Rainwater harvesting is a hot topic these days. Collecting rainwater falling freely from the sky and using it to reduce the amount of water needed from other sources is certainly a good idea. The question is, however, How practical is harvesting rainwater for the average person? Unfortunately, household rainwater-harvesting systems are expensive, difficult to install and not cost effective on a small scale.

The average person can do a lot on an individual level to reduce the amount of water used each day. While implementing various water conservation measures within the home is still the most effective strategy, there is a simple, affordable way that almost anyone can harvest rainwater. All that is needed is to connect a downpipe from the roof to a water butt. (more…)