There are no guarantees of always having a reliable supply of water. Municipal systems can go down without warning, toxic substances can enter the pipeline, wells can be contaminated and drinking water can fly off of store shelves in a matter of minutes. We always take water for granted in our modern age, however, it doesn’t take much to put our supply in jeopardy. While stockpiling on water bottles and having filtration systems on hand is always a good idea, there’s an untapped resource in our own back yards that often gets overlooked.
Think of the sheer volume of rain water that falls off the roof and onto the ground during the average shower or storm. Imagine how much water you can have on hand simply by grabbing and storing it as it falls. Not to mention that you can save a small fortune on purchasing bottled water. On the other hand, if you are in a survival situation, capturing rain water is an easy and efficient way to replenish supplies. The good news is that capturing rain water is easy, no matter what conditions you are living under at the time.
The main drawback to using rain water is that it needs to be purified prior to drinking. However, you should already have a filter, some purification tablets or a way to boil your water in the first place. You are also limited by your capability to store water. If you are in a shelter, then you probably have ample space and containers to use and re-use. On the other hand, if you are mobile, you may not be able to carry or keep a lot of back up supplies.
Another drawback is that it doesn’t always rain, so it is important to make good use of this option when it presents itself. Take advantage of this benefit whenever it becomes available, and store water whenever possible. But, if you are not on the run, then capturing rain water can eliminate your supply concerns for a long time.
Setting up a rain collection system can be as easy as using a funnel to rigging your downspout to fill up a large storage container. Some preppers go so far as to install water towers or retention tanks underground that store hundreds of gallons of rainwater. Only you can decide on the best methods to use to capture water, from setting up a tarp and angling it so the water drips into a container, to placing a bucket beneath the edge of the roof. Just remember that you don’t need to develop an intricate and elaborate system to get the job done.
The more water that you have on hand will lead to less stress, insecurity and fear during a survival situation. Learning how to efficiently catch rainwater can help to provide a significant supply while expending minimal effort. Rainwater is easier to filter than stream or lake water, it is easy to obtain, and you don’t need to invest in a lot of equipment. Don’t overlook how this simple hack can provide a stable and abundant source of water that would otherwise fall to the ground and flow away.
Making a Rain Barrel
If you have gutters on your house, you may be able to collect 55 gallons of water during a ” rain by connecting a downspout to a rain barrel. (Note that during a heavy rainfall there is the potential to fill many more barrels.) Bulk type foodstuffs often are packaged in FDA food grade barrels which can work well for our purpose. If you are recycling a used container make certain that you clean it thoroughly. Do not use a container that held caustic or poisonous materials. Large plastic type trashcans will also work well.
Supplies:
- Plastic barrel (55 gallon most common)
- ¾” spigot (hose bibb) with male threads
- PVC cement or Teflon tape
- 1 ¼” sump hose (8′ or longer)
- 3′ x 3′ fiberglass screen wire
- Bungee cord
- Flexible downspout elbow
Tools:
- Drill (electric best but hand drill will work)
- Spade bits or hole saws: 1″ and 1 3/8“
- Reciprocating or jig saw (electric best but hand saw will work)
- Adjustable pliers
Published on ACES
