FREE water forever. LEGALLY!!!!

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  • Опубліковано 9 жов 2023
  • Primary website here:
    SuburbanBiology.com
    Some folks have asked in the comments what welder I am using. Here is a link to the little portable red welder you see in the pump house scene and the retaining wall scene. It has served me well for many projects due to its portability.
    Amazon link: amzn.to/3vt7WTd
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
    Merch store here:
    suburbanbiology.creator-sprin...
    Patreon:
    patreon.com/suburbanbiology
    I installed a 30k gallon metal tank in my backyard so that I can run my entire house on rainwater. Often called a rainwater catchment or rainwater collection system; this has allowed me to avoid using city water and to catch free water from the sky instead. Think of it as a pool-sized rain barrel crammed into my backyard.
    If you would like to contact the installer I used (Jeff Sergent) in the central Texas region you can find his contact info at : suburbanbiology.com
    If you enjoyed this content and want to support my mission of spreading the message of suburban resiliency consider supporting me on Patreon: / suburbanbiology
    I also please consider becoming a youtube channel member if you are a super-fan of this type of work. My channel membership is currently under review but I will update this once it's live.
    ==============================
    ROUGH COST OF THIS PROJECT:
    30,000 GALLON TANK- $16,000 USD
    PVC pipes and fittings and gutter works - $4,000 USD (very rough estimate)
    My time and labor- hard to quantify. The steel for the retaining wall was probably around $1,000 USD.
    Tractor purchased used probably still retains 90% of it's value
    Other tools and welders obviously cost money.
    Sand and rocks- About $1,000 all said
    Refurbished pump- $500
    Backflow preventers and other fittings- $1,000
    Labor to the contractor varies widely based on how much work you do yourself. These are very rough numbers and probably vary from region to region. The cost of drilling a well in my area would have been on par or slightly more than the above tank cost. The pumps and filters would have been required for either.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 11 тис.

  • @jojosim
    @jojosim 6 місяців тому +4113

    Thank you for showing us your journey on this beautiful water system you've created. Shows us the important of water and how much we don't value it when we are in abundance, but when tragic events happen like yours, it really shows us the importance! Thank you again!

    • @suburbanbiology
      @suburbanbiology  6 місяців тому +138

      Thank you for your thoughtful comment. You summarized the message I was trying to spread with this video very well. I appreciate your support!

    • @BEAdventurePartners
      @BEAdventurePartners 6 місяців тому +29

      Awesome film. Just curious… could you also collect water from the roof of the water tank?

    • @harrywalker968
      @harrywalker968 6 місяців тому

      here in aus.. our water stinks of chlorine.. i fit whole house filters. 20''.. cost about 160 bucks.. regardless of how you filter water, you cant get rid of flouride.. &,,seeing your off grid water.. you still pay the service fee which is about 100 bucks here in aus, every 3 months.. its a rip off..same for elec, gas... every 3 months.. watched a vid in u.s of guy fitting solar to his shack.. cost him upwards of 30k..!!!!.. we pay 6k for a 6kw system.. 15c return, if your lucky, its ave 6c these days. 12 yrs ago, i paid 9k for a 3kw system.. never paid a bill. i got 54c kw back then..@@suburbanbiology

    • @devanharripersad5730
      @devanharripersad5730 6 місяців тому +8

      You remind me of my university colleagues

    • @codybersicc7939
      @codybersicc7939 6 місяців тому +5

      it was cool but the exterior is a straight eyesore

  • @winteroostenboom5046
    @winteroostenboom5046 Місяць тому +1223

    step 1: own land

    • @lisaadams474
      @lisaadams474 21 день тому +74

      Step one check your states restrictions on collecting rain water. Many states restrict it.

    • @akaraven66
      @akaraven66 20 днів тому +160

      @@lisaadams474 Over here in Australia we can collect water, but we have to pay tax on it... yeh, wrap your head around that, paying tax on rain.

    • @lisaadams474
      @lisaadams474 20 днів тому +55

      @@akaraven66 pure greed

    • @davidadekoya5605
      @davidadekoya5605 20 днів тому +26

      @@lisaadams474 such a free country. how ironic

    • @winterHomestead
      @winterHomestead 20 днів тому +25

      ​@@akaraven66so they own the rain ? F them

  • @chocbear8394
    @chocbear8394 3 місяці тому +3320

    its crazy that doing this in some states is illegal. Collecting rain water should never be illegal.

    • @justinwalsh8512
      @justinwalsh8512 3 місяці тому +71

      How could it be illegal?

    • @Volvith
      @Volvith 3 місяці тому +630

      @@justinwalsh8512 The laws were designed to 'protect people from harm of toxins' or something along those lines.
      This is one of those 'we are going to protect you against yourself even if you don't want it' cases, where the government pushes laws on people just so they can make money from charging them for their safety.
      ... If you're not a governmental organization, _there's a name for that kind of behavior. And it would be illegal._

    • @DrEnzyme
      @DrEnzyme 3 місяці тому +335

      @@justinwalsh8512 There's nothing inherently bad about rainwater, but if your water isn't stored or treated properly it can kill you. A town near mine had a Campylobacteriosis (E Coli) outbreak in their well about a decade ago which led to the death of my aunt, it can be really dangerous. If you're on rainwater you need to ensure you boil it before drinking and that the infrastructure is up to par so nothing undesirable is able to leech into the system.
      It's not that its bad (plenty of farmers around here live on rain water), but if it's a free for all you'll inevitably get someone who doesn't know what they're doing accidentally poisoning themselves because they thought it would be fun to build the water tank next to the pesticide runoff.

    • @justinwalsh8512
      @justinwalsh8512 3 місяці тому +18

      @@Volvith thank you for the insight

    • @justinwalsh8512
      @justinwalsh8512 3 місяці тому +10

      Thank you for the insight

  • @Robcobes
    @Robcobes Місяць тому +307

    I work in the office for a company that installs these rainwater systems. Here in The Netherlands we build them underground. That way the water temperature stays constant, no algae in the water, and it can't freeze in winter.

    • @suburbanbiology
      @suburbanbiology  Місяць тому +66

      That sounds awesome. The cost of this project would’ve tripled if I had gone for an underground tank. Otherwise I would’ve loved to have done that. Thanks for commenting.

    • @kristofp72
      @kristofp72 Місяць тому +36

      ​​​@@suburbanbiologyIn Belgium we are forced by law to have one for every new house. Also in the ground. They're made out of concrete so cheaper than a stainless steel tank. When they dig the foundation and sewer pipes and utilities they dig it in one go.
      But why not just drill a borehole and have a well, it's not a complicated process unless you have rocks. Simpler and no need for a huge tank at all.

    • @makethingshappen8427
      @makethingshappen8427 19 днів тому

      @@kristofp72many houses in the northeast have wells.

    • @tracexcze5408
      @tracexcze5408 10 днів тому +1

      @@kristofp72 cause Europe sits on fairly soft clay-like dirt that is way easier (and cheaper) to dig out...

    • @kaboomkp
      @kaboomkp 10 днів тому +1

      I’m in Seattle in the USA and we have places that are doing this now

  • @shiaominglee
    @shiaominglee Місяць тому +146

    the amount of work from research, to construction, to video production. it's just incredible

    • @suburbanbiology
      @suburbanbiology  Місяць тому +7

      Thank you for appreciating!

    • @uprailman
      @uprailman 23 дні тому +1

      Yes, You sit atop you tank with a big Zero. Wrong, How much did it cost to build this tank and it sounds like you also need electricity to pump your water. isn't that what the city's problem's was.

    • @calysagora3615
      @calysagora3615 19 днів тому +1

      Now they just have to learn to make descriptive titles instead of nonsensical click-bait bullshit titles.

  • @FJaypewpew
    @FJaypewpew 6 місяців тому +2567

    As an australian
    It stuns me that people around the world don’t have rainwater as an option

    • @alphaforce6998
      @alphaforce6998 6 місяців тому

      Everyone has rainwater as an option. The problem is that people are dumb cattle who blindly follow codes, rules, and regulations that do not apply to them. These people are often Godless, and slaves to this world and its ways.

    • @rainthstrive
      @rainthstrive 6 місяців тому +144

      Some countries don't get enough rain throughout the year :(

    • @oowaz
      @oowaz 6 місяців тому +651

      title is incredibly misleading considering that this project costs over 3 decades worth of water bills (in materials alone), not to mention the labor, time spent planning, fixing the kinks, etc. the requirement of having quite a bit of extra land that now is occupied with your massive tank, and now the maintenance of your water tank is your job forever too - none of that is "free", interesting vid tho

    • @heroaskaban5697
      @heroaskaban5697 6 місяців тому +18

      dont have enough space or rain here so it would be pointless

    • @FJaypewpew
      @FJaypewpew 6 місяців тому +19

      @@oowaz you can get small form factor ones that just sit wherever your hot water system (unless you’re on gas that’s a way smaller hws) that can range from like under 1000l to 4000 that aren’t a huge space occupation unless you use the side of your house a lot
      Idk as someone who grew up with it I can’t stand treated water man
      All you need are gutters pipes the storage unit a pump and to plumb it up to your current system with a bypass valve

  • @angelmarauder5647
    @angelmarauder5647 6 місяців тому +6312

    Have you considered sending your excess solar energy into your water tank to create ozone and purify the water?

