Why You Should Consider Collecting Rainwater

Droughts are not uncommon in today's world, unfortunately. All over the news are reports of areas stricken by drought, with little or no rainfall on the horizon. When the rains come, they usually only provide temporary relief. However, if you have a tank for collection, you can make the water last much, much longer.

Part of the reason for a lack of water in the underground table is that humans have built over so much land. Things like concrete and asphalt do not absorb any water, so none gets into the soil where it needs to go. Buildings and other huge structures also block the collection of water, and cause it to run off, causing dangerous erosion. Owning a collection tank can help with this issue.

These tanks are built specifically to collect some of this rain and hold it in storage for later use. This water is safe to use for dishes, laundry, toilets and landscaping, which means that drinking water is conserved for human consumption only.

These tanks can be installed in a variety of places, and pumps to use them can be purchased separately, often from the same dealer who sold the tank to you. The pumps are generally either manual or automatic, but with energy-saving features. This means less electricity used, which is yet another benefit of this type of system.

There are two main types of tanks, underground and above ground. An above ground tank is just what it sounds like. It does not need a hole dug to place it, so you can put it on top of concrete, wood, or just dirt. You can place it near gutters to maximize the amount of water collected.

Underground tanks work much the same way, but they are buried underneath the ground. This is great for areas where ground space is at a premium, and keeps them out of sight. People who want to store extra water for long term use often turn to an underground system for their storage needs.

There are various sizes and capacities available. If you wish only to use yours for gardening, a small 100 liter vessel might suffice. If you intend to use this is a source of water for household needs as well, you might look into a much larger 10,000 liter model.

The shape and color choices for a rainwater tank also vary quite a bit. From pink to green, there is a color that suits your setting and taste. Round, square, and grid-like tanks are all available. Pick the one that is right for you, then sit back, relieved that the next drought will not be so hard on you.

Innovative products can make home life easier

While you’re waiting for technology to deliver that flying car, a few other gizmos have been invented to make life at home easier. And they’re even getting a bit more affordable, says Boyce Thompson, the former editor of Builder magazine and author of the book, “The New New Home.”

During the Atlanta Home Show next month at the Cobb Galleria, Thompson will introduce some of the innovative gadgets and systems that are now on the market. “I’m always looking for stuff that changes the way you experience a product and that fundamentally changes the way a house functions,” he said. “And I bring them to these shows around the country.”

A few of his favorites he’ll be showcasing include a Corian counter top that charges cell phones and iPads, voice controls for home systems, and lights that respond to the owner’s mood. But perhaps the product that meets Thompson’s enhanced experience criteria is the Ring, a video camera at your doorbell that sends images of what’s outside to your cell phone.

“It’s amazing to think your doorbell is now a camera and video machine – and the eyes and ears of the smart home,” said Thompson. “You can be anywhere and see who’s at the door.”

Another cool product is the Aquion battery system that stores energy generated from solar panels. “The installation of solar panels doubled in 2015, and the price is half what is was five years ago,” said Thompson. “If a house produces more electricity than you need, you can store energy in these batteries that could run a house for three to four days. That makes living off the utility grid a reality.”

One product that doubles as a décor accent while creating a germ-free environmental is the line of Sherwin-Williams paints that debuted earlier this year. “It took four years to develop this paint that to combats allergens and germs – a real innovation,” said Thompson.

Windows are also getting an update. “Andersen Windows now features a line that comes with a sensor in the hardware that sends you a text notification every time a window is opened or closed,” said Thompson. “At first I thought it was kinda gimmicky to connect the windows to a home automation system, but it’s a neat idea. It can remind you a window is open when it’s starting to rain. You could even get a notification when your rambunctious kid tries to sneak out onto the roof!”