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How to be water independent by rainwater harvesting

Water is the most abundant resource on this planet but only a small percentage is actually drinkable. What’s more frustrating to most is that municipalities will charge you for this precious resource. What a lot of people don’t understand is what goes on behind the scenes: where that water comes from and what has to be done to it to make it usable or drinkable. It goes through chemical treatments and a couple different filtration processes and that’s what you’re really paying for. Not the water itself. Fortunately, there are a couple different ways to make yourself water independent and a big one is a technique called rainwater harvesting.

Here are some ideas to pull from to collect as much water as you can .

Roof runoff rainwater harvesting

rainwater harvesting
rainwater collection from roof

Probably the best and most efficient way to collect rainwater is from the runoff from your roof. When it rains it will run off your roof into your rain gutters and down the spout. By directing your downspout to a barrel/barrels or even a tank that has a large enough opening, you could fill a 250 gallon tank or larger depending on location and climate.

It is efficient in the way it covers such a large area for rainfall and requires very little effort on your part besides redirecting your rain gutters and keeping algae or mosquitoes from growing. Piping the water system to your home or desired use is completely up to you just be sure of permitting and local laws concerning this subject.

rainwater harvesting with rain barrel funnels

The rain barrel funnel method, as I call it, is a technique that requires food grade barrels and a tarp or other high coverage, rain collecting surface. Using rope or string you can tie the corners of the tarp to a structure or build supports for your high coverage idea. Now you can funnel the water into the barrel using the tarp or other high coverage surface of your choice.

rainwater harvesting
rain barrels

It’s a pretty simple concept but requires quite a bit of space and some ingenuity so try to be inventive.

Storing rainwater in the ground

By understanding how rainwater acts and moves you will be able to redirect water for the convenient use of you and your family. Obviously water flows downhill because of gravity so building the appropriate channels, guides or gutters will accomplish this. A cistern is an underground water storage that can be made of concrete, metal or even plastic. But, again this is also subject to permitting and local laws.

Trees help keep water in the ground by the shade they provide and in their root systems. By the shade they provide it prevents the moisture from being evaporated in to the air. Gardening near trees will provide extra moisture for your garden and conserve your collected water usage.

Well water

rainwater harvesting
groundwater well

In the old days a well would be dug by hand where groundwater would pool up in the bottom of the hole. Sometimes these holes would be dug to depths of twenty feet or more and a rope would be needed to pull the digger out. A pulley structure would be built over top of the hole to lower a bucket to collect water.

rainwater harvesting
pump house

In present times a well is drilled by machinery to depths of around 100 or more feet to collect water from aquifers which are basically underground reserves of water and occasionally an underground river. Electric or motor driven pumps will pull the water up to surface level and store it in a tank for use.

Purifying for potable water

There are several ways to purify water and it is my belief that only two of them are really that efficient and cost effective. One way is to boil water and the other is through a gravity filtration device. There is also the potential to send your rainwater directly into filtration devices or even to direct greywater (water from sinks, showers and laundry) into garden systems to effectively deal with and distribute the water.

Here is an article on water purification methods and efficiencies,

Here is a link to a PDF of a Plan of Action for water purification for you to check out!

Start collecting

However you go about being water conscious and self-sufficient be sure to keep you and your family safe and healthy by reading into water purification and hazards. Collecting rainwater could save you quite a bit of money on municipal or even help you on your journey to becoming a great gardener. Whatever your path is, start collecting and good luck!

I hope this article was helpful and informative. If you have any questions comments or input please feel free to do it in the comments box below.

Thanks

Resources used:

Ready.gov

Theprovidentprepper.org

Ways to avoid exposure to the elements

Have you ever been so cold that it stops hurting? How about a heat stroke? Have you ever been in a flood or even a hurricane or windstorm? Hot or cold. Soaked or dehydrated. Wind or altitude. Insects or disease. After a flood comes the bugs and bacterial diseases. Believe it or not, wind can make you chapped and dehydrated but can also cut through your clothes leaving you frozen. These are obviously the worst case scenarios but on this semi-unforgiving planet, ignorance and complacency can catch you off guard and you would be wise to learn to avoid exposure.

Wind and Altitude

Wind can vary from a light breeze to a hurricane. A light breeze at even 40 degrees Fahrenheit can be bitter cold and cause hypothermia if exposed for a long period. Obviously, extra clothing can help insulate you from the cold and keep body heat in. Hot, dry winds can dry your skin and cause chapping, even dehydrate you. Other than a windbreaker or other clothing that has wind protection technology, finding stable shelter or going indoors is the only other option.

Building a shelter in the wilderness is a handy skill to have. If you would like more info on that subject head on over to these links:

Wilderness survival skills

Building suitable shelter

avoid exposure
High Altitude Hiking

AMS is the acronym for Acute Mountain Syndrome. AMS can happen to anyone and it’s not really known exactly what causes it. People who have climbed or hiked for years at high altitudes can suddenly experience it without warning. Early warning signs of AMS can include nausea, headaches, feelings of fatigue, dizziness and disorientation. If not addressed, they can get worse and effect your motor skills and even walking. The only surefire way to address AMS is to descend to lower altitudes as quickly as possible.

Heat and Cold

Frigid temperatures are quite uncomfortable to most people and if not properly prepared for are quite dangerous. Proper, warm clothing is your best bet for staying warm. However, constant movement of body and limbs causes friction which creates heat. Try to keep moving, even pacing in place or flexing your fingers when needed, it will keep the blood circulating and the heat flowing. A small fire can warm the extremities and keep frostbite at bay.

avoid exposure
Frostbite

The Heat is just as dangerous. Exposure to the sun can cause dehydration or sunburn and with physical exertion can cause heat exhaustion and even heat stroke. Drink plenty of water with electrolytes. When the body sweats, you lose precious sodium and other hydrating minerals that must be replenished. The body needs them for proper muscle function, blood circulation and brain function as well. However, finding a nice shady spot to beat the heat, like under a tree, can be the simplest yet best idea.

