This handbook will teach almost anyone how to install a personal rainwater collection system. It covers the entire works, from determining how much rainwater you'll need to troubleshooting a problem pump. You'll learn how to hang gutters, run your trunk line, install check valves, and disinfect your rainwater without using chemicals. Illustrations and photographs help make installing a rainwater harvesting system a snap for the do-it-yourselfer.
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Once in a while a resource comes along that clarifies the problems and presents solutions in such a way that you find yourself saying, Even I can make this work! Rainwater Collection for the Mechanically Challenged did it for me. --Andy Gladish, Home Power News
...the book manages to be both an educational and entertaining read. It is an invaluable resource for someone who is seriously considering replacing or supplementing an existing well or public water supply. It does a nice job in helping one assess current water usage and estimating water requirements if one does decide to go off the grid. It details the pros and cons of different types of rainwater collection, filtration and purification systems and gives cost comparisons for each.
Even for an apartment-dweller in the city such as myself, the book is still a page-turner. The sections about pumps, ultraviolet disinfection, turbulent flow, valves and gauges, and wiring took me back to my days as a high school Physics and Principles of Technology teacher. The informal and humorous (She ain't heavy, she's my cistern) writing style is also right up my alley.
Good how-to books are ones that make the project seem do-able, even for those with little or no experience. The best how-to books also make you feel that, by reading the book, you are saving the time, expense, and frustration of mistakes you would have otherwise made. This book certainly has that feel. --Bob Swanson, The Weather Guys, USA Today
It's not only the best book on the subject of rainwater collection we've ever found, it's funny enough for recreational reading, and comprehensive enough to painlessly lead a rank amateur through the process. --Real Goods/Gaiam
About the Author
Suzy Banks writes for Texas Monthly Magazine and other publications. Richard Heinichen owns and operates Tank Town, which specializes in installing rainwater catchment systems. They have used rainwater exclusively in their home since 1994.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
35 of 37 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Simple, straight forward, very useful, but lacking in the elegance that some may require. Enjoyed it throughly and recommend it.
This book will help understand some of the ways that you can collect rainwater without over powering your brain. It will also help you to think out side the box, or perhaps in it if you don't mind getting wet.
One of the clearest, funniest and most useful books on rainwater.
This book will help understand some of the ways that you can collect rainwater without over powering your brain. It will also help you to think out side the box, or perhaps in it if you don't mind getting wet.
One of the clearest, funniest and most useful books on rainwater.
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
By B. Crowley
Format:Paperback
So I have been installing rainbarrels for a while now and now I am installing more and more cisterns with pumps and filtration. I started back in 2001 and in 2005 I started my own business. There is no apprenticeship program to do this work. It is just learn as you go. I really wish I had gotten this book back when I first started. It is packed with great info and advice. Some of it I have since learned on my journey and a quite a few bits of info were still new to me. If you are doing serious research for a paper, get the Eric Nissen- Peterson book. It is a very dense book full of great info and it has installation instructions for rainwater in less developed locations. If you want a book that will give you all of the practical info for installing a rainwater system in the US I highly recommend Rainwater Collection for the Mechanically Challenged. Art Ludwig's book is good also. Good luck.
Brad
Harvest The Sky
Brad
Harvest The Sky
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I am satisfied with it and I learned enough on rainwater collection systems. Pictures are in sufficient quality, but sometimes they are poor. Informations given are useful overall to whom needs drinkable water. Pasquale from Portogruaro (VE- Italy)
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
the best book on the subject that i've read so far
It is written for a specific area of the country, but it doesn't seem as though most of the info wouldn't apply to most anywhere if you do a little of your own research. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Heath Bullock
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not rainwater collection for dummies
Lots of useful information. I will keep it for reference. The information could be a little better organized. Read more
Published 24 months ago by C Chambers
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book for those interested in water collection.
Good, practical information with funny narrative and illustrations (Example: look at the drawings that accompany the description of (pipe) nipples). Good read...
Published on August 6, 2010 by Mark H. Sandel
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not for areas with true winter weather
After reading all the positive reviews, I bought a copy in hopes of learning how to set up a rainwater collection system for a house in Montana. Read more
Published on June 17, 2010 by Kathleen Johnson
5.0 out of 5 stars
If you have >18" annual precip., get this book!
Excellent explanation of how to build a rooftop rain collection system, plus great writing & illustration style. The book is both comprehensive & understandable. Read more
Published on May 12, 2009 by Kyle B.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Helped me a lot
This book lives up to it's name, it gives you detailed instructions clearly. This has been very helpful for me since I have no running water and must use rainwater. Read more
Published on January 7, 2009 by CherokeeRox
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