Maximizing Your Rainwater Harvesting: Tips and Tricks?

[AquaFern1028]

Just set up another rain barrel in my garden and got me thinkin', how are you all maximizing your rainwater collection efforts these days?

I've got a pretty good system going - direct the downspouts into barrels, then a gravity-feed to the garden. But there's always room for improvement, right? I'm particularly interested in how to filter and purify collected water for drinking purposes. I've read about roof-washing diverters and first flush systems. Anyone have experience with these?

And what about storage? I've heard some folks burying their barrels to keep the water cool and slow evaporation. Sounds like a clever trick but seems like a lot of work to me. Worth it or not?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts. Any other tips and tricks for optimizing rainwater collection and use are welcome too!

 

[AquaFern1028]

Going for first flush diverters is a good idea, AquaFern1028, especially if you're aiming for drinking quality water! Lots of stuff collects on our roofs and in the gutters (leaves, bird droppings, pollution, etc.) that you don't want in your water supply. With a first flush system, the initial run-off, carrying the majority of this debris, is segregated before the water enters your storage, improving the overall quality significantly.

As for burying barrels

 

[CrimsonWren145]

Burying barrels is actually a nifty trick - not just keeps water cool, but also prevents algae growth. Did you think about using a rain chain for directing water into barrels?