How long should 2500 gallons of water last?

[Spidey]

Am in the process of buying an acreage. Just getting some confirmation on things, and one of my main things was having water.

This place has a 2500 gallon cistern that has to have water hauled to it. Cost is $75 according to the local water hauling company.

This is only for in house use, no lawn watering, etc. They have another system for that for everything outside that is a separate system. I'm still waiting on confirmation on how it is setup exactly.

The place I called said the people there know get it filled twice a month, so that would be $150. But he said on average most people get it once a month. I know it all depends on how good you are at water conservation.

We are pretty good at water conservation, so would anyone know how long 2500 gallons would last a family of five. Would a month be a good average

[CanadaBoy]

http://www2.auroragov.org/apps/utilities/water_usage_calc.htm

[Spidey]

http://www2.auroragov.org/apps/utilities/water_usage_calc.htm

Sweet. Thank you very much

Number of toilet flushes per week, have to average that I guess

[robertalan]

Typical estimates of absolute minimum water consumption is 5 gallons per person per day.

So a family of five might use 2500 gallons in about 3 months if they were super stingy.

For a fancier estimate of your own specific needs, you might try this water consumption calculator (http://www.provwater.com/conscalc.htm).

[ricoboxing]

http://www.erawk.net/~sgc/shovel.jpg
your new toilet

problem solved!

[Spidey]

http://www.erawk.net/~sgc/shovel.jpg
your new toilet

problem solved!

ha ha, thanks. Sorry i grew up with one of those till I was 8.

Thats right people, I didn't have running water till i was 8 years old. It was rain water saved, snow water melted in the winter, etc.

And that was in 1980. So when my kids complain, I always let them know that :lol:

[Spidey]

Typical estimates of absolute minimum water consumption is 5 gallons per person per day.

So a family of five might use 2500 gallons in about 3 months if they were super stingy.

For a fancier estimate of your own specific needs, you might try this water consumption calculator (http://www.provwater.com/conscalc.htm).

I'm thinking 2500 gallons would last us for a month for sure. And if we have to pay for it like this, Id probably be even more consciences.

[Spidey]

Also found out that sewer removal would be $100 a load (literally :lol: )

They said once a year for sure, 2x at most.

So not a huge make or break cost there

[CSK'sMom]

Ok Spidey, from what I am gathering, the house has a cistern and septic system. :confused: How many people currently live in the house? That might give you a rough idea on filling the cistern. Kids definitely increase the water consumption... extra laundry, baths vs. showers, etc. You'll have to train them on the "if it's yellow let it mellow" theory and no tp in the septic. Extra laundry can put a strain on a septic if the leach field isn't the greatest. No grease of any kind down the septic either, it will clog the leach field and lead to replacing it ($$$$$).

It sounds like they have a well as well. Even if you don't plan on using it for potable water have it tested anyway. Kids will be kids. If it's only used for watering it's also imperative to have it tested as it can contaminate things like veggies with nasties like e-coli...

[Spidey]

Ok Spidey, from what I am gathering, the house has a cistern and septic system. :confused: How many people currently live in the house? That might give you a rough idea on filling the cistern. Kids definitely increase the water consumption... extra laundry, baths vs. showers, etc. You'll have to train them on the "if it's yellow let it mellow" theory and no tp in the septic. Extra laundry can put a strain on a septic if the leach field isn't the greatest. No grease of any kind down the septic either, it will clog the leach field and lead to replacing it ($$$$$).

It sounds like they have a well as well. Even if you don't plan on using it for potable water have it tested anyway. Kids will be kids. If it's only used for watering it's also imperative to have it tested as it can contaminate things like veggies with nasties like e-coli...

That is what I am confirming. Why does that sound odd??

4 people live in the house right now. We have taught our kids good water conservations, and they know the "yellow" rule already :o

As for no TP in the septic why not, is breaks down in the water anyways. I know this will fill it up quicker, but other than that is there a reason.

