Here’s a tip for you. You can place a revolving shield around the water tank. Half of the shield is painted white and the other half is painted black. In Winter rotate the shield such that the black side faces the sun. The air space between the shield and the tank will heat up and prevent the tank from freezing. In Summer, face the white reflective part of the shield towards the sun. That will keep the sun from heating up the water which can cause problems with algae and bacteria. A removable reversible shield like a reversible coat will work too but that takes too much time. The rotating idea takes only a few seconds and your done. That’s what I recommend. One more suggestion. Due to its high specific heat capacity, water tanks hold heat. A good place to place potted plants that can’t take the cold. A common emergency with frost. A water tank is also a good place for a trellis to support fruiting vines. Plants also shade and hide the tank, improving aesthetics.
I just want to thank you for this profound aphorism, “Humans are not inherently destructive, they just don’t have enough feedback.” It’s applicable from the micro through the macro, from personal relationships to climate change and back again.
Good informative vid. My very first thought while watching was something you brought up regarding how people who take responsibility for their needs use resources more carefully.
I just got 4 IBC 27T gallon totes that was used for soybean oil. How do I clean them? Water is going to be used to keep swimming pool full, so I dont want an oil slick on top of the water.
IBC-Tanks? Most affordable (modular) tank system. Even heatable by default and available UV-light protected, and can be lifted by 2 person. Got mine from a vendor who's using them for vegetable oils (therefore it’s heating capability) for 20€.
@Verge Permaculture It's so sad this doesn't have millions of views. Your comment about people using less water when they harvest their own reminds me of the health insurance/medical care situation in our country. People with health insurance generally don't care about specific costs, and don't know what they are. I went to the hospital recently and as tests were ordered, I asked how much they cost. None of the staff knew, or could find out before the test was done! We're so clueless about so much!
INSURANCE/MED AID is a toxic blight (cancer) on Humankind. Giant Ponzi Schemes that drives up prices and is feasted on by laegues of PARASITES who contribute ZERO to Humanity and scim off Billions/Trillions. Pray God a "future world" has no INSURANCE - or BANKS - or STOCK EXCHANGES
How long before your last frost date do you switch your diverted valve and start retaining water? Our early spring is our wettest time, but it also happens to be when we are still under danger of freezing. A large amount of water won’t freeze if it gets down to 28 in April, but that might bust a valve. What are your thoughts? Thanks!
I think urban or suburban "homesteading/permaculture" is more sustainable for the majority of humans. Not everyone can afford to, or is healthy enough, to move to the country and manage a large piece of land. Amazing sustainability & food growth can be accomplished on small lots!!
We have successfully installed 3,200 gallons of rain water tanks (10 tanks of various sizes - 70 gallons to 500 gallons each). Since we live in San Diego County and keep seeing bad news about the future of water here, we are thinking of digging out the swimming pool we filled with dirt 14 years ago and converting it to a rain water tank. Anyone have any ideas about how to cover it? (It is not square - 13 to 16 feet across. We may out dig out the deepest end.)
Rain harvesting formula : square ft of catchment area x inches of rain x .623 = gallons of water harvested. So 1000 sq ft of roof x 1 inch of rain x .623 = 623 gallons harvested.
Very useful, thank you very much! Is a cover of ceramic tiles (made from burnt clay) appropriate for rain water harvesting? Since they are made of a natural material and they are not treated, I would say it’s a very good option. Thank you 🙏🏻
Why bother with the extra expense and hassle of the UV light which has to be set up to use the right amount of light/power for the volume of water running through it ? surely the ceramic filter is enough to make the water safe to drink and then with the extra activated carbon as well even though most ceramic filters have activated carbon inside them anyway. Would you say the UV is absolutely necessary ?
The rain harvesting info was good, the segue into standing seam vs standard metal was sort of off base. It has zero impact on water collection and I live in an environment with 110F highs and low rain, standard roof gaskets will last 20-30 years just like the roof itself. And even if it is leaking its going to leak whether you collect rain or not.
A properly designed evacuated glass-tube solar collector will have a 180-degree aluminized reflecting surface on the lower inside surface surrounding the actual tube that moves the water. Because of the vacuum and the aluminized reflecting surface... it negates virtually any/all concerns about the color of the roof.
Yeah, I'm also not trusting our Government in SA to clean the water properly.. also even if they do clean it, the chemicals are hectic .. some places you can tatse the difference in the tap
Here’s a tip for you. You can place a revolving shield around the water tank. Half of the shield is painted white and the other half is painted black. In Winter rotate the shield such that the black side faces the sun. The air space between the shield and the tank will heat up and prevent the tank from freezing. In Summer, face the white reflective part of the shield towards the sun. That will keep the sun from heating up the water which can cause problems with algae and bacteria. A removable reversible shield like a reversible coat will work too but that takes too much time. The rotating idea takes only a few seconds and your done. That’s what I recommend. One more suggestion. Due to its high specific heat capacity, water tanks hold heat. A good place to place potted plants that can’t take the cold. A common emergency with frost. A water tank is also a good place for a trellis to support fruiting vines. Plants also shade and hide the tank, improving aesthetics.
This was outstanding, so much helpful info in a dense format!
I just want to thank you for this profound aphorism, “Humans are not inherently destructive, they just don’t have enough feedback.” It’s applicable from the micro through the macro, from personal relationships to climate change and back again.