    • @drdanbhcmg
      @drdanbhcmg 6 місяців тому +1248

      Wow next level thinking.

    • @suburbanbiology
      @suburbanbiology  6 місяців тому +2565

      Could do. I might if we have any issues

    • @quigzinator
      @quigzinator 6 місяців тому +330

      my understanding is that ozone injection requires a venturi and a pump running to circulate.

    • @quigzinator
      @quigzinator 6 місяців тому +385

      @@suburbanbiology I am curious how often and which tests you do on your water supply to ensure safe water. I imagine a testing station and log book in that pump shed would work quite well.

    • @iahelcathartesaura3887
      @iahelcathartesaura3887 6 місяців тому +114

      Excellent YES! Thank you for grounded common sense, elegant methodology ideas.
      Though I don't know if ozone treatment gets rid or precipitates forever chemicals and such out of rain water.
      I never had a chance to do this where I live, so I haven't checked into it... but I would if I was living out where we could do this (which I hopefully soon may be!)

  • @Cameron-ms8bz
    @Cameron-ms8bz Місяць тому +27

    People like this need more praise and recognition over those who are murders and scammers

  • @elizabethnicholls5032
    @elizabethnicholls5032 Місяць тому +35

    Here in Bermuda every house has a concrete water tank under it and we collect rain from our roofs. We are very careful with water as we know its value. No electricity in a hurricane and we can dip buckets into the tank. Love that you are doing this.

    • @suburbanbiology
      @suburbanbiology  Місяць тому +5

      That sounds like a brilliant and resilient infrastructure. Thanks for sharing!

  • @adhynugroho9424
    @adhynugroho9424 4 місяці тому +1081

    Technical/engineering skills will never go out of fashion. Absolutely brilliant!

    • @suburbanbiology
      @suburbanbiology  4 місяці тому +36

      Thank you for your kind words. And thanks for subscribing!

    • @noname-mm9of
      @noname-mm9of 3 місяці тому

      Duhhh.. everything is about making something for us humans

    • @ifyouknowyouknow6964
      @ifyouknowyouknow6964 3 місяці тому

      What major would that be under ? Just curious

    • @coflyerinc.9367
      @coflyerinc.9367 3 місяці тому

      @@suburbanbiologycan you fill it with molasses? Preferably past the safe storage limit? That would be cool to see

  • @paulfitz6614
    @paulfitz6614 6 місяців тому +2653

    I work in water filtration, rain water is fantastic. Just a few things for other people to keep in mind:
    - Keep a clean roof, install gutter protectors, use a first flush diverter to dump debris in first run-off
    - If you live near farmland, there may be pesticide/herbicide overspray, if that's the case you need carbon filtration which adsorbs a range of chemicals
    - Protozoa, cryptosporidium, giardia, cyclospora are always a risk with tank water, I'd recommend a minimum 1 micron nominal silver impregnated carbon block filtration on drinking water to deal with them
    - If there are factors which make bacteria or viruses a concern (dirty roof, lots of birds/bats, decaying organic matter), install an ultraviolet steriliser for all water coming in. UV will also take care of protozoa, cyst parasites.
    - If you use UV sterilisation, you will need a minimum 5 micron nominal sediment filter before it to remove particulates pathogens can hide behind.
    Forgot to memtion -- acidity can be an issue. Rainwater is naturally acidic and when it sits on plastic it stays acidic. If it is low, it can damage copper water lines, causing pinhole leaks. The copper also enters the water potentially posing a health risk. It can also introduce lead into your water from brass fittings.
    Test your water's acidity and if it is below 6.2-6.4 or so, consider installing a calcite or calcite/corosex system to buffer the pH back up. If you ever see green/blue staining in your bathroom, it is acidic water stripping copper off your water lines.

    • @arkatub
      @arkatub 6 місяців тому +66

      I was thinking he should use a "first flush diverter" but I didn't know what it was called or if it existed.

    • @Polygonaldog
      @Polygonaldog 6 місяців тому +23

      I imagine the best bet here would be to swap out his last filter in his line of three with a carbon and install a UV coming out of it, since he can't really install it going into the tank. Personally I'd chlorinate periodically too.

    • @danmartens8855
      @danmartens8855 6 місяців тому +13

      What about bird droppings?

    • @PsRohrbaugh
      @PsRohrbaugh 6 місяців тому +53

      I learned something extremely useful here!
      > If you use UV sterilization, you will need a minimum 5 micron nominal sediment filter before it to remove particulates pathogens can hide behind.
      I have a spring on a piece of property I just bought, and currently my setup goes 500 / 200 / 100 / 50 micron spin-down filters, followed by a UV sterilizer, followed by 5 micron cartridge, activated carbon, and 0.5 micron (as one pre-made unit, so I can't easily add UV in the middle).
      I'm either going to move the UV sterilizer to the end, or, more likely, add a second one after the 0.5 micron.
      Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

    • @FKTHESYSTEM063
      @FKTHESYSTEM063 6 місяців тому +7

      Not if that rain water has barium , strontium and aluminium in it.

  • @naturalhealthresourcecente3485
    @naturalhealthresourcecente3485 20 днів тому +13

    I build, sell and install custom water filter systems. Everything here is good and would add one suggestion. At the end of the R.O. add a minerial filter. Rain water is acidic and void of minerals therefore it can rob your body of minerals. I have a wellness business and I give talks on wellness with water as my main topic. Awesome job.

  • @arfr3567
    @arfr3567 23 дні тому +12

    Oh look it is free!
    "After 30-40 years" in the small print.

    • @otallono
      @otallono 22 дні тому +5

      When you're 6 feet under it starts to save you money lol oh wait you gotta pay off that tractor loan

    • @ChadOfAllChads
      @ChadOfAllChads 10 днів тому

      You don't need a tractor to do what he did. You don't even need to do it how he did either. The compactor itself can be rented from home depot or Lowes for like 100 dollars.

  • @PrimeGlaz
    @PrimeGlaz 4 місяці тому +1000

    Its crazy that in some places collecting RAIN WATER is illegal.

    • @danatkins8240
      @danatkins8240 4 місяці тому +163

      In Australia it’s illegal not to collect rain water.

    • @adamizett3169
      @adamizett3169 4 місяці тому

      What absolute drivel! @@danatkins8240

    • @sgt.doughnut5918
      @sgt.doughnut5918 4 місяці тому +246

      Because it can mess up the local water table.
      Remember water runs in a cycle, by collecting it you are removing it from that cycle. Collecting thousands of gallons of water and just holding it can cause damage to the surrounding ecosystem.

    • @caseyb1346
      @caseyb1346 4 місяці тому

      @@sgt.doughnut5918 That is the crux of the issue. Do you owe the rest of the community any of the water that falls on your land?
      Personally I say that water on your land is yours, but like anything the state has a right to tax some of it. Even a high tax percentage like 50% or half the sq footage of your property must drain to the ground would still mean most rooftop setups would be perfectly fine.
      Which also implies you should get a tax credit if you don't collect rainwater. After all far more rain falls on a person's property then what they actually use depending on the area. After thinking about it a bit that would be kind of complicated to implement though. You would need separate tabs for water usage, and utility (collection, filtering, pumping) usage. Someone who collects rainwater would still contribute some water to the water table, but would use none of the utilities, so the city would have to cut them a check for the water collected. Problem is there is no way to measure how much water actually made it to the water table. It's just a guesstimate based on uncollected square footage and amount of rainfall. So many other factors play into that it would never be good enough to satisfy any accountants sensibilities.

    • @b33zcraigslist46
      @b33zcraigslist46 4 місяці тому +200

      ​@sgt.doughnut5918 That isn't true or logical. This water would still be used by his household. It would just be stored with the public reserve.

  • @scottharmon6241
    @scottharmon6241 3 місяці тому +806

    I have been involved in the water treatment industry for 39 years and before retiring was once in charge of a large municipal water system in Maryland. I currently work for an organization that helps small rural communities with water and wastewater issues. One of the topics we cover is rain water harvesting and I am very impressed with the system you have designed. I am working with some folks in the US Virgin Islands on rainwater harvesting as there are a few of those islands that have no useable fresh water sources. Thank you for sharing your wonderful video and I am currently living in south Texas as well.

    • @suburbanbiology
      @suburbanbiology  3 місяці тому +66

      Thanks for commenting. I appreciate your support, especially given your background. Thanks for being a part of this!

    • @scottharmon6241
      @scottharmon6241 3 місяці тому

      Your welcome and if you have any water treatment questions or concerns in the future, please reach out to me.@@suburbanbiology

    • @I_report_scammers_spammers
      @I_report_scammers_spammers 3 місяці тому +14

      I'm glad someone is doing that. It's absurd that a country that gets that kind of rain would not have access to fresh water.

