Water Butts: Sustainable Water Storage for Your Garden
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As climate change impacts and water scarcity issues escalate, people around the globe are continually seeking innovative solutions to save water. One such solution that's been making waves in the sustainable living sector is the water butt.
This humble, yet effective, tool allows us to capture and store rainwater, reducing our dependency on treated water supplies and aiding in the conservation of this precious resource.
In this article, we're diving into the world of water butts, discussing everything from their function, different types and sizes, where to buy, essential accessories, and how to utilize them most effectively.
Whether you're an experienced gardener looking to cut water costs, or a sustainability enthusiast keen on making your home more eco-friendly, this guide on water butts is bound to shed light on this indispensable garden accessory.
For more watering tips, check out my guide How to Use Watering Globes.
In this article:
How Does a Water Butt Work?
The process of how a water butt works is simple. The butt is typically connected to a downpipe, which directs rainwater from your roof into the container. Most butts come with a diverter, a device that prevents overflow when the butt is full by redirecting excess water back down the downpipe.
The science behind a water butt is relatively straightforward, harnessing nature's cycle to serve our needs better. When properly installed, it forms an efficient system to collect, store, and utilize rainwater that would otherwise be wasted.
Here's a detailed breakdown of how this ingenious system functions:
Collection
The first step in the water butt operation is the collection of rainwater. This process starts on the rooftops, where rainwater lands before being channeled into gutters. From the gutters, the water flows into the downpipe, and this is where the water butt comes into play.
A water butt is typically connected to a downpipe from your roof, which allows it to gather the rainwater flowing through. This connection is achieved using a diverter, a special fixture that intercepts the flow of rainwater from the downpipe into the water butt.
Diverting Overflow
You might wonder what happens when the water butt fills to capacity. That's where the diverter's second function comes into play. It is designed not only to facilitate the flow of water into the butt but also to prevent overflow.
When the water butt is full, the diverter automatically redirects the excess water back into the downpipe and away from your home's foundation. This mechanism ensures that your water butt doesn't overflow, which could potentially cause water damage to your property.
Storage and Use
Once collected, the rainwater can be stored in the water butt for future use. Water butts are designed to be airtight and dark, which helps to prevent the growth of algae and keep the water relatively clean.
It's worth noting that water stored in a water butt should ideally not be used as drinking water unless it has been appropriately treated to remove any potential contaminants. However, it can be used for a variety of other purposes around your home and garden, such as watering plants, cleaning your car or even filling up your pond.
Accessing the Stored Water
Accessing the stored water in the butt is quite simple. Most water butts come with a tap near the bottom where you can attach a hose or fill a watering can. The design is such that gravity assists the flow of water from the butt through the tap.
In conclusion, a water butt works as an efficient, simple-to-use system that captures and stores rainwater, providing an eco-friendly way to utilize this natural resource and cut down on your water usage.
Choosing the Right Size Water Butt
Choosing the right size for your water butt is essential as it directly impacts the amount of rainwater you can collect and store. The most suitable size for your needs will depend on a few factors, including the amount of rainfall your area receives, the size of your roof (as a larger roof catches more rainwater), and the water demand of your garden or other uses.
Let's explore some of the most common water butt sizes:
100 Litre Water Butts
A 100 litre water butt is a compact option, suitable for smaller gardens or patios. Despite its smaller size, it can still collect a significant amount of rainwater - enough to water a small garden or wash a car several times.
If you have a smaller garden or less demand for water, this could be an ideal size.
Here is the one I recommend:
200 Litre Water Butts
Double the size of the previous, a 200 litre water butt offers more storage for those with a larger garden or higher water usage.
It's a great option for more serious gardeners or for households in drier areas where rainwater collection can help to significantly reduce reliance on mains water for outdoor uses.
Here is the one I recommend:
Beyond 200 Litres
For those living in areas with high rainfall, water butts with even larger capacities are available. The 'Big Butt Double', for example, is a popular choice for substantial water storage needs.
With its immense capacity, it can keep a sizeable garden watered for a considerable time, even during drier periods.
Here is the one I recommend:
The Effect of Multiple Water Butts
It's also worth mentioning that you aren't limited to having just one water butt. For increased capacity, multiple water butts can be linked together.
This is particularly useful if you have the space and want to maximise your rainwater collection.
Here is the one I recommend:
In conclusion, the size of the water butt you choose should align with your water needs and available space. Whether you opt for a 100 litre water butt, a 200 litre one, or even larger, remember that every bit of rainwater collected is a step towards more sustainable living and a reduced water bill.
Types of Water Butts: Plastic vs. Decorative
When it comes to water butts, there's no one-size-fits-all. They come in various shapes, sizes, and materials to meet varying preferences and needs.
The two main types are plastic water butts and decorative water butts.
Plastic Water Butts
Plastic water butts are a common choice due to their durability and practicality. They are typically made from high-quality, UV-protected polyethylene. This ensures that they don't fade, crack or become brittle over time, even under intense sunlight.
These water butts often come in shades of green or black to blend in with garden surroundings, but other colors are also available. One significant advantage of plastic water butts is that they can be made from recycled plastic, a big plus for those who are eco-conscious.
