One of the greatest challenges facing humanity is the conservation of fresh water sources. The vital liquid has become one of the most scarce goods, so now more than ever we must look for ways to make the most of it to be able to save it in the largest quantities possible. A very simple way to do this is to collect rainwater, which can be done using different collection systems. Here we show you how to make one of them at home.
Why collect rainwater?
Although rainwater is not drinkable, that is, it is not suitable for human consumption, it can be used in various ways as an alternative water supply. We must not forget that consumption is not the only use we give to the vital liquid every day, but we use it for almost everything in household chores. Rainwater is suitable for these other tasks such as washing floors and even for use in the bathroom.
By collecting rainwater we are helping the environment by saving large amounts of drinking water and avoiding waste. Let us remember that sources of fresh water are increasingly scarce due to the fact that it generates long-lasting droughts and also due to pollution.
Materials for a homemade rain collection system
In addition to this, as tools you will need a drill, saw, scissors, screwdrivers, tweezers, markers, a pencil, adhesive tape, a sewing machine and a ladder.
Steps to make a rain collection system at home
The first step will be the conduction of the water. In the wider pipe we will make holes in the lower part on a surface of approximately one meter, this way we will allow the water to flow better while functioning as a filter. Make four holes in each quadrant of the tube at a distance of 1.2 meters from its end and then another 1.5 meters. Once you have verified that the space between the holes is equal, secure the PVC clips with screws.
Now, in the smaller tubes we will make a hole 30 centimeters from the beginning and a second hole two centimeters from the end. Turn the tube 90° and drill 50 centimeters from the start. Once you have done this step on the four tubes, join them with the tension strap through the holes at 50 centimeters. Place the small tubes around the central one with the rings facing outward.
The second step will be to design and place the cover. We will start by cutting the waterproof fabric and cut a hole in each of the corners. With the help of the sewing machine, we will join two pieces of fabric as if they were a sleeve for the ducts. This step will have to be repeated four times so that the funnel is inside and the cover for the tubes is outside.
We will place the fabric on the structure and make a hole in the bottom of each of the four parts of the funnel, we will tie them with rope and fix them to some heavy object that we have on hand, this will help the water flow into the tube. central. Once you have placed the cover, screw the rings that you had already placed on the small tubes.
The third step will be the wiring to fix our structure. We will start by cutting fourth cables to 3.3 meters long and another four to 4 meters, make a loop with the clamps in each of them. We will use the smaller ones for the upper part and with the longer ones we will fix the structure to the ground. Attach the four rings you had to the rings located at the top of the small tubes and hook the ring with the hole you previously made in each of the corners of the cover.
With the help of the short cables, we will connect one of the corners of the cover to obtain a square, and we will connect the larger cables to the corners. Stretch the net, cut it to a 3×3 size and secure it to each of the rings with the tension strap. Stretch the collector to put tension on the structure and fix it to the ground with the 4 meter cables through pickets.
The fourth step will be to put the tank where we will store the water. In the lid of the container, make a hole in the center of the same diameter as the central conduit and attach three shelf supports around the hole for stability. Now we will create the structure that will go on the top of the tank, make a hole in the center of the PVC or wooden board with a diameter slightly larger than that of the central tube.
The last step will be to join all the pieces. Place the tank where you want its location to be, screw the cover and place the structure on top, fix them with the help of tension straps. Fix the center tube and pull the corner cables to secure them to the ground.