How to Collect, Filter, and Drink Rainwater

Collecting rainwater during a "SHTF" (Sh*t Hits the Fan) scenario or during disasters is a crucial skill for ensuring a reliable water supply when traditional sources are compromised. Whether you are preparing for a natural disaster, grid-down situation, or any emergency where water access becomes limited, knowing how to effectively gather and store rainwater can be life-saving. This article will guide you through the essential steps for collecting rainwater safely and efficiently.

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1. Understanding Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting and storing rainwater for later use. This water can be used for drinking, cooking, hygiene, and even irrigation, depending on the purity and your filtration methods. The key components of a rainwater harvesting system include a catchment area, a conveyance system, filtration, and storage.

2. Choosing the Right Catchment Area

The catchment area is where rainwater is collected. Typically, this is your roof, but it could also be any other large surface that can channel water. Metal roofs are ideal because they are easier to clean and less likely to contaminate the water. Avoid roofs with asphalt shingles or those treated with chemicals, as these can leach harmful substances into your water supply.

3. Setting Up a Conveyance System

Once you've identified your catchment area, the next step is to set up a conveyance system to direct the water into storage containers. This usually involves installing gutters and downspouts along the edges of your roof. Ensure that gutters are clean and free of debris before a rainstorm to maximize water collection. Installing mesh screens over the gutters can help keep out leaves and other debris.

4. First Flush System

A first flush system is a crucial part of a rainwater harvesting setup, especially in SHTF scenarios where water quality is critical. The first flush system diverts the initial flow of water away from your storage tank, allowing it to wash away dirt, bird droppings, and other contaminants from your roof. Once the initial runoff is discarded, cleaner water can then be directed into your storage system.

5. Storage Options

Selecting the right storage container is vital. Food-grade plastic barrels, large tanks, or even underground cisterns can be used to store rainwater. The size of your storage will depend on your water needs and the frequency of rainfall in your area. Make sure the container is clean and preferably opaque to prevent algae growth.

6. Filtration and Purification

Even though rainwater is relatively clean, it must be filtered and purified before consumption, especially during emergencies. Basic filtration can be done using sand, charcoal, and gravel filters, which remove larger particles. For drinking water, it’s essential to use more advanced purification methods such as boiling, chemical treatments (like iodine or chlorine tablets), or UV purification.

7. Maintaining Your System

Regular maintenance is key to ensuring your rainwater collection system functions properly, especially during extended disaster scenarios. Keep the catchment area clean, check and repair any leaks in the gutters or storage containers, and routinely clean your filtration system to avoid contamination.

8. Rainwater Collection in Urban vs. Rural Areas

In urban areas, rainwater collection can be more challenging due to pollution and contaminants from industrial activities. Ensure you have an adequate filtration and purification system in place. In rural areas, you might have more space and cleaner air, making it easier to collect and store larger quantities of water. However, be mindful of potential agricultural runoff or animal waste that could contaminate your water.

Practical Tips for Efficient Rainwater Harvesting

• Maximize Catchment Area: The larger the catchment area, the more water you can collect. Consider using tarps or other surfaces if your roof is not sufficient.

• Monitor Rainfall: Keep track of weather patterns to know when to expect rain and be ready to maximize your collection.

• Use Multiple Barrels: Connect multiple barrels to increase your storage capacity and ensure redundancy in case one barrel is compromised.

• Insulate Storage Containers: In colder climates, insulate your storage containers to prevent freezing, which could damage your system and leave you without water.

Installing a Food-Safe 55-Gallon Drum to Collect Water from a Downspout

Collecting rainwater in a food-safe 55-gallon drum is an effective way to secure a water supply during emergencies or disasters. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to install a drum and create a homemade filter to remove sediment before boiling.

