Hey, Homestead Survivalists! We’ve stumbled upon an incredible DIY project that you’re going to love! Elizabeth Goetvinck, an industrial design student, has crafted a stand-alone rainwater collector that is nothing short of revolutionary. This project was initially designed for a community garden that lacked a regular water supply. But guess what? It’s so versatile that you can use it in your own backyard too! Check out the original blog post for all the juicy details.
Why This Project is a Game-Changer
- First of its kind on Instructables: This isn’t just another rain barrel; it’s a complete rainwater harvesting system.
- Independence: No need to rely on city water or even your own roof.
- Multi-Functional: It’s not just a rain collector; it’s also a standing table and a parasol!
- Affordable and Sustainable: Made from reused/recycled materials and costs around €70 or less.
What You’ll Need
- PVC tubes of various sizes
- Tube snaps, nuts & bolts
- Impermeable fabric or canvas
- Clothesline, tension straps, metal straps
- Tabletop plate (preferably PVC or natural wood)
- Industrial reservoir (1 m³ / 1000 l)
- Tools like drills, handsaw, pincers, and more
How It Works
- Central Tube: Drill holes in a large PVC tube to help water flow into the barrel.
- Small Tubes: Attach smaller PVC tubes to the central tube.
- Canvas: Cut and sew the canvas to create a funnel-like structure.
- Wires: Use wires to secure the canvas and provide stability.
- Cover: Create a cover for the reservoir to keep the structure straight.
- Table Top: Add a tabletop to turn your rain collector into a functional table.
- Assembly: Put it all together and you’re ready to harvest rainwater!
Content Gaps and Additional Insights
- Safety First: The original post warns that the water is not potable. However, it doesn’t delve into the types of materials that are safe for collecting drinking water.
- Legal Considerations: Make sure you’re not breaking any local laws concerning rainwater collection.
- Weather Conditions: The post could benefit from a section discussing how different weather conditions affect the system.
- Maintenance: How do you clean and maintain this system? This is crucial information that’s missing from the original post.
Community Feedback
The community has been buzzing with ideas on how to improve this already fantastic design. Some suggest sinking it partially into the ground to serve as a patio table. Others have brought up the idea of adding a solar distillation unit for water purification.
So, what are you waiting for? This stand-alone rainwater collector is not just a DIY project; it’s a statement of sustainable living. Get your tools ready and let’s make a difference, one drop at a time!
Would you like to know more? Head over to the original blog post and get started on your rainwater harvesting journey today!