we have used rainwater EXCLUSIVELY for ALL uses for nearly 20 years.
it begins with a silicone enamel coated aluminum roof which floats ( thermally isolated) over existing roof.this roof cools quickly. the coating allows water to bead up quickly. we often get 5 gal runnoff from the dew. the water is collected by uncovered guttering of the same material.it is collected by my own design autonomous self-cleaning collection manifold.
from there it is collected in a 12ft.diax 3ft. deep above ground swimming pool. it is attached to the house by a screened porch covering it.the water is treated first by the conventional sand filter that comes with the pool.from there it goes to two 500gal food grade plastic tanks.they are isolated from the pool so if we spring a leak we don't lose all the water. the tanks feed a 110vac cabin water system. sold by many places e.g. harbor frieght, northern tool, sears etc. it works automaticly just like a conventional water system. we have ours set at 30 p.s.i.. from the pump the water goes through a 1 micron whole house filter and then to the taps. for potable water we use a reverse osmosis filter at the sinks. for drinking we use an countertop ( looks like a coffeemaker) distiller. we have never run out of water even with a regular flush toilet and washing machine. but we do ocassionaly have to use the laundramat in the driest season. i used to have my water tested regularly by the city ( free) as well as the local rural water district ( also free) but i quit doing so after repeated reports of " this is the cleanest water we ever test" even the samples right out of the pool. BETTER THAN CITY WATER and WELL WATER.
steve lafontaine | Homepage | 08.12.05 - 3:45 pm | #