Securing Water Supply: Rain Catchment System DIY Tips?

[CeruleanScribe]

Been working on a DIY rain catchment system lately. My aim is to have a sustainable and reliable water supply, not just for irrigation, but also for potential emergency scenarios. Right now, I've got a pretty standard setup - using a 50-gallon barrel, a vinyl hose, and a downspout diverter to collect the runoff from the roof.

However, I've been wrestling with a few issues. For one, algae growth in the barrel has been a constant nuisance. I'm not a fan of chemicals, so looking for a more organic way to tackle this

 

[MintJulepMaven]

Addressing algae in a rain barrel organically can be a bit of a tug of war, but it's not undoable. It generally starts with light. Algae are like any other plant – they love a good sunbathing session. So, your first line of defense would be to limit their exposure to sunlight. A simple way to do that is by painting your barrel a dark color or even just covering it with a tarp. Might not be the prettiest solution, but it should do the trick.

Now, if the green menace still persists post-paint job, give barley straw a shot. When it decomposes, it releases compounds that are toxic to algae but harmless to humans and other flora. You'd want to use about an ounce for every 10 gallons of water, give or take. Be sure to replace it every six months or so, for best results.

Just out of curiosity, are you leaving the top open? I've seen that trap so many folks. It