How To Harvest Rainwater

It's the rainy season in many parts of Africa, especially in the coastal regions and rainforests. Are you excited to dance in the rain? When I was much younger, I enjoyed playing in the rain. It wasn't always allowed in my house but it was a nice game to play in the rain. It was a lot of fun because it was one time that one could bath while wearing one's clothes. Lol. But you wouldn't like the fever that could follow such an experience. Anyway, it was something we sneaked around to do when the adults weren't around to scold us. You know those busybody who like to lecture you on what to do because you were young but ended up being right. Was it some sort of guilt pleasure? Playing in the rain, that is? Well...rainwater!

Uses of Rainwater What can one do with rainwater? There are many reasons for harvesting rainwater. Here are some of them.

1. Drinking water
2. Household chores
3. Livestock management
4. Irrigation

Many people live in many places where they don't have access to potable water. Local or village folk rely on streams, ponds and rivers for their sources of potable water. And there is the rain! When the rains arrive, it's always a delight especially in the grassland and savannah where natural water is scarce, that is water from direct natural resources. So, what do we do in order to collect or harvest good rainwater? Let me share a few tips on how to harvest rainwater. However, to get you started on what the experts might have recommended check here.

While rainwater harvesting is a common practice in many localities, let me share some of the useful steps that could help is using good rainwater.

• Install a rainwater harvesting system on your rooftop. This consists of the drain pipe that is usually connected round the roof. Some people do this when they are roofing their home while others do it after construction.
• Channel the rainwater collecting pipes to run off at a particular point in the compound, usually close to the house. 
•  Harvest the rainwater in water tanks or underground that is accessible for yearly cleaning. it's easier to clean water tanks.

 When you are about to collect rainwater, ensure that you don't begin collecting rainwater immediately the rains arrive as there might be dirt and debris on the rooftop. I suggest that you begin the process of harvesting water after the third rain of the year in the thick of the rainy season, usually in early April. Except that you harvest rainwater for the farm separately from the one meant to be used at home, it's better to make the rainwater potable. Of course, if you drink rainwater, ensure that you boil it before use. It's not just common sense, it could save your health. 

There are many reasons why people choose to harvest their own water using rainwater harvesting systems. One of them is that it's of course FREE, after all the installation costs. Another reason is that it's readily available and accessible. You don't have to travel many miles away to fetch water. It's also believed that rainwater contains useful minerals that distilled water may not contain. OK, so much for novice ideas. Do tell what rainwater harvesting tricks you have tried. What was the best time to harvest the rainwater? The knowing is in the doing, the very experience of collecting rainwater. I would love to hear from you.