How to Build Your Own Affordable Water System

Are you searching for affordable water system solution for an "off-grid" cabin or homestead? Are you unable to afford drilling a well to provide water for a seasonal getaway? Would you like an affordable water system to collect rainwater for your garden or livestock or maybe just to do your part in conserving natural resources?

If so, this may just be the answer you need to accomplish any one of these scenarios. A complete small-scale water system needn't cost thousands of dollars to be effective, and I will show you what you need to build your own affordable water system.

The first consideration will be to determine how the water will obtained. Rainwater collection is becoming more popular for use in gardening, livestock care, off-grid homesteads, and "green" building projects. Rainwater collection uses rain gutters on your buildings to collect and channel water into your holding tank where it can then be pumped, filtered, and piped to the desired location. A general rule of thumb is to only collect rainwater during the months that contain an "r" in the spelling. Rain during the months excluded from this rule tend have more toxic chemicals from the atmosphere. If rainwater collection is not a viable option for your situation, or if you use more water than you can collect from Mother Nature, you can check into local trucking companies that will deliver potable water to your site for a fee.

Next you will need a holding tank for water storage. If you are a devout do-it-yourselfer, you can build your own cistern using any number of methods including concrete blocks, ferro-cement, or bricks, you may wish to buy a pre-built concrete cistern from your local septic tank installer, or the least expensive and least labor-intensive option is to obtain a plastic holding tank from your local farm and ranch supply. These tanks vary in size but are available up to 2000 gallons.

Filtering will be necessary if you intend to use the water for personal or livestock use. Inexpensive water filters are available that will perform very well for these circumstances. Pumping the water can be accomplished in a variety of ways. If you place your cistern somewhere on your property that is elevated above the place of application, gravity may provide the necessary flow to suit your needs. If not, electric pumps can be used to provide adequate pressure and flow. If no electricity is available, a 12v RV water pump connected to a 12v battery will provide the desired flow.

Cabin and homestead owners that wish to have heated water available can install a "tankless" water heater. These water heaters are becoming more popular because the water is instantly heated which saves electricity and water. Electricity must be available for this application. If no electricity is near, a wood-fired water heater may be purchased or built.

An affordable water system can be made a reality by a little ingenuity and research. Compared to the high cost of drilling and maintaining a water well, these systems may run less than $1000.00 depending on your needs. Maintenance costs are much less, and the water quality is unsurpassed. If you are in need of an affordable water system, I urge you to consider these options, it will be well worth the effort.