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Rainwater, Harvesting, and Benefits

| Administrator | Opas Blog, Environment

Rain is here! California needs rain. Lately we have been receiving some generous rainstorms. We need the rain water as it has so many benefits for us and our environment. Lets take a look at the importance of rain water.

Rainwater can be properly harvested and used for; gardens and landscape, toilet flushing, animals, and if properly purified rainwater can be used for drinking and cooking purposes.

There is controversy between some scientist whether rainwater can be captured into a container and then readily be available for drinking. Rainwater is safe to drink but scientist recommend waiting out the first storm. The cleanest rainwater can be collected the second day of a continuous day of rain-fall. The first rain-fall has been shown to capture the many contaminants in the air including car exhaust, dust, fumes, and many other pollutants. It is suggested the best time to collect rainwater is in the winter season during the second day of continuous rainfall.

Capturing rainwater reduces pollution by reducing the runoff to our streams, rivers, and oceans.
There is no cap on harvesting rainwater, you may simply collect as much rainwater as your little heart desires.

Would you believe mother nature offers you better water in her rain than the water you drink in plastic bottled water?
Yes that's right folks, rain water is quality water.

Rainwater

  • is not chemically treated sodium-free does not contain chlorine
  • does not contain chloramine
  • is soft eliminating the need for softening treatments
  • is high in nitrogen benefiting all plants
  • has nearly a neutral pH
  • some rainwater contains microorganisms, sulfur, potash, and minerals benefiting all plants
  • can be stored for later use

Did you know by collecting rainwater you are helping to reduce the amount of water imported into the U.S.? Importing water is a waste of time, energy, and is not sustainable.

Are you ready to start collecting rainwater?

  1. Grab a clean bucket , container, or tank.
  2. Position your bucket in a place where no objects can interfere or contaminate with the collection of rainwater.
  3. If collecting rainwater from your roof make sure roof is not covered in bird feces and make sure your roof materials are not toxic. (Instead tarps can be used to assist the collection)
  4. Its that simple, watch the rain fill up in your bucket in no time!

For harvesting rainwater on a bigger scale, please seek professional assistance for sophisticated methods.

Written by Administrator.