Place the barrel under the down spout of your house and catch the water as it flows off the roof. That water can be used to water your plants, flush toilets or any purpose as long as you don't drink it. Birds are lovely but where they leave their droppings vary and roofs catch a lot of it. I shutter to think of how many times I have popped a hug ice cycle off the edge of the roof when I was a kid and licked it like it was ice cream. Oh well, I didn't die from it but I certainly wouldn't do that today. Roofing materials are loaded with chemicals so consumption of roof water isn't a great idea. The rain barrel should have a lid on it to help keep it debris free and avoid it from being a mosquito breeding ground.
I currently have twenty five orchids that need watered twice a week. In the event of emergency I would still want to water them but having water to flush the toilet would be a priority.
I suppose I could purchase a food grade barrel and place it in an open area with the lid off when it is raining and collect some drinking water. I would still want to strain it through a coffee filter and boil it. In Florida we have some hard down pours so that would be a way to get drinking water. During our dry season I might have to wait long periods of time for substantial rain fall. Having water already stored is a good idea, one that might save your life.
Go to the following site to find out the proper and safe way to collect and save water.
http://www.fema.gov/plan/prepare/water.shtm
Col. 3: 15 let the peace of God rule in your hearts.
DMC
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