IrrigationUrban ProjectsWater Harvesting
Gains From Catching Rain In Drains: A Video Explanation Of The Rain Tank Project (Alberta, Canada)
This summer we installed our last major rainwater harvesting feature on our property. This rain tank is unique because it is integrated into our hardscape (patio) so it’s completely invisible to the untrained eye. In this video I talk about how it was built, how it fills, what we use it for and details on the drains and overflows.
Take a look and let me know what you think!
As always ser, super wicked awesome.
Great video, thank you. I’m not very experienced with rain tanks so I am not sure I am interpreting everything correctly. Is the stored water sititng outside the culvert pipes as well as inside them? Are the pipes to provide structure rather than contain the water because the pond liner is containing the water? If that is the case, what is keeping the sand and gravel under the pavers from mucking up your water? Does the sump pump rely on electricity? Could you access/drain the water if there was no electricity?
Meliors,
Yes the water is stored inside and out. The pips are mearly structure and voidage. The sand is seperated by landscape fabric which does not allow it in. There is not mud in the system. Yes the pump is powered by electricity. If I had more slope I could use gravity. For this site the best I can do it solar power or hand pump.
How much did it cost you to set up the system. Can that be set up in sandy soil in a dub tropical climate? Thanks.
Tess,
This system cost about 3k, however doubling the size would not double the cost of the system. The space we built it in also had an impact on cost. Ideally you would be able to excavate this in a much shorter perriod of time.