Fred & Gerry on Saving Water

Spigot for Trash Cans

..

Automatic Rainwater Collection System

The Garden Watersaver is an automatic rainwater collection system that has advantages over other rain water collecting systems. For example: any container that can hold water can become a water reservoir, containers can be hidden or placed in low visibility locations, can be deactivated during winter or when stored water is not needed. As containers are hidden extra ones can be added (linked) or filled by simply moving a hose.

WHY SAVE RAINWATER! Approximately 40% of water used in summer is used outdoors which is when most areas face water shortages and have water restrictions. This water shortage period is when plants and trees require water the most. As population grow, water shortages occur, more and more cities are incorporating metering systems as a way of monitoring and restricting fresh water wastage. Saving rain water saves money. Helps the Environment - The more rainwater is used, the less the need to use chlorinated or other chemically treated tap water. The more we use rainwater, the less that will go into storm sewers where it is mixed with oil and other toxic residues from streets, parking lots etc. allowing for more use of settling ponds to remove these toxins. How it works The average roof sheds 160 gallons of rain water per hour during a moderate rain fall. The Garden Watersaver is designed to capture a small percentage of this water. Rain water flows from the roof into the gutter downspout and gets captured in the Watersaver reservoir. When the reservoir, fills the water then takes the path of least resistance which is the units lower exit spout that leads, via a hose, to the water barrel (container). When this container is full, back pressure occurs and the water then exits out of the upper exit spout into the normal drainage system.

Advantages for the garden

Rainwater is at more favorable temperatures for plant growth than cold well water, it is not chlorinated or treated with chemical as most municipal water supplies are. Soft, pure, chemical-free rainwater maintained at proper ambient temperature help plants grow vigorously. Cold chlorinated water from most tap systems can shock plants and slow its growth.

Advantages for the environment

As water delivery systems age there is a greater need to control bacteria that grow along the pipe walls. Extra chlorine or other treatments are necessary to control the bacteria, this extra strength chlorinated mixture can damage natures helpful soil micro-organisms which are useful in the development of good healthy soil. It reduces chemical laden water into storm sewers and may eliminate or delay the need for costly Dam expansions or water conveying systems (approximatley 40% of water used during dry months is used outdoors). - divert rain water from storm sewer to water garden below roof overhang

Store water for later use

Automatically saves normally wasted rainwater to be used on gardens, shrubs, trees or lawns 'every time it rains'. When storage containers are full, excess water is diverted back into the conventional drainage system. Additional containers may be added and filled by simply moving a hose (or inter-connect containers). No need for unattractive rain barrels under the downspout. This combination holds 112 gallons (425 L) containers can be hidden or placed in low visibility areas.

Containers

The most suitable and least expensive Water holding containers are Trash Cans or Recycled Barrels. Dark colored containers are best as 1) light will not pass through thereby restricting Algae growth 2) Dark colors draw heat enabling the water to warm up quicker ( the warmer the soil the faster the plant growth)    Linking containers can be done all at the same level or raised as previously shown. While any container that can safely hold water can be used they should be closed units such as Recycled Barrels or Trash Cans with lids. These provide safety for small children, animals and birds. It is also required for the back pressure to build when the container is full allowing the excess water to be diverted to the normal drainage system.   When installing the containers think safety as these large containers when filled weigh over 400 lbs.

Automatic Watering

This is a great TIME saver.     To water automatically all that is required is to connect a soaker hose and place in the area that you want watered. Most Soaker hoses have pressure reducer washers (soaker hoses cannot take much pressure), these washers must be removed when using this system.

The system shown to the right is ideal for greenhouse or uses where rain does not reach such as under roof eaves or canopies.

Soaker hoses can be placed above the ground, however when used in gardens (as opposed to on lawns) it is advised to bury the hose 2 to 3 inches under ground.

Clean Water

In many cases the only water available for all uses is rain water. Some villages in places like India have converted the roofs of schools into rain water collectors and the water collected becomes their water supply ( a 10 hour moderate rainfall on the average sized house potentially could provide 1600 gallons - over 6000 L of water) Collecting the cleanest water is easy with The Garden Watersaver, water for emergency uses as could be necessary in the event of a disaster e.g. earthquake, floods etc. or in the case of areas where only hard well water is available soft fresh rainwater is often saved for uses such as washing hair. Clean water collection is as simple as waiting until the rain has cleaned off the roof and then move the hose to a clean container.

Moving Water

There are cases when it becomes necessary to move water from one location to another. For example to move water away from buildings or when puddles build up due to plugged drain tiles. Rainwater is best for gardens but what if the Garden is at the back of the property. Moving the water is as easy as collecting the water in a Trash Can, adding a Spigot to the bottom of the container and connecting the garden hose. Leave the spigot open as the water rises pressure builds and the water starts to move. If transferring to another container the first container in this case must be slightly higher than the container receiving the water.

Fred and Gerry 

suggest the use of water timers and soaker hoses

3060 ELECTRONIC AQUA TIMERTM

• Never over water again. simply set and forget • Program to automatically start and shut off • Works with low pressure drip and soaker hoses • Set to water while you are away or at night • Infinitely programmable 6-cycles • 5 preset programs • Easy programming with LCD menu • On/off to use like a faucet

3020 ELECTRONIC AQUA TIMERTM	• Never over water again. simply set and forget • Program to automatically start and shut off • Works with low pressure drip and soaker hoses • Set to water while you are away or at night • 2-cycle independently programmable • Easy programmable with tone prompt • On/off to use like a faucet

3015 ELECTRONIC AQUA TIMERTM	• Never over water again. simply set and forget • Program to automatically start and shut off • Works with low pressure drip and soaker hoses • Set to water while you are away or at night • Water up tp 3 times a day • Easy programming with lighted prompts • On/off to use like a faucet

3010 MECHANICAL AQUA TIMERTM	• Never over water again. simply set and forget • Automatically shuts off • "Egg timer" design (chronometer) measures actual time   not water flow • Works with low pressure drip and soaker hoses • On/off to use like a faucet

101 FLOWMETER WATER TIMER	• Never over water again. simply set and forget • Automatically shuts off • Measures exact amount of water at any pressure (Flow meter)

Principles of WaterWise Gardening

Follow the Land ...

by watching the rain as it falls onto it.   The contours of the land can be changed to catch the rainwater, and speed or slow its flow, holding it in the ground for use by plants.

Care for the Soil ...

by adding compost or decomposed organic matter.  Compost helps the soil hold water and adds nutrients needed for plant growth.  Mulches prevent the soil from overheating and drying out.

Gather the Rain

by catching it in rainbarrels when it falls and holding it for later use. The rainwater costs nothing and it can be used in the garden during the summer when the ground is dry.

Plant Naturally

by layering plants to make shade and using species that are native to this land.  These plants are naturally rain-watered and are adapted to wet winter and dry summer conditions.

Plant only those that have been grown in the nursery from collected seeds or cuttings ... leave wild plants in place in their natural habitat.

Water Wisely

with a gentle hand and simple tools such as a soaker hose that softly and slowly drips water into the ground.  Many plants adapted to dry summers do not need much water a few years after planting.

Tend Patiently

with a sparing hand and keeping in mind that plants will grow larger.  Plants use nutrients found naturally in the soil and in the added compost.  They do not need man-made chemicals to make them grow better

Spread the Seeds

by sharing the fruits of the garden within the community.  Developing wisdom of the land ensures that the city will be a healthy one with food and water for all.

Fred and Gerry would like to thank