    • @mrinky4167
      @mrinky4167 3 місяці тому +4

      I am the 100th like

    • @thefrogbert6295
      @thefrogbert6295 3 місяці тому +2

      This is amazing thanks for showing us how to do stuff like this.❤

  • @breaker86
    @breaker86 2 дні тому +1

    Thank you for showing this.....Some people just don't understand how precious ''Liquid Gold ''is..And so many take advantage of it till there's NO MORE!!

  • @5sweatingpalm
    @5sweatingpalm Місяць тому +17

    Bro your knowledge on the logic where the water is dirty and clean part led me to subs to you. You knowledge is important for those who are looking into this idea. Thank you.

  • @suburbanbiology
    @suburbanbiology  6 місяців тому +183

    This is my second time uploading this video due to a technical error on my part. I published it in low def accidentally on Friday. I apologize to anyone getting alerted to this for the second time. I'm still learning. Thanks for watching..... again.... if you did.

    • @SurenCao
      @SurenCao 6 місяців тому +1

      Would you be able to post the water filter you are using?

    • @cbsos4u52
      @cbsos4u52 6 місяців тому

      @@SurenCao mm km 'll
      o

    • @jaytrock3217
      @jaytrock3217 6 місяців тому +1

      Great video. Glad I moved to Texas. I had the same issues from that storm. However our grid is better than most. I lived in California and NY. It is amazing when their grid fails. It is blame on everyone other than the government. I was happy last season with the storm we had, noting happened. I was more prepared. Unlike what happens each year in NY and CA.

    • @priestesslucy3299
      @priestesslucy3299 6 місяців тому +2

      So how much did it cost you to build this?
      I never saw you report that...

    • @jimthomas1989
      @jimthomas1989 6 місяців тому +2

      @suburbanbiology •
      I like how you say ZERO water bill at the first of the video and making a ZERO with your fingers ,
      But in Reality you spent $30,000 dollars or more to build that didn't you ?

  • @OnlyTheChronic
    @OnlyTheChronic 6 місяців тому +557

    1.3M views in 5 days shows there is a serious interest in this and that's a promising sign that people are waking up and realizing that we can't count on anyone but ourselves when things go wrong. This is a beautiful system that anyone would be proud of.

    • @bikerfirefarter7280
      @bikerfirefarter7280 6 місяців тому +26

      Or it could be people apreciating the comedy aspect of a delusional individual.

    • @Homiloko2
      @Homiloko2 6 місяців тому +90

      @@bikerfirefarter7280 You're the only negative comment I've seen scrolling down so far, so I doubt it.

    • @lynth
      @lynth 6 місяців тому +31

      $16000 + regular maintenance seems like a big investment. How many years of water bills could you pay with that money? Of course, more independence is awesome, but it sure comes at a steep price.

    • @harrywalker968
      @harrywalker968 6 місяців тому +5

      we dont have problems like you do in the u.s.. get rid of biden.. ausie..

    • @jdamqueen
      @jdamqueen 6 місяців тому +5

      ​@@lynth this would only pay off after like 30 years lol

  • @Loagz_Beatz
    @Loagz_Beatz Місяць тому +3

    The fact that it is illegal to collect water that falls from the sky is insane.

    • @valdimer11
      @valdimer11 3 дні тому

      It's usually cited as illegal because of "safety concerns".
      All that goes out the window though, if you install and store the water correctly.

  • @tape6ixteen19
    @tape6ixteen19 Місяць тому +1

    Not only you made the great video and project, but you also well explained the importance of resources, the story behind it and how one be prepared for times like this.

    • @suburbanbiology
      @suburbanbiology  Місяць тому +2

      Wow, thank you! I’m honored that you enjoyed and appreciated it. Thanks for commenting and for subscribing!

  • @dailyrider2975
    @dailyrider2975 6 місяців тому +558

    Fun fact before WW2 my Dad told me they used rain water in Holland for all their needs. South side of roof with sun and UV rays was for human drinking. North side that had some moss (slate roofs) was for animals, garden and other uses. cisterns under house had to be cleaned every few years.

    • @hoperules8874
      @hoperules8874 6 місяців тому +24

      Yup. Used to be you built cisterns before the house! SW US hot-dry climates.

    • @guatf1
      @guatf1 6 місяців тому +36

      My grandmother was still making her tea with rain water, and all other water what she boiled before use, like cooking potato's, until she died at age 97 around 3 years ago

    • @chrism4008
      @chrism4008 6 місяців тому +6

      I have a friend here in the Dayton Ohio area who rents a 120 year old house, it still has cisterns in the ground below the kitchen window. The lid is busted on one so its slightly open and i have peed in there multiple times. It is kinda sketchy standing on the lids though, so i dont do it often

    • @hoperules8874
      @hoperules8874 6 місяців тому +7

      @@guatf1 Go Granny-she Rocked It! Glad you had a long time with her!

    • @multiream
      @multiream 6 місяців тому +7

      Fun fact. My grandpa got captured by the japanese during world war 2. He was put in jail without food and water for weeks and only drank water from the rain pouring at the canals near the windows

  • @Strider362
    @Strider362 4 місяці тому +85

    "It's that easy" that looked insanely hard!!

    • @thierryfaquet7405
      @thierryfaquet7405 Місяць тому +8

      and insanely expensive. Nothing "free" about this water.

    • @nikolascsgo
      @nikolascsgo Місяць тому

      ​@@thierryfaquet7405 definitely cheaper in the long run lol

  • @CC-kl4nh
    @CC-kl4nh 19 днів тому

    This is amazing. The discussions bring light to how much I know!

  • @sykedem_yt6254
    @sykedem_yt6254 Місяць тому +1

    Gotta love high quality work when you see it. Excellent job to you and the team.

  • @tonyswatermaker3158
    @tonyswatermaker3158 6 місяців тому +177

    Only a small tip. Put a flush valve on the city water. That pipe will have stand still water and create ligionella bacteria. If you ever would need the city water you can flush the deadwater before you tap it into your house.
    Keep up the good work.

    • @MadHeadzOz
      @MadHeadzOz 6 місяців тому +21

      Good tip. I'm curious about legionella in standing water. I scarcely recall hearing about it when copper pipes were the standard for plumbing. It may be totally unrelated or even poor observation on my part. But it seems there have been increased instances of the problem since copper pipe became less common and plastic pipe became the standard. I understand standing water being an issue and copper being somewhat antimicrobial. To me it seems plausible that the more budget friendly option may come with harder to calculate health hazards.
      Town supply water is exorbitantly priced and tastes horrible. I'm lead to believe much of what it is treated with is more about protecting the delivery infrastructure than it is about the quality of water or people's well being.

    • @alexfrideres1198
      @alexfrideres1198 6 місяців тому +2

      Maybe he wants legionnaires disease

    • @suburbanbiology
      @suburbanbiology  6 місяців тому +30

      The underground pipe has a drain at the low point. I'm thinking of hooking up a pump do the drain port so I can pump the water into the tank if it seems a drought is coming. That way the pipe sits empty rather than full.

    • @tonyswatermaker3158
      @tonyswatermaker3158 6 місяців тому

      Prevent is better then cured.
      Legionnaires' (LEE-juh-nares) disease is a serious type of pneumonia (lung infection) caused by Legionella (LEE-juh-nell-a) bacteria. People can get sick when they breathe in small droplets of water or accidently swallow water containing Legionella into the lungs.
      So a flush valve of 2$ is worth?

    • @specialopsdave
      @specialopsdave 6 місяців тому +13

      ​@@suburbanbiology He means the city water between the mains pipe and the first valve you have on your city water line will become stagnant

  • @Normbee
    @Normbee 6 місяців тому +244

    I live next door. I drilled a hole at the bottom of the tank and hooked up a hose, and ran it into my yard. I'm saving a lot on my water bill. I water all my plants, and my kids get the hose and have water fights. This is a great product, and I highly recommend it.

    • @poopybutthole5294
      @poopybutthole5294 6 місяців тому +7

      WHy would you steal your neighbours water, and then admit to doing it on youtube???

    • @nielssonneveld
      @nielssonneveld 6 місяців тому

      lol@@poopybutthole5294

    • @2ARM2
      @2ARM2 6 місяців тому

      @@poopybutthole5294 joke went so far over your head i'm pretty sure that the u.s government thought it was a ufo

    • @Nieleks
      @Nieleks 6 місяців тому +77

      @@poopybutthole5294 It's a joke

    • @blazeoff3862
      @blazeoff3862 6 місяців тому +5

      It's a joke, that they are near the original poster and stealing their water.

  • @cosmicwanderer4306
    @cosmicwanderer4306 11 днів тому

    Hundreds of years to enjoy your handwork. Best !!!

  • @owenbell852
    @owenbell852 10 днів тому

    "Free" - Very generous use of this word

  • @alexanderx33
    @alexanderx33 3 місяці тому +142

    Several notes from a water resources engineer:
    18" of water column for a 4" pipe does not appear to be enough to scour grit from the buried pipe. You're going to loose capacity by running the pipe in surcharge over time. cleanouts should be located at each end of the underground section so that you can have it jetted when it inevitably gets clogged.
    Also, the above ground portions of your pvc need to be painted to prevent UV embrittlement.