The use of recycled plastic helps to reduce the environmental impact of their manufacture, aligning with the sustainability ethos of rainwater harvesting.
Here is the one I recommend:
Decorative Water Butts
Decorative water butts offer a visually pleasing alternative to standard plastic water butts. They come in a variety of designs, shapes, and materials, from those that mimic the rustic charm of wooden barrels to sleek, modern designs that could easily pass as garden sculptures.
While these decorative water butts function the same as their plastic counterparts, their aesthetic appeal means they can double up as a garden feature. For instance, some models come with an integrated planter on top, where you can grow flowers or herbs, adding a burst of greenery to the design.
Here is the one I recommend:
Choosing the Right Type for You
Whether you choose a plastic water butt or a decorative one will depend on your preferences and needs. If practicality and cost are your main considerations, a plastic water butt might be the ideal choice.
On the other hand, if you're looking for something that will enhance the look of your garden while providing functionality, a decorative water butt could be the answer. Both types of water butts can serve as effective rainwater harvesting tools, offering benefits not only to your garden but also to the environment.
Essential Water Butt Accessories
A water butt can function on its own, but several accessories can enhance its efficiency, ease of use, and overall performance.
Let's explore these accessories in more detail:
Diverter
A diverter is a crucial accessory that links the water butt to the downpipe from your roof. It diverts rainwater into the butt when it's not full and directs water back down the downpipe when the butt is full, preventing overflow.
This accessory is especially important if you live in a region with heavy rainfall.
Here is the one I recommend:
Filter
A filter is used to keep the stored water clean by preventing leaves, twigs, and other debris from entering the butt along with the rainwater.
Some water butts come with a built-in filter, but if yours doesn't, it's worth investing in one.
A cleaner water supply is not only better for your plants but also reduces the likelihood of blockages in the tap or pump.
Here is the one I recommend:
Stand
A stand is a useful accessory that elevates the water butt, making it easier to fill a watering can or attach a hose to the tap.
Additionally, raising the butt off the ground improves the gravity-fed flow of water. Stands should be sturdy and stable to safely support the weight of a full water butt.
Here is the one I recommend:
Rainwater Filter
For those wanting to use rainwater for more delicate plants, a rainwater filter can be a useful addition. These filters further purify the collected water by removing smaller particles and potential contaminants, making the water safer for sensitive plants.
Linking Kits
If you're planning to increase your rainwater storage capacity by using multiple water butts, a linking kit is necessary.
These kits allow you to connect two or more butts, ensuring that once one butt is full, the excess rainwater will flow into the next.
Here is the one I recommend:
When purchasing a water butt, consider what's included in the package. Some come as a complete kit with all necessary accessories, which can be more cost-effective than buying each item separately.
These accessories not only enhance the functionality of your water butt but also ensure a smoother, more efficient rainwater harvesting process.
Using Water Butts for Garden Water Storage
Water butts are an excellent solution for garden water storage, providing a sustainable and cost-effective source of water for your plants.
Whether you have a vegetable plot, flower beds, a greenhouse, or just a few potted plants, using a water butt can significantly benefit your garden.
Here's how:
Water Conservation
Using a water butt for garden water storage helps conserve water, a resource often taken for granted. Instead of using treated tap water for your plants, you can utilise rainwater collected in your water butt.
This is particularly beneficial in drier seasons or regions with water restrictions.
Cost-Effective Watering
By reducing the use of mains water for gardening, water butts can help decrease your water bill. The more rainwater you can collect and use, the less mains water you need, translating into savings over time.
This is especially valuable for avid gardeners whose water consumption can be high.
Healthier Plants
Rainwater is naturally soft, free from the chemicals and minerals found in tap water, and at a pH that many plants prefer.
Using rainwater from a water butt can contribute to healthier, more vibrant plants.
Providing Water During Drought
Storing water in water butts can provide a vital reserve during periods of drought or water restrictions. During heavy rainfall periods, water butts can collect and store a considerable amount of water.
This stored water can then be used to water your plants during drier periods, ensuring they receive the hydration they need to thrive.
In conclusion, using water butts for garden water storage is a simple yet effective way to make your gardening efforts more sustainable.
It's a win-win, benefiting both your garden and the environment.
For more watering tips, check out my guide How to Use Watering Globes.
Embracing the Water Butt Revolution
Investing in a water butt – be it a 100-litre tank or a larger 200-litre one – is a wise move towards more sustainable and cost-effective water management. The choice of water tanks available, from plastic to decorative, means there's something for every home and garden.
Remember, your water butt doesn't need to be hidden away. Whether it's nestled beside a garden wall or on display in a courtyard, there's a design to match every style.
With a range of best water butts available in the market, finding one that suits your aesthetic and functional needs is simpler than ever. Water butt kits, which include essential accessories like a stand, diverter, and filter, can streamline the setup process, making it easy even for beginners.
With a bit of planning, you can maximise rainwater harvesting, reduce your water bill, and contribute to a greener environment. In conclusion, water butts present a fantastic opportunity to use a natural resource that often goes unappreciated.
Not only do they provide a reliable water source for your garden, but they also play a significant role in water conservation. So, why not join the water butt revolution today and make every drop of rainwater count?
Looking for more ways to make your garden drought tolerant and sustainable? Check out my guides:
