Last week, we featured a rainwater harvesting system that provides drinkable water sourced from a shed roof. This week, we show a more basic rainwater harvesting system used in Jim Dockery’s pedigree shed in Shinrone, Co Offaly.

Jim decided to start harvesting rainwater because he felt it was a shame to waste all the soft water coming from his shed roofs.

Picture one

Jim acquired two old gun barrel galvanised tanks that were once used in a monastery in Roscrea. Together they can hold 1,000 gallons (4,546 litres) of water. He set these on concrete block stands and connected them at the base so the two would fill simultaneously. A steel mesh was placed on top to prevent the possibility of anyone, especially a child, falling inside.

The down pipe from the gutter is simply directed into the tank for water collection. Fortunately, there are no trees in the area which limits the amount of debris that can end up in the tanks. Jim says there are filters available designed to collect heavier debris such as leaves that could be fitted if needs be.

Picture two

The tanks are piped to a wash down pump (the type of pump used in a dairy parlour). It cost Jim approximately €350 to buy the pump.

From there, he erected a series of pipe works around the perimeter of his sheds. He used 1.25” gun barrel piping for this because it has a longer lifespan and aesthetically it looks neater. The gun barrel piping costs approximately €20 excluding VAT per 20ft length. Jim put in approximately 200ft of pipe work.

Pictures three and four

A series of quick-release couplings dispersed around the sheds are connected to the gun barrel pipe work. Jim simply connects his hose to a coupling and by opening the lever valve he has a high-volume and low-pressure water flow from the hose. He uses the hose to clean yards, machinery and his pedigree Angus cattle in preparation for a show. According to Jim, all farmers should consider harvesting water from their sheds because setup costs are not unreasonable.

“The main cost is the collection tank, but there are secondhand IBC tanks around that are not very expensive,” Jim explained. He believes farmers paying for council water would really benefit. Pedigree farmers who use big volumes of water would naturally also benefit.

“The soft water is ideal for washing the cattle and it isn’t as cold as spring water,” said Jim.