I'm finding out the size of it and if it has an alarm as well for levels

From the question I asked about the sewage system they answered this. "Is a septic tank & field which should be emptied once a year"

No well, something called the St. Marys water system that is unlimited water for outside use. am confirming with the county about how this works exactly.

[CSK'sMom]

TP can be an issue in septic for a couple of reasons. It definitely will fill the septic quicker but it can also clog the system. Most "honey wagon" guys recommend putting as little as possible in septics. Some brands are worse than others as well at breaking up vs. clumping. If it clumps it can block the screens leading to the leach field and cause a backup. Septics when they back up are not pretty, it comes out of every drain source in the house. Oh, and no women's products down the toilet either. ;)

Bleach is also a no-no with septics. It kills all the good bacteria that eat the solids. So that means no bleach in laundry. Dishwashers cause havoc with septic because of the bleach in the dishwasher detergents. It leads to much more frequent cleanouts and earlier failure of the system as a whole...

Is it 4 adults or 2 adults and 2 kids? That makes a big difference on water use. As I said, kids tend to generate more water usage.

[Spidey]

TP can be an issue in septic for a couple of reasons. It definitely will fill the septic quicker but it can also clog the system. Most "honey wagon" guys recommend putting as little as possible in septics. Some brands are worse than others as well at breaking up vs. clumping. If it clumps it can block the screens leading to the leach field and cause a backup. Septics when they back up are not pretty, it comes out of every drain source in the house. Oh, and no women's products down the toilet either. ;)

Bleach is also a no-no with septics. It kills all the good bacteria that eat the solids. So that means no bleach in laundry. Dishwashers cause havoc with septic because of the bleach in the dishwasher detergents. It leads to much more frequent clean-outs and earlier failure of the system as a whole...

Is it 4 adults or 2 adults and 2 kids? That makes a big difference on water use. As I said, kids tend to generate more water usage.

Thanks for the heads up. We didn't have to worry about that on the farm, but we had a lagoon instead. So its basically night and day between the two.

Thats news to me for dishwashers, but it does make sense. But there are dishwashers on any acreage I have ever seen, so I'm sure the problems aren't new.

We rarely use bleach anyways, so no worries there.

2 adults, 3 small kids. But Like i said they are already water conscience, so i don't think ti will be a huge difference.

I just got off the phone with the Realtor. She found out i guess once a year all the close people get together and get the "honey truck" to come out so they can all save money. She also called the company to find out about the size and alarm, and they company said it was one of the better systems they have ever seen. so that makes me feel better

[Spidey]

OK, called a septic removal company to get the straight poop on this. (sorry, couldn't avoid that)

1. Bleach - definitely agreed with the that. The less the better. Although he said its pretty hard not to "ever" use it, but the less use use the better it is.

2. Toilet paper - he said its meant for that, so use it like you normally would. He said things like, paper towels, Kleenex, etc would clog, but not TP. We don't out those down anyways, so not an issue there.

3. Dishwasher/laundry detergent says they have an amount of bleach, yes. But if you are going to use them, full loads, etc. We do that anyways. he also said liquid detergents are better than the powders, as the powders have a lot of un-needed filler.

4. Definitely no Drano, which he said was bad anyways.

Also filled me in on the size of the leech Field, where it is and how far away

[CSK'sMom]

If you think about what a septic system actually is it all makes sense Spidey. Basically a septic is a large concrete box in the ground. The waste enters from the bottom. At the top of the box there are several "holes". Connected to those screened hole are the perforated pipes for the drainfield. Solids should sit at the bottom of the tank and the liquids from the top of the tank will empty out of the tank via the perforated pipes in the ground. The leach field will always have green grass that grows like crazy. :cheesygri

Dishwashers are something that one can either live without or you can't. Lots of folks on septics have tham because they can't live without them and feel it's an acceptable risk with the septic. But they realize the risk, that's the key. They don't run them unless it's an absolute full load and usually with less than the recommended amount of detergent to lessen the risk....

I'll also add that there are ways to get "free" water as well. Lots of folks on cisterns have their eavestroughs empty into their cisterns around here. They have UV light sanitizers and filter systems hooked up to their water line from the cistern. I always thought that every cistern user should have some sort of sanitizing and filter system set up anyway. Most aren't as vigilent as they should be about cleaning the cistern regularly....

[canadiantofu]

Better calculator

http://www.csgnetwork.com/waterusagecalc.html

[Spidey]

If you think about what a septic system actually is it all makes sense Spidey. Basically a septic is a large concrete box in the ground. The waste enters from the bottom. At the top of the box there are several "holes". Connected to those screened hole are the perforated pipes for the drainfield. Solids should sit at the bottom of the tank and the liquids from the top of the tank will empty out of the tank via the perforated pipes in the ground. The leach field will always have green grass that grows like crazy. :cheesygri

Dishwashers are something that one can either live without or you can't. Lots of folks on septics have tham because they can't live without them and feel it's an acceptable risk with the septic. But they realize the risk, that's the key. They don't run them unless it's an absolute full load and usually with less than the recommended amount of detergent to lessen the risk....

I'll also add that there are ways to get "free" water as well. Lots of folks on cisterns have their eavestroughs empty into their cisterns around here. They have UV light sanitizers and filter systems hooked up to their water line from the cistern. I always thought that every cistern user should have some sort of sanitizing and filter system set up anyway. Most aren't as vigilent as they should be about cleaning the cistern regularly....

Thanks. Thats a great explanation. makes me understand it more for sure.

A dishwasher is something we couldnt do without. Ours only runs maybe 3 times a week, we make sure there is a full load always. But for this case we would probably wash bigger dishes more by hand.

Im pretty good at free water right now. We use rainbarrels around our house for that, so Im sure I could try this too.

As for water safety, Im sure I would be good at making sure everything is clean and checked out when it needs to be.

Im learning a lot about this today. Im sure not many people realize the processes involved when you sit on the throne :lol:

[CSK'sMom]

LMAO! How right you are. Folks that have never lived with an alternative to hooked up to city sewers generally don't "get it". Just wait till the first time you get the septic pumped out~!~ Curiosity gets the better of you and then the smell gets you!

[Spidey]

LMAO! How right you are. Folks that have never lived with an alternative to hooked up to city sewers generally don't "get it". Just wait till the first time you get the septic pumped out~!~ Curiosity gets the better of you and then the smell gets you!

Could be a family event :lol:

[stealth]

Hi there....
FYI....an interesting article.
http://www.hammerzone.com/archives/plumbing/septic/pumping/tank.htm

[Spidey]

Hi there....
FYI....an interesting article.
http://www.hammerzone.com/archives/plumbing/septic/pumping/tank.htm

good article

[stevethewheel]

I think you'd have to be pretty wasteful to go through more than 2500 gallons a month.

Do remember to check your cistern before you have a large party. Running out of water is not like running out of propane ;)

I'm very surprised that you need the septic tank emptied every year. I lived with and around those systems for like 30 years and it was more typical to empty it every 2-5 yrs. It matters how well you treat the system more than how much you use the system.

Toilet paper into the septic shouldn't be a problem, but avoid the really expensive stuff because they do put binder agents in it so that it doesn't, ah, tear apart in use. That also means it doesn't break down as well. There was a serious problem with a Charmin TP for awhile, but that was like 10 years ago and they changed the formula in response to feedback.

You can buy "Sept-o-Tabs" or similar product to flush once a month if you are concerned about the bleach in your dishwasher. They contain the right enzymes to stimulate the process.

In addition, depending on where you live you might want to run your washing machine or other "grey water" into a perforated pipe buried in the ground separate from the septic. Will ease up on the septic strain, but it is usually against regulations - mostly because it can be abused and is hard to monitor. This is a huge win on your septic strain....the ideal septic system has all the action happening in the tank, which takes time. The water going into the leaching bed is finished water...when you do a lot of laundry you push may push unfinished water out into the bed. Maybe the grey-water system we always had was key to having the tank pumped every 5 years instead of 1?

If you do go the rainwater-into-the-cistern route it will definitely save you money but you definitely will need a way to treat the water.

[Spidey]

I think you'd have to be pretty wasteful to go through more than 2500 gallons a month.

Do remember to check your cistern before you have a large party. Running out of water is not like running out of propane ;)

I'm very surprised that you need the septic tank emptied every year. I lived with and around those systems for like 30 years and it was more typical to empty it every 2-5 yrs. It matters how well you treat the system more than how much you use the system.

Toilet paper into the septic shouldn't be a problem, but avoid the really expensive stuff because they do put binder agents in it so that it doesn't, ah, tear apart in use. That also means it doesn't break down as well. There was a serious problem with a Charmin TP for awhile, but that was like 10 years ago and they changed the formula in response to feedback.

You can buy "Sept-o-Tabs" or similar product to flush once a month if you are concerned about the bleach in your dishwasher. They contain the right enzymes to stimulate the process.

In addition, depending on where you live you might want to run your washing machine or other "grey water" into a perforated pipe buried in the ground separate from the septic. Will ease up on the septic strain, but it is usually against regulations - mostly because it can be abused and is hard to monitor. This is a huge win on your septic strain....the ideal septic system has all the action happening in the tank, which takes time. The water going into the leaching bed is finished water...when you do a lot of laundry you push may push unfinished water out into the bed. Maybe the grey-water system we always had was key to having the tank pumped every 5 years instead of 1?

If you do go the rainwater-into-the-cistern route it will definitely save you money but you definitely will need a way to treat the water.

The more talking I did the more I found out the septic would be once every 2-3 years, and a $100 to do it. So not a big expense there.

Thanks for the info, very helpful

[Spidey]

Checked the tank last night with a flashlight and a long dowel I bought at Home Depot.

Looks like they left it half full. I'm definitely thinking 2500 gallons will last us a month.

The water hauling truck charges $75 per trip, no matter how much water he puts in, so I'm calling to see if they can come out next day when a person calls, instead of a schedule. That way I get my moneys worth. Just get into the habit of checking it every 2 weeks.

I think I'm going to buy a utility trailer and a water tank and do it myself eventually. Save me money in the long run I'm sure

[BobW]

My in-laws are on a farm and have the septic tank/leach field, as well as a water cistern.

Whenever we're there, we make sure we take short showers to help conserve water. Otherwise, everything works as normal. When the truck comes to fill up the cistern, my father in law tosses a cup of bleach or so in it to stop any growth; you won't be able to taste it if you don't use bottled water. If my FIL is still paying someone to come and fill his tank, rest assured that it won't make any financial sense for you to do it yourself....

[Spidey]

My in-laws are on a farm and have the septic tank/leach field, as well as a water cistern.

Whenever we're there, we make sure we take short showers to help conserve water. Otherwise, everything works as normal. When the truck comes to fill up the cistern, my father in law tosses a cup of bleach or so in it to stop any growth; you won't be able to taste it if you don't use bottled water. If my FIL is still paying someone to come and fill his tank, rest assured that it won't make any financial sense for you to do it yourself....


Ill have to ask about the bleach. Sounds like a good idea. We arent bottled water drinkers, so Im sure it will be fine.

Its city treated water though, would I have to do that??

The next few months will tell how much we actually use. Ive been waiting to get to work now to do my business in the morning :cheesygri

[CSK'sMom]

It's not the fact that it's treated or untreated water going into the cistern Spidey, it's the cistern itself. They really should be scrubbed clean at least once a year or so as they are nothing more than a concrete tank in the ground with stagnant water sitting in them KWIM. They can build up slime on the walls, etc. Cleaning them isn't difficult, usually a couple of gallons of bleach, a garden hose and a pump along with some elbow grease when it's empty...

[JAC]

I'd have an inline UV filter installed, too.

[Spidey]

It's not the fact that it's treated or untreated water going into the cistern Spidey, it's the cistern itself. They really should be scrubbed clean at least once a year or so as they are nothing more than a concrete tank in the ground with stagnant water sitting in them KWIM. They can build up slime on the walls, etc. Cleaning them isn't difficult, usually a couple of gallons of bleach, a garden hose and a pump along with some elbow grease when it's empty...

