Quote:
Originally Posted by FlagDayNCO
Bryan,
A couple of years ago, I was grabbing every orange bucket and trash can I could find, and placing them under the downspouts. Just as Sandy was coming, my wife and I filled as many water storage containers as we could. The thought of requiring water to clean, flush toilets and cooking was beyond what any of our neighbors considered.
Since then, a neighbor installed a rain water collection system next to her home. She actually sells the items as part of her home gardening business, but everything can be done with parts.
Here is a great tutorial on how to set one up; complete with drawings.
http://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Rainw...lection-System
Problem by me is the local water authority found out and filed a complaint. Even though we have our own wells, the water authority was able to use an EPA regulation and PA Act 167 that stipulates no one can alter the surface water run off pattern to a local creek. The water authority is busy negotiating with our association to purchase our wells.
Two sentences here: The public water utilities that service the area are local or county municipal authorities that rely on both groundwater and purchased surface water for supply. This reduction in base flow negatively impacts aquatic life and reduces the ability for streams to filter and assimilate pollutants and treated municipal waste.
I believe the local water authority sees this as a potential revenue loss. If enough homes collect rain water, then their water meters will slow down to a trickle.
So, my collection system is completely masked and out of site from neighbors. Placement of some bushes, fencing and even sections of camo net. I can run a hose from the tap into a basement window, so we don't even have to go outside.
Here we are in 2014 and water as a precious resource is real. |
I appreciate the tips! I have recently heard about these EPA/local agencies filing complaints, or instituting removal orders for people with cisterns (above ground and visible).
Not that I would build such a contraption, but it is definitely something to consider for future events.
The sad thing is, I live right on the wide part of the Potomac river, and had to pay for a building permit to emplace a non-permanent 8X8 pre-fabbed shed due to "stormwater runoff" as I was told. As if the shingle juice is going to pollute the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
On a brighter note, our boil order has been lifted. I also followed TR's advice to the T to ensure that I flushed out any leftover love. I haven't had the testicular fortitude to drink a glass from the faucet yet, but I'm getting there
.
That Big Berkey is being ordered as soon as payday gets here