Thank you from Long Beach California USA.
Thank you so much for sharing, you really know your stuff! Greatly appreciated!
great point about the power of feedback on our behaviors.
thanks so much Rob, great learning lesson!
Good informative vid. My very first thought while watching was something you brought up regarding how people who take responsibility for their needs use resources more carefully.
Here is where your training as an Engineer comes in handy. Excellent work!
Good one.. quite informative... A big thanks from India 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳
Thank you! 😊
Rob! thanks! :D cool thing you share your knowledge! respect! :D
Great practical learning session, thank you for the specifics and the integrated approach.
Thanks for the video! In regards to the sludge layer. Since it is beneficial, do you not recommend periodically cleaning the rain barrel?
Thank-you Rob.
graphics prints can not be read on screen.
I you are drawing water with a pump with a vertical line, how far from the bottom of the tank should you draw the water.
I just got 4 IBC 27T gallon totes that was used for soybean oil. How do I clean them? Water is going to be used to keep swimming pool full, so I dont want an oil slick on top of the water.
Where is the article on peter Koontz work on biofilms? I can't find it anywhere on the internet
IBC-Tanks? Most affordable (modular) tank system. Even heatable by default and available UV-light protected, and can be lifted by 2 person. Got mine from a vendor who's using them for vegetable oils (therefore it’s heating capability) for 20€.
Where do we purchase one of these that meet the criteria? I'm in Foothills, Alberta
Thanks Rob
@Verge Permaculture It's so sad this doesn't have millions of views. Your comment about people using less water when they harvest their own reminds me of the health insurance/medical care situation in our country. People with health insurance generally don't care about specific costs, and don't know what they are. I went to the hospital recently and as tests were ordered, I asked how much they cost. None of the staff knew, or could find out before the test was done! We're so clueless about so much!
INSURANCE/MED AID is a toxic blight (cancer) on Humankind. Giant Ponzi Schemes that drives up prices and is feasted on by laegues of PARASITES who contribute ZERO to Humanity and scim off Billions/Trillions. Pray God a "future world" has no INSURANCE - or BANKS - or STOCK EXCHANGES
Thank you so much
Water tank vs. Cistern. Vs. Pond?
How long before your last frost date do you switch your diverted valve and start retaining water?
Our early spring is our wettest time, but it also happens to be when we are still under danger of freezing. A large amount of water won’t freeze if it gets down to 28 in April, but that might bust a valve. What are your thoughts?
Thanks!
I think urban or suburban "homesteading/permaculture" is more sustainable for the majority of humans. Not everyone can afford to, or is healthy enough, to move to the country and manage a large piece of land. Amazing sustainability & food growth can be accomplished on small lots!!
I have a corrugated metal roof. Should I be worried about toxins?
We have successfully installed 3,200 gallons of rain water tanks (10 tanks of various sizes - 70 gallons to 500 gallons each). Since we live in San Diego County and keep seeing bad news about the future of water here, we are thinking of digging out the swimming pool we filled with dirt 14 years ago and converting it to a rain water tank. Anyone have any ideas about how to cover it? (It is not square - 13 to 16 feet across. We may out dig out the deepest end.)
Come here to learn about rain water tanks and I learn about human's. Cheers mate.
How do you store heat under the mobile home?
What about Chlorine tablets
how about some ideas on a harvesting system when the house's roof isn't an option.
Rain harvesting formula : square ft of catchment area x inches of rain x .623 = gallons of water harvested. So 1000 sq ft of roof x 1 inch of rain x .623 = 623 gallons harvested.
This great I need it about 30,000 to 50,000 gallons for all my needs on farm
Going off grid
Rob I lived in Calgary my entire life up until last year I wish I could have found your channel sooner!
Very useful, thank you very much! Is a cover of ceramic tiles (made from burnt clay) appropriate for rain water harvesting? Since they are made of a natural material and they are not treated, I would say it’s a very good option. Thank you 🙏🏻
Why bother with the extra expense and hassle of the UV light which has to be set up to use the right amount of light/power for the volume of water running through it ? surely the ceramic filter is enough to make the water safe to drink and then with the extra activated carbon as well even though most ceramic filters have activated carbon inside them anyway. Would you say the UV is absolutely necessary ?
The rain harvesting info was good, the segue into standing seam vs standard metal was sort of off base. It has zero impact on water collection and I live in an environment with 110F highs and low rain, standard roof gaskets will last 20-30 years just like the roof itself. And even if it is leaking its going to leak whether you collect rain or not.
Hi Rob... having trouble with the bit.ly link to the PDF... ???
Hmm, okay let me take a look.
Try this. bit.ly/2Cfs667
A properly designed evacuated glass-tube solar collector will have a 180-degree aluminized reflecting surface on the lower inside surface surrounding the actual tube that moves the water. Because of the vacuum and the aluminized reflecting surface... it negates virtually any/all concerns about the color of the roof.
Yeah, I'm also not trusting our Government in SA to clean the water properly.. also even if they do clean it, the chemicals are hectic .. some places you can tatse the difference in the tap
They don’t get a big enough tank if they are worried about how much they using .
Brisbane always flood, dont know how they drought
A flood is a moment in time, a drought is a time span event. Brisbane itself doesn't so much go into drought, but rain can be intermittent.
It's asphalt not "ashphalt"!