    • @winstonwegner5162
      @winstonwegner5162 Місяць тому

      As the owner of a water storage tank company I second @alexanderx33. Guy knows what he’s talking about!

    • @rembrandrembrand
      @rembrandrembrand Місяць тому +4

      he just wasted his money on a water system,water is cheaper then electricty or gas :)))if he was a farmer and your farm is close to a dessert maybe great idea...

    • @abbcc5996
      @abbcc5996 Місяць тому +6

      @@rembrandrembrand its a survivalist thing. how many people will ever need an air raid shelter built under their house in america? almost no one, some people will still demand them for the ease of mind though

    • @AndroMediaGalaxy
      @AndroMediaGalaxy Місяць тому +8

      @@rembrandrembrand He had clearly mentioned the reason in the video which its not Money or taxes but the scarcity of water which his family went through.

  • @knwmr
    @knwmr Місяць тому +1

    You are a true American man, and I admire your will to take lead when the well is dry

  • @davienstrong
    @davienstrong 6 місяців тому +367

    I love how everyone in the comments adds tips to help make sure all bases are covered for your water tanks longevity. You guys are awesome😊

    • @Brudda1
      @Brudda1 6 місяців тому

      En France ils ont voté une loi qui interdit l'utilisation et la collecte des eau de pluie

    • @codybersicc7939
      @codybersicc7939 6 місяців тому +4

      it was cool but the exterior is a straight eyesore

    • @zawash
      @zawash 6 місяців тому

      @@codybersicc7939 it's not so bad imo, i feel as though if it was spruced up any more than it is now it'd create some problems with the structure itself as well as the filtration

    • @kristiansandsmark2048
      @kristiansandsmark2048 6 місяців тому +5

      I would install one of these, but im scared somone would steal the tank during the night.

    • @NoNORADon911
      @NoNORADon911 6 місяців тому

      Don't forget to bring a towel! Towlie - RIP

  • @juankruger2598
    @juankruger2598 3 місяці тому +339

    Awesome! I'm in South Africa and I can not understand how a government can tell you that collecting RAIN water is illegal. Dude., good luck even trying to tell people that here. I'm glad it's not illegal where you are. I, and many, many other South Africans have water tanks and/or borehole water setups. For obvious reasons.

    • @mysticdre321
      @mysticdre321 3 місяці тому +69

      Here in America, if the government cant tax you for it, it's illegal

    • @juankruger2598
      @juankruger2598 3 місяці тому +23

      @@mysticdre321 That's so bizarre, in this case especially. They've done nothing to create or provide that water, they can't; it's rain. How TF can they want to charge citizens for that? Something they had no hand in creating or supplying whatsoever

    • @mysticdre321
      @mysticdre321 3 місяці тому +34

      Also, If you create your own electricity, i.e., solar, the law states that you have to be on the grid. That way, they can charge you for being on the grid.

    • @AWESOMEJOSH777
      @AWESOMEJOSH777 3 місяці тому +8

      The real reason is the threat of it becoming a mosquito breeding ground. Most people don't realize this but if it's made improperly that can be a pretty big obvious problem for not just you but nearby people lol
      The other reason is the potential for it to disrupt the natural cycle of rain if that makes sense. Essentially if everyone in a region where it rains *a lot* starts collecting rain water there's a potential to cause even less rain in neighboring regions with little to no rain.
      Regions like South Africa however have no valid argument to not collecting rain water however. I've seen *plenty* of reason for people there to have water tanks properly installed :( it's honestly kinda sad. I still remember seeing a video about people having to take a single jug or 2 to a local pump in a *city* to collect their daily ration of water.
      In otherwords if your region is dry and arid or no rainfall hardly etc In America you'd be more than allowed even encouraged or incentivized to collect rain water with tanks put together such as the one in this video.

    • @AWESOMEJOSH777
      @AWESOMEJOSH777 3 місяці тому +10

      @@mysticdre321 They're supposed to pay you if you generate enough power that it's sending more back than you're consuming. If they're charging you just for being there I'd look more into that it sounds sort of illegal.

  • @JesseGeeTorres
    @JesseGeeTorres 10 днів тому

    I liked when he mentioned the idea, subed when he mentioned the zombie apocalypse
    Super grateful to also be a south Texas native in a rural area as well. Great advice in this

  • @rodrigo_tm
    @rodrigo_tm Місяць тому +1

    i live in a village and we have something "similar". its just a good old well that gets refilled with rain a lot

  • @SVJRBBY
    @SVJRBBY 6 місяців тому +562

    THIS! This is what UA-cam was all about and supposed to be all about. What a wonderful video. The passion for the project, the passion for the videomaking, and the passion you have towards craftin is absolutely exceptional. I loved every single second of this video. Cannot wait to see more from you!

    • @ernestogastelum9123
      @ernestogastelum9123 6 місяців тому +4

      UA-cam was supposed to beabout dating

    • @omarsanchez9709
      @omarsanchez9709 6 місяців тому

      jotit..............o
      🤣

    • @Vinxz-tn1se
      @Vinxz-tn1se 6 місяців тому +1

      yall was glazing

    • @a420dro
      @a420dro 6 місяців тому +6

      how much you pay for a water bill tho, price of his project covers 35-40 years of city water supply in my town

    • @belldrop7365
      @belldrop7365 6 місяців тому +5

      @@a420dro Not to mention premium land space. It's really just a rich boy's project rather than being practical.
      It's good as a yt video tho'.

  • @Grace-jb7me
    @Grace-jb7me 3 місяці тому +249

    This knowledge alone is a business idea. I would pay good money to have this guy consult in a water tank installation.

    • @x_mau9355
      @x_mau9355 Місяць тому +3

      yea and then he makes a mistake, people get sick and sue the crap out of him. He is no water resources engineer, not a chemist... and these big water reservoirs need constant control of many chemical and bacteriological aspects to run smooth. Not talking of the costs of the material, working hours, spare parts and so on.

  • @ZoggyWoggyII
    @ZoggyWoggyII 9 годин тому

    My immediate reaction is this is very impressive. Another possibly preferable solution for others wishing to emulate is to implement water catchment ponds and trenches to enable rainwater reabsorption into the ground. Thereby contributing the groundwater levels and restoring them then one would be able to tap into this groundwater with a well and some sort of pumping mechanism. Glad you and your family have secured yourselves water regardless.

    • @suburbanbiology
      @suburbanbiology  8 годин тому +1

      I’m working on a video on this topic right now. Stay tuned. Thanks for your support!

  • @user-on1sk4fl6s
    @user-on1sk4fl6s Місяць тому

    I thought of it November 2024 when entered in Montreal - great to know water is free of taxes but needed to make sure it is 100% best too

  • @herautoemiliodealmeidafilh4821
    @herautoemiliodealmeidafilh4821 5 місяців тому +320

    From Brazil, I congratulate your attitude and determination in building this large rainwater reservoir, because water is life and having it in abundance in a place where it rains only a few months a year is very prudent...may this attitude be multiplied each time more🙌🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷

    • @suburbanbiology
      @suburbanbiology  5 місяців тому +10

      Thank you for your support! I agree with your philosophy on water. 🙏🏼

    • @benitoscheck7484
      @benitoscheck7484 4 місяці тому +1

      Es fehlt dadurch allerdings den Pflanzen und Tieren vor Ort

    • @alohaboomboom8913
      @alohaboomboom8913 4 місяці тому

      @@benitoscheck7484nein, es wird nur das vom dach gesammelt im video

    • @iLLDiSS
      @iLLDiSS 3 місяці тому

      @@benitoscheck7484 so ein Blödsinn! Das hab ich oben schon einmal auf Englisch erklärt. Er sammelt das Wasser, das sonst auf sein Dach fallen und im Abfluss verschwinden würde. Noch dazu verbraucht er das Wasser und nachdem er es genutzt hat, kommt es wieder in den von euch ach so geschätzten "natürlichen" Kreislauf, der durch eine solche Anlage garantiert nicht unterbrochen wird.
      Wenn wir mal bei einem Landbesitzer angekommen sind, der Hektarweise Wasserkollektoren aufstellt wie hierzulande die Bauern ihre Felder mit Photovoltaikzellen zugepflastert haben als die Subventionen hoch genug waren, DANN aber erst DANN können wir von schädlicher Wirkung auf das regionale Ökosystem reden.

