Water storage question

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sasha

Joined
Feb 28, 2006
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So I want to put a water storage container at my parents house. It would do double duty, First it would be catch rain water during the winter to use in the summer time for the garden. I want to expend the garden as its good for my parents to get out and do some work. The second one is if there is an earthquake I want plenty of water for everyone. My sister and her kids would show up same day and if I need to walk there it would take me two days or less. Knowing my mom she wont turn a neighbor away if they need food or water. I would like your ideas and opinions about what container you would use. What about rain water filter before it goes into the container. How you would do it, Or anything else you would think about. I were looking at 2,500 gallon container and seen some store premade filters that you can buy and some filters people build at home. Where my parents live its hot and dry on normal year during the summer but it seems to get much worse the last couple of years.
would 2500 gallon be too much??

Thank you all in advance.
 
Google it --- "rainwater collection".

There are barrels and tanks and entire systems for collecting rainwater. I'd not filter rain water when caught but would before drinking it later. 2 microns. Also ensure that barrel doesn't allow for skeeters to lay their larvae.
 
a simple screen system in the downspout will be enough to keep it mostly clean, and an annual cleaning would be a good idea. your sizing sounds pretty good, if you've got the room, more is always better.
As for filtering, there are some good gravity systems designed for large groups, including one made be life-straw. But as long as the tank is maintained, you shouldn't have much for problems. In fact where I am, lost of people use water daily from tanks, and few if any have filtration systems. At most they might shock chlorinate the tanks (although some have such a high cap that its not practical. I know folks with 6-8 months in tanks) If you wanted to go fancy, there are also pump-though UV and oxygen systems. And with the size, you could set it up with a pump and pressure tank to run the house if you felt the need. One thought though, If you are going to be also using it for garden and lawn watering, be sure you know what your reserve needs are so that you don't find yourself at the end of summer with no water.

I would check your local ordinances for the codes and requirements though, some places have weird rules. And then you would know if it was okay to tie into the house system, or if you need to bucket fill the toilets, which to me would be the biggest advantage to having bulk water available, just having a toilet that flushes, especially with kids around.
 
Sasha, my advice is that no amount should be considered too much. If you have the ability to buy and keep a 2,500 gal. tank, do it. gadgetgeek has the same ideas that I have. You're thinking ahead for several people that for whatever reason aren't in that frame of mind YET. But, when they all need it, they'll be hugging you big time (or bitching at you for not having a bigger tank!!). Build a pre-filter from a barrel with layers of gravel, sand and charcoal like you've probably seen on youtube. Try to keep the tank buried or at least bermed for protection from gunfire, etc, and keep it out of the sunlight if possible to control algae. When it comes time to have to drink from it, have a better water filter just for that purpose. Buy and use pool shock to purify the water sitting in the tank. I know several people that have swimming pools just because it is a way to store a lot of water without drawing attention. If you do plan to bury the tank make sure it is designed to handle the weight of being buried. Some won't. Check the zoning laws there to make sure you won't run into problems with some nosey inspector coming around. 2,500 gals. is a pretty good size tank
 
Been looking at different tanks and ended up thinking about getting two 1,000 gallon tanks. The 2,500 one would be too big to get in the back. I have an idea on how to filter the water before it goes in the tank, To stop the dirt and sand. That would be on top of the regular posts I seen on how to keep the leaves out. I haven't seen it done anywhere like this when I googled (sp) it. Would post pics of it when I get to it. The water would be mainly for the garden and flowers. But in case of an earthquake I figure it would be enough for the family for a few months.
Sideways that is an interesting video.
 
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