This one is actually plastic. I talked to the water guy before I bought and he said its a very good system setup.

Ive talked to a few people, some scrub them, some dont. I will play it by ear and see this summer.

[Spidey]

I'd have an inline UV filter installed, too.

I priced one out, cant afford it right now. Plus dont have the time to worry about it

[gei]

umm... if i may ask... why exactly are you doing this to yourself/family?

why not just move into a normal house and use all the water you want?

[JAC]

I priced one out, cant afford it right now. Plus dont have the time to worry about it

There's gotta be a contest somewhere that you can win one.:D

[Spidey]

There's gotta be a contest somewhere that you can win one.:D

Im looking, Im looking :lol:

[Spidey]

umm... if i may ask... why exactly are you doing this to yourself/family?

why not just move into a normal house and use all the water you want?

Thats got to be one of the DUMBEST comments I have ever heard.

Ever think I'm sick of living in the city. have you ever been out of Toronto even.

And exactly what am i doing thats so bad to my family. Please explain that to me

The view alone at the breakfast table does it for me, and the quiet, and no light pollution, etc, etc.

Ive lived in the city since 1990 after being on the farm for 18 years. Ive had it with city living, and will put up with a little inconvenience to get what I want.

This is a normal house, so what if it doenst have city water. Tons of people in Canada live like this

[gei]

Thats got to be one of the DUMBEST comments I have ever heard.

Ever think I'm sick of living in the city. have you ever been out of Toronto even.

And exactly what am i doing thats so bad to my family. Please explain that to me

The view alone at the breakfast table does it for me, and the quiet, and no light pollution, etc, etc.

Ive lived in the city since 1990 after being on the farm for 18 years. Ive had it with city living, and will put up with a little inconvenience to get what I want.

This is a normal house, so what if it doenst have city water. Tons of people in Canada live like this

You might think my question is dumb... but then again I might think your move is equally as dumb.

I'm sure you've had your fill of the city life... you seem to be quite old. But have your kids? Did they voluntarily choose to move out into isolation? Perhaps they need the chance to get "sick" of the city life before they move out into the middle of nowhere.

Or then again, perhaps they won't get "sick" of the city life. Just food for thought.

[Spidey]

You might think my question is dumb... but then again I might think your move is equally as dumb.

I'm sure you've had your fill of the city life... you seem to be quite old. But have your kids? Did they voluntarily choose to move out into isolation? Perhaps they need the chance to get "sick" of the city life before they move out into the middle of nowhere.

Or then again, perhaps they won't get "sick" of the city life. Just food for thought.

Jesus, quite old. What constitutes quite old, over 30 :confused: :lol:

Ya I have kids and you know what, kids do what their parents say. My wife and I make the money in the house and it was our decision to move there. Doesnt matter if they voluntarily wanted to go, what are they going to do, live on their own.

Plus we are doing it for the kids. They are outside more playing and just able to be kids more.

Middle of no-where, we are 7 miles from the city :confused:

[Emancipated]

Is this part of your re-assessment after your wife met some hardship at work, spidey? Sorry I haven't been following your personal trials and tribulations since that last thread about your wife's teaching position. Just curious what you're up to these days. Buying land and raising the family the old fashion way?

[stevethewheel]

umm... if i may ask... why exactly are you doing this to yourself/family?

why not just move into a normal house and use all the water you want?

lol. There's nothing abnormal about having a cistern for water supply and septic bed for disposal. It may not be what you are used to but millions of Canadians live that way.

[1jVu]

if its yellow let it mellow
if its brown sink it down!

[ClubberLang]

Is that the "yellow" rule"?

[Spidey]

lol. There's nothing abnormal about having a cistern for water supply and septic bed for disposal. It may not be what you are used to but millions of Canadians live that way.

