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Questions about rain water collecting (lemmy.dbzer0.com)

submitted 5 months ago by confusedpuppy@lemmy.dbzer0.com to c/farming

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I'm thinking about adding a rain collector to use in my garden but I have some concerns about construction materials.

One concern is that I'm not a huge fan of using a plastic container to store water. The idea of water sitting in a plastic barrel that could be exposed to heat from direct sunlight doesn't fill me with excitement. I was wondering what other materials or containers I could use that might be better for storing rain water. One idea I had was to modify a metal keg to collect water. They would be smaller but I could use multiple if I wanted.

The other concern I have is about roofing materials. Is it safe to use water collected from a roof with shingles in a garden for vegetables? I'm wondering if there might be any run off from the materials used for roofing.

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[–] KryptonNerd 5 points 5 months ago

You can buy galvanised steel water butts. I don't know what their quality is like as I haven't been able to get one yet, but when I get a chance to install a water butt, it's what I plan to use.

[–] LallyLuckFarm@beehaw.org 4 points 5 months ago

To my knowledge, agricultural plastic water totes (275gal or so) are uv treated and so degrade less quickly, but there are also cisterns and containers made from metal or cement that you could look into.

Asphalt shingles will release visible solids with rain events and can leach some of the compounds they were made from. Here is a link with some information you may find useful. It's tough to give a yes or no answer without knowing more specifics about your roof, but knowing the materials and age can help you figure out what your options are.

[–] Kalcifer@sh.itjust.works 4 points 5 months ago (1 children)

One thing that's important to be aware of is that some regions have laws that prohibit the collection of rainwater. So be sure to check the laws that apply to your region.

[–] 9point6@lemmy.world 6 points 5 months ago (2 children)

..... Okay I'll bite

Why on earth would they prohibit that?

[–] shalafi@lemmy.world 4 points 5 months ago (2 children)

OP's wildly misunderstanding. The idea behind such laws is that some asshole doesn't divert acres and acres of rainwater for his personal use. I think one guy, ever, has been prosecuted, and that's exactly what he was doing.

tl;dr: No one's coming for you after a rain barrel.

[–] TheSun 1 points 5 months ago

That's because you wouldnt be prosecuted unless it was a massive operation... you'd be fined by your local bylaw enforcement officer until you remove said rain barrel... thats not even counting the sorry saps who have to deal with HOAs. Happens ALL THE TIME. Maybe you are just lucky where you live.

[–] Kalcifer@sh.itjust.works 1 points 5 months ago

OP’s wildly misunderstanding.

I'd say it's more just an overabundance of caution — rainwater collection laws aren't without precedent. Admittedly, given the context of OP's post, my comment doesn't warrant much concern.

[–] Kalcifer@sh.itjust.works 1 points 5 months ago

Large collections of rainwater could disrupt water ecosystems. Admittedly, my comment doesn't warrant much concern given the context OP's post. Here is an article talking about Colorado's water collection laws. Here's a Reddit thread that offers some more information.

[–] poVoq 4 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago)

Its quite easy to make rainwater harvesting tanks from so called ferrocement, which is basically chickenmesh plastered with a thin layer of cement/sand mixture.

As for the shingles: I guess you could settle out or filter any solids that get washed off the roof?

[–] Track_Shovel 2 points 5 months ago

I wouldn't collect from shingles. I routinely see bits of them in my downspouts when it rains.