  • @TurtleWaxed
    @TurtleWaxed 6 місяців тому +397

    If you had installed the tank underground, you could also use the tank as a geothermal heat sink where you would use the cooler underground water to cool your house and circulate it back to the tank. In the cooler season, the tank would hopefully be warmer than outside air and allow you to preheat outside air coming into the house so you could save on the heating bill as well as the cooling bill. :)

    • @PraiseTheLordyourGodJesus
      @PraiseTheLordyourGodJesus 6 місяців тому

      😢😢Leviticus‬ ‭18:22‬ ‭KJV‬‬
      Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. Ephesians 6:10-18 says, Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. The bible is no old book. You have to really let Christ open your eyes; to see the world in shambles. Many people say it's a religion to lock up people in chains, and say it's a rule book.. why? Because people hate hearing the truth, it hurts their flesh, it's hurts their pride, it's exposes on what things have they done..people love this world so much, s*x, money, power, women, supercars.. things of this world. Still trying to find something that can fill that emptiness in your heart. You can't find that in this world.. only in Christ, the bible is no chains, it's a chainbreaker. Breaking your sins into pieces... Repent now, and turn back to the true Lord only.. God bless.

    • @oowaz
      @oowaz 6 місяців тому +12

      that would be neat!

    • @rifkifirdaus2199
      @rifkifirdaus2199 6 місяців тому +4

      sounds logical

    • @timofeifilippov9558
      @timofeifilippov9558 6 місяців тому +36

      Maintenance though. Also pumping water from underground requires a lot more energy

    • @ankitraj-mp5mn
      @ankitraj-mp5mn 6 місяців тому

      Solar panel and some batteries costly but could work@@timofeifilippov9558

  • @maritucci4054
    @maritucci4054 Місяць тому

    This whole project is AMAZING !!!

  • @volt8399
    @volt8399 Місяць тому +4

    I do a lot of things DIY, but your level of skill is so much higher than mine, and something I aspire to. You are awesome

    • @suburbanbiology
      @suburbanbiology  Місяць тому +1

      Thank you for saying so 🙏🏼 I appreciate the praise from a fellow DIY-er. Thanks for your support and for subscribing!

  • @FreedomFighterJD
    @FreedomFighterJD 3 місяці тому +33

    Hey there. Interesting Project.
    I'm a municipal engineer where we use SDR 35 PVC all the time for things. One thing I thought I'd mention is the fact it's susceptible to UV degradation. (sunlight). Being in Texas, I'm sure you get quite a bit of that ol' sunshine. You may want to cover the exposed PVC with something to keep the sunlight off it and prolong the life of the system.

    • @suburbanbiology
      @suburbanbiology  3 місяці тому +15

      Hi thanks for weighing in. I didn’t show it but all of the vertical pipes got a coat of paint to match either the house or the workshop. Hopefully that extends their life. Thanks for your support and for subscribing!

  • @eumarise8272
    @eumarise8272 6 місяців тому +37

    18 years old here, im starting medschool next year but seeing these videos inspire me.
    I like the idea of having my own private space to build and have my own place which shouts who I am.
    Thankyou for being inspiring

    • @derbybOyzZ
      @derbybOyzZ 6 місяців тому +3

      doctors are needed everywhere, so you'll be able to live wherever other humans are. :)

    • @JenaArt
      @JenaArt 6 місяців тому

      Sorry to spoil it for you, but sooner or later you will realize that medical profession has been long hijacked by the greedy pharma cartel which now controls all med schools, so instead of teaching how to cure and reverse disease, they indoctrinate med students and train them to push synthetic drugs, which, in turn, are designed to keep patients perpetually sick and medicated. If you are truly called to help people, conventional medical training is NOT going to teach you that. Look into alternative medicine, especially pay close attention to alternative methods that are viciously attacked by mainstream medical cartel. Homeopathy is one of those modalities. I highly encourage you to look into it and study the real history of medicine (not the Rockefeller’s version of it). Hope you will make the right choice. Good luck to you!

    • @bikerfirefarter7280
      @bikerfirefarter7280 6 місяців тому +1

      First things first, get a good grip on reality.

    • @zano9291
      @zano9291 6 місяців тому

      Woah! Medschool @ 18?!

    • @toddburgess5056
      @toddburgess5056 6 місяців тому

      😆

  • @alyoon6590
    @alyoon6590 Місяць тому

    Wow. That’s a lot of work and you’ve managed to think of everything.

  • @poerava
    @poerava 11 днів тому

    Holy moly. What a bit project
    Thank you 🙏🏽

  • @Benjamimic
    @Benjamimic 6 місяців тому +603

    WARNING: Water collection like this has some restrictions depending on the state you live in so make sure you check for any before diving in. Most states do not have restrictions, but that may change in the coming years as the Colorado River dries up and water shortages become more common around the world. Cool idea though, love seeing custom jobs like this.

    • @gshepherd6141
      @gshepherd6141 6 місяців тому +203

      yeah, because they don't want you to be self sufficient.

    • @teamcoltra
      @teamcoltra 6 місяців тому +142

      @@gshepherd6141 I would agree with the premise that people should be able to be self sufficient and hold their own water. I would still probably go for some regulated middle ground though where you can't have Nestle opening up huge water collection systems in Nevada or something to catch millions of gallons of rain water to divert to their own use. I'm not sure the practicality of that, but I know something similar happens in Australia.

    • @gshepherd6141
      @gshepherd6141 6 місяців тому +21

      good point@@teamcoltra

    • @AD34534
      @AD34534 6 місяців тому +23

      Land of the free.

    • @FJaypewpew
      @FJaypewpew 6 місяців тому +4

      Ducking insane to see that, as an Australian

  • @tylerx293
    @tylerx293 3 місяці тому +69

    Can we talk about how capable this man is? 😮...

  • @zachary3603
    @zachary3603 Місяць тому +1

    Love it! Luckily I live in the UK where it always rains, also by the sea etc. So if it's sunny, you get your water by evaporating seawater, if it's raining, you can throw up a tarp and collect + filter.

  • @johnblyth9787
    @johnblyth9787 13 днів тому

    Back in the early part of last century my grand parents lived on a farm. Only water was from tanks. Only power was a small generator for lights. Cooking was on a wood stove, and it gave hot water, and heating in winter. Toilet was a hole in the ground with a seat above. AKA long drop or out house.
    In town we had electricity and town water. But most houses still had tanks. Sewage was put in about 1968. Prior to that we had a pan and a council truck came once a week and changed the pan. They were in many ways the good old days.

  • @JelMain
    @JelMain 6 місяців тому +225

    If freeze should become a problem, installing a water circulation pump, preferably downstream of the filters, should give you extra buffering. The one thing missing is a quality test rig, which could be useful if ever any environmental event (Popacatapetl blowing volcanic ash your way, or a neighbour crop-dusting your roof by accident, for example) were to happen.

    • @jbhk7977
      @jbhk7977 6 місяців тому

      My worry is not the build/construction or pumps, my worry is the plans that are coming from the people in Davos. They are the reason why this is happening to the world. In their vision, the western world needs to be reset because the financial system is imploding. They want a CBDC and in order to do that, they will have to demolish everything the western world has to offer. Hens the flooding o Europe and the US with illegals, the raising of taxes, wars and the climate change agenda. The weather is being manipulated and part of the great reset that will happen before 2030 (agenda 2030) By that time you to own nothing and be happy. Everything you build in order to sustain yourself during a future crisis will be taken from you before 2030
      People in Europe and the UK are waking up to this fact and finally start to realize this isn't a conspiracy theory anymore. They fight the camera's and barriers intended for cordoning off cities/districts, also known as 15 minutes cities. They want to scare us with climate change in order to trick us into giving away rights and possessions in order to "be saved" by the very people that invented the climate hoax. Around the 1500's the small "ice age" started, during the next few centuries the temperatures decreased with about 2 degrees Celsius, since the 1900's we are returning to our normal temperature (+2 degrees) this is what they like to call global warming. It's not global warming, it's a natural cyclus.
      So are we (the world population) the problem?
      Get this: All the people that are currently on this earth (8,045,311,447) fit inside New York City with room left for 500.000.000 more. Please go to Google and type in New York City . . . go to the map, now zoom out until you see the entire goble, you see that tiny spec, that's the space the entire world population takes up, our "carbon footprint". You still believe that the world population is the problem?
      We have to stop the great reset and then we don't need water tanks anymore.

    • @lxmzhg
      @lxmzhg 6 місяців тому +1

      or chem-trails

    • @skybiz4520
      @skybiz4520 6 місяців тому +1

      OR, Instead Read "Bill of Exchange Act" and "Negotiable Instruments".. So called "BILL" is a BOND with Payment / Detachable COUPON attached.. Coupon is a "Check", got to know, how to Endorse it Properly.. "YOUR" bills are Pre-paid, they are "Securities" / USC 18 & 8 / Gov. Obligations. So called "Bills" is not a "Bill" it is a Statement of Account with "Credit USED" Your SSN is a "Credit Card USC 15 & 1602 (L) read the definition. Ignorance is no excuse. Start reading..

    • @Zibi21
      @Zibi21 6 місяців тому +1

      Just isolate the walls so it doesnt freeze and in order to prevent from algy and viruses use oxygen tablets and a circulation pump.

    • @evangaudet
      @evangaudet 6 місяців тому

      @@skybiz4520 what are you talking about? Just curious.

  • @1995texasaggie
    @1995texasaggie 6 місяців тому +226

    Absolutely brilliant my Texas brother. We never lost power during that February freeze and our stock tanks (ponds) allowed us to flush toilets as our water coop cut off all water. I have mad respect for you and I appreciate your filming/editing/posting skills.