Thank you. Not everyone in Canada lives in major centres. I called Expressvu do get the dish moved as it is a free service, the people on the phone couldn't not understand the concept of living out of the city. They wanted my address so I have them a box number, they said I needed a street address, I said I don't have one, I live out of the city. He didn't understand what to do or how that worked :lol:

[Spidey]

Is this part of your re-assessment after your wife met some hardship at work, spidey? Sorry I haven't been following your personal trials and tribulations since that last thread about your wife's teaching position. Just curious what you're up to these days. Buying land and raising the family the old fashion way?

I didn't by "farmland", just an acreage. Although Ive been bugging my wife we should get some chickens for fresh eggs, as we have a small barn on the place.

Ya, this summer was a roller coaster with her losing her job at the start, then getting a better one at better pay.

We didn't go into this blind, I did about 2 months of research on this place. I found out the costs of everything out there compared to where we live now, and the extra monthly expensive is very minimal.

I'm thinking this will be good for the kids, can go outside to play without watching them every minute. The old owners left their cats (after asking us) and the kids play with them and are taking care of them quite well.

[Spidey]

Well we moved in Oct 12 and i checked the level on Oct 17 and it was at half which would be 1250 gallons approximately. Still going strong and will be checking it again tomorrow. So thats over 2 weeks.

Called the water hauler and he said he can come out the next day, so I'm just going to check it every second Wednesday and go from there.

so $75 for 2500 gallons and it should last for sure a month at this pace, or maybe 6 weeks.

I have noticed I'm having faster showers now though :cheesygri

[Menace]

You forgot to mention you still had a joyful childhood ;)

ha ha, thanks. Sorry i grew up with one of those till I was 8.

[Spidey]

You forgot to mention you still had a joyful childhood ;)

I had a kick-ass childhood. I just learned to "make due". Something I still do today

[Menace]

I'm 100% for your move. There were days when I had enough of city life. Rude people and dead traffics clogged up our roads...etc. Thank God, you didn't live in Toronto and put up with what is that face (mayor)!!!

I had a kick-ass childhood. I just learned to "make due". Something I still do today

[Spidey]

I'm 100% for your move. There were days when I had enough of city life. Rude people and dead traffics clogged up our roads...etc. Thank God, you didn't live in Toronto and put up with what is that face (mayor)!!!

There are so many things I forgot about living out of the city that I know have.

First thing is sitting at the kitchen table and seeing the horizon and the colours on the morning as the sun starts to rise. Pinks, reds and dark blues. The kids asked why they didn't see that in the morning in the city, I tell them because houses and building were in the way.

Also, the lack of light at night. When its dark, its dark. No city glow.

Sunday was cool, all 3 kids were outside all day playing "pirate" Exploring, checking this and that out.

[st7860]

Is that the "yellow" rule"?

yes. havent you ever seen the movie MEET THE PARENTS?

[Spidey]

Checked last night and I would say it was about 1/4 left. Am getting the guy to come out on Friday just in case for the weekend.

Am going to do all the laundry tonight to use up what I can, then when he comes and fills more will have to be put in, instead of using the new water he is bringing.

So if 1/2 tank lasted me from Oct 12 to Nov 2, Im thinking a full talk should be 6 weeks

[aimfox]

what is this topic about? water measurements in gallon?

[Spidey]

what is this topic about? water measurements in gallon?

The topic is what the topic says, how long should 2500 gallons of water last.

Not sure whats not to understand

[Spidey]

Well its official more or less. 2500 gallons lasts us 5 weeks. The people we bought the house from got it filled every 2 weeks. With being a little more water concious, etc its only a bit more than it was living in the city. They were about $40 a month, but with the stupid admin fees they always seem to have, it was closer to $50 it seemed.

[1yellowdog]

It's been really eye opening reading some of the comments by the city kids.
They really have no clue or appreciation about rural life. There is nothing like seeing the night sky or the Northern Lights.
Around here most people have septic beds that pretty well take care of themselves. In a few cases, some have septic tanks that need regular pumpings to empty them out. I believe there is some provincial legislation in Ontario that states that septic beds need to be a certain size or a certain distance away from the house or the neighbours, something like that.
I live in a subdivison "in the middle of nowhere" and we have municipal water and sewer, however we are not metered and the bill is a flate rate of $250 for combined water and sewer every quarter.

