The Pros and Cons of Harvesting Rainwater

A drought affects the amount of water municipal utilities have available. When you save rainwater to use in your home, however, you can offset some of these shortages. There are both advantages and disadvantages of rainwater harvesting to consider.

Pros
Many homeowners become interested in harvesting rainwater for financial benefits. Depending on the size of your tank and local rainfall, you may be able to cut your water bill in half. As if this was not enough of an incentive, you can also use rainfall to lower your dependence on municipal supplies. This comes in handy during a drought, especially if there are water restrictions in your area. You can stay within the guidelines without cutting back to an uncomfortable level. It is also better for the environment than getting all your water pumped in from a water treatment facility. It saves a significant amount of energy that is required to process and pipe the water to your home from another location.

Cons
Most of the disadvantages of rainwater harvesting stem from improper planning. Some homeowners only use the collected rain to water their lawn and gardens. If you want to use the water inside, however, you will need a good filtration system to clean the water before it enters your home. Failure to do so can result in septic issues and other problems. It’s also important to gauge how big a tank you actually need. Enthusiastic homeowners may opt for the largest tank possible without taking into consideration that they live in a dry climate. They are just spending more money on a tank that will never fill completely. Working with a construction professional who specializes in these systems can help you avoid common pitfalls.

With proper planning and professional assistance, rainwater harvesting can be a great choice for your home. It not only saves you money but also protects the environment.