RainWater Harvesting (RWH) Structure for Open Farms
Traditionally, most farmers attach gutters to their housetops from which they capture rainfall for storage. This water is mainly used for domestic purposes. Through the construction of this low-cost rainwater harvesting system for open fields, farmers could see how they can increase their on-farm water availability.
How to construct your own 8X10 rainwater harvesting system
Materials:
(4) 55 gallons drums or (2) IBC totes
4 fence post
(2) 2X4X16 lumber
4 sheets of zinc
3 brackets
(1) 4" pvc pipe
(1) 4" elbow
(1) 2" reducer
(1) 2" pipe
10ft of 1.5 inch pvc pressure pipe
1.5lb 3" zinc nails
1.5lb 2" wire nails
4 male and female adapter
1 shut-off valve/outlet
1 tin tangit
black metallic paint (for IBC totes)
Methods
Before starting the construction of your RWH system, select an ideal location. If the land is flat, it is recommended that the catchment area slopes to one side. If the land is already sloping in one direction, the catchment area should be parallel along said slope
Dig 4 post hole approx. 2 feet in-depth
Erect fence post
Place lumber on top of post to support zinc
Ensure that the zinc is laid flat on top of the lumber. Secure zinc to lumber using zinc nails
Cut your 4" pvc pipe three-quarter ways down
Use the brackets to attach the pipe to the slanted side of the catchment area
Attach 4" elbow to 4" pvc pipe gutter
Attach 2" downspout pvc pipe to 4" elbow using a 4" to 2" reducer
Insert a filter into the opening of the first storage container and connect this to the 2" downspout pvc pipe
Pierce a 1.5" hole on the side of each drum approx. 4" from the bottom of the drum
Cut your 1.5 pvc pressure pipe into 4 equal pieces
Connect the 55 gallon drums together using your 1.5 pvc pressure pipe and male and female adapter. Use your tangit to secure the pipes
Once all your drums have been connected. Attach your shut-off valve/ outlet to the pressure pipe of the last drum
If IBC totes are being used, ensure that the totes are painted and dried in advance
Description
Now that you have successfully completed your low-cost RWH system, you may connect your irrigation system to the shut-off valve/outlet or you may manually collect and use for hand-watering.
You may increase your storage capacity by connect more drums or totes to the system using the same method.
The farmers of Southern St.Elizabeth also found it to be a multi-functional structure. It is not only suited for the catchment of rainfall but could be used as a shelter from the fierce heat of the sun or a sudden downpour. They envisioned how they would "run- a -boat" (Jamaican slang for coming together and cooking a meal), upgrade it into a shed and even adding their own unique touch to elevate their comfort level while in the field.
