RAINWATER
Roof Catchment Field Guide
Collect roof runoff into covered storage for backup utility water.
The Self-Reliance LibraryC01.S1.N05Water Security
1System Path
Best for: garden, washing, flushing, animals, backup utility water.
Not ready for: drinking until filtered and disinfected.
Main rule: clean path, screened inlet, covered storage, safe overflow.
2Build Path
1Check roof and rules.
2Clean gutter path.
3Route downspout.
4Add first flush.
5Screen inlet.
6Set barrel safely.
7Add overflow and spigot.
8Treat before drinking.
3First Flush + Screen
After a dry spell, divert the first dirty runoff before cleaner water enters storage.
4Materials
- Food-grade barrel or tank
- Gutter and downspout
- Fine screen or mesh
- Tight lid or covered top
- Spigot or outlet
- Overflow hose or pipe
- Blocks, pavers, or stand
- Optional first-flush diverter
5Overflow Away
Send extra water downhill and away from foundations, crawl spaces, and paths.
6Problems, Stops, and Treatment
Won't fillClear screen and align downspout.
Smells badClean barrel and cover tightly.
MosquitoesSeal gaps and replace mesh.
Floods areaExtend overflow downhill.
ClogsFlush sediment and raise outlet.
LeansEmpty and rebuild the base.
7Stop and Fix If You See
Barrel leaning
Bad smell
Mosquito larvae
Overflow at foundation
Green algae
Repeated clogging
8Treatment Ladder
- Garden/washing: use from covered storage.
- Cleaner utility use: settle, screen, and filter.
- Drinking: filter and disinfect first.
Rule: roof water is backup utility water until treated.