Primitive Water Catchment

[img]Go ahead and laugh. We received 2' of snow here in northern New Mexico this week and it's been sliding slowly off the roof. Drip, drip. I don't own the house I'm in so, decided to improvise on a water catchment 'system'. I reckon' I will get 10 body washings and at least 1 wash of the car.

Hey, it's easier to shovel snow into a bucket than shovel rain! However, here snow is measured in centimeters, whereas rain is measured in millimeters and the volume of water represented is considered equivalent (more or less). I suggest you pack that snow in as hard as you can to end up with a useful amount of water, and keep adding as it melts if there's still some snow around.

A "snowflake" is generally less volume of water than a "raindrop" (Scotch mist excluded), but it still requires something to build around, so you may find a little more "stuff" in the water when it melts also, but I find if you let it settle, it's not that hard to decant the clear water off the top.

Shoveling the snow into an area that will be shaded +/- covering it with dead leaves or dirt will slow it's melting if you want it to slowly water plants on your property. Too often, just like rain, everyone seems to want it to "go away" as fast as possible, so it's really great that you're trying to put it to good use!

Jay: You are so right! You must me either and engineer or a scientist. As the snow and ice slowly melt in the buckets and tubs, me thinks I'll and up with 1 gal. :-) Can't wait to start building my own eco house next year! Thanks for your input.

I've done the same thing! Used to park plastic tubs all around when any chance of rain/snow. Save the water! (Yes I'm also in NM)
Finally upgraded to rain barrels after years of family making fun of my DIY system.

Can you install a gutter that would not be ripped off and collect drip water?