[Spidey]

It's been really eye opening reading some of the comments by the city kids.
They really have no clue or appreciation about rural life. There is nothing like seeing the night sky or the Northern Lights.
Around here most people have septic beds that pretty well take care of themselves. In a few cases, some have septic tanks that need regular pumpings to empty them out. I believe there is some provincial legislation in Ontario that states that septic beds need to be a certain size or a certain distance away from the house or the neighbours, something like that.
I live in a subdivison "in the middle of nowhere" and we have municipal water and sewer, however we are not metered and the bill is a flate rate of $250 for combined water and sewer every quarter.


We got the septic pumped after we moved in, about the end of October I think. Was $90 and he said once a year is more than enough. He said we could maybe go 2 years, but $90 isnt that bad once ayear just to know your ok.

It is definitly nice being out here. Dont have to shut the blinds at night, and the kids play outside so much more now, etc.

Its worth not having some of the city conviences to be out here. And its only 7 miles out anyways, so not that huge of a deal

[Spidey]

Just reviving this thread to ask a question instead of starting a new one

Does anyone that has a cistern for their drinking, shower, laundry water, etc use rain water as well in their cistern. If so how do you divert it into there (for an outside in ground tank)

Ive been contemplating diverting one of our eavestroughs into it when it rains (its an outside tank) We've recieved a lot of rain this year, and if I can use this to my advantge why not.

I cant use the outside water thats unlimted as its untreated from the irrigation canals down here, and while its probably fine for clothes and showers, I dont want to mix it with the water we drink either. Rain water on the other hand is just clean water.

On another note, I now haul my own water. Got a 175 gallon tank for truck (since thats the most it can handle for weight) and haul about 4 times a week. Saved me about $65 a month doing that, since it was $75 for 2500 gallons that lasted us about a month. Now I pay .75 cents a load on the way home, and the water place is on my way home

[thelefteyeguy]

Let's move this to the home thread :idea:

[Spidey]

Let's move this to the home thread :idea:

Sure, sounds good

[blainehamilton]

Awesome to hear you haul your own. My wife's uncle and aunt at the lake do the same thing. That must totally wreck the handling of the half ton on the drive home... lol

As for runoff rainwater into the cistern, I probably wouldn't suggest it. You run the risk of additional contaminants into the cistern, such as leaves, seeds, bugs, and even gravel off the shingles. A single leaf or rock in the piping or pump undoes all your savings.

The runoff is perfect for irrigation. I would assume you already use rainbarrels for watering plants and the lawn. Just drill and attach a tap to the bottom of the barrel and run a hose to it. Turn it on and drain.

[Spidey]

Awesome to hear you haul your own. My wife's uncle and aunt at the lake do the same thing. That must totally wreck the handling of the half ton on the drive home... lol

As for runoff rainwater into the cistern, I probably wouldn't suggest it. You run the risk of additional contaminants into the cistern, such as leaves, seeds, bugs, and even gravel off the shingles. A single leaf or rock in the piping or pump undoes all your savings.

The runoff is perfect for irrigation. I would assume you already use rainbarrels for watering plants and the lawn. Just drill and attach a tap to the bottom of the barrel and run a hose to it. Turn it on and drain.

Its only 6 km, so its not that bad. I have the load in my truck maybe 15 minutes tops from start to finish.

I never thought about the asphalt I guess. The line in from the cistern does have the filter over the intake, but some of that stuff can be pretyt small.

Dont have any rain barrels yet. Since we have unlimted water in the summer I may not since I pay for it already in my land taxes.

[blainehamilton]

Gotcha. No point in getting rain barrels if the untreated water is unlimited.

I would be hesitant about using the canal water for washing clothes. Pesticides are always a concern, especially with kids...

