I came across my property in the Peyton Colony region of SE Blanco County in 1997. There had never been a well on the property, and there was no structure or infrastructure present. My neighbors here all have wells, but they are 800 feet+ deep, and produce a very mineral saturated water.
As I researched rainwater harvesting, I became convinced that this is what I wanted to do for a water source. Living on rainwater has been more wonderful than I ever imagined, and I count myself remarkably fortunate to have this wonderful source of water.
My plan was to build a workshop to house my piano restoration business, and a residence that would embody many "green," sustainable, and durable building practices.
By 1999 my rammed-earth home and compressed soil block shop were beginning construction. Both structures utilize passive solar designs, thermal mass features to keep them comfortable with minimal energy input. Between the two building's roofs, I have almost 5,800 square feet of rainwater collection area.
My cistern is a site-built ferro-cement design, hand plastered with high lime content cement. I hired Jess Reich to install my system. The cistern is 30 feet in diameter, with a 5 foot high wall, and a domed top. At the top of the wall, it holds 30,000 gallons, with a few thousand gallon additional capacity in the dome.
I was attracted to one large cistern made from durable materials. Today I recommend people investigate the large metal tanks made in Australia by Pioneer Water Tanks.
Everyone needs a shed or pump house to keep odds and ends, and to have a frost proof enclosure for the pump and filtration. I built a 16' diameter round building from native cedar in the cord-wood masonry style. I had Jess build a ferro-cement roof, which I covered with a waterproofing coating and soil. There is now a small section of native grass land on the roof of this building.
I wanted to have an aesthetically interesting shed. I also enclosed the PVC downspouts in some terra cotta blocks. (Who wants to look at a PVC pipe next to their house?)
My rainwater system has now been in operation for 8 years. My cistern has overflowed in three different years, and in December of 2006 I had to purchase one truck of water. What an abrupt shock to have Dripping Springs chlorinated municipal water in my beloved rainwater supply!
Fortunately, the record wet year of 2007 rapidly replenished my cistern. Our county has an average rainfall of around 34" per year. But of course, this is Texas, so it is usually Feast or Famine.
We are conservative in our water use. I have one urinal in the house for the gentlemen, and one in the shop. Dishwasher, front loading washing machine are designed for low water use. All landscaping is along Xeriscape principals. I don't have a meter, but I estimate we use 4,000 gallons per month.
After 7 years, I had to replace my original pump, and now have a splendid Grundfos pump I bought from Tank Town in Dripping Springs. I finally have great water pressure! I also had to replace my siphon line into the cistern that developed a leak. Otherwise, changing filters every month or two, and a periodic replacement of a UV purification light bulb keep my system going great.
Rainwater is THE BEST water there is. I have none of the issues of rapid deterioration of pipes and appliances that those who live with a well can experience. I have a solar water heater that has done marvelously with the rainwater supply.
If a person is comparing costs of a conventional well (including the higher energy costs to operate) to costs of a rainwater system, these quality of life benefits must be included. I presume that it is somewhat more expensive to get a rainwater system set up. Mine was - it cost around $28,000 in 1999.
I have never once regretted having this rainwater harvesting system or wished I had a well instead.
Friends and family bring their water jugs to fill up when they visit. Everyone loves our water. The quality of life dividends that come from living with a delicious and healthy water supply cannot be grasped until you have the experience of living with rain water.
Sincerely,
Bernard Mollberg