    • @suburbanbiology
      @suburbanbiology  6 місяців тому +17

      Thank you for saying. I appreciate your support! That was a crazy couple days. Next time will be different.

    • @jasonrubik
      @jasonrubik 6 місяців тому +3

      ​@@suburbanbiologywe lost power for a few days in NW Houston. Luckily our in-laws were a few miles away and had power. Curious observation.... you mentioned the number of gallons collected per inch of rainfall per some fixed amount of roof area. Is there any reason that you omitted the discussion of your local annual rainfall versus your household's average water consumption? This would be helpful to mention as it is the primary driver behind the overall viability of a project like this. Excellent video ! Thanks ! Also, get those gutters onto the tank roof itself, and also add the first flush bypass system that others mentioned. Later man

  • @peterdenham
    @peterdenham 6 днів тому

    I can't say I fully understand everything but I found it very fascinating!

  • @MrArik86
    @MrArik86 Місяць тому +2

    I'm so glad you factored in the zombies. Covering all bases, excellent work boss.

  • @PhezterGamingChannel
    @PhezterGamingChannel 6 місяців тому +60

    Very nice, but might want to install “First Flush” Chambers off the gutters before they get to the primary inlet tubes to your tank.

  • @jeremygallimore3042
    @jeremygallimore3042 6 місяців тому +83

    I am impressed. I am a licensed plumber and know a bit about this type of system. The fact that you pulled this off is amazing. Hopefully all the views helps you on your journey. Keep it up man!

    • @PraiseTheLordyourGodJesus
      @PraiseTheLordyourGodJesus 6 місяців тому

      😢Leviticus‬ ‭18:22‬ ‭KJV‬‬
      Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. Ephesians 6:10-18 says, Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. The bible is no old book. You have to really let Christ open your eyes; to see the world in shambles. Many people say it's a religion to lock up people in chains, and say it's a rule book.. why? Because people hate hearing the truth, it hurts their flesh, it's hurts their pride, it's exposes on what things have they done..people love this world so much, s*x, money, power, women, supercars.. things of this world. Still trying to find something that can fill that emptiness in your heart. You can't find that in this world.. only in Christ, the bible is no chains, it's a chainbreaker. Breaking your sins into pieces... Repent now, and turn back to the true Lord only.. God bless.
      😢😢😢

    • @BigWalka
      @BigWalka 6 місяців тому

      How is it being a plumber? I’m a young guy and was looking into it

  • @jayknuffke285
    @jayknuffke285 Місяць тому +1

    I wouldn't say in ANY case it was easy, but certainly worth it. Fantastic work, love the thorough thought.

  • @eddisonyoung8384
    @eddisonyoung8384 8 днів тому

    Thanks for the ideas. Going to need them soon. However I prefer going for several smaller tanks than one big one.

  • @lincolnpascual
    @lincolnpascual 5 місяців тому +254

    This is a common occurrence in Hawaii. I grew up with catchment water my entire childhood. Easily filtered and cleaned with a reverse osmosis system and a network of filters, including UV (you don't want to risk water born illnesses). I can't imagine having to pay for water... I've spent my entire life not worrying about that as a utility expense.

    • @thedbcooperforum
      @thedbcooperforum 5 місяців тому +19

      Most cities don't allow this and still bill you if you use no water..

    • @patty109109
      @patty109109 4 місяці тому +2

      I’ve spent my entire life turning on a two and having potable water. I can’t imagine having to collect and filter it.

    • @lincolnpascual
      @lincolnpascual 4 місяці тому

      @@patty109109 sounds like a you problem. You won't survive.

    • @IsmetPeci1
      @IsmetPeci1 4 місяці тому

      @@thedbcooperforumyea where i live they do. Even if you don’t use any electricity still you get a bill every month. Most countries are just like the mafia

    • @ApasTalaz
      @ApasTalaz 4 місяці тому

      ​@@patty109109 just so you do not care doesn't mean others do not care as well, Patts.

  • @happydayz5321
    @happydayz5321 6 місяців тому +86

    Nice work ! We live on an island in the Caribbean and collect water from our roofs and pipe it undergroiund to above ground concrete cisterns. Clean, safe water is going to become VERY important as the years fly by. You have done a stellar job with your system !

    • @suburbanbiology
      @suburbanbiology  6 місяців тому +3

      Thank you for your kind words and appreciation. And thanks for subscribing!

    • @SirD1
      @SirD1 6 місяців тому +1

      How do you ensure it's safe and clean?

    • @JPWRana
      @JPWRana 6 місяців тому

      This would be my preference over rain barrels and tanks. A cistern, because it's underground and you keep the top space for anything.

    • @happydayz5321
      @happydayz5321 6 місяців тому +5

      @@SirD1 The family has been using our cistern water for 15 years and we are 'fairly' normal. The drinking water is processed through reverse osmosis and the rest is just 5 micron whole house filter system. We used to drink out of the creek on the farm with no ill effects so I am really sure our cistern stored rain water will not harm us.

    • @tealkerberus748
      @tealkerberus748 6 місяців тому +2

      @@SirD1 You start with gutter guards to keep coarse debris out of your gutters and a first flush diverter to divert finer dust and soluble air pollution away from your tank. Then if you have someone in your household with an immune disorder or other specific health concerns, you can add further filtration and UV sanitising - but Aussies have been living on rainwater tanks for generations without even the gutter guards and first flush diverters, and we didn't get sick from it. It's a lot cleaner than creek water, and humans lived on creek water for a hundred thousand years before we started building permanent dwellings.

  • @ghosturiel
    @ghosturiel Місяць тому

    the irony that this video pops up just as Toronto imposes a rain tax, funny how that works.

  • @gelolangit3660
    @gelolangit3660 5 днів тому

    Man you are a legend. Hope alot will subscribe and support you! Get it brother

    • @suburbanbiology
      @suburbanbiology  5 днів тому

      Thanks for your support! I’m glad you enjoyed the video. 🙏🏼

  • @AndreasScout
    @AndreasScout 2 дні тому +1

    I ABSOLUTELY LOVE these kinds of videos! It shows we can learn no matter how much one think he or she knows! thank you so much for this exquisite journey you allowed us to take with you.

    • @suburbanbiology
      @suburbanbiology  2 дні тому

      I’m honored that you enjoyed it. Thank you for commenting and for subscribing!

  • @flashcloud666
    @flashcloud666 5 місяців тому +35

    The real test is to take the filtered water to a lab and see their results. Microplastics and PFAS can still be an issue.

    • @pira707
      @pira707 3 місяці тому +4

      thats what I was hoping to see

    • @joealeman1204
      @joealeman1204 3 місяці тому +1

      Let alone man made acidic rain.

  • @ThisReactiverse
    @ThisReactiverse 5 місяців тому +19

    You could also get the land surveyed and get a deep water well installed. It's gonna run you around $6,000-$7,000 possibly, but it's a one and done kinda deal usually.
    Edit: Here in TN there are no laws against rainwater collection, it is even encouraged by local government as it helps out the utility companies and their customers save money and water.

    • @paulo2225
      @paulo2225 3 місяці тому +2

      Yeah I was going to say a well is probably a more economical option long term. This tank option is only feasible in warmer climates. You’d need a big enough property to build it (or bury it), regular cleaning would be no small task. I’d almost recommend a first stage filter like a pool filter that allows backwash and flush to clear the bigger contaminants. It would cut down on filter replacements for sure. Would be interesting to have a full water panel test down to see how this tank system holds up after a year or so. Definitely need a filter that removes aerosol contaminates like aluminum and boron from the aerial geoengineering projects they conduct over us now (cloud seeding, etc).

    • @ethanwilliams2074
      @ethanwilliams2074 3 місяці тому +3

      Agreed, a well is a more elegant and reliable water source in most cases (although in my experience it will cost 10s of thousands of dollars at least)
      It sounds like this guy lives in city limits which might mean that he isn’t allowed to drill on his property

  • @benoitvillemure-marcotte5617
    @benoitvillemure-marcotte5617 Годину тому

    In bermuda, all roofs are collecting water and all houses have water tanks, a lot of them under the house. When it does not rain, they can get water delivered to fill the tank but I think there is no municipal water per say. Pretty cool system!

  • @The_Phill_A_Blunt
    @The_Phill_A_Blunt 17 днів тому

    I love this, very similar to a person having a pond and that might be a loophole in local laws. You can pump, filter and treat water from a pond

  • @Queen-dl5ju
    @Queen-dl5ju 3 місяці тому +56

    step 1: have a big ass backyard

    • @mja5400
      @mja5400 2 місяці тому +13

      No have a big ass budget

    • @stephensnow6308
      @stephensnow6308 Місяць тому +5

      And epic welding and metal fabrication skills

  • @dutchroll
    @dutchroll 6 місяців тому +55

    Living off rainwater is very common here in Australia. We live on 40 acres and have nearly 250,000 litres (66,000 US Gallons) of tank storage. But many small suburban homes also collect, store and use rainwater. Ours passes through replaceable filter cartridge before it gets to the house supply.

    • @mtuz8356
      @mtuz8356 6 місяців тому +5

      Yeah and you farmers have iron guts. Knew a bloke that filled his water bottle everyday out of his tank and it started tasting funny and got worse after about a week he had a dead rat in it LOL.

    • @andrewnye9402
      @andrewnye9402 6 місяців тому +10

      seconded - aussie here, blows my mind a little that this is such a "revolutionary" idea lol. The local school bubblers even runs off a gravity fed water tank. On the farm we relied on rain water - and everyone around the farm in houses with land lives off their rain water tanks.
      In my suburban home i have 30,000 liters solely for watering, and washing and toilets and in the event of some disaster i have water i can clean on the property if need be. Reading all the people fretting about how "bad" this idea is is hilarious.

    • @bettyqueen1235
      @bettyqueen1235 6 місяців тому +3

      Must have a filtering system for rain water as there are many toxins contained in rain water!!

    • @ponyv7314
      @ponyv7314 6 місяців тому

      😂

    • @tealkerberus748
      @tealkerberus748 6 місяців тому +4

      Ditto here - my family and my cows all drinking rainwater. If the rain falling through your air isn't fit to drink, the air isn't fit to breathe either.

  • @g-reysey5868
    @g-reysey5868 Місяць тому

    I've always dreamed to do this if I ever get a big house.... that water is not regular... I hope it will be a source of fresher and health to you and your family.

  • @mikahoy
    @mikahoy Місяць тому

    I guess this is one of the positive thing live in Indonesia where water is free forever and clean

  • @lpconserv6074
    @lpconserv6074 6 місяців тому +57

    Very well thought out system. Appreciate the info on filter specs as I may need that if I ever plan to use my water for home drinking use.
    I retired a few years back, and am a Chemical engineer, quite capable to design a system, but the accumulated info you give here is MUCH appreciated. My tank is coming to around 37,000 gallons when full. It is not nearly as complex as your system but it is not meant to completely replace my normal water source, at least not yet. My home is in a very remote island in the Philippines, and almost NOTHING is easily obtained if we cannot make it ourselves. Hence, our tank is concrete structured as we can get the blocks and cement easily here.
    We have around 4000 square feet of roof draining into the tank, via two 4" PVC drains. Because our weather here has actually suffered a rather deep drought about 5 years back, we built this system as an emergency supply for times when we need to have water. Local springs, approximately 125 feet above the level of home helps when water flows naturally here, but we still require to pump it up to our home as it is about 60 feet below our house at the allowed tapping point according to the local supply folks with our local semi government administrators... It is complicated here, as is most everything.
    I do fluid flow designs and system start ups on refining plants and power facilities on occasion, but am 90% retired.
    Really liked the way you got the elevations set and functional. Not many folks can do that. Kudos for getting it right. We have the "upstream" end of the El Niño phenomena and it is supposed to be possible to be on the drought side this year. Hoping for the best. I will build my own filter system if it comes down to it.
    Thanks for the encouragement... OH... and if you can pick your favorite fruit tree species and put the overflow pipe with a small line to near this fruit tree, it will grow at around double or triple the rate automatically without any help. Here we use it to grow up our Mahogany trees.

    • @MR-backup
      @MR-backup 6 місяців тому +2

      Being the CE you are, you do not see any long term (50 year+) issues with using Poly Vinyl Chloride for your potable water conduit?

    • @lpconserv6074
      @lpconserv6074 6 місяців тому

      @@MR-backup Well, actually no, not worried at all. One of the plants I ran was a plant that made EDC, the precursor to Vinyl Chloride, and shipped it across the street to a PVC production plant. There are things far more likely to be an issue than PVC. It is a very long chain polymer, that has essentially NO solubility in water. And the bad parts of PVC you have likely read about are the remnants of the VCM Vinyl Chloride. In the PVC and the way it is processed, no Vinyl is left, it is "over reacted" intentionally in the process.
      Been exposed to VCM and EDC both, Arguably worse as EDC than VCM as it is more "in your face" at the plant because it is similar to gasoline as a liquid not a gas.

  • @smarro71
    @smarro71 6 місяців тому +38

    What a great thing you did there. I sent to build a 10k gallon rain water tank for my mom's house in Guatemala, it only helps for about 6 months because that's what a rainy season lasts. Other countries in the world all they have is rain water, here in the us we take for granted everything that we have.

    • @nwerd7584
      @nwerd7584 6 місяців тому +4

      People always seem to forget the leadership wants you to take these things for granted. If you don't you're a lot harder to control and point to narratives etc. And they also ignore there are other countries that cant thrive because those same governments/western countries won't let them unless it's under their discretion.. Other instances activists show up, build the thing, get praise for it and then leave without ever teaching the people how to maintain it, because if they do maintain it these people cant play savior, cant ask for donations for such a cause. Its really sick how selfish everything is for a few people ruling over thousands, millions and billions

  • @Ziris1
    @Ziris1 Місяць тому +1

    That's scary. I couldn't imagine living without fresh water nearby. Glad to be in Canada

    • @Tiovergudo
      @Tiovergudo Місяць тому

      Hi America here in the desert west. Been here all my life with no issues of water shortage or quality

    • @USandGlobal
      @USandGlobal Місяць тому

      Yeah imagine living in a country where 90 percent is uninhabitable 😂 like Canada

  • @iviaverick52
    @iviaverick52 26 днів тому

    It's wild that your municipality actually allows you to plumb into the water main with the backflow preventer. Many states you cant even stick a bucket in the backyard to collect water for a garden, let alone use rainwater in your plumbing!

    • @suburbanbiology
      @suburbanbiology  26 днів тому

      San Antonio actually has a surprisingly open-minded water municipality. They even have a rainwater tank rebate. I missed the boat in that though. Thanks for commenting and for subscribing!

  • @samwisegamgee8318
    @samwisegamgee8318 4 місяці тому +60

    Thanks for doing this channel, man. You've inspired me to take a stronger approach to truly owning my property and tackling some projects in the far reaches of my ability/comfort zone. I appreciate the content!

    • @suburbanbiology
      @suburbanbiology  4 місяці тому +5

      I’m honored to have had an influence in motivating you. That is the aim of this channel. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us all.

  • @kilis3804
    @kilis3804 6 місяців тому +17

    This was insane. Thank you for documenting and showing us.

  • @FoxWolfWorld
    @FoxWolfWorld 2 місяці тому +1

    2:20 he is the Lisan Al Gaib. He will lead Texas to a green paradise

  • @Donatti
    @Donatti 2 місяці тому +1

    Don't know if I'd say it looks easy to set up, but damn is it really cool. Good job

  • @CheckmatedMC
    @CheckmatedMC 6 місяців тому +5

    Not counting maintenance, after about 81 years, this will have payed itself off when compared to monthly water costs. Given the additional benefits it provides, I'd say it's worth it.

    • @bonobo2181
      @bonobo2181 5 місяців тому +1

      Including maintanence I'd be surprised if it ever pays for itself. But this is not a project you do to save money anyway.

  • @anthonyallen2954
    @anthonyallen2954 6 місяців тому +99

    You may want to look into the possibility of strings of ultraviolet LED lights. UV radiation is really good at killing viruses and bacteria. You can put a string of them through a large clear plastic tube and set them inside the tank to prevent bacterial and viral growth. Also as a backup you should really consider getting a Berkey filter.

    • @iahelcathartesaura3887
      @iahelcathartesaura3887 6 місяців тому +2

      Great thoughts imo!

    • @coler154
      @coler154 6 місяців тому

      most "UV" led lights are in a wavelength that will not kill organisms, it has to be "UVC" light which as far as I know are not available in affordable setups. Also the UVC light cannot be shining through a plastic tube or regular glass as it will absorb the spectrum where it kills germs.

    • @swedneck
      @swedneck 6 місяців тому +5

      just make sure it's not a plastic that degrades from UV exposure :)

    • @SomaisumGuilherme
      @SomaisumGuilherme 6 місяців тому +1

      23:38

    • @rjenkens2774
      @rjenkens2774 6 місяців тому

      @@swedneck That metal tank doesn't look strong enough to hold that much water.

  • @tangosierra9649
    @tangosierra9649 7 днів тому

    1) buy suitable land
    2) construct this tank so it's underground
    3) build something over the top of it, planters/ grow house/ storage/ garage or living space with solar on top if possible

  • @ladyraven30
    @ladyraven30 7 днів тому

    Wow. You are so instructional and your voice is soothing. Nice job, fellow Texan!

    • @suburbanbiology
      @suburbanbiology  7 днів тому

      I’m glad you appreciate the content. Thanks for commenting and for subscribing. I hope your part of Texas gets more rain than mine :)

    • @ladyraven30
      @ladyraven30 7 днів тому

      @@suburbanbiology No sir. I'm in the dust bowl of West Texas. Thinking heavily of relocation due to the lack of precipitation in these parts......and your welcome. Again, awesome work!

