventions are best suited towards landscape restoration for the landscape you operate in. Start by selecting the characteristics of your landscape on your left."
Organizations
Organizations
Asia
Asia
USA
USA
American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA). Offers trainings and accreditation for rainwater installers. They also have a comprehensive list of rainwater resources here.
DigDeep "Water-storage barrels with pumps or household rainwater catchment solutions to reduce the reliance on single-use bottled drinking water in Chichiltah, NM, supported by community education around plastic pollution and sustainable alternatives to bottled water."
Watershed Management Group. (Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona). Offers classes, a “water harvesting coop” and more.
Oceana
Oceana
South America
South America
Maps
Maps
North America
North America
USA
USA
Grants & Funding
Grants & Funding
Oceana
Oceana
Australia
Australia
Western Australia
The Sustainability Grants Program (in the City of Cockburn) "offers funding for projects related to six sustainability themes. Open to small businesses, schools, not-for-profits, and collective households, successful applicants can receive up to $4,000 for their project."
Further Reading
Further Reading
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse