A Review of the Top Rainwater Harvesting Systems
Last Updated: Mar 17, 2025When considering the essential elements of the sustainable home, most people begin to think about renewable energy options and energy efficiency home upgrades. In the United States, the residential sector contributes almost 12 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), stem “from fossil fuels burned for heat, the use of certain products that contain greenhouse gases, and the handling of waste.” Given this reality, shifting to more energy-efficient homes that rely on solar panels and other forms of residential renewable energy technologies is a crucial element towards making our homes more sustainable and resilient.
But what about the water we use in our homes? The vast majority of homeowners across the country do not know where their potable water comes from or how it gets to their homes. As long as water comes through the faucets and showerheads whenever we turn them on, most people are content in that ignorance. Transitioning to more efficient water technologies such as dual flush toilets, low flow showerheads, and more efficient sprinkler systems is undoubtedly essential. However, taking that extra step to capture, store, and use the rainwater falling on the roof of your home should become another crucial aspect of environmentally friendly homes.
Table of Contents
- Why Rainwater Harvesting Systems are Essential
- Our Favorite Rainwater Harvesting Systems on the Market
- Rainflo Steel Tank
- Aquascape Rainwater System
- Aquamate Water Tank
- Conclusion
Aquascape Rainwater System
Aquascape Rainwater Harvesting System
The Aquascape Rainwater Harvesting System comes in a unique modular design that allows for maximum flexibility for the details and needs of your rainwater collection. It comes with a filtration system pre-designed into the construction. Instead of unsightly cement or plastic storage tanks, the system is designed around a beautiful water feature that integrates into existing landscapes and stores water underground. This system can even be located underneath permeable pavement systems to capture stormwater before it runs off your property. You can read more about this revolutionary rainwater harvesting system here. Their 2,500-gallon water storage kit starts at $5,000.
Aquamate Water Tank
Aquamate 16,000 Gallon Water Tank
For homeowners willing to invest a little bit more money into a system that will virtually guarantee them a steady, autonomous water supply throughout the year, the Aquamate 16,000 gallon water tank is an excellent place to start. This corrugated steel tank comes with a 20-year no-leak guarantee. Additional features include a two-inch outlet with a nickel coated metal ball valve, a two-inch drain, a six-inch overflow with mosquito screen, and a 20-inch inlet strainer with an incorporated UV guard to keep your water protected from debris. You can write to the company here for more information on pricing.
Conclusion
Whether you install a few 55-gallon steel drum barrels underneath the downspout connected to your gutter or invest in a 30,000-gallon corrugated steel tank, rainwater harvesting for household and landscape use is an essential element of every sustainable home. At the most basic level, the rainwater you harvest from your roof can be recycled back into the landscape around your home in the form of unique and beautiful rain gardens. If you are looking for a system that can allow you to use rainwater for household, potable use, the following features are necessary:
- A first-flush system that diverts roof debris
- Several filters of different sizes
- Unique water purification technologies
- High-efficiency pump
Any of the above rainwater harvesting systems are an excellent place to start for sourcing and sizing the best rainwater harvesting system for your individual needs.
Tobias Roberts
Tobias runs an agroecology farm and a natural building collective in the mountains of El Salvador. He specializes in earthen construction methods and uses permaculture design methods to integrate structures into the sustainability of the landscape.