Precipitation and Dehydration

A fair amount of people believe that getting caught in the rain can lead to the common cold. The combination of wetness and cold temperatures can indeed make you sick. Snow included. Rain jackets, poncho or even a large trash bag if your in a pinch, will keep you dry and slick away the moisture. Avoid letting your feet get wet or if they do, dry them as soon as you can to ward off Trench Foot. It is a rotting of the flesh cause by being cold and absorbing too much moisture. The body stops flow of blood to the cold, wet limbs in an attempt to conserve energy and it’s quite nasty, possibly leading to amputation.

On the opposite side of that storm is dehydration. Not drinking enough water or simply not having the electrolytes needed to maintain proper physical and mental operation can be deadly. First you will start to chap up or ‘parch’ as some people call it. You may seem very thirsty and that’s because you are and it may be accompanied by delirium or hallucinations. Next you will lose consciousness then organ damage followed by death. Keeping an amount of salt will keep up on the electrolytes and sodium that your body needs. If you don’t have any water with you, find shade immediately if you start to feel overheated or extra thirsty. Sometimes it is possible to dig down into the earth a couple feet and find ground water.

Insects and Disease

avoid exposure
Mosquito

Flying and biting insects of the wild, especially mosquitoes, carry diseases like malaria (in some countries), Dengue, Yellow fever, blood borne pathogens and now even West Nile virus. Precautions like a bug spray or even essential oils that are effective at repelling pesky biting bugs are highly suggested. If you get caught in the wild without repellent of any sort then rubbing mud on your exposed skin will help protect you from biting insects. While it doesn’t deter them from trying they cannot bite through the mud. It is a method of protection the Native American Indians have used for centuries.

Staying safe and healthy

Take proper precautions to stay safe while on a hike, out in the wilderness camping or for any reason you might be at risk of exposure. Exercise, vitamins and eating healthy can help mitigate some of the more severe symptoms of certain exposures. The tips and suggestions in this article will also keep you from extreme exposure to the elements. This world can be harsh and Humans have evolved to a point where we have the luxuries of air conditioning, solid shelters we call houses and vehicles that can travel 10 times faster than any horse or covered wagon. So, next time you’re out and about you will now have the knowledge to keep yourself safe from the extremes.

I hope you found this article informative and if you have any questions, comments or input please feel free to do so in the comments box below.

Thanks

Other resources:

READY.GOV

Quick tips for a Vehicle Emergency Kit

Face it, sometimes your going to need it. It’s something that not a lot of people consider essential either. An emergency on the road is always unexpected. That’s why a Vehicle Emergency Kit is kind of a really good idea. You can buy one that is premade in the store but it might not have all the items you may think you need.

Vehicle Emergency Kit for Basic emergencies

Most vehicles will come with tools and items for basic emergencies like a jack and lug tool for changing a tire. Newer cars also have an operators manual as long as the car hasn’t passed through several owners and has been lost. they are a valuable source of info on the vehicle. Other basic items are not furnished by automobile makers. While basic emergencies are just that, basic, they can be a bit worrisome at times. Especially if you drive your vehicle a lot

Vehicle Emergency Kit
Tote with supplies

everyday, you will of course want to keep it on the road. For another article on basic preparedness check out: Emergency preparedness checklist.

Roadside visibility

Flares or reflective triangle will be your first line of defense when broken down  or changing a tire on the side of the road. It will alert other drivers of the potential hazard on the side of the road, especially at night. A reflective vest can also be used if you would like to be extra safe.

A flashlight with a semi-powerful (preferrably more than 500 lumens) beam will prove invaluable in many situations. Even non emergencies. Try to have one that has a couple different setting like a strobe, just in case.

Tools and other stuff

Breaking down on the side of the road is the pitts! It sucks, it has happened to me! Having to replace a thermostat on the side of the road wasn’t that rough though because I had a tool set with the proper tools.

Rope or winch for getting out of a bad situation or pulling yourself from the mud or sand is a plus. If you can get one, do so.

Vehicle Emergency Kit
Stranded

Jumper cables are probably the most commonly needed extra that is not provided with vehicle purchase. In my opinion it should be. Crap happens, not only to you but others as well.

Another must have is fluids for your vehicle. carrying an extra quart of oil or engine coolant is a very wise move. Also a roll of duct tape could come in handy, just in case.

Winter Items

I keep a spare pullover hoodie in my trunk at all times. I believe it’s a good idea. I also keep and extra pair of socks as well. In the winter, a blanket and other warm items should be found there too.

Tire chains should be kept with the spare tire and jack. If you live in areas of the world that snow or freeze every winter, having chains would be considered an extra. All wheel drive vehicles are commonly purchased in those areas.

My Checklist

Don’t get caught unprepared! My Quick Tip Checklist is basic but can be lifesaving. The following is essential:

  • Jack and lug wrench
  • Operators manual
  • Flares
  • Flashlight
  • Jumper cables
  • tool set
  • extra clothing

The following we can consider extras:

  • Rope or winch
  • Duct tape
  • Extra fluids
  • Reflective jacket
  • Tire chains
  • Food/water

I hope this article was informative and helpful. If you have any questions, comments or input please feel free to do so in the comments box below.

Thanks

 

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