I was going to start this post by saying how much I hate it when I come up with a great idea only to find out that someone else has already beat me to it. But in reality, I don't care that much. It makes be feel good that I had an idea that works!
My idea was to have a large circular sail that could open up flat (horizontal) when it rained. It would have a very large surface area of at least 1,000 square feet (300 square meters). This would be used for rain water collection, mainly for livestock tank filling, but also for human consumption as well.
The simple, yet elegant, RainSaucer.
Then, just a few days ago, I heard an interview with Tom Spargo on The Survival Podcast. This gentleman created a scaled down version of my idea... okay, so it was his idea! :)
The RainSaucer can easily be connected to many different systems.
The RainSaucer is a rain harvesting tool. It is portable. It is durable. It can be connected to many different collection systems (buckets, barrels, troughs, etc.) It is also not that expensive at only $55. He has completed many field trials in Guatemala providing locals with inexpensive ways to obtain clean drinking water.
RainSaucers incorporated into a trellis on a sustainable garden. Love it!
No, I don't own stock in this company (I doubt they actually have stock), but I see a great product here. This is one that will be incorporated into my Permaculture System in the future. Here is a link to the only place the currently sells the RainSaucer online, but I think that will change quickly as this company continues to grow. And here is a video on installing the RainSaucer. It shows how simple this system is, and typically all great ideas are simple but brilliant.
Check out these other Water Harvesting posts:
Thanks for the kind words.
ReplyDeletePlease stay in touch, because we need supporters to take our product and design solutions around them like the Aquaponics example in this post.
Would support you on any permaculture projects you have in mind!
Great Ideas.
DeleteI live in Northeast Ohio and I had the same idea the other day -- but on a small scale for a home garden and potable drinking water. I thought of taking an umbrella, flipping it upside down and punching holes in the bottom, then diverting it into a 5 gallon bucket. When I researched online I found the rain saucer, and ordered one right away, along with a 15-gallon food-grade barrel with a 2 inch fine thread bung. I'm excited to get it going!
ReplyDeleteJennifer
Tom - thanks for the kind words! I love your invention!
ReplyDeleteJennifer - keep us posted. When things get established, send some photos!
Thanks for sharing such a useful information with us …. I like the way you describe the post with us. Many thanks
ReplyDeleteInverted umbrella, 2 inch pvc, filter over it,, container of choice, and duct tape to put everything together works well. And using a little creativity and modification, costs less.
ReplyDelete