Materials Needed

• Food-safe 55-gallon drum

• Downspout diverter kit

• Drill with hole saw attachment (sized to match your fittings)

• Teflon tape

• PVC piping or hose (as needed)

• Screen or mesh (to cover the drum opening)

• Spigot (optional, for easy water access)

• Concrete blocks or a sturdy platform (to elevate the drum)

• Gutter elbow or flexible downspout extension (optional, to direct water into the drum)

Step 1: Choose a Suitable Location

Select a spot close to the downspout where the drum will be stable and level. It's ideal to place the drum on a raised platform, such as concrete blocks, to make accessing the water easier. Elevating the drum also allows gravity to assist with water flow if you install a spigot.

Step 2: Prepare the Drum

Ensure the drum is food-safe, meaning it has not been used to store chemicals or toxic substances. Rinse it thoroughly with a mild bleach solution and water to ensure it's clean.

If your drum has a solid lid, you will need to create an opening to allow water to enter. Use a drill with a hole saw attachment to cut a hole in the lid that matches the size of your downspout or diverter hose. Cover this opening with a mesh screen to prevent debris and insects from entering the drum.

Step 3: Install the Downspout Diverter

A downspout diverter is essential for channeling rainwater into the drum while preventing overflow. Install the diverter according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about midway down the downspout. The diverter will direct water into the drum when it rains and bypass it when the drum is full.

Connect the diverter to the drum using a length of PVC pipe or hose. Insert the pipe or hose into the hole you cut in the drum lid, making sure it's secure and water-tight. Use Teflon tape on any threaded connections to prevent leaks.

Step 4: Optional - Install a Spigot

To make water access easier, consider installing a spigot near the bottom of the drum. Drill a hole slightly above the base of the drum, insert the spigot, and secure it with a washer and nut from the inside. Use Teflon tape to ensure a leak-proof seal. Elevating the drum helps you take advantage of gravity, allowing you to fill containers directly from the spigot.

Step 5: Overflow Management

If your area experiences heavy rainfall, consider installing an overflow system. Attach an overflow pipe or hose to the drum to divert excess water away from your foundation. This can be as simple as drilling a hole near the top of the drum and inserting a hose that directs overflow to a safe location.

Building a Homemade Filter to Remove Sediment

Before boiling, it's important to filter out large particles and sediment to ensure cleaner water. Here's how to create a basic, homemade filter using easily accessible materials.

Materials Needed

• Two 5-gallon buckets with lids

• Gravel or small stones

• Coarse sand

• Fine sand

• Activated charcoal (optional, for improved filtration)

• Fine mesh screen

• Drill with a small drill bit

• Scissors or utility knife

Step 1: Prepare the Buckets

Drill a series of small holes (about 1/8 inch in diameter) in the bottom of one bucket. These holes will allow filtered water to pass through while keeping the sediment inside the bucket.

Step 2: Layer the Filter Media

In the bucket with holes, layer the following materials from bottom to top:

1. Fine mesh screen: Place the screen at the very bottom to prevent any fine particles from slipping through the holes.

2. Gravel or small stones: Add a layer about 2-3 inches thick. This layer helps support the sand and allows water to flow through easily.

3. Coarse sand: Place a layer of coarse sand (about 2 inches) on top of the gravel. This will filter out larger particles.

4. Fine sand: Add a 2-inch layer of fine sand on top of the coarse sand. This layer is responsible for filtering out finer sediment.

5. Activated charcoal (optional): For improved filtration, add a thin layer of activated charcoal above the fine sand. Charcoal helps to absorb impurities and improve the taste and odor of the water.

Step 3: Assemble the Filter

Place the bucket with the filter media on top of the second bucket (the one without holes), which will catch the filtered water. Cut a hole in the lid of the top bucket to pour water through. This hole should be large enough to pour water easily but small enough to keep debris out.

Step 4: Filtering the Water

To filter your collected rainwater:

1. Pour the rainwater into the top bucket.

2. The water will pass through the layers of sand, gravel, and charcoal, with sediment being trapped along the way.

3. The filtered water will collect in the bottom bucket.

Step 5: Boiling the Water

Once filtered, the water should be boiled to kill any remaining bacteria, viruses, or pathogens. Boil the water for at least 1-3 minutes (depending on altitude) to ensure it's safe for drinking.

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