Don Vandervort, Head Homeboy, has written more than 30 DIY home improvement books, been a segment host on HGTV, served as MSN.com's home improvement expert and written countless magazine articles.
How do you clean the debris out of rainwater that you want to use for watering your lawn or garden? Even though rainwater is relatively free of chemicals and toxins when it leaves the clouds, it can be plenty dirty by the time it gets to a rainwater storage container.
Any dust, leaves, bird droppings, or bugs on your roof will likely be washed into your conveyance system (the gutters and downspouts) with the first strong storm. Keeping your storage tank free of this gunk is critical if you want to maximize water pressure and the longevity of the rainwater system.
A simple metal mesh screen is ideal for filtering out larger debris, and a second fine screen at the mouth of the storage tank will help keep small critters out of your watering supply. Be sure that the filtering screens are readily accessible to make cleaning and maintenance easy.