  • @NoraNoita
    @NoraNoita 5 місяців тому +239

    As some other comments already mentioned, it's one thing to have your own water supply for, technically free, but then you also have to do all the treatment and making sure the water stays clean and usable on your own as well, you have to regularly check for legionella and other stuffs, so that you don't just die from it.
    Also that big of a tank is basically the average european single family home backyards size.

    • @KoeiNL
      @KoeiNL 5 місяців тому +36

      This is only worth if you have zero access to clean water.

    • @jmedlin81
      @jmedlin81 4 місяці тому +47

      the reverse osmosis final stage ensures his water is cleaner and purer than the vast majority of bottled water on the market. sad to see people dismiss this truly excellent idea/setup.. our being this dependent on systems that could fail at any moment isn't a natural or healthy thing

    • @ct-gt2dt
      @ct-gt2dt 4 місяці тому +9

      @@fishy2939 "Reverse osmosis is a water purification process that uses a semi-permeable membrane to separate water molecules from other substances. RO applies pressure to overcome osmotic pressure that favors even distributions. RO can remove dissolved or suspended chemical species as well as biological substances, and is used in industrial processes and the production of potable water."

    • @Hosing2
      @Hosing2 4 місяці тому +36

      @@jmedlin81 this is written by someone who's never actually had to use reverse osmosis machine in a technical setting. ignoring the cost of buying a RO machine for treating that much water, RO will cause him to burn through a ton of the water just using the machine, causing him to reduce the water he actually has to ~1/5th of what he has total. also, I would prob not recommend drinking straight RO water, as because it actually does purify really well, that's sort of the issue. you'll remove a ton of ions than are usually present in drinking water, and since he didn't have a remineralization machine, he might have to take some supplements or make some dietary changes.

    • @NostalgicMem0ries
      @NostalgicMem0ries 4 місяці тому +4

      most people in europe live in apartments and flats so its not and option here, unless you have money and buy house, that cost 200k or more depending on country and city

  • @kancelas
    @kancelas 6 місяців тому +78

    Those air vents between the tank and the pump house should be closed with expanding foam or pieces of insulation you would otherwise throw out, this gives better chances for the water inside the pipes to not freeze. Great video, also you should know water in motion is harder to freeze, so a return to the tank for unused water should be considered.

    • @dcs4555
      @dcs4555 6 місяців тому +1

      do u mean - keep the water flowing at all times? not very feasible unless u have unlimited pump power. just saying. but the extra insulation idea is good to me. jmho would you perhaps be telling us how they do it in siberia or greenland, or those areas around the artic?

    • @marisjansons5022
      @marisjansons5022 6 місяців тому +1

      ​@@dcs4555 in the areas with low temperatures pipes are laid under the frost line (how deep the ground freezes). In Texas it is 5", however in arctic regions, it can be up to and more than 100", in those regions pipes are either buried deeper with a lot of insulation, or run insulated above ground and heated.

    • @kancelas
      @kancelas 6 місяців тому +3

      In areas where there's extreme cold, people are advised to keep the water running to prevent the water main from bursting. With 1 or 2 freezes a year, it seems worth it to least exhaust all options to avoid replacing pipes every time there's a freeze, which will happen more frequently and be more severe when they happen, because of global warming.

  • @ernestineglass9749
    @ernestineglass9749 Місяць тому +1

    DUDE REEEAAALLLLYYYY😮😮😮
    BUT Iiiii Get It
    I hope that your Tank Reserve is STILL ON

  • @robertblahnik7685
    @robertblahnik7685 Місяць тому +1

    Even if you fill a smaller tank for the purpose of watering your plants. You're doing a great service to yourself

  • @bod0
    @bod0 6 місяців тому +7

    the amount of work u put in shows through ur video views man, this is content everybody young and old needs to see. thank u for this

  • @michaelwingrove6487
    @michaelwingrove6487 6 місяців тому +27

    This is a great idea, I don't think people realise how much we rely on the public water supply until there is a problem. I would be concerned about the water in the gutter pipes going stagnant in long periods of dry weather, however this could easily be resolved by running the hose down them for a while as it will just end up back in the tank.

    • @suburbanbiology
      @suburbanbiology  6 місяців тому +7

      I put a drain at the low points of the buried Pipe to drain the vast majority of it in case of freezes. There is still a bit that stays in the system. In truth, though with the filters as fine as they are any muck that would collect gets diluted in the big tank and gets filtered out very thoroughly. Thanks for your support for subscribing!

    • @RFDN0
      @RFDN0 6 місяців тому

      In general, the public does not think about how much we rely on public infrastructure until something happens. That said, that has always been the situation historically. We saw this exact same issue with wells and rivers multiple times in the past to just keep with water as the resource. But these factors are power, transportation, contracts, and their enforcement, just to name the ones I have had to explain to people.
      These goods/services usually are public infrastructure because either the resource is limited and/or the cost to create and maintain the infrastructure is so great that those who need it can not afford it. Even just going with this water example there is only so much rain fall in certain areas and to keep these reserves safe you need to prevent evaporation which removes it from the supply in the water cycle until it is used. If everyone tried this, then water would become significantly more scarce for those who do not have the ability to do this. This isn't to say no one should do this but that there are factors which means those who do this need very good reasons and ability to circulate this valuable good.
      Inversely, with the new avalibility of solar power, the resource, while technically finite, is secure for, in theory, millions of years minimum. So the holding of resources taking away from the potential supply only really amounts to thermal energy, which is already being wasted because homes are trying to keep it out. The infrastructure (normally a home) to use the resource is the only concern. That said the market then will raise the prices of not using this technology on those who are unable to because they need to support the existing infrastructure.

  • @Mojo_3.14
    @Mojo_3.14 День тому

    Used to be many home were built with underground cisterns. Now digging up your land is costly but if you were already building a house with a basement then adding a cistern during the process was easy, hardly an inconvenience. Depending on were you live that old house of yours may have a defunct cistern already. Just when people converted to city water they sealed them up but never removed them.

  • @Jan93Banan
    @Jan93Banan 2 місяці тому +1

    I would definitely do this if it wasn't for the half year long winters around here with freezing temps. Really cool project

  • @mieczyslawawozniak2305
    @mieczyslawawozniak2305 5 місяців тому +69

    I have been on rain water for 11 years now, in regional Queensland in Australia. Water collated from the roof goes though the many filter systems. The last filter has a cartridge, which purifies water to the quality of bottled water from the shop. To avoid problem of water standing in pipes, all gutters around the roof have a small angle to allow for the flow. It is the same for the pipes which go into the main tank and then to spare tanks below the property. Thank you for the video.

    • @suburbanbiology
      @suburbanbiology  5 місяців тому +11

      Thanks for sharing your system summary. Sounds like a well designed setup. Australia is definitely ahead of the curve from the comments I’ve seen.

    • @zedinislourenco
      @zedinislourenco 4 місяці тому

      Its more iasy if you dril a wáter driler hole the sub soil wáter its more clen

    • @Francois_Dupont
      @Francois_Dupont 4 місяці тому +1

      @@zedinislourenco most place has very small water capability. you woudnt be able to feed the whole house with them. also it can be too deep to reach the water. most very high pressure pump only works 30meter deep. some place have the water table 200meter down.

    • @zedinislourenco
      @zedinislourenco 4 місяці тому

      @@Francois_Dupont the price drill a wáter hole mai be the same price of recolect a wáter Rain you are wrong the wáter pomps Consum 1100w to 2500w of electricity this sistem have electricity consum

  • @spblackey
    @spblackey 6 місяців тому +11

    Be sure to paint any exposed above ground PVC. The sun (UV) will make it brittle and prone to shattering.

  • @himaafshan
    @himaafshan Місяць тому

    The well, having achieved its lifelong dream, now stands proudly in the backyard.

  • @igorpedro8995
    @igorpedro8995 Місяць тому

    only 5 hours to install that giant tank ?
    that's a crazy good job

  • @joshuacarter4590
    @joshuacarter4590 2 місяці тому +3

    Water should never be “illegal”.

    • @pascalsaschafr
      @pascalsaschafr 22 дні тому

      Well it should be restricted for companies like Nestle

  • @Sikdomeshot
    @Sikdomeshot 3 місяці тому +50

    Projects like these are a much needed and pleasant break from the fast-paced world that we live in. Sometimes it's nice to slow down and to appreciate the small things in life - like water.

    • @pipfox7834
      @pipfox7834 2 місяці тому +3

      I agree with almost everything you said, except - water is no small thing. I guess we often take it for granted if all we have to do is turn on a tap to get good drinking water...(I live in the driest state on the driest continent in the world) ;)

    • @Andre-wf8cb
      @Andre-wf8cb Місяць тому

      ​@@pipfox7834hip hip😊

  • @lorreio
    @lorreio Місяць тому

    i enjoyed every single second of this video

  • @daves2822
    @daves2822 25 днів тому

    This is a great video. More people should do this. I cant as the state doesnt allow us to do this.
    Luckily I live near the ocean and know how to extract high quality H20 from it