The Benefits of Rainwater Cisterns
Rainwater cisterns are considered to be a vital accessory for the proper functioning of a home water system. However, most people are unaware that the rainwater they use to fill the tub or sink is contaminated and may cause health problems in the future. Water polluted with toxic substances such as acid and lead can cause serious damage to the soft tissues of the body, including cancer. By understanding more about rainwater cisterns, you will be better informed on the issues that you need to consider when choosing a rainwater drainage system.
The most common component found in most rainwater drainage systems is water, which is acidic in character. One of the reasons why this happens is because of the presence of mineral salts. These salts cause a gradual accumulation of excess acid in the soil. As water flows over the soil, some of the acid is absorbed by the water and is eventually filtered out into the drainage pipe. At the other end, water that does not go through the drainage pipe ends up in the pool or spa, causing the acid level to build up.
You must first understand how the water must pass through the cistern in order to reach its final destination. First of all, the water must travel along a dirt path, through the drainage pipe and into the pool or spa. From here, it travels through small fissures where the mineral salts have accumulated. The process is slowed down by the presence of a barrier like a weed barrier. This is typically made out of PVC pipes.
When rainwater acidity levels become too high, the drainage pipes narrow down. This causes rainwater to spray against the sides of the cistern, causing damage. It is important to prevent such damages from occurring. To achieve this goal, one must install a rainwater acidification system. There are many such systems available in the market, and one can easily find them online.
When looking for a rainwater cistern, one must first look for the one that contains a combination of zinc and iron. These elements work in tandem to lower acidity and increase water movement through the system. A properly installed system with both these elements will reduce acidity, allowing the water to flow freely without any obstacles or pools of stagnant water.
Rainwater acidity can also be reduced using a rain cistern water filter. Such filters take out any acidic component in the water, making the rain water taste better. These filters can be installed in either above or below ground locations. Installing a filter in the ground is more effective since it does not interrupt the flow of water.
Another way to reduce rainwater acidity is to install a rainwater harvesting system on the roof. The captured water can then be used for drinking, cooking, and bathing. In addition to helping reduce the acidity levels, this type of collection and storage system also reduces surface water runoff into the environment. It also helps to prevent soil erosion by diverting runoff. This is especially helpful during periods of heavy rainfall or when snowmelt and runoff are high.
Rainwater cisterns are commonly made from concrete. However, using other materials can also help. For instance, plastic rain gutters can be installed to collect the runoff. This helps keep the gutters clean and free of organic compounds. Plastic is also an eco-friendly option that can last for many years. Furthermore, the installation process is simple, making it a very economical choice for a low-maintenance solution to a congested roof.
Rainwater cisterns are a very effective solution for reducing the amount of sediment in catchment systems. Sediment is often transported to surface water sources through run-off. These sediment-laden waters can eventually end up in non-food sources, like creeks and rivers, eventually degrading them. A catchment cistern allows sediment to be flushed away, protecting the groundwater, and the environment, from this harmful effect.
Aside from protecting the environment, rainwater cisterns also allow homeowners to save money. As mentioned earlier, the amount of water used to run the drainage system can become very expensive. Installing roof-catchment cisterns reduces the amount of water used by almost 50%. Precast concrete is a more expensive material to install than traditional roofing materials, but it is a durable and practical choice. Concrete rain gutters can withstand harsh weather conditions and stand up to vandalism. They can also be installed on roofs that are not easily accessible, which can lead to significant cost savings.
In terms of benefits to human health, there are actually a number of health benefits to installing a rainwater cistern. High concentrations of heavy metals in storm water runoff increase the risk of developing health problems like Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. One way to reduce the risk of these diseases is to minimize exposure to heavy metals, which can occur through consumption of commercial fish containing heavy metals, or through direct skin contact with metal objects. In the case of rainwater runoff, metal particles eventually end up in the ground water, so it is important to have a rain cistern to capture them before they reach the soil and start breaking down. By removing these particles from the water, homeowners are able to reduce the amount of heavy metals in the ground water, which protects both the environment and their families.