The intention of going Off Grid means the most important natural resource for you and your family will be your WATER SUPPLY...without it you can only survive for a few days. Saying this is the most important piece to your Off Grid puzzle is an understatement!
"Skimping on your water resource isn't going to happen...it’s going to be your most valuable resource for independence from the grid."
You’re going to need a large water supply, one that is well filtered and clean. You can have several systems set up around your home's roof, with many drain pipes to different locations around your property. One system will be for YOUR HOME and family’s needs, the other for your GARDEN,FARM ANIMALS and AQUAPONIC if you choose to have those on your property as well.
Water catchment is a gravity-fed system of collecting Hawaii’s rain water from your roof, into the rain gutters down to the drain pipes underground, and over to the water catchment tanks. You’ll have your PUMP HOUSE, which will house your home's water pressure tank(s) and pump. That will bring the water into your filtration system before entering your home. Your roof is going to play a huge role in your water catchment system so you need to have a roof that is either coated metal, slate, concrete tiles or Tesla’s Solar Roof Tiles.
JOE MOONEY has and continues to be an awesome inspiration when it comes to doing it on your own @ HOMESTEADONOMICS We'll continue to use him in the future for guidance when it comes to certain Off Grid Projects...Below is another excellent video from JOE when it comes to building a Q&A on WATER CATCHMENT. He has several on the subject so dig deeper when you get the chance.
Depending on rainfall, you MUST plan accordingly on the number of drain pipes that will be going off your roof, the diameter and the size of gutters.
When it comes to choosing your water tanks, you'll need to know how many and which sizes. That will have to be up to you, as well as any professionals installing your system. It will depend on the size of your home and the many purposes you will be using the water for.
You will also have to estimate the rainfall in your location. If you intend to live in Hilo on Hawaii island instead of Kailua-Kona, you will be getting more rainfall in Hilo.
It’s also important to install your gutter mesh on your gutters. If you do live in a thick jungle surrounding like Hilo, Hawaii, it’s best to have a great mess system so debris doesn’t clog up your ability to catch water. Finally, it’s your choice to install a first flush diverter. Let’s say it hasn’t rained for a week, your roof will more than likely collect dust, dirt, debris, and bird droppings, etc. You want to quickly FLUSH the initial water coming off the roof right into the flush diverter. Once filled, the water will shift itself into the main pipe and start filling the catchment systems.
Hopefully this Blog post gives you enough information to go head first into your first Water Catchment Installation...If you are looking for more in depth information downloading the OFF GRID IN HAWAII eBook is just a click away: https://www.livingoffgridinhawaii.com/shopebook