HARVESTING RAINWATER WITH YOUR
KYOTO ENVIRONMENTAL RAIN BARREL
HOW YOUR PURCHASE IS IMPACTING THE ENVIRONMENT
• More than 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered in water yet only 2.5% of this supply is
considered fresh water. The rest is found in the form of salt water in oceans.
• Of the freshwater that exists, most is locked up in glaciers and ice caps.
• Unfortunately, much of the small amount of freshwater is in danger of drying up through
desertification or becoming so contaminated for human consumption.
• Changing our habits of water use can help abate this growing problem. Installing Rain
Barrels will help to reduce the amount of freshwater consumed for outdoor use. Our Rain
Barrel system is an easy way to collect and store natural rainwater.
•Helps to save you money by reducing your water consumption
•Stores water for use during time of drought and water restrictions
•Rainwater is naturally low in salt and chlorine which can be harmful to plants
•Great for watering indoor and outdoor plants and washing cars and windows
HOW MUCH CAN YOU HARVEST
To find out how much water your roof will collect you first need to calculate the
catchment area.
L= total length of your house
W= total width of your house
(L + eaves) x (W + eaves) = Catchment
Example: (36 + 4) x (46 + 4) = 2000 sq ft.
- 1 inch of rainfall can provide an average of 600 gallons per 1000 sq ft.
catchment area. (Catchment area / 1000) x 600 gallons = total gallons of water
collected per 1 inch of rainfall
Example: (2000/1000) x 600 gallons = 1200 gallons
- To find out how much you will collect in a year:
Total gallons of rainwater per sq. inch x average rainfall per year in inches = total
gallons per year
Example: 1200 gallons of water per sq. inch x 20 inches of rainfall a
year = 24 000 gallons
To find out rainfall in your area visit:
http://countrystudies.us/united-states/weather
The Kyoto Environmental Rain Barrel is an excellent way to conserve water.
The water kept in the Rain Barrel is for gardening purposes only and should
not be consumed by humans or animals.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
The Kyoto Environmental Rain Barrel needs little care.
- There is an overflow spout (5) in the back to prevent water from overflowing out
the top of the Rain Barrel. To divert the water away from your home simply
attach a backwash hose to the overflow spout and run through your garden or
lawn for slow watering.
- Also if you get a lot of rainfall in your area you may want to have several rain
barrels to harvest the rainwater. To connect another Rain Barrel you will need to
attach tubing to the overflow spout and secure with a clamp. Connect the other
end of the tubing to the overflow spout of the second rain barrel and secure with
a clamp.
INSTALLATION
YOU WILL NEED
- Downspout Diverter (1)
(to be purchased separately)
- Hacksaw
- Level
- Drill with ¼” Drill Bit and screws to secure
the downspout diverter to the downspout
TO START
Start by choosing a location for the Kyoto
Environmental Rain Barrel where there is a
downspout nearby.
1. Place the Downspout Diverter (1) on the
top of the Rain Barrel and hold it up to the
Downspout and mark a line with a pencil.
2. Using the Hacksaw cut a straight line at
the mark you just made.
3. Place the Screen Guard (2) in the open
area on the top of the Rain Barrel.
4. Attach a downspout diverter to the down-
spout and connect so that it sits on the
screen guard on the top of the Rain Barrel.
5. Using the Level ensure your Rain Barrel is level to avoid tipping when full.
6. Ensure that the spigot (3) is inserted into the fitting in the bottom front of the
Rain Barrel – turn in clock wise direction until it is sealed tight.
7. Ensure that the drain plug (4) is also sealed tight by also turning it in clock wise.
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