[gorf]

As for runoff rainwater into the cistern, I probably wouldn't suggest it. You run the risk of additional contaminants into the cistern, such as leaves, seeds, bugs, and even gravel off the shingles.

Good advice.

Also, alot of pollen in the air can get through, we collect water off of the roof of our shed at the lake and the top of the barrell is disgustingly scummy (yellowish color) with what I'm told is pollen. Now I'm not sure of the details but there's no way I would contaminate drinking water with it. The eavestroughs are also so filthy when you clean them out there's lots of dirt so personally, I wouldn't drink rain water.

[Spidey]

Good advice.

Also, alot of pollen in the air can get through, we collect water off of the roof of our shed at the lake and the top of the barrell is disgustingly scummy (yellowish color) with what I'm told is pollen. Now I'm not sure of the details but there's no way I would contaminate drinking water with it. The eavestroughs are also so filthy when you clean them out there's lots of dirt so personally, I wouldn't drink rain water.

I was actually raised on snow and rain water and I turned out fine :D of course this was before every one was so worried about contaminants and the like.

Im not worried about pollen because the water would go in directly. I guess really for the extra water I may accumulate, it may be more of a hassle than anything.

[Spidey]

Gotcha. No point in getting rain barrels if the untreated water is unlimited.

I would be hesitant about using the canal water for washing clothes. Pesticides are always a concern, especially with kids...

Thats true. And while Im not a germ a phob or anything like that, you never know what cna happen. All though they do swim in the same water in our above ground pool.

Unlimited water is nice, although we dont just leave it running all the time and waste it, Im a little more lienient with the kids when they use it in the sprinkler and for water fights

[stevethewheel]

I used to use runoff rainwater from the roof at a previous home. I had some old farmers' calculation of how much bleach to throw in the cistern, and how often. The bleach doesn't accumulate, if you add again in a week there's no harm done.

We had buried piping that connected the downspout to the cistern, and a "diverter" in the downspout run about 3 ft off the ground. Very very seldom did I divert the water to the ground though.

[g0lden0rchard]

Number of toilet flushes per week, have to average that I guess

If its yellow let it mellow
If its brown flush it down

Save a lot of water that way

[Spidey]

If its yellow let it mellow
If its brown flush it down

Save a lot of water that way

We already do that, but a family of 5 just uses water I guess with the normal everyday stuff, even when trying to save what ya can

[gorf]

I was actually raised on snow and rain water and I turned out fine :D of course this was before every one was so worried about contaminants and the like.

Ah man, you wouldn't be drinking this stuff, the scum on the barrel is just pathetic, I feel bad watering the trees with it. We had awesome well water on the farm, hey, might be a dumb question but didn't you have a well growing up?

[Spidey]

Ah man, you wouldn't be drinking this stuff, the scum on the barrel is just pathetic, I feel bad watering the trees with it. We had awesome well water on the farm, hey, might be a dumb question but didn't you have a well growing up?

We had a dugout, but the water had to much iron for drinking. Was basically used for watering cattle, baths, etc. Drinking water was rain water and in the winter snow melted.

[CSK'sMom]

Spidey, my partents place and a couple of our former neighbors places were set up with rainwater going into their cisterns. They all had downspouts going into the cistern passing through a screen. The screen kept the larger leaves, etc, out of the cistern. Shingle gravel settles to the bottom. All have UV filters as well...

[stevethewheel]

All have UV filters as well...

Right. Forget the bleach. Go with UV installed inside the house.

[Spidey]

Spidey, my parents place and a couple of our former neighbors places were set up with rainwater going into their cisterns. They all had downspouts going into the cistern passing through a screen. The screen kept the larger leaves, etc, out of the cistern. Shingle gravel settles to the bottom. All have UV filters as well...

I was thinking of putting a screen on the end of the spout that would block the large stuff. Ill have to look at the UV filters and see. WE usually have dry summers down here so really the extra rain water I may get may not be worth the trouble. We just had a really wet spring up to know, and saw all the water being pumped onto the ground from the downspouts got me thinking.