Why Rainwater Harvesting Matters for Preppers
When we talk about survival and preparedness, water is one of our top priorities. Imagine living in a place where water is hard to find. In Uganda, people used to collect rainwater to meet their daily needs, but that practice has been forgotten by many. As a result, they now struggle with water shortages and spend a lot of money finding new sources. This is a powerful lesson for preppers everywhere: don’t overlook the importance of rainwater harvesting.
What Is Rainwater Harvesting?
Rainwater harvesting means collecting and storing rainwater for use when you need it. You can do this by catching rain from your roof and keeping it in a tank or barrel. This water can be used for drinking (with proper treatment), cooking, cleaning, watering plants, or even caring for animals. It’s an old idea, but it’s still one of the smartest ways to make sure you always have water, no matter what happens.
The Consequences of Forgetting Old Ways
In Uganda, most people now depend on wells, boreholes, and piped water systems instead of collecting rainwater. This puts a lot of pressure on their water systems. When the power goes out or pipes break, they don’t have enough water. The country loses billions each year because of water shortages, sickness from dirty water, and the cost of fixing or building new water sources.
We can learn from this. If we rely only on one or two ways to get water, we put ourselves at risk during emergencies like storms, droughts, or infrastructure failures. Storing rainwater at home can help us stay self-reliant and prepared for anything.
Why Preppers Should Harvest Rainwater
For anyone who wants to be ready for disasters, having an extra source of water is a game-changer. Rainwater harvesting is low-cost, easy to set up, and sustainable. During a crisis, you might not be able to count on city water or even your well. But if you have a rainwater system, you can still meet your family’s needs.
- Reduces dependence on outside water sources
- Protects you during droughts or water outages
- Saves money on your water bill
- Improves your self-sufficiency and survival chances
How to Start Harvesting Rainwater at Home
You don’t need fancy gear to begin collecting rainwater. With some basic materials and a little know-how, you can build a simple system. Here’s how to get started:
- Use gutters and downspouts on your roof to direct rainwater into a container
- Set up a rain barrel or food-grade plastic tank at the bottom of the downspout
- Install a simple filter (like a piece of mesh or a screen) to keep out leaves and bugs
- Cover your barrel or tank tightly to stop mosquitoes from breeding
- Keep the system clean to prevent algae or mold growth
- Treat water before drinking by boiling, filtering, or using purification tablets
Practical Preparedness Tips for Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting isn’t just for people in Africa—it’s smart for preppers everywhere. Here are some simple tips to add this skill to your prepping plan:
- Calculate your needs: Figure out how much water your family uses each day, then size your system to hold enough for several days or weeks
- Have more than one storage container: If one leaks or gets contaminated, you’ll still have backup water
- Label untreated water: Only use it for drinking after you treat it properly
- Keep extra filters, chlorine drops, or water purification tablets in your emergency supplies
- Practice water-saving habits: Learn to use less water for washing, cooking, and cleaning so your stored water lasts longer
- Teach your family how to use and maintain the rainwater system
Learning from Uganda’s Mistake: Don’t Forget Old Survival Skills
Uganda’s experience shows that forgetting traditional survival skills can cost you a lot—in money, health, and time. For preppers, this is a reminder to keep learning and practicing old-school methods. By harvesting rainwater, you can make sure your family has what it needs, no matter what happens.
Don’t wait for a crisis to get started. Set up your rainwater harvesting system today as part of your prepping and survival plan. It’s a simple step that can make a huge difference when disaster strikes.
Take Action Now
- Install a rain barrel or tank at your home
- Stock up on water treatment supplies
- Practice using your rainwater system before an emergency
- Share this skill with neighbors and family