Issue #3
Hey friend,
When you're building a tiny home off-grid, one of the first big questions that comes up is:
How am I going to get water?
For many of us, digging/drilling a well or tapping into city water lines just isn’t an option—or it doesn’t fit the off-grid lifestyle we're aiming for. That’s where rainwater catchment comes in.
Today, we’ll walk you through how it works, how to do it legally, and what you’ll need to get started. Yes, it’s possible. Yes, it’s safe. And yes, it’s kind of amazing to harvest clean water straight from the sky.
But first, here’s a little trick to save some time and effort…
🛠️ Tip of the Week
Install a leaf screen at the top of your downspout.
It’s a simple way to keep debris out of your system, protect your filters, and improve water quality from day one.
If you’re done thinking about going tiny and your ready to step into a more peaceful way of life, we’re ready to invite you to come live in the Rio Grande Estates Tiny Home Community here in The Land of Enchantment, New Mexico. Bring your off-grid ready tiny home on wheels or come live in one of our cozy container homes. Send us an email and tell us a little bit about where you are on your tiny living journey and we’ll work with you to make tiny home living a reality for you. Here’s our email address: [email protected].
💡 Rainwater Catchment 101
1. Is It Legal to Collect Rainwater?
First off—yes, rainwater collection is legal in most U.S. states. That said, laws vary by state and even by county, so it’s always a good idea to check with your local building department.
Here are some quick notes:
🌧️ Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, Oregon, and Colorado all encourage rainwater harvesting with guidelines or tax breaks.
🚫 A few areas in the Pacific Northwest have stricter regulations to protect watersheds.
🔍 Start with your state’s Department of Natural Resources or Environmental Quality to get the facts.
2. What You Need to Get Started
Here’s a simple breakdown of the parts you'll need:
Collection Surface: A metal or asphalt roof works best. Avoid wood shingles or anything with chemical coatings.
Gutters & Downspouts: These guide rain from the roof to your tank.
First-Flush Diverter: This device discards the first few gallons of rainwater, which may contain dust or bird droppings.
Storage Tank (Cistern): Plastic, metal, or concrete—pick the size based on your needs and space.
Filtration System: A multi-stage filter plus UV or ceramic filter ensures safe, drinkable water.
Pump (optional): If gravity flow isn’t enough for your setup.
3. How Much Water Can You Collect?
You’ll collect roughly 0.6 gallons per square foot of roof per inch of rain.
So, if you have a 200 sq ft roof and get 10 inches of rain a year:
👉 That’s about 1,200 gallons of water annually.
If you are planning on needing more water or you get less rain in your area just adjust the size of the collection surface space.
Enough for basic needs if you conserve well!
Your Friendz at Trendz
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