brick patio designed to collect rainwater

I made a huge brick patio out of almost all free materials.  It collects rainwater too.  I haven't seen any other designed like it (which surprises me because it was actually easier to fill in that way!).

It is here:
http://www.brickpatio.blogspot.com

Enjoy - let me know what you think!

Chris

Very nice project!  I built a brick patio once (about 15' x 15') and I know firsthand what a load of money and labor (my own) it can cost.  Great job on making it doubly functional!

Hello Chris,

I had seen your 55 barrel system before at  http://rainharvester3.blogspot.com/ ; and thought a lot of it too. 

I have a too much water problem curantly at my new home but think if I could trap off the roof that would keep it out of the yard.  I have my eye out for a local source of barrels.  I know dairys use them so I just need to make friends with a dairy farmer. 

I can only imagine it is just as dry in the summer as wet in the winter here.

That is a fantastic idea, great use of salvaged materials, and a beautiful place for you and your family to hang out!  Really awesome idea for collecting water (and getting it away from your house foundation) and wonderful implementation. 

Thanks!  I've not seen anyother designs like it but was looking for some when I built it (to see if I could improve my own ideas).  The coolest part was that the barrels automatically prime themselves to start the siphon - I didn't expect that at all!