I am considering installing a rainwater collection system underground in my driveway. It is for running the garden hose for small yard (<1000sq ft) , 4 toilets and a utility sink.
It will collect roof run off and patio runoff from ~1000 sq ft- Does anyone have experience of installing these systems?
Here are my thoughts – advice and specs greatly appreciated –
1000 gallon tank with bottom >5ft underground ( I live in MA) drain lines connecting into the tank. A 3/4′ pex water line feeding into the basement with a shallow well pump and a 20 gallon pressure tank
I also want to be able to top up the pressure tank with mains water but only as a last resort but not sure how to do this automatically – I need help here
BTW this is a DIY project as part of a major restoration digging the driveway anyway and have to dig the trenches for a french drain system if I do not do this
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Hope you don't live in Colorado.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-contested-rainwater18-2009mar18,0,5585599.story
This story is really incredible. Thanks for posting. S.
Check your local codes first! I just saw a story about a group of folks running an organic farm using collected water. Turns out, water storage is illegal in Seattle. The rationale given is that runoff water will affect stream levels(it does) and that managing runoff is needed to prevent scads of local sources from 'hoarding'. It sounds dumb, but I know from working with DOE some years ago that this is true.
If you are ok to do this, consider a runoff and greywater combo.
http://www.etherhuffer.typepad.com
There are fairly strict requirements about connecting a potable to a non potable water system. Usually a certified backflow preventer (not merely a check valve) is required. Check locally for requirements.