Being able to access an off-grid water supply can be useful in emergencies where mains water systems are damaged. Such systems could even be used to lower your water bills by giving you access to free local water sources instead of having to rely on the grid.
There are three main options when it comes to off-grid water: emergency water tanks, rainwater harvesting and well water systems. This post compares the three options to help you find the best solution for your home.
Emergency water tanks
If you’re looking for a short-term solution for mains water outages, an emergency water tank is the simplest and most affordable option. Such tanks are typically made from food-grade BPA-free plastic or stainless steel, and come in a variety of sizes.
Choose a 30 gallon tank to provide water for short outages of a day or two. If you’ve got a larger household or want to be prepared against longer outages, consider looking into larger 300 gallon tanks. You can shop for different tanks at sites like EmergencyWaterTanks.com.
Emergency water tanks can be plumbed directly into the home to supply water faucets indoors, or you can rely on a separate faucet. Make sure that the water tank is located somewhere suitable where it will not get damaged.
Rainwater harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is suitable for areas that get a lot of rainfall. Roof catchment systems can divert water into gutters, which can then lead to a storage tank.
Most people who harvest rainwater use it solely for gardening purposes, but it’s possible to use rainwater for household usage (including drinking water) by installing filtration systems and disinfection systems. It’s vital that you choose a filtration/disinfection system that is safe and effective, as you don’t want to be drinking dirty water. Solutions like activated carbon filters are reverse osmosis and typically used for filtration, while UV treatment and boiling can be used for disinfection.
The larger the storage tank, the more water you will have to last you in an emergency. That said, some people find that having multiple smaller tanks is easier to manage.
Well water systems
Digging a well allows you to access groundwater. In locations that don’t receive a lot of rainfall, they are a much better option than rainwater harvest systems. That said, wells can be very expensive to install – especially if your home isn’t close to the water table.
You will need to get a permit before you start digging and you will need to hire a licensed well driller. Once the well is drilled, a pump will then need to be installed to help access this water. Solar powered pumps are a popular option for those wanting to go fully off-grid. Pipes can then connect this water to your home.
Filtration systems will need to be installed to make sure that groundwater is safe for drinking. It is also important that you annually test the water for contaminants. Sealing the well cap is recommended to prevent runoff contaminating the well. Chemicals, septic systems and livestock should be kept well away from the wellhead too.
