The benefits of collecting rainwater

Conservation of natural resources is one of the most obvious reasons to harvest rainwater. It’s becoming increasingly clear that water is not the infinite resource we once believed it to be. As municipal agencies struggle to meet our 21st century needs, collecting rainwater at home reduces the amount that needs to be delivered, saving the energy that would have been used to pump it. Reducing the strain on public water sources also saves money by reducing your water bills. When you collect rainwater, you’re letting gravity do the majority of the work.

By catching water before it reaches the ground, you’ll also alleviate contamination of local bodies of water. As rainwater runs down your property and the surrounding area, it ends up filtering into the groundwater or draining into a nearby lake or stream. Along the way, the water gathers pollutants and trash. This has become an area of concern for environmentalists, as all of these elements will eventually need to be removed (or even worse, not). By catching the water before it has the chance to get dirty, you can reduce the pollution of your immediate environment.

Rainwater also has an advantage over the municipal water supply for its use in many common household tasks. For example, it lacks the abundance of minerals that can wear away at laundry appliances over time. Because it’s free of chlorine, rainwater is also a much better alternative for watering plants. You might also find that rainwater is a healthier source of drinking water for you and your family.

When you get right down to it, rainwater harvesting draws its appeal from the same source as many other ancient human practices that have stood the test of time. It allows us to find comfort in an increased level of self-reliance and independence. In a world that seems to be filled with constant uncertainty, with a shared environment that is chronically mismanaged and neglected, it makes sense to go directly to the source, the power of nature.

Our 100% Western Red Cedar custom made water tanks and cisterns are a great natural way to enjoy all these advantages of rainwater harvesting. They won’t break down from UV radiation the way plastic tank will, and they could last as long as 50 years. Visit Forest Lumber and Cooperage: take a look at water tanks and everything else we have to offer.