Who is Rainwater Harvesting For?

Almost anyone. If you want cleaner water for your landscape or outdoor uses, rainwater systems are a great fit. For whole home supply, the best results come when you design the house around rainwater collection: ample roof area, efficient roof materials, thoughtful piping, and right-sized storage and treatment. Retrofitting is possible, but it works best with metal roofs and large catchment area.

Homeowners

Start with non-potable uses like irrigation and outdoor cleaning. Simple filtration is usually enough.

Rural and Ranch

Useful for gardens, livestock, and outbuildings. Whole home systems are common on new builds with large roofs.

Schools and Community

Great for demonstration gardens, community beds, and stormwater education, with visible tanks and signage.

Small Business

Shows your commitment to sustainability and can reduce water costs for landscaping and cleaning.

Greenhouses & Garden Centers

Ideal for irrigation and maintaining plant health with high-quality water.

Non-potable uses: fast wins

Common applications

  • Landscape irrigation
  • Outdoor cleaning and equipment wash-down
  • Toilet flushing (with proper plumbing separation)
  • Pond or pool top-off (when appropriate)

Why start here

  • Low complexity: screening and basic filtration
  • High plant performance: rainwater is typically softer
  • Immediate savings on outdoor water use
  • Scales easily as you learn what works on your site

Whole home supply: design for success

Best when planned into the build

  • Large catchment area from connected roof surfaces
  • Metal roofing preferred for efficient collection and durability
  • Gutters and downspouts designed for easy conveyance and maintenance
  • Right-sized storage to carry you through dry months
  • Filtration and disinfection for potable quality, per code

Retrofit is possible

  • Works best with metal roofs that have substantial roof area
  • Asphalt or composite roofs can be used for non-potable or with careful design
  • Plan tank siting, pump power, and routing of downspouts
  • Expect some visible components and tradeoffs in aesthetics or space
  • Check local codes for plumbing, backflow, and potable requirements

We do not want to discourage anyone from harvesting. Start with non-potable uses, learn your site, and scale up. For whole home, align design and expectations with local rainfall and your roof area.

Check your roof's potential

Use the calculator to see estimated capture by month and size storage for your goals.